The research
- A well-priced, packable shell: Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Jacket, Columbia Men’s Watertight II Jacket
- A classic fisherman-style slicker: Helly Hansen Moss Raincoat
- A wear-anywhere women’s rain staple: L.L.Bean Women’s H2Off Mesh-Lined Rain Jacket
- How we picked and tested
- Care and maintenance
- Other rain jackets and raincoats worth considering
- The competition
A well-priced, packable shell: Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Jacket, Columbia Men’s Watertight II Jacket
Top pick
If you’re looking for a casual rain jacket that won’t break the bank, this Columbia shell (available as the Women’s Arcadia II Jacket and the Men’s Watertight II Jacket) ticks all the boxes. Its lightweight nylon is well suited for active adventures and moderate climates; it can also be worn over warmer layers. The Columbia rain jacket comes in a wider range of sizes and colors than any of our other picks. One panelist said, “It may not light anyone’s world on fire, but it won’t disappoint.”
According to a company representative, as of fall 2024, all Columbia products—including the Arcadia II and Watertight II jackets—are manufactured without intentionally added PFAS. We have not yet tested the updated versions of our picks.
It really is watertight. We wore the Columbia rain jacket under a running shower for three minutes, and not a drop penetrated the two-layer construction (which uses Columbia’s proprietary Omni-Tech waterproof technology). The jacket has storm flaps covering its zippers, and it’s fully seam-sealed to prevent water from penetrating tiny stitch holes.
The hood got mixed reviews. Some testers noted that it directed water away from their faces without reducing visibility. But it’s smaller than the hoods on our other picks, and its length isn’t adjustable, so its efficacy is fairly head-dependent.
The material moves and breathes. Rain jackets are often stiff and confining, but the Columbia rain jacket is silky and fluid. “My range of motion in it is great,” said one tester. “My arms and shoulders feel free and loose.”
Panelists praised the soft and airy mesh lining. One tester who’s had the men’s version since 2019—and said it’s holding up great—wears his for outdoor work. “It’s breathable, and it doesn’t [make me] clammy.” (Another tester disagreed, claiming the jacket created “a moist, chilly microclimate.”)
The Columbia rain jacket doesn’t have armpit zips for releasing heat. None of our testers missed them—even while mowing the lawn—but if you’re active, you may prefer a shell with more ventilation.
It’s practical and packable. This jacket isn’t fancy, but its basic features get the job done. Testers liked the Columbia rain jacket’s roomy, well-positioned vertical zippered pockets. The zippers operate smoothly, thanks to long pulls, and its hood and bottom hem cinch via elastic cords. The Velcro-style, hook-and-loop closures at the cuffs and over the front zipper didn’t impress us—they’re noisy and look cheap—but they’re quicker than snaps.
The Columbia rain jacket is the lightest of our picks and packs down into its own left-hand pocket. The process (video) is somewhat onerous (and instructions are not included), but the result is a totable 8-by-6-inch parcel.
It’s casual and outdoorsy. It comes in over a dozen solid colors and has a trim, hip-length silhouette that can go from grocery store to trailhead. “Even though it’s sporty, it doesn’t scream ‘performance,’” said one tester. Still, it’s decidedly casual—we wouldn’t wear it to work or a nice restaurant.
It’s flattering and size inclusive. This jacket is neither overly boxy nor especially body conscious, and testers of different heights and sizes responded well to its cut. “You can see the shape of the person inside it,” said Wirecutter style editor Ingela Ratledge Amundson.
One tester (5-foot-2, women’s size XL) remarked, “The fit is perfect, with room for a hoodie underneath.” Another (5-foot-9, men’s size M) gave the fit high marks but noted that the shoulders felt a touch narrow. We found the fit true to size, though you may want to size up if you’d like more room for layering.
This jacket is offered in the widest size range of any of our picks: The women’s version comes in standard, and plus sizes, and the men’s is available in standard, big, and tall sizes.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- The hood is on the smaller side, and its length isn’t adjustable.
- The jacket doesn’t have armpit zips for venting.
- Its hook-and-loop closures are scratchy, loud, and unattractive.
- The mesh lining in the pockets catches on things like rings and keys.
- Packing the jacket into its pocket can be tricky.
Specs
- Sizes: Arcadia II women’s XS–XXL, plus 1X–3X; Watertight II men’s S–XXL, big 1X–6X, tall LT–5XT
- Colors: 12+
- Variants: none
- Material: outer 100% nylon; lining 100% nylon; mesh lining 100% polyester
- Weight: Arcadia II is 11.2 ounces; Watertight II is 13 ounces
- Care: machine wash cold, tumble dry low
- Returns and warranty: 60-day returns, limited lifetime warranty for defects
A classic fisherman-style slicker: Helly Hansen Moss Raincoat
Top pick
The Helly Hansen Moss Raincoat (women’s, men’s) has classic fisherman coat styling, with a long, straight cut and plenty of old-school charm (think: Singin’ in the Rain). It’s made from pleasantly rubbery PFC-free (perfluorochemical-free) polyurethane, so it’s waterproof in the heaviest rain, and it has a satisfying heft that’s welcome in cooler climes. But it’s not particularly breathable; we’d choose a different coat for warm weather or strenuous activities.
It’s retro cool. The Moss Raincoat is a quintessential slicker, inspired by Helly Hansen’s original fishermen’s coats from the 1950s. “It feels nostalgic, but in a stylish, in-the-know way,” says style editor Ingela Ratledge Amundson.
Its fabric is totally waterproof, but it traps heat. This raincoat’s polyurethane exterior and welded seams offer exceptional rain and wind protection. The fabric itself is completely waterproof—no moisture seeped in during our shower testing—and unlike most rain jackets, it doesn’t rely on forever chemicals (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, aka PFAS or PFCs) to repel liquids.
The downside of polyurethane: It isn’t breathable. “I got clammy after about 10 minutes of just sitting,” said one tester. Vents in the polyester lining and a rear cape vent provide some airflow, but this isn’t the jacket for warm, humid conditions or cardio.
It has a unique, rubberized texture. Most testers loved the Moss Raincoat’s slightly stretchy, rubbery material. It has an elegant matte finish and a light, flexible drape. “The fabric is incredibly comfy,” said a panelist. “It feels sturdy, but it’s soft and easy to move in.”
It’s long and roomy. This coat has a straight, slouchy cut that leaves room for layering. “It’s just oversized enough,” says style editor Jennifer Hunter (5-foot-9, women’s M). Our 6-foot-tall women’s S tester complained about the proportions—particularly the “three-quarter-length, Audrey Hepburn sleeves,” declaring, “This isn’t for tall people.” The sleeves on the men’s version are 2 inches longer. The women’s version also comes in a more limited size range than our other picks—up to an XL. The men’s version goes up to 2XL.
This is the longest women’s coat we recommend, falling just above the knee on our 5-foot-6, size M tester. The men’s Moss jacket is 3 inches shorter but was still upper-thigh length on our 5-foot-9 tester.
It gets most details right—but not the pockets. The Moss Raincoat feels durable and well constructed. The hood kept us dry without blocking our view; its length isn’t adjustable, but it can be cinched via old-school drawstrings. The YKK zipper runs smoothly. And the coat comes with a thoughtful repair kit in case you ever need a polyurethane patch.
Alas, the pockets are a miss. Awkwardly located on the front of the coat and covered with flaps that are pinned down on the sides, they keep your stuff dry, but they’re hard to wriggle into. Also, the storm flap and cuffs are secured by snaps rather than hook-and-loop closures. Snaps are a little fussy, and because each cuff has only one setting, you may not get a tight seal.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- The polyurethane material isn’t breathable.
- The size range is less inclusive than our other picks.
- The pinned pockets are annoying.
- The cuffs and storm flap are secured by snaps; hook-and-loop closures are easier.
Specs
- Sizes: women’s XS–XL; men’s S–2XL
- Colors: women’s version has four; men’s version has two
- Variants: short rain jacket (women’s, men’s)
- Material: outer 100% polyurethane (PFC-free); lining 100% polyester
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Care: machine wash warm, air-dry
- Returns and warranty: 30-day returns, one-year warranty against defects
A wear-anywhere women’s rain staple: L.L.Bean Women’s H2Off Mesh-Lined Rain Jacket
Top pick
If you’re after one women’s raincoat that can do it all, the light-to-medium weight L.L.Bean Women’s H2Off Mesh-Lined Rain Jacket is about as adaptable as it gets. Functional and cute, it can pass for casual, outdoorsy, or work-ready. It has an hourglass silhouette that curvier testers especially loved; others didn’t find the cut as flattering, but everyone agreed on its quality and versatility.
The H2Off jacket is also available in a winter-ready PrimaLoft-lined version and a longer, mid-thigh-length model.
According to a company representative, as of fall 2024, all L.L.Bean products—including the H2Off Mesh-Lined Rain Jacket—have transitioned to PFAS-free durable water repellent (DWR) alternatives and do not contain PFAS. We have not yet tested the updated version of this jacket.
It’s a style chameleon. Some rain jackets are emphatically sporty; others would look nice at the office, weird on a nature walk. But the H2Off can shape-shift. “It’s functional enough for hikes or weekend errands, and it has enough stylish details to wear out to dinner,” said one tester.
It’s more waterproof than it looks. Although the H2Off’s satiny polyester exterior looks like regular fabric, it has a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish, and the jacket’s interior membrane is fully seam-taped to keep water out. An airy mesh lining feels soft and cool against the skin. This coat is warmer than our shell pick from Columbia but more breathable than our heavier Helly Hansen pick.
The H2Off jacket kept us dry in our three-minute shower test. No water penetrated the inner membrane, but the exterior fabric did start to absorb moisture under the heavy water pressure; as this coat “wets out,” it gets less breathable.
It’s functional and user-friendly. Testers dug the H2Off’s large, protective hood, which is adjustable with elastic cords around the face and a Velcro back tab. The coat also has a two-way zipper, so you can make fit adjustments if you need more range of motion or room to sit.
The H2Off has an interior zippered pocket—it’s large enough for a phone or slim wallet—a handy (and curiously rare) feature for a raincoat. The in-line hand pockets are roomy and well placed, but they don’t have closures, so they’re not very secure or watertight.
This coat has snaps (versus more user-friendly Velcro) for securing the storm flap that covers its zipper and for tightening the cuffs. As one tester put it, “Snaps are a nuisance.”
It has an hourglass silhouette. The H2Off is cut generously up top, with a closer-fitting waist that can be further cinched with interior elastic pulls. A pleated back vent flares subtly around the hips and rear. “I like the slight curve at the waist, and I love the just-past-the-hip length,” said one tester (5-foot-5, size XL). “And it’s roomy enough to accommodate a large bust.”
The H2Off jacket comes in an inclusive range of regular, plus, and petite sizes. Even so, it didn’t work for all of our panelists. The proportions were comically off on our 6-foot-tall, size S tester: “It looked like an empire-waist minidress with sleeves 4 inches too short. They should make this coat in tall sizes!”
It’s well made. The coat’s stitching is neat and reinforced in the right spots, and the YKK zippers and Prym snaps are high quality. One panelist has owned her H2Off for five years and said it doesn’t have noticeable wear and tear, even after numerous washings.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- The outer fabric “wets out” in heavy rain, which makes the coat less breathable.
- The hand pockets have no closures.
- The cuffs and storm flap are secured by snaps; Velcro is easier.
