Best Rain Jackets (2026): 8 Men's and Women's Picks, Ranked
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A good rain jacket is the piece of gear you forget about until the sky opens, and then it's the only thing that matters. The wrong one either soaks through at the shoulders or turns into a sauna on the first hill. The right one keeps you dry and comfortable, so the fish still get caught, the hike still happens and the kids' game still gets watched from the sideline instead of the truck.
We compared eight men's and women's rain jackets that Sportsman's Warehouse had in stock on October 7, 2026, from a $30 Frogg Toggs to a $329 three-layer Stone Glacier, and sorted out which ones are truly waterproof, which ones breathe, and which ones are only water-repellent. Every price and spec comes from the jacket's Sportsman's Warehouse listing that day, and owner experiences come from the reviews shown on those pages. This is a research guide, not a hands-on test.
The short answer
For most people, the Helly Hansen Seven J is the rain jacket to buy. Our picks:
- Best overall: Helly Hansen Seven J, about $120 (men's and women's). Check women's price at Sportsman's Warehouse →
- Best value: Columbia Hikebound II, about $80 to about $90, women's on clearance from about $60. Check price at Sportsman's Warehouse →
- Best for downpours: Helly Hansen Moss, about $95. Check price at Sportsman's Warehouse →
- Best premium: Stone Glacier M5, about $329. Check price at Sportsman's Warehouse →
- Best budget: Frogg Toggs Classic Pro Action, about $45 to about $55. Check price at Sportsman's Warehouse →
Prices are Sportsman's Warehouse in-stock prices on October 7, 2026, before tax. Every link opens the jacket's Sportsman's Warehouse page.
How we chose
Nobody at OSS America wore these jackets for this guide. We started with what people are searching: in Google's related searches for "rain jacket" over the last 30 days, "women rain jacket" is the top term, followed by "waterproof rain jacket," "best rain jacket" and "mens rain jacket," and "columbia rain jacket discount" is the fastest-rising search. So we looked for jackets sold in both men's and women's versions where possible, separated truly waterproof jackets from water-repellent ones, and noted which jackets are on sale right now.
We went through Sportsman's Warehouse's rain jackets on October 7, 2026 and kept models that were in stock and set to ship to home. We weighed protection (waterproof-breathable, fully waterproof PU, or water-repellent, as each listing describes it), breathability and venting, features (hood, pockets, hem, packability), price, and the reviews shown on Sportsman's Warehouse, which can include reviews syndicated from the brand. Where a maker publishes a waterproof rating (Carhartt and Stone Glacier), we list it. We didn't find Marmot, Outdoor Research or The North Face rain jackets on Sportsman's Warehouse that day, so they're not ranked.
All eight at a glance
| # | Jacket | Men's price | Women's price | Protection | Pit zips | Packable | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Helly Hansen Seven J | $120.00 | $61.77–$125.00 | Waterproof-breathable 2-layer | No | — | W 4.7 (259) M 4.8 (648) |
| #2 | Columbia Hikebound II | $90.00 | $59.77–$90.00 | Waterproof-breathable (Omni-Tech) | No | — | W 4.7 (39) M 4.4 (24) |
| #3 | Helly Hansen Moss | $95.00 | $95.00 | Fully waterproof PU (not breathable) | No | — | M 4.8 (138) W 4.8 (240) |
| #4 | Carhartt Storm Defender | $99.99–$109.99 | — | Waterproof-breathable, 10K/5K | No | Yes | M 4.5 (222) |
| #5 | Stone Glacier M5 | $329.00–$331.50 | — | 3-layer, 31,000mm waterproof | Yes | — | M 4.8 (120) |
| #6 | Frogg Toggs Xtream Lite | $59.99–$69.99 | $69.99 | Waterproof 2-ply, taped seams | No | Yes | M 5.0 (3) W 3.7 (7) |
| #7 | Frogg Toggs Pro Action | $44.99–$54.99 | $29.77–$54.99 | Waterproof-breathable non-woven | No | — | M 4.2 (25) W 3.4 (13) |
| #8 | Columbia Switchback IV | — | $37.77–$52.77 | Water-repellent only | No | Yes | W 4.1 (32) |
In-stock Sportsman's Warehouse prices (lowest to highest across sizes and colors), checked October 7, 2026; the low end is often a clearance size or color, and prices change often. Protection is from each listing's construction text. Packable = the listing says it packs into its own pocket. Rating = review average shown on Sportsman's Warehouse (M = men's, W = women's; review count in parentheses).
How to read the chart: you don't have to spend much to get a jacket that's actually waterproof. Every orange or navy bar is a waterproof jacket, and most of them sit between $45 and $125. The grey bar, the Columbia Switchback IV, is the one to watch: it's cheap and popular, but it's only water-repellent. The long Seven J bar shows how much clearance pricing varies by size and color, so check your size before you assume the low price. And the Stone Glacier M5 shows what the jump to a 3-layer laminate with pit zips costs.
The 8 best rain jackets, ranked
Helly Hansen Seven J Rain Jacket (men's and women's)
Best rain jacket overall
Sportsman's Warehouse: men's about $120; women's about $120 to about $125, with some women's sizes and colors on clearance from about $62 · Build: 2-layer waterproof-breathable, fully seam sealed
If you want one rain jacket that works on a trail, a boat ramp, a ballfield or a city sidewalk, start with the Seven J. It's Helly Hansen's everyday shell: HELLY TECH Protection fabric in a 2-layer construction that the listing calls waterproof, windproof and breathable, fully sealed seams, a DWR finish and a quick-dry lining so it doesn't feel clammy on bare arms. You also get a fixed adjustable hood, a front storm flap, an anti-chafe chin guard, adjustable cuffs, a hem cinch cord and YKK zippers on the front and hand pockets.
It's also the most-reviewed jacket in this guide by a wide margin. The men's version shows 4.8/5 from 648 reviews on Sportsman's Warehouse, and the women's shows 4.7/5 from 259 reviews. Owners talk about premium build quality, a clean look and the mesh lining. The criticisms are consistent: the zipper is the weak point for a few owners (one owner says it failed after a couple of months of daily use), several women find the cut narrow at the hips, and some men find it boxy or long. If you plan to layer a fleece underneath, consider sizing up.
On October 7, the men's Seven J was $120 in every in-stock size (Black and Opal Green), and the women's was $120 to $125 in Black, Bright Lavender and Opal Green, with some Black sizes marked down to $61.77 on clearance.
| Construction | HELLY TECH Protection, 2-layer, fully seam sealed, DWR |
| Lining | Quick-dry lining |
| Hood | Fixed, adjustable |
| Features | Storm flap, anti-chafe chin guard, YKK zippers, zipped hand pockets |
| Men's price / colors | $120 (Black, Opal Green), in stock |
| Women's price / colors | $120-$125; clearance from $61.77 in some sizes (Black, Bright Lavender, Opal Green) |
| Rating (Sportsman's) | Men's 4.8/5 from 648 reviews; women's 4.7/5 from 259 reviews |
Pros
- + Waterproof-breathable 2-layer shell with sealed seams
- + Huge review base: 648 men's + 259 women's reviews
- + Quick-dry lining feels better than a bare shell
- + Works for hiking and everyday wear
Cons
- − Zipper durability complaints from some owners
- − Women's cut runs narrow at the hips for some
- − No pit zips
Columbia Hikebound II Rain Jacket (men's and women's)
Best value (and the Columbia deal right now)
Sportsman's Warehouse: men's about $90; women's about $80 to about $90, Stone Green on clearance from about $60 · Build: Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable, fully seam sealed
"Columbia rain jacket discount" is one of the fastest-rising rain-jacket searches this month, and the Hikebound II is the Columbia worth hunting a deal on. It uses Columbia's Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable fabric with fully sealed seams, a drawcord-adjustable hood, zippered chest and hand pockets, adjustable cuffs, a drawcord hem and a mesh lining for breathability. The women's listing adds waterproof zippered chest pockets.
The women's version rates 4.7/5 from 39 reviews on Sportsman's Warehouse. One owner working through the Adirondack 46 calls it the real deal for volatile mountain weather, and others like the fit and quality. The negatives: one owner says the hook-and-loop snagged the fabric it touched after only a few wears, and one found it runs small. The men's version rates 4.4/5 from 24 reviews; owners praise the pockets and durable feel, while others say it runs big, one says it wasn't fully waterproof in his first rain, and one complains about a chemical odor out of the box.
The deal: on October 7 the women's Stone Green was on clearance at $59.77 in some sizes (regular $80), while Black was $80 to $90. The men's was $90 in the in-stock Black and Columbia Grey sizes; the men's Delta Black clearance color ($55.77) was sold out.
| Construction | Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable, fully seam sealed |
| Lining | Mesh |
| Hood | Attached, drawcord-adjustable |
| Pockets | Zippered chest and hand pockets |
| Length | Men's center back 29 in (listing) |
| Men's price / colors | $90 (Black, Columbia Grey), in stock |
| Women's price / colors | $80-$90 Black; Stone Green from $59.77 clearance |
| Rating (Sportsman's) | Women's 4.7/5 from 39 reviews; men's 4.4/5 from 24 reviews |
Pros
- + Waterproof-breathable with sealed seams for under $100
- + Women's version on clearance in some sizes
- + Chest pocket plus hand pockets
- + Women's version rated 4.7/5
Cons
- − Sizing runs big (men's) or small (some women's) per owners
- − One owner reports leaking in first rain
- − No pit zips
Helly Hansen Moss Rain Jacket (men's and women's)
Best for all-day downpours
Sportsman's Warehouse: men's and women's about $95 · Build: polyurethane (Helox+), welded seams, 100% waterproof and windproof (not breathable)
The Moss is the old-school answer to heavy rain: a polyurethane (Helox+) jacket with welded seams that Helly Hansen lists as 100% waterproof and windproof. There's no membrane to wet out and no DWR to wear off. If you stand in steady rain for hours, fishing a pier, working cattle, coaching a soccer game or walking the dog in the Pacific Northwest, this is the kind of jacket that keeps you dry. The women's version adds a front placket with hidden snaps over the YKK Vislon zipper, a shock-cord hood adjustment, adjustable cuffs and hem and two flapped hand pockets.
The trade-off is breathability. PU doesn't breathe, so if you hike hard uphill you'll get damp from sweat on the inside. Owners know this and buy it anyway: the men's rates 4.8/5 from 138 reviews and the women's 4.8/5 from 240 reviews on Sportsman's Warehouse. Men describe staying dry on a four-day boat trip off Kodiak and in a "serious Colorado deluge"; women mention New Zealand downpours and Maine coastal rain. Complaints: a strong plastic smell out of the box for some, one woman found the hem isn't welded like the other seams, and one owner found it short in the back.
| Construction | Polyurethane (Helox+), welded seams |
| Waterproof | 100% waterproof and windproof per listing; not breathable |
| Closure | Full front zip (women's: hidden-snap placket over YKK Vislon zip) |
| Pockets | Two front/hand pockets |
| Men's price / colors | $95 (Black, Dark Jungle), in stock |
| Women's price | $95, in stock |
| Rating (Sportsman's) | Men's 4.8/5 from 138 reviews; women's 4.8/5 from 240 reviews |
Pros
- + Truly waterproof PU with welded seams
- + No DWR to maintain
- + 4.8/5 for both men's and women's
- + Same fair price for men and women
Cons
- − Doesn't breathe: sweaty when you're working hard
- − Plastic smell out of the box for some owners
- − Women's hem isn't welded like the other seams, per one owner
Carhartt Storm Defender Packable Rain Jacket (men's)
Best for work
Sportsman's Warehouse: men's about $100 to about $110 · Build: Storm Defender waterproof-breathable, 10K/5K rating, seam sealed
The Storm Defender Packable is the rain jacket for people whose day doesn't stop when it starts raining. Carhartt lists a 10K/5K waterproof/breathability rating, a fully seam-sealed design, Wind Fighter technology, a water-repellent center zipper, an adjustable hood, a drawcord-adjustable droptail hem that covers your backside when you bend over, partial-elastic hook-and-loop cuffs and plenty of pockets: a zippered chest pocket, two zippered lower pockets and an inside hook-and-loop pocket. It packs into its own left lower pocket, so it can live behind the truck seat.
It rates 4.5/5 from 222 reviews on Sportsman's Warehouse. Owners call it a simple, durable value, and one notes that unlike most Carhartt gear it doesn't run large. The negative reviews are worth reading: a few owners say it soaked through at the shoulders or started leaking after a few wears, one dislikes that the hood can't be adjusted front-to-back, and one says it feels more like a windbreaker than a heavy rain coat. It's a lightweight shell, not a heavy work slicker.
