The Best Waterproof Jackets of 2025

The Rains Long Jacket seems like a fashion-first raincoat, but behind its minimalism is a well-designed, waterproof option with only a couple, of very specific compromises.

For its sophisticated style, it’s one of the more popular women’s rain jackets.

It’s lightweight yet offers great wind protection. This comes at the cost of less breathability.

It is welded ultrasonically, which makes it durable, and it is made with the signature matte PU Rains fabric. It offers good protection from precipitation and we tried it in heavier rain while biking.

Due to its low breathability, it is not ideal for long cycling.

Recent years have seen the emergence of a category of lightweight, flexible rain shells and windbreakers. These specialty outer layers pack down to palm-sized bundles, and can reasonably be depended upon to block out light wind and rain while on the go.

The JWP Shell is a bit of a niche offering in this regard, straddling both fashion and technical markets, while really lessening the environmental impact of its production.

Though it shares aspects and qualities with an ultralight windbreaker, it’s reimagined for hopping between urban centers via rail rather than traversing ridgelines on climber’s trails. That’s not to say you should leave it at home for your next hike- impressively waterproof and notably packable, this shell can double as a tough, travelable trail tog in a pinch.

The Cloudshield Rain Jacket by Free Fly is a 3-layer lightweight shell with an ultra-soft breathable feel that puts paid to the expression: there is no bad weather, just bad clothing.

It is fully waterproof with the right kind of YKK waterproof zippers and its matte face fabric is seam-taped for a durable protection.

The compelling factor here is its quietness, no more swishing sounds every time you move, whether on a hike, a boat or your everyday commute. It features pockets and the hood fits a bike helmet, a bonus if you get on your bike often.

The Frogg Toggs Women’s Ultra-Lite2 Rain Suit offers a lightweight, somewhat breathable, and waterproof solution for wet conditions. It’s a papery-feeling solution that is limited by its lack of pockets.

It makes up for it in other ways. Better go a size up, as they run small.

This set, which includes both pants and a jacket, comes at a seemingly unbeatable price, given that it’s less than the price of a single pair of rain pants on their own.

We think the Ultra-lite2 rain suit for women makes a great extra pair when rain protection is all that’s needed.

With their water-resistance, breathability, and general comfort you can find a use for a good softshell jacket in most any sport or season. They’re known for their adaptability and baseline utility, with wide applications ranging from the dog park to overnight expeditions.

Jack Wolfskin’s Go Hike Softshell, keeping with their more urbane approach to outdoor apparel, is a sleek and serviceable while retaining the resilience necessary in outdoor technical wear. While it feels more metropolitan than rugged, the Go Hike Softshell nevertheless has merit as a crossover jacket you can take almost anywhere.

Frogg Toggs makes the cheapest rain suit that actually works really well.

While this pants and jacket combo is very waterproof, it doesn’t breathe well and it doesn’t pack down as small as more expensive rain gear.

Nor does it have many features to speak of, beyond a toggle here and a velcro strap there.

But after more than a year of testing, it does stand up to steady use in different conditions–biking, hiking and walking in cold, fall showers–and there are some redeeming qualities in the shape of this rain suit.

The leading jacket on the budget-friendly market is the lightweight and ecological Marmot PreCip Jacket. No wonder – the price tag is below $100, water-resistance is on point, and basic features are included. All of this calls for high ratings from those living a healthy lifestyle while biking, hiking and backpacking. You’ll love it too – there’s no way you wouldn’t.

Being constantly updated, this waterproof jacket keeps getting better and, as a result, more popular among backpackers as much as everyday wearers. It offers every single feature you would ever need in a jacket of this kind in addition to supporting the green movement. A jacket that protects you from heavy rainfalls while also contributing to their existence with leaving no waste? Sounds like a win-win scenario.

A fully lined kids’ rain jacket is definitely a step in the right direction, according to the Hatley Boys’ Splash Jacket. Your little one is guaranteed to look stylish and feel dry at the same time in this piece of waterproof outerwear. Regardless of what Mother Nature has in store on any particular day, your child will be protected throughout the entire day.

A fun and functional piece for your child’s wardrobe could not get any better than this. This waterproof jacket will surely become his best friend in a matter of seconds as soon as it is put on. The almost rubber-like fabric offers top-level protection against the stormiest weather – don’t forget to bring it with you when stepping out of the house.

A classic in its kind, the name of Regatta Kids Pack-It Waterproof Jacket speaks for itself. It is indeed waterproof, lightweight, and perfect on-the-go. Shove it into your child’s backpack or store it on your car’s backseat for that quick grab. Either way, your child will be putting this functional piece of outerwear on before you even think about it.

Not being the fanciest waterproof jacket on the market, this low-maintenance jacket is still a great seasonal piece that will not break your bank. When combined with rain boots, this duo will work well together to keep your child dry and happy. Isn’t that the ideal option for a busy mom?

As the price goes up, the features multiply as well. This Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket can easily become an everyday staple in anyone’s wardrobe thanks to its versatility. Breathability? Check. Water and wind protection? Check. Greatest hood design on the market? Check. In addition, this jacket can be freely categorized as sustainable, which is another checkbox. Layer it and bring it with you when hiking; or use it as a ski jacket and you will not be disappointed.

The clean design combined with a sound performance certainly make this waterproof jacket stand out in the crowd. Lightweight fabric and functional extra features add up to sufficient protection against heavy rains and powerful winds when embarking on another backpacking adventure. All in all, Patagonia is known for its exceptional design, and this jacket is living proof.

In times when the weather is questionable but the hike is agreed on, Black Diamond StormLine Jacket ought to be stored in your backpack. This lightweight, windproof and waterproof unit has a four-way stretch design along with underarm gussets that lets you climb and reach with no movement restrictions. And if the rain appears on the horizon, the built-in hood with space for a helmet will protect you from getting drenched.

This jacket’s versatility is envied by its competitors for obvious reasons. It’s well-equipped for riding on a motorbike in Vietnam as much as walking a dog when it’s pouring. Besides, the BD.Dry material is proven to be durable too – dozens of washes do not change its performance abilities whatsoever. If you are still considering to invest in a multipurpose jacket, it might be a good idea to give this one by Black Diamond a try.