Specs
- Sizes: women’s XS–XL, petite XS–XL, plus 1X–3X
- Colors: four
- Other options: mid-thigh length, PrimaLoft-lined hip length, PrimaLoft-lined mid-thigh length
- Material: outer 100% polyester; lining 100% nylon
- Weight: 1.44 pounds
- Care: machine wash warm, tumble dry low
- Returns and warranty: one-year satisfaction guarantee
How we picked and tested
Since this guide was first published in 2019—and then fully updated in 2024—we’ve researched nearly 200 raincoats and rain jackets and tested more than 50. In 2024 alone, we considered 71 women’s, men’s, and unisex options, and we tried 22.
Note: For the purposes of this guide, we’re defining “jackets” as shorter, waist and hip-length options; “coats” are longer.
A panel of testers wore the coats and jackets and provided detailed feedback. It consisted of five women (ranging in height from 5-foot-2 to 6 feet, women’s sizes S to XL) and five men (5-foot-7 to 6 feet, men’s sizes M to XXL). Not every panelist wore every model, but all of our picks were tested by at least five individuals.
We judged each garment according to the following criteria:
- Rain protection: A raincoat has to keep you dry. Its ability to do so is determined by various factors (fabric, features), but we wanted proof. So the guide author wore each 2024 contender under a running shower for three minutes—the equivalent of being doused with 7.5 gallons of water. When the weather cooperated, we also wore the jackets in the rain.
- Style: We scoped out a variety of styles and lengths—from sporty shells to polished longer coats to ponchos—but whatever the genre, we wanted the garment to look good. We only tested options with hoods (sorry, trench lovers) and excluded water-repellent winter coats, since they’re a category unto themselves.
- Comfort: The properties that make rain gear waterproof can also make it an unventilated hotbox. Panelists assessed each jacket for breathability, comfort, and ease of movement under different conditions. We also rated the fabrics and liners.
- Fit: We looked for jackets that fit and flattered people of varying sizes and body shapes.
- User-friendliness: We hunted for jackets with intuitive features that would be a pleasure to own, and tested hoods, closures, pockets, adjustments, packability, and more.
- Quality: We looked for durable, high-performing fabrics; neatly finished, fully taped seams; and well-made, functional hardware. We also checked warranty policies.
- Price: There’s no right price for a raincoat—climate, budget, and how highly you value rainwear all matter. We sought out inexpensive options that could meet our criteria and also entertained some spendy ones, capping our budget at $450 (because that’s plenty for something fantastic).
What about PFAS and PFCs in raincoats?
Rain gear often owes its effectiveness to water-repellent chemical compounds known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)—also referred to as PFCs (perfluorochemicals) or forever chemicals. PFAS have been linked to health risks, including cancer, pregnancy complications, and weakened immune function.
PFAS are very common—they’re found in everything from furniture and cookware to drinking water and soil. Experts say that limited use of any single product is unlikely to expose you to dangerous PFAS levels; the risk is due to continued, cumulative exposure from many sources.
As of January 2025, PFAS-treated raincoats are banned from being sold in some states, including California, Minnesota, and New York. Some of the picks in this guide were previously manufactured with PFAS, but company representatives for all of our current picks have confirmed that PFAS are no longer intentionally added to their products. To learn more about PFAS in apparel, read our related coverage.
Care and maintenance
The majority of rain jackets have been coated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish that breaks down gradually and needs to be refreshed periodically. (When that happens depends on how frequently you wear and wash your coat and the type of DWR finish it has.) If you notice water seeping into the surface of your coat, rather than beading up, then it’s time.
You can try a couple methods to restore your coat’s finish. To determine which is best, check your garment’s care instructions, since it varies by material. You can reactivate the DWR with heat, by tossing the coat in the dryer or ironing its exterior. Or, you can apply a new layer of DWR with a product like Nikwax TX Direct.
Note: Not all rain jackets use a DWR coating. Waxed-cotton jackets, like the ones from Barbour, must be periodically re-waxed to remain waterproof. Others, like our polyurethane Helly Hansen pick, don’t require refinishing.