On October 7 it was $99.99 to $109.99 depending on size in Black, Carhartt Brown/Black and Desert/Gravel. We didn't rank Carhartt's women's Rockford Rain Defender: its listing describes a water-repellent coating for light rain, and several owners report getting soaked.
| Construction | Storm Defender waterproof-breathable, fully seam sealed |
| Rating | 10K/5K waterproof/breathability (listing) |
| Hood / hem | Adjustable hood; drawcord droptail hem |
| Pockets | Zippered chest, two zippered lower, interior pocket |
| Packable | Into left lower zippered pocket |
| Men's price / colors | $99.99-$109.99 (Black, Carhartt Brown/Black, Desert/Gravel), in stock |
| Rating (Sportsman's) | 4.5/5 from 222 reviews |
Pros
- + Stated 10K/5K waterproof/breathability rating
- + Droptail hem and lots of pockets for work
- + Packs into its own pocket
- + 4.5/5 from 222 reviews
Cons
- − Some owners report leaking at the shoulders
- − Hood isn't adjustable front-to-back
- − Men's only in this model
Stone Glacier M5 Rain Jacket (men's)
Best premium (hunters and backpackers)
Sportsman's Warehouse: men's about $329 to about $332 · Build: 3-layer HydraShield laminate, 31,000mm waterproof, 27,600 g/m²/24hr breathability
If you hike miles in the rain with a pack on, a 3-layer shell is the step up, and the Stone Glacier M5 has the strongest stated numbers in this guide: a 3-layer HydraShield laminate with a 31,000mm waterproof rating and an MVTR breathability rating of 27,600 g/m²/24hr. It has a quiet, soft polyester face fabric (useful if you hunt), a tricot backer, YKK Vislon and Aquaguard zippers, an articulated hood with two shock-cord adjusters, two front pockets placed to stay reachable while you wear a pack, and dual pit zips for venting on climbs.
It rates 4.8/5 from 120 reviews on Sportsman's Warehouse. Owners describe staying dry on Kodiak, on a 25-mile airboat run in an Alaska North Slope storm and on alpine hunts. Two longer-term owners warn that waterproofing faded after two or three seasons even with Stone Glacier's recommended washing and re-treatment, so budget for care. It's men's sizing only here and was $329 to $331.50 on October 7. For more hunting-specific rain and cold-weather layers, see our best hunting jackets guide.
| Construction | 3-layer HydraShield laminate, tricot backer |
| Waterproof / breathability | 31,000mm / 27,600 g/m²/24hr (listing) |
| Venting | Dual pit zips |
| Hood | Articulated, two shock-cord adjusters |
| Zippers | YKK Vislon and Aquaguard |
| Men's price | $329-$331.50, in stock |
| Rating (Sportsman's) | 4.8/5 from 120 reviews |
Pros
- + Highest stated waterproof and breathability ratings here
- + Pit zips and pack-friendly pockets
- + Quiet face fabric for hunting
- + 4.8/5 from 120 reviews
Cons
- − About 3x the price of most picks
- − Some owners say waterproofing faded after 2-3 seasons
- − Men's only
Frogg Toggs Xtream Lite Rain Jacket (men's and women's)
Best lightweight packable
Sportsman's Warehouse: men's about $60 to about $70; women's about $70 · Build: lightweight 2-ply, fully taped seams
The Xtream Lite is a just-in-case jacket: a lightweight 2-ply shell with fully taped seams that stuffs into its own self-storage pocket, so it disappears into a daypack, tackle bag or glovebox. It has an attached adjustable hood with push-button cord locks, zippered side pockets, hook-and-loop wrist closures and an adjustable waist.
Reviews are few, so read them carefully. The men's version shows 5.0/5 from 3 reviews on Sportsman's Warehouse, from owners who like how light it is for Florida heat and how easily it packs. The women's shows 3.7/5 from 7 reviews: one wore it over a fleece in Alaska and stayed dry, but another found the waist and sleeve ends saturated during farm work in a storm, and a runner says her shoulders and chest got soaked in light rain. Think of it as emergency rain protection, not a jacket for hours of downpour.
