🥇 ShopSavvy Best Picks

Expert recommendations for the best overall, budget, and specialized product picks.

Our researchers bring you our top recommendations. Each article usually highlights the best overall choice, a budget-friendly option, and picks for specific needs, helping you shop smarter and with confidence.

Explore Content

More to Explore

BEST PICKS

Best Rain Jackets for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: February 5th, 2024

☔Rainy days don't have to ruin your plans. With a good rain jacket, you can stay dry and comfy no matter what the weather throws at you. We've dug deep into reviews and data to bring you the best rain jackets of 2024. Whether you're looking for something affordable or top-tier performance gear, we've got you covered. Keep reading to find the perfect rain jacket for your needs.

🥇
Overall Best: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L earns our top spot for 2024 thanks to its impressive blend of durability, comfort, and superior waterproofing. This jacket features a 3-layer H2No Performance Standard construction that provides excellent protection against heavy rain while remaining breathable. Inside, the tricot lining adds a soft touch, minimizing the typical clamminess associated with rain jackets. It's a versatile option that balances performance and affordability, making it suitable for both daily wear and outdoor activities. Though it is a tad heavier and stiffer than some ultralight models, its reliability and extensive features make it an excellent choice for most people.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$78.00 at Patagonia Worn Wear

🥈
Runner-Up: Outdoor Research Helium Jacket

Outdoor Research Men's Helium Rain Jacket

The Outdoor Research Helium Jacket is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, combining a lightweight design with high-performance waterproofing. Weighing just 6.3 ounces, this jacket is perfect for those who need a packable option without compromising on protection. It features the Pertex Shield membrane with Diamond Fuse technology, which enhances tear resistance. While it doesn't have as many pockets or features as heavier jackets, its ultralight design makes it an ideal choice for thru-hiking and activities where keeping weight to a minimum is crucial.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$162.39 at Amazon

💸
Budget Pick: REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket

For those seeking excellent performance on a budget, the REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket is our top pick. Priced around $100, it boasts features like a 2.5-layer HydroWall waterproof membrane, venting pit zips, and a packable design. Users commend its comfort and durability, making it a versatile option for casual day hikes and urban outings. While it may not offer the same level of breathability or rugged durability as more expensive models, it provides exceptional value for its price.

Available at Amazon

View at Amazon

Best for Versatility: Arc'teryx Beta LT

Arc'teryx Beta Jacket Men's | Redesign | Gore-Tex ePE Shell, Maximum Versatility - Hiking Jacket, Waterproof Rain Jacket Black Sapphire X-Large

The Arc'teryx Beta LT stands out for its versatility, offering top-notch performance for a range of activities, including hiking and skiing. Its 3-layer Gore-Tex construction ensures maximum waterproofing and wind resistance while maintaining a lightweight profile at just 13.9 ounces. With features like a helmet-compatible hood and watertight zippers, this jacket is built to last in demanding conditions. Although it comes with a higher price tag, its superior build quality and multi-use capability make it a worthy investment.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$400.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Arc'teryx Beta Jacket Men's? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

🧥

How durable is the Arc'teryx Beta jacket?

The Arc'teryx Beta Jacket is pretty impressive in terms of durability, especially if you're into outdoor activities. It's made with a Gore-Tex ePE shell, which is known for being waterproof and windproof, while still letting your skin breathe. So, whether you're caught in a light shower or a heavier rain during a hike, it should hold up nicely. According to our research, the manufacturer designed this jacket for a wide range of activities like hiking and trekking. Its athletic fit is great for layering, which is handy when you're dealing with cold weather. The adjustable hood and cuffs help keep out water, providing you with extra protection in the rain. It also features C-KNIT backer technology, which gives the jacket a softer feel without losing any strength. People who've tried it out, including some pros, generally give it high marks for durability. It comes with a long-lasting DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish that helps it stand up to the elements over time. Plus, it's lightweight and packs easily, so it's a good choice if you need a jacket you can take along without much fuss for unexpected weather changes. One thing people mention is that it could use better ventilation, like pit zips, which is something to consider if you're wearing it in warmer weather or during high-energy activities. But overall, the Arc'teryx Beta Jacket provides solid protection and flexibility, making it reliable for different outdoor environments. So, if you're gearing up for a hike or intense trek, this jacket should keep you dry and comfortable.

🧥

Is the Arc'teryx Beta jacket breathable?

When you're thinking about the Arc'teryx Beta Jacket for your outdoor activities, breathability is definitely something to consider, especially for more physically intense outings. Based on what we've found, this jacket has a [Gore-Tex](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dgore-tex%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) ePE shell that balances protection from the weather with letting your body breathe. It's pretty versatile, so it's suitable for everything from a light hike to a more demanding trek. The jacket uses a three-layer Gore-Tex construction. While it's best known for keeping wind and water out, it also does a respectable job with breathability. This is really helpful for managing moisture and avoiding overheating when you're working hard. Our research shows that a lot of folks like how this keeps them comfortable when they're upping the intensity. However, while it protects you from the elements, it seems like the Beta Jacket skips some extra features that boost airflow, like pit zips, which some people really prefer for high-energy activities. So, if maximum breathability is super important for you, especially in unpredictable weather, you might want to keep this in mind. The jacket's design also considers climbers or folks carrying heavy backpacks, with pockets positioned to stay usable and easy to reach. All in all, if you're heading out to places where the weather can change on a dime, the Arc'teryx Beta Jacket is a solid and dependable option. Although it's on the pricier side, its durability and good mix of protection and breathability make it a strong candidate if you need a jacket that can handle different conditions. If your planned adventures require solid weather protection and decent breathability, this jacket is definitely worth checking out.

🧥

How waterproof is the Arc'teryx Beta jacket?

Wondering how waterproof the Arc'teryx Beta Jacket is? Based on what we've found, it's pretty reliable in that department. It's made with a [GORE-TEX](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DGORE-TEX%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) ePE shell, which the manufacturer says is known for being waterproof, windproof, and breathable. So, it should keep you dry and comfy during those rainy outdoor adventures. The jacket uses a three-layer GORE-TEX membrane along with a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating, which means it's built to handle a lot of wet weather without letting the water seep through. According to our research, it does a solid job, even when you're caught in the rain for a while. People who've tested it mention that it really shines in stormy conditions. One review we found from "The Big Outside" specifically highlighted staying dry during thunderstorms and heavy rain. Plus, the design features like the StormHood and adjustable hem and cuffs help keep water out. Some folks noted the lack of pit zips for extra ventilation, but they still appreciated its breathability and comfort. It's seen as a great all-season rain shell for hiking and trekking, whether it's summer or winter. Just a heads-up, it's tagged as a premium product, so it's a bit of an investment. But from what we've gathered, it's well-regarded for its storm protection and rugged build. If you're looking for a trustworthy jacket to keep you dry, this one fits the bill.

View All Answers for

Best for Hiking: Black Diamond StormLine Stretch

For hikers looking for maximum mobility, the Black Diamond StormLine Stretch is a fantastic choice. It features a 2.5-layer BD.dry waterproof membrane combined with four-way stretch fabric for flexibility and protection. Additional features include an underarm gusset for increased range of motion, adjustable cuffs, and a climbing helmet-compatible hood, making it perfect for active pursuits. It also packs into its own pocket for easy transport. The only drawback is its relatively large fit, which may not appeal to those who prefer a more tailored cut.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$118.29 at Amazon

Get ShopSavvy

ShopSavvy is totally free and works on all popular phones and browsers