the rain jacket

Rain jackets are designed primarily for rain protection, but their usefulness extends beyond just staying dry. They also provide excellent defense against wind, wet snow, and mud, making them a versatile outer layer. While all rain jackets are claimed to be waterproof and seemingly all the same, not all are created equal. With various materials, designs, and features available, understanding these differences is essential to choosing the right one for your needs.

jump to section

Brand: Trusted names vs. ones to avoid
Poncho vs Rain Jacket: Pros and cons for different conditions
Breathability The balance between waterproofing and airflow
Waterproofing Technology: GORE-TEX, eVent, and other techonlogies explained
Shell Coatings: PFA-free coatings
Fit: Comfort, shape, and mobility
Hood: Head protection importance
The Hazel Storm Picks: Top premium, standard, and budget puffer gear selection

Brand

Understanding brands can be challenging. Some people swear by certain brands, while others argue that you're just paying for a name and the quality is the same across the board. However, it's important to recognize that brands carefully guard their reputations.

For example, Great Value represents cost-effectiveness, while Black Diamond symbolizes quality climbing gear. Longstanding premium brands can generally be trusted to deliver a certain level of quality. In contrast, no-name budget brands might offer similar performance but are more likely to have hidden quality issues.

differences between brands

Premium brands are known for using top-quality materials and superior construction. Their shells are typically made proprietary fabric technology that allows air-flow giving better breathability while repelling water. They are also more durable with more attention given to small details to make the jacket extremely functional and long-lasting. often offer comparable quality to premium ones but lack a proven track record as market leaders. To re costs, they may avoid including some premium features and instead opt for simpler, more affordable alternatives. Despite this, midrange jackets often provide good performance and are a practical choice for most consumers.d

Standard brands often offer comparable quality to premium ones but lack a proven track record as market leaders. To reduce costs, they may avoid including some premium features and instead opt for simpler, more affordable alternatives. Despite this, midrange jackets often provide good performance and are a practical choice for most consumers.

Budget brands, on the other hand, are a bare-bones alternative that "gets the job done." They lack premium features, use lower-quality materials and construction. You are likely going to have a jacket that is either breathable or waterproof, but not both. However, for everyday use, ultra breathable and waterproof jackets are often unnecessary. They might be more critical for things such as cycling, running, or intense hiking in the pouring rain (and in wet climates) but less necessarily for casual outings.

brands to avoid

Be cautious of brands with no track record, especially when purchasing puffer jackets. Many cheaply made manufacturers produce subpar jackets, branding them with the logos of fly-by-night companies. These low-quality jackets are often mass-sold online, where their craftsmanship cannot be easily inspected. While both a reputable brand and an unreliable company might advertise waterproof and breathable rain jackets, the difference in quality is significant and immediately apparent upon closer examination.

poncho vs rain jacket

Before making a major investment, it’s essential to understand the key pros and cons of the two primary rain protection options: a rain poncho vs. a rain jacket. Which one is right for you?

At The Hazel Storm, we believe there’s no such thing as bad outdoor gear—just the wrong gear for the task. Neither option is inherently better, but one will likely suit your specific needs more effectively.

bottom line

The choice between a rain jacket and a poncho comes down to personal preference and expected conditions. If you’re in a rainy climate or season and anticipate frequent rain, a rain jacket is the better option. If rain is unlikely and you just need backup protection, a poncho is more convenient.

Consider factors like wind, humidity, and temperature. The colder and windier it is, the better a rain jacket will be, while a poncho is ideal for hot, humid conditions due to its superior ventilation. No matter how breathable a rain jacket claims to be, it will never match the airflow of a poncho—though this same ventilation makes ponchos prone to catching the wind.

breathability

Rain jackets provide a form-fitting, waterproof barrier, but this also means they block airflow, making them prone to overheating. The lack of ventilation, combined with the humidity that comes with rain, can leave you drenched in sweat even if you stay dry from the rain itself. To ensure long-term comfort, choosing a jacket with breathable features like pit zips or back vents is essential. Cheaper jackets are more likely to suffer from breathability issues or compromised waterproofing, making them less effective for sustained use.

ventilation vs breathable materials?

Achieving both breathability and waterproofing in a rain jacket is a long-standing challenge. The more waterproof a jacket is, the less breathable it tends to be, and vice versa. One intuitive solution is incorporating air vents in high-sweat areas like the lower back, armpits, and chest. While these vents expose small areas to rain, they provide essential airflow to reduce overheating.

Another approach is using specialized materials that allow air molecules to pass through while blocking water. These fabrics are often proprietary and expensive, representing an impressive engineering solution. Even with vents and breathable materials, no rain jacket will be perfectly breathable, but these design choices make a significant difference compared to fully waterproof, non-breathable options.

non-breathable materials

Non-breathable rain jackets are super-waterproof options designed to keep out even the heaviest rain, though they sacrifice breathability. While they may not be ideal for active outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, skiing, or backpacking, they have their place in specific scenarios.

In prolonged torrential downpours, non-breathable jackets provide unmatched protection, preventing any moisture from seeping through. Additionally, some breathable rain jackets lose their waterproofing over time and require maintenance, whereas non-breathable options tend to remain reliably waterproof with minimal upkeep.