Other rain jackets and raincoats worth considering
Women’s and men’s styles
If you want a PFC-free Gore-Tex shell (and don’t mind some extra crinkle): The Arc’teryx Beta Jacket (women’s, men’s) is a premium Gore-Tex jacket made without PFAS and PFCs (aka forever chemicals). The Beta has a long, boxy cut with plenty of room for layering. Its hood is functional but too small to accommodate a snow helmet (unlike those on pricier models in the Beta line), and it lacks armpit zips. On the plus side, it weighs practically nothing, and it has roomy hand pockets, a convenient interior pocket, and a sturdy front zipper. Its most outstanding properties, however, lie within its material: The Beta’s three-layer construction consists of a PFC-free Gore-Tex ePE (expanded polyethylene) membrane sandwiched between a durable nylon outer fabric and a soft, breathable knit backing. Like traditional Gore-Tex, the ePE membrane seals out the heaviest rain and wind while still allowing water vapor (read: your sweat) to escape. We noticed that the Beta’s fabric is notably stiffer and noisier than that of previous models from Arc’teryx (made from traditional Gore-Tex ePTFE, which does contain PFCs), and it feels less luxurious. It isn’t quite as loud and papery as the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L—another good PFC-free option—but it comes close.
If you want an iconic, buy-it-for-life waxed-cotton jacket: The corduroy collar. The tartan lining. That waxed-cotton finish. The Barbour jacket has been around since 1894. Today, it looks equally at home in Brooklyn and Balmoral Castle. We tested the Beaufort Waxed Jacket, a classic men’s shooting jacket; the Bedale Waxed Jacket, a shorter, lighter men’s riding jacket; and the Beadnell Waxed Jacket, a women’s version of the Bedale jacket (along with matching hoods, sold separately). Panelists praised the jackets’ style and comfort—“It’s just as amazing as I imagined,” said a Beaufort jacket fan—though one tester found the fabric oily and off-putting. (Upkeep and price are factors to keep in mind.) In our shower test, the Beadnell style kept us unexpectedly dry, though some dampness penetrated the outer layer; waxed cotton isn’t nearly as waterproof as our picks. So although we adore these Barbour models, we consider them less rain jackets than terrific jackets that can be worn in the rain.
If you want a sporty, PFC-free shell that’s ecologically responsible (but stiff and noisy): The lightweight Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket (women’s, men’s) is a packable, breathable, waterproof shell. It’s made in a Fair Trade Certified factory from recycled nylon that’s free of PFAs and PFCs (aka forever chemicals), and it has a well-fitting adjustable hood and armpit zips for venting. The Torrentshell 3L was previously a pick in this guide, but upon retesting it, we found it baggier and less flattering than our Columbia shell pick. Also, we couldn’t get past its bewilderingly stiff material, which felt more like rough paper than fabric and rustled loudly as we moved. But if buying from a company with leading environmental initiatives is a top priority—and the fabric doesn’t bother you—it’s a solid, attractive jacket.
Women’s styles
If you want a sleek, stylish, and soft women’s raincoat that can be dressed up or down: The Lululemon Rain Rebel Jacket is a buttery-soft, lightweight polyester coat with a graceful, mid-thigh-length silhouette. Our panelists found it flattering and comfy. The Rain Rebel Jacket has very long sleeves—when cuffed, they reveal reflective Lululemon logos—an adjustable hood, a cinchable waist, a two-way zipper, and zippered pockets (including an internal one). It comes in women’s sizes 0 through 20, but at the time of testing, it was out of stock in sizes over 14, so we weren’t able to assess the fit on a range of body types. At the time of publication, it’s offered in eight colors, including black and off-white.
According to a company representative, as of 2023, Lululemon has successfully phased out the use of PFAS in durable water repellent (DWR) products.
Men’s styles
If you want a heavyweight men’s workwear-style rain jacket: The Carhartt Men’s Storm Defender Loose Fit Heavyweight Jacket is made from tough wind- and waterproof nylon. It kept us warmer than any other jacket we tried, and it passed our shower test with flying colors (while remaining breathable). Testers appreciated the generous fit, workwear styling, abundant pockets—three exterior and one interior—and standout features, including stretchy storm cuffs and a detachable hood. Its reasonable price was a pleasant surprise, too. But the Storm Defender jacket is oddly specific: It’s too heavy for spring and summer rains, yet not insulated enough for weather below about 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Still, for a cool, stormy day—especially one spent toiling outside—it’s spot-on.
According to a company representative, as of fall 2024, all Carhartt products previously containing PFAS have been reformulated to be PFAS-compliant to meet new US and international laws. The Storm Defender Loose Fit Heavyweight Jacket has been made without the intentional addition of PFAS since 2019.
The competition
This is not a comprehensive list of everything we tested in previous iterations of this guide, just what’s still available.
Unisex styles
We tested two options from Danish rainwear specialist Rains: the knee-length Long Jacket and poncho-style Cape. Both are constructed from a polyurethane-coated polyester that made us instantly sweaty, and it smelled—alarmingly—like fish.
The recycled polyester Rainkiss Rain Poncho is a voluminous, one-size-fits-all calf-length poncho that comes in assorted mood-lifting patterns. It’s strangely delightful—our 6-foot-tall women’s tester gave it a resounding “ponch-hell-YES”—but most panelists were deterred by its overwhelming proportions. And since it’s a pullover, you’ll get wet as you take it off.
The Stutterheim Stockholm Lightweight Raincoat, a PVC-coated polyester coat with a thigh-length, Scandi-minimalist silhouette, was the most fashionable garment we tested. But its open pockets filled with water in both our shower test and the actual rain.
Women’s and men’s styles
The Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Jacket (women’s, men’s) is a sporty recycled polyester shell; it has a PFC-free DWR finish and a fun, color-blocked design. But we found it boxy and unflattering.
The PFC-free recycled nylon Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket (women’s, men’s) is a slim, trail-ready jacket with nice features—including an adjustable hood and armpit zips—that our similar Columbia pick lacks. But the Marmot jacket comes in fewer sizes, costs around $20 more, and made us feel clammy.
We liked the comfy mesh lining of the polyester REI Co-op Trailmade Rain Jacket (women’s, men’s); we weren’t fans of the shell’s wide, shapeless cut. The REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket (women’s, men’s), a recycled nylon shell, was more streamlined, but the unlined interior made us sweat.
Women’s styles
The mid-thigh-length polyester Eddie Bauer Women’s Girl On The Go Insulated Trench Coat is a former pick. Its button-in liner makes it better suited for cold than our women’s L.L.Bean pick, but it’s not as stylish or water repellent, and the cuffs can’t be cinched.
The cotton-nylon blend, hip-length Eddie Bauer Women’s Charly Jacket wasn’t breathable and offered less tush coverage than the L.L.Bean Women’s H2Off Mesh-Lined Rain Jacket.
The mid-thigh-length cotton/nylon Ellos Snap-Front Hooded Raincoat is cute, but the upper arms were so tight, we could barely move.
Testers struggled to find their correct fit with the mid-thigh-length, recycled nylon L.L.Bean Women’s Trail Model Rain Coat; also, they were expecting higher quality.
Men’s styles
Some testers were into the workwear look (and the four large front cargo pockets) of the nylon Duluth Trading Company Men’s No-Rainer Jacket, others found it “too young.” Everyone disliked the unlined interior.
The L.L.Bean Men’s Trail Model Rain Jacket looks similar to our Columbia shell pick, but it comes in fewer sizes. Some customers complained that it runs small.
This article was edited by Ingela Ratledge Amundson and Jennifer Hunter.