On October 7 the men's was $59.99 to $69.99 depending on size (five sizes in stock) and the women's was $69.99 in Coral and Sea Foam.
| Construction | Lightweight 2-ply, fully taped seams |
| Packable | Self-storage pocket |
| Hood | Attached, adjustable |
| Fit adjustments | Hook-and-loop cuffs, adjustable waist |
| Men's price | $59.99-$69.99, in stock |
| Women's price / colors | $69.99 (Coral, Sea Foam), in stock |
| Rating (Sportsman's) | Men's 5.0/5 from 3 reviews; women's 3.7/5 from 7 reviews |
Pros
- + Very light and packs into its own pocket
- + Taped seams at a low price
- + Men's and women's versions
- + Good emergency layer for a pack or vehicle
Cons
- − Very few reviews
- − Some owners got wet at the waist, wrists and shoulders
- − No breathability claim in the listing
Frogg Toggs Classic Pro Action Rain Jacket (men's and women's)
Best budget rain jacket
Sportsman's Warehouse: men's about $45 to about $55; women's about $55, with some sizes on clearance at about $30 · Build: breathable non-woven fabric
Frogg Toggs built its name on this kind of jacket: an ultra-light, breathable non-woven rain shell that costs about what a family dinner does. The Classic Pro Action is the bomber-style version with a full-cut fit for layering, molded polymer zippers and polymer snaps that can't rust in saltwater or snow, and (on the women's version) a tri-laminate fabric, a tuck-away hood, a snap-down storm flap over the zipper, zippered hand-warmer pockets and an adjustable open waist.
Fans are loyal. On Sportsman's Warehouse the men's version rates 4.2/5 from 25 reviews; owners call it the best waterproof jacket for the money and say it breathes well and stores easily. The women's rates 3.4/5 from 13 reviews. The complaints are the material and the cut: several owners say it feels stiff and paper-like (one says it softened after she worked the fabric), one men's jacket ripped at the zipper seam the first time it was worn, and women mention narrow hips and short arms. One Alaska owner's review is titled "Good for 2 dozen rough wear days."
On October 7 the men's was $54.99 in Black and Gray, with Blue at $44.99, and the women's was $54.99 in Black, with some sizes on clearance at $29.77 (regular $49.99).
| Construction | Breathable non-woven fabric (women's: polyurethane non-woven, tri-laminate) |
| Hardware | Molded polymer zipper and snaps (rust-free) |
| Fit | Full cut for layering |
| Women's features | Tuck-away hood, storm flap, zippered hand pockets |
| Men's price / colors | $44.99-$54.99 (Black, Blue, Gray), in stock |
| Women's price | $54.99 Black; some sizes $29.77 clearance |
| Rating (Sportsman's) | Men's 4.2/5 from 25 reviews; women's 3.4/5 from 13 reviews |
Pros
- + Lowest price in this guide
- + Light, breathable and rust-proof hardware
- + Full cut layers over a heavy coat
- + Long-time favorite with anglers and hunters
Cons
- − Stiff, paper-like fabric per several owners
- − Durability complaints (tears at seams)
- − Women's version rated only 3.4/5
Columbia Switchback IV Jacket (women's)
Best for light rain (women's, packable)
Sportsman's Warehouse: women's about $49 to about $53, some sizes about $38 on clearance (regular $50) · Build: Omni-Shield water-repellent (not waterproof)
Not everybody needs a waterproof jacket. If you mostly face drizzle on a walk, at a game or around camp, the Switchback IV is a light, packable layer that Columbia describes as water-repellent "coverage for unpredictable drizzles." Its Omni-Shield finish makes water bead up, and it has an attached adjustable hood that stows away, zippered hand pockets, adjustable cuffs, a drawcord hem and a 25-inch center back length. It packs into its own hand pocket.
Be clear about what it is. On Sportsman's Warehouse it rates 4.1/5 from 32 reviews. Owners like the fit, the colors and the light weight, and some say it kept them dry. But several negative reviews say rain went straight through in light rain on a golf course, and one calls it a cool-weather windbreaker at best. One owner says it doesn't breathe well on a brisk walk. Buy it as a windbreaker that handles a sprinkle, and pick the Hikebound II or Seven J above if you need real rain protection.
On October 7 it was $49 in most Black and Harbor Blue sizes, $52.77 in Rosette, and $37.77 on clearance in some sizes (regular $50).
| Construction | Omni-Shield water-repellent finish (not waterproof) |
| Packable | Into hand pocket |
| Hood | Attached, adjustable, stowable |
| Length | Center back 25 in (listing) |
| Women's price / colors | $49-$52.77 (Black, Harbor Blue, Rosette); some sizes $37.77 clearance |
| Rating (Sportsman's) | 4.1/5 from 32 reviews |
Pros
- + Cheap, light and packable
- + Good fit and colors per owners
- + Fine for drizzle and wind
Cons
- − Water-repellent only; owners report soaking in rain
- − Doesn't breathe well per one owner
- − Women's only in this listing
Which should you buy?
