Rain jackets are a very important part of the raining gear equipment. Remember, a jacket will protect you from the expected weather condition, keep you dry and warm and help to prevent a cold, sickness or maybe even some physical injuries. It is very important to plan your hiking, biking or camping adventures ahead, so you can make and think of a list of the items you will need. The best packable rain jacket that can fit in your backpack will save you if the weather turns bad and it should be one of the items which are your mandatory and priority equipment.
In order to pick the right jacket for your needs, it is advised to get familiar with this type of jackets, and discover what they offer, and if that fits your needs. Why packable you ask? It’s simple, because no one wants to deal with hardly packable things on their hiking adventures, camping or anything alike.
It is important that your equipment is nicely packed and takes as least space/storage as possible. In order to help you out, we have created a guide that will explain what to look for, what to skip, and which one to pick.
Our Top Picks
| Product Name | Weight | Size | Special Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asics Fujitrail Packable Jacket | 16 oz | L, L, XL, XXL | 100% recycled, micro elasticated cuff and Hem, 100% polyester | Check price on Amazon |
| Cotopaxi Aguateca Windbreaker | 5 oz | XS, S, M, L, Xl, XXL | DWR finished, 20D ripstop nylon, spandex lined hood, full width back vent | Check price on Amazon |
| Black Diamond Liquid Point Shell | 16 oz | S, M, L, XL | Adjustable , climbing helmet compatible hood, single internal chest pocket, two-way armpit zip vents | Check price on Amazon |
| Columbia Evapouration Jacket | 48 oz | XS, S, M, L, XL | 100% nