The 8 Best Men's Rain Jackets of 2021

If you don’t appreciate a good rain jacket, you’re probably just one rainstorm away from wanting one. That’s the way it goes with raincoats. You don’t need one until you really, really need one. And then once you have one you wonder how you ever lived without it!

A good rain jacket packs up small enough that there’s no excuse to not slip it into your pack, even if you’re just going for a quick hike or bike ride. But, when the heavens do open, you need a fully waterproof jacket, fits comfortably, and will keep you dry no matter how long the downpour lasts. We’ve put together this list of some of the best rain jackets on the market right now, and we’ve highlighted the features that set them apart, as well as what type of user each one will be best suited to. So next time a seemingly perfect sky is marred by rapidly moving storm clouds, you’ll be ready to whip out your raincoat and keep enjoying your time outside.

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket

Patagonia realized that there can be a financial barrier to entry when it comes time to purchase a new rain jacket, so they designed the Torrentshell as their affordable, entry-level rain shell. That doesn’t mean they skimped on features or performance though. The Torrentshell uses a recycled Nylon shell material, paired with a DWR coating and H2N0 membrane to create a jacket that’s as waterproof as it is stylish. At 395 grams, the Torrentshell isn’t the lightest or most packable jacket on this list, but it still squeezes easily into even a small daypack.

The Torrentshell is designed to keep you dry, even through long rainy days on the trail, so it’s got an adjustable hood, velcro wrist closures, and a hem drawstring so that you can cinch it down over your other rain gear. It has two zippered hand-warmer pockets, and the jacket can stuff inside the left one for storage. The Patagonia Torrentshell isn’t the flashiest and most exciting rain jacket out there. Instead, it’s designed to get the job done, at a price anyone can afford. It’s the perfect choice for the budget-minded outdoors person who still needs a high-performing jacket.

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Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Rain Shell

Cotopaxi’s Teca jacket was designed as an emergency wind and rain layer that’s very packable and perfect for protecting you from shorter squalls. It also looks really good with classic retro styling that will make you want to wear it even when the sun is shining. The Teca’s half-zip design means that it’s a pullover, so it’s a little more work to get on and off than other versions, but eliminating half the zipper also cuts down on bulk. The massive kangaroo pocket on the front holds just about anything you could need to carry, and the internal phone pocket keeps your electronics warm and dry..

The Teca doesn’t have the fanciest membrane or materials on this list, but the Polyester shell with DWR coating does a good job of beading up water and keeping you dry. This isn’t the best choice if you’re planning on spending hours in hard rain, but it’s perfect if you want something small, light, and good-looking for emergencies. The Teca is an instant classic that will earn its way into your pack for trip after trip.

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Patagonia Rainshadow Jacket

Patagonia’s Rainshadow jacket takes the proven success of the Torrentshell and builds on it with extra features. Most obvious is the addition of zippered pit vents so that you can easily dump excess heat and still stay dry. The Rainshadow also adds a zippered chest pocket, as well as a more adjustable hood with a more substantial brim. All of those teaks combined result in a jacket that’s a little more suited to sustained exertion in the rain and is perfect for anyone who regularly works or recreates in a downpour.

Like the Torrentshell, the Rainshadow has the same 3L waterproof construction and packs into its own pocket. The weight difference between the two is negligible, so the choice really comes down to how much you plan on using the jacket. Going on a bike ride and you’re worried that you might get caught in a quick storm? The Torrentshell will treat you well. Headed out to ride, as it’s raining heavily already with no sign of it letting up? Treat yourself to the Rainshadow’s extra features.

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Outdoor Research Apollo Jacket

The Outdoor Research Apollo jacket is OR’s answer to the budget rain jacket question. They’ve managed to pack a whole bunch of features into this men’s rain jacket and still have it cost just less than $100. The Apollo has two zippered hand pockets, along with an internal key loop, an adjustable hood, and hem, and zippered pit vents. That’s a pretty impressive feature set for a budget rain jacket!

Where the Apollo gives a little ground to jackets like the Torrentshell is in its membrane. It doesn’t have the 3L membrane the Patagonia jackets sport, instead, it has a 2.5L membrane. This means it will still keep you dry through most rainstorms, but it won’t be quite as waterproof or breathable through long, wet days. For most users though, the OR Apollo offers plenty of protection, with great features and an even better price point.