- You want one jacket for everything: Helly Hansen Seven J (men's) or women's.
- You want the best deal on a real rain jacket: Columbia Hikebound II (women's) or men's.
- You stand in steady rain for hours: Helly Hansen Moss (men's) or women's.
- You work outside: Carhartt Storm Defender Packable.
- You hike or hunt hard with a pack: Stone Glacier M5.
- You want something to stash in a pack or glovebox: Frogg Toggs Xtream Lite (men's) or women's.
- You want the cheapest jacket that still keeps rain out: Frogg Toggs Classic Pro Action (men's) or women's.
- You only need a windbreaker for drizzle: Columbia Switchback IV (women's).
What to look for in a rain jacket
- Waterproof vs. water-repellent. "Water-repellent" or "water-resistant" means a finish that makes water bead up; it handles a sprinkle, not a storm. For real rain, look for "waterproof" plus sealed, taped or welded seams.
- Breathability. Waterproof-breathable fabrics (2-layer, 2.5-layer, 3-layer) let some sweat vapor escape. PU jackets like the Moss are fully waterproof but don't breathe, so they're best when you're standing, not climbing.
- Ratings, if the maker publishes them. Waterproof ratings are given in millimeters (a lab test of how much water pressure the fabric resists) and breathability in grams per square meter per day. Higher is better, but makers test differently, and most everyday jackets don't publish them at all.
- Venting. Pit zips (only the Stone Glacier here) dump heat fast on a climb. Without them, open the front zip and loosen the cuffs.
- Fit for layering. Try it on over the fleece or insulated jacket you'll actually wear underneath. Owner reviews in this guide often mention sizing, so check the size chart and consider sizing up for layers.
Planning a trip? Pair your jacket with our best hiking boots and camping gear checklist, and if the weather turns cold, see our best down jackets.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best rain jacket?
For most people, the Helly Hansen Seven J (about $120 at Sportsman's Warehouse on October 7, 2026, with some women's sizes on clearance). It's a 2-layer waterproof-breathable shell with sealed seams, a quick-dry lining and an adjustable hood, and it shows 4.8/5 from 648 men's reviews and 4.7/5 from 259 women's reviews on Sportsman's Warehouse.
What is the best women's rain jacket?
The Helly Hansen Women's Seven J is our top women's pick for everyday use, and the Columbia Women's Hikebound II (4.7/5 from 39 reviews) is the best value, with Stone Green on clearance from $59.77 in some sizes on October 7, 2026. For steady downpours, the Helly Hansen Women's Moss (4.8/5 from 240 reviews) is fully waterproof but doesn't breathe.
What's the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?
A waterproof jacket uses a waterproof fabric or coating and sealed, taped or welded seams to keep rain out. A water-resistant or water-repellent jacket only has a finish that sheds light rain. In this guide, the Columbia Switchback IV is water-repellent; every other jacket is sold as waterproof.
Is Columbia a good rain jacket brand?
Columbia's Omni-Tech jackets like the Hikebound II are waterproof-breathable with sealed seams and are among the best values here. Its Omni-Shield jackets like the Switchback IV are only water-repellent. Read the listing to see which technology you're buying.
What does a 10K or 31,000mm waterproof rating mean?
It's a lab measure of how much water pressure a fabric resists, given in millimeters. Carhartt lists the Storm Defender at 10K (10,000mm) waterproof and 5K breathability; Stone Glacier lists the M5 at 31,000mm and 27,600 g/m² per 24 hours. Makers test differently, so treat the numbers as a rough guide.
Are rain jackets breathable?
Waterproof-breathable jackets let some sweat vapor escape, but no rain jacket breathes like a fleece. PU jackets like the Helly Hansen Moss don't breathe at all. If you'll be hiking hard, look for pit zips or open the front zip to vent.
How do I keep my rain jacket waterproof?
Keep it clean and follow the maker's washing directions. When water stops beading on the outside, re-treat the DWR finish. A jacket whose face fabric is soaked can feel like it's leaking even when the membrane is fine.
The bottom line
Buy the Helly Hansen Seven J if you want one rain jacket for almost everything. Grab the Columbia Hikebound II while it's on clearance if you want a real waterproof-breathable jacket for less, choose the Helly Hansen Moss for all-day downpours, and step up to the Stone Glacier M5 if you hike or hunt hard in the wet. Whatever you buy, check that the listing says waterproof, size it for the layers you'll wear, and keep the finish clean.
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