Waterproof Jackets
Need a hard shell to keep out the rain or snow and keep you dry? See our top picks in waterproof shells and jackets below, thanks to hundreds of independent reviews and ratings by hikers, backpackers, alpinists, backcountry skiers, trail runners, and paddlers.
The best waterproof jackets, reviewed and curated by the Trailspace community. The latest review was added on December 8, 2020. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.
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Recent Waterproof Jacket Reviews
Patagonia Ascensionist Jacket
The Patagonia Ascensionist Jacket is a workhorse! A shell designed for alpine conditions, I used it skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing, and hiking. It's lightweight, so it won't weigh me or my pack down, but doesn't compromise on warmth. The jacket sheds snow and rain, and with features such as waterproof zippers, hip pocket draw cord adjustment, and two-way adjustment at the hood, it allows me to stay dry and retain body heat. It's also quite breathable, with two-way pit zips for dumping excess heat. Full review
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket
Patagonia brought its Torrentshell rain jacket into the modern era with updated materials incorporating three-layer fabric that is partially made from recycled materials. Combines a truly waterproof surface with a comfortable lining, sandwiching a breathable membrane in between that keeps water out while breathing in a manner that can actually be felt. Smiling and dry after a three-hour downpour. Patagonia has been using the Torrentshell name for some time now, but the Torrentshell 3L is definitely… Full review
Helly Hansen Odin 3D Air Shell Jacket
I agree with your review and a pity I didn´t read it before buying it. Great jacket but the loose sleeves are a huge flaw that leaves you exposed to water (HH answer is simply unacceptable). Good jacket with a big con. Full review
Helly Hansen Odin 3D Air Shell Jacket
Helly Hansen’s Odin 3D Air Shell raises the bar for competitors claiming their rain shells are both waterproof and breathable. Minimizing the feeling of plastic against your skin, the jacket is amazingly comfortable and decently lightweight. This jacket is truly the most breathable rain shell I have ever worn hiking and camping. A significant con is the inability to cinch up the sleeves at the wrist to keep water out though. When sitting down to write up my own review, I read a number of reviews… Full review
Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket
The Helium Rain Jacket is Outdoor Research’s latest version of its Helium line of very lightweight compact rain jackets. The Helium Rain Jacket is a very minimalist design that strives to be a durable, lightweight rain jacket that packs down into a very small package. With respect to durability, weight, and packability the Helium design is second to none and is probably one of if not the smallest and lightest jackets available, but with its primary function as a rain jacket, the Helium is best… Full review
Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 Gore-Tex Paclite Plus Jacket
Mountain Hardwear's Exposure/2 is a lightweight Gore-Tex Paclite Plus shell that does a nice job keeping you dry in rainy weather and should be very wind-resistant. It features basic adjustments at the cuff, hem, and hood, and saves weight through an otherwise simple design; think of this as an entry-level Gore-Tex hard shell. Lightweight material and a lack of advanced fit and features limit this three-season rain shell’s appeal for backcountry or more technical use. Affordable pricing and function… Full review
Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket
The Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket is an excellent all-around, waterproof, reasonably lightweight jacket for the majority of one's outdoor activities. I've owned mine for five years and have hiked, skied, and traveled with it, and it's still in great shape with minimal wear. The Gore-tex Pro has kept me dry and comfortable even in heavy rain and snow. The jacket is pricey at $549 retail (2020 MSRP), but there are sales and close-out colors. It's a versatile jacket and even after years of use mine remains… Full review
Mammut Masao Hooded Hardshell Jacket
Three-layer shell...Mammut has been tops for me. I have come back to the Masao hard shell last year after owning one when they were introduced. Been through some eVent and 3L Gore-tex. This jacket is light, waterproof, warm, rugged, and fits nicely. This model is cursed with tricky zippers, but once you train yourself to it the rest of the jacket makes up for it. I've had A+ experience with Mammut's staff in Vermont. So to pack away when you want, and protect you when you need, this shell is better… Full review
Outdoor Research Microgravity Jacket
Exceptional active shell for those in alpine climates and those that use a helmet. I purchased the Microgravity direct from OR in the Lime color, which is a cool color. Overall I liked the fit and feel of the jacket and the Ascentshell material. For reference I am 5'7" 165 and ordered a Large for layering underneath, which fit slightly baggy as expected. A medium would have been more fitted but lacked the layering ability. I asked OR ahead of time about DWR treatments and was told the Ascentshell… Full review