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The North Face Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT™ Jacket

What will keep you dry in a drizzle? The North Face Dryzzle jacket of course! The Dryzzle is part of The North Face’s flagship Futurelight line, which means it comes with premium materials and features. At the heart of the Dryzzle is TNF’s micro spun membrane which allows them to make a remarkably waterproof jacket that also breathes very well. That means you’ll stay dry from the rain outside, while also allowing your body’s natural systems to help evaporate any moisture that comes from sweat. The result? You stay drier and more comfortable all day long.

That highly breathable membrane allows The North Face to forgo the Dryzzle’s pit vents, it breathes so well you won’t need them. That keeps the weight and bulk of the jacket down. As you’d expect, it has zippered hand pockets, as well as a chest pocket, and it stuffs into its own pocket for storage. If you spend a lot of time out in the rain and want a premium, comfortable raincoat, the North Face’s Dryzzle is ready to shrug off the storm.

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Arc'teryx Squamish Hoodie

If you’ve ever visited the town of Squamish, BC, you’ll understand why Arc’teryx named a rain jacket after it. Squamish gets a lot of precipitation. Luckily, the Squamish jacket is ready to handle whatever the weather throws at it. The Squamish Hoodie is designed as a light-and-fast, minimalist piece. It doesn’t bother with bulky zippered hand pockets or too many adjustments. Instead, it’s meant to take up as little room in your pack as possible, while still being ready when you need it. It packs up into its own chest pocket, and weighs a scant 140 grams, making it the lightest jacket on this list by a fair margin.

That’s because Arc’teryx knows a rain jacket doesn’t do you any good if it’s so bulky you leave it at home. The Squamish is so small and light that it’s easy to always have it with you, even if you’re just carrying a small fanny pack. But, when you do need it, its comfortable, stretchy fabric will keep the worst of the elements out, and get you home safely. If you are looking for a light, packable rain jacket without any extraneous fuss and features, the Squamish is ready to perform.

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Mountain Hardwear Acadia™ Jacket

The Acadia is designed as an affordable emergency rain jacket. Its 2.5 layer construction helps keep the price down, while still keeping the water out. Like most of the other jackets on this list, it has two zippered hand pockets, and the jacket stuffs into one of them for storage. It also sports zippered pit zips to help you dump extra heat when needed. The cuffs have velcro straps, and the hem has a drawstring so you can cinch everything down and batten the hatches when the wind starts to howl.

The Mountain Hardwear Acadia isn’t the most waterproof jacket on this list, so it’s not a great choice if you recreate often in a downpour, but it’s a perfect jacket to handle the occasional squall. Its recycled nylon shell is good for the planet, and at this price point, it’s easy on your wallet too. For hikers on a budget who need an emergency rain shell, the Acadia is one of the best men’s rain jackets to go with.

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Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic™ Jacket

The Ozonic is Mountain Hardwear’s premier rain jacket and it shows. It’s built light but burly, waterproof but breathable, full-featured but comfortable. At the heart of that paradox is the Ozonic’s stretch fabric. This four-way stretch material allows the Ozonic to move easily with you, instead of hanging up and chafing like some cheaper rain jackets. That makes the Ozonic perfect for higher output activities like running and mountain biking where comfort throughout the day makes a huge difference.

The Ozonic keeps things simple with a single chest pocket and fixed hood. It’s made to move fast and light without any extra fluff. It does have large pit vents so you can dump a bunch of heat in a hurry when you’re working hard, and the waterproof zipper keeps water out all day. If you’re tired of crinkly, uncomfortable rain jackets and want something that moves fluidly with your body instead of working against you, the Ozonic is a great option.

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Learn More With Our Other Outerwear & Layering Guides:

• Waterproof Ratings & Breathability Guide
• Skiing & Snowboarding - What to Wear Skiing & Snowboarding
• Outerwear - How to Choose Ski & Snowboard Pants
• Outerwear - Fit Guide & Jacket Length
• How to Wash Waterproof Jackets & Clothing
• Outerwear - How to Choose by Region
• Outerwear - Construction, Fabric & Features
• Insulated Garments - How to Choose
• Insulated Garments - How to Wash Down & Synthetic Jackets
• Base Layers & Long Underwear - How to Choose
• GORE-TEX® Fabric - How it Works & Product Testing
• GORE-TEX® Fabric - How to Wash & Keep Waterproof
• Backcountry - How to Dress

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