These jackets are most commonly used in work environments with extreme wet conditions, such as commercial fishing or industrial jobs, where durability and full waterproofing matter more than comfort. They also work well in cold climates, where sweat is less of a concern than staying dry. If you’re in a low-exertion situation and just need reliable rain protection, opting for a cheaper non-breathable jacket can be a practical choice.

waterproofing technology

The groundbreaking 1976 patent by father-and-son duo Wilbert and Robert Gore revolutionized waterproof materials. Their innovative semi-permeable membrane provided a game-changing solution to the challenge of combining waterproofing and breathability, setting a new industry standard.

membrane tech explained

The groundbreaking technology first introduced by GORE-TEX is based on a simple yet effective principle. For a rain jacket to be both waterproof and breathable, it needs to repel water while allowing air vapor to escape. Since water vapor molecules are smaller than liquid water molecules, the membrane features microscopic pores that are small enough to block rain but large enough to let sweat vapor pass through. This innovation revolutionized waterproof gear and set a new industry standard. However, these membranes are costly to produce, making rain jackets that use them significantly more expensive.

bottom line

If you have the budget, opting for a GORE-TEX or eVent jacket is a no-brainer. These jackets are significantly more expensive—often costing double, triple, or even quadruple the price of premium rain jackets without membrane technology—but the enhanced breathability is unmatched. If you're choosing between the two, go with GORE-TEX for superior waterproofing or eVent for better breathability.

For a more budget-friendly option, there are plenty of quality rain jackets under $200 from brands like Patagonia, The North Face, Columbia, and REI Co-Op. These jackets offer the same level of waterproofing as GORE-TEX and eVent but lack the advanced breathability. For most people, these more affordable options are perfectly sufficient.

Shell coatings

Rain jackets are often designed with additional coatings to improve resistance to heavy rain and wet snow. However, these treatments vary across brands, often using proprietary names like “HypoGel Barrier” or similar, making comparisons difficult. We’ll break through the marketing jargon to give you a clear understanding of what these coatings actually do.

the bottom line

Most rain jackets on the market come with a DWR coating to enhance water repellency. If you’re concerned about health or environmental impacts, opt for PFA-free versions, though they tend to wear off faster and require more frequent reapplication. If durability and long-term performance are your priority, jackets with PFAs will last longer but come with potential trade-offs. The only truly DWR-free options are heavy-duty rubberized or PVC rain jackets, which offer unbeatable waterproofing but zero breathability. Waxed cotton is another alternative, providing water resistance without synthetic coatings.

What are pfas?

PFAS are chemicals commonly used in water- and grease-resistant products, including non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and especially water-resistant clothing. Often called "forever chemicals," they persist in the environment and the human body without breaking down easily. Research suggests potential links to cancer, reproductive harm, and hormone disruption.

Fit

Rain jacket fits vary significantly, from boxy to more form-fitting designs. Selecting the right size is crucial, depending on your intended use. The best way to ensure a proper fit is to try jackets on in-store at retailers like REI Co-Op, Scheels, or Cabela’s. Additionally, brick-and-mortar stores have become increasingly competitive with online pricing, so you’re likely to pay a similar amount either way.

bottom line

Since a rain jacket can be a significant investment, it's essential to choose the right size from the start. First, consider how, when, and where you'll be using it. If you plan to layer with a puffer or fleece—especially in cold seasons or climates—opt for a larger size to accommodate extra insulation. If you expect to wear it in warmer, wet conditions without additional layers, a more form-fitting option may be better. Regardless of the fit, ensure you have enough range of motion, as rain jackets are typically non-stretchy, making proper sizing crucial for comfort and functionality.

The Hazel Storm Picks

The Hazel Storm’s rain jackets picks include top choices for every budget, featuring jackets that real outdoorsmen wear daily. While this list isn’t exhaustive, these are the go-to selections for experienced adventurers.

Budget and mid-range options will get the job done, though they may lack some premium features. However, for serious outdoorsmen, investing in a high-quality premium jacket is the best choice—it’s a long-term piece of gear that can serve you for years. In our experience, it’s better to own a couple of well-made jackets than to frequently replace cheap ones.

breathable membrane

best overall

$330

Patagonia

Down Sweater™ Hoody

Nylon Shell
RDS Certified Down
800-Fill Down
14.8 oz | 420 g

best fit

$299

KÜHL

Spyfire® Hoody

Nylon Shell
RDS Certified Down
800-Fill Down
16 oz | 454 g

best shell

$400

Arc'teryx

Cerium Hoody

Recycled Shell
Synthetic/Down Insulation
850-Fill Down
11.9 oz | 338 g

best down

$409

Feathered Friends

Eos Down Jacket

Nylon Shell
RDS Certified Down
4.0 oz | 112.5 g Fill Down
900-Fill Down
11.8 oz | 336 g

rain jackets

best overall

$330

Patagonia

Down Sweater™ Hoody

Nylon Shell
RDS Certified Down
800-Fill Down
14.8 oz | 420 g

best fit

$299

KÜHL

Spyfire® Hoody

Nylon Shell
RDS Certified Down
800-Fill Down
16 oz | 454 g

best shell

$400

Arc'teryx

Cerium Hoody

Recycled Shell
Synthetic/Down Insulation
850-Fill Down
11.9 oz | 338 g

best down

$409

Feathered Friends

Eos Down Jacket

Nylon Shell
RDS Certified Down
4.0 oz | 112.5 g Fill Down
900-Fill Down
11.8 oz | 336 g

athletic jackets

packable

$275

Marmot

Hype Down Jacket

Reinforced Nylon Shell
800-Fill Down
9.52 oz | 270 g

very warm

$149

Decathlon

Forclaz MT500 Hooded Down Puffer Jacket

Nylon Shell
RDS Certified Down
800-FIll Down
15.50 oz | 439 g

ponchos

quality budget

$129

REI Co-Op

650 Down Jacket

Recycled Shell
650-Fill Down
10.90 oz | 309 g

extreme budget

$40

32 Degrees

Ultra-Light Down Packable Jacket

Nylon Shell
580-Fill Down
10.58 oz | 300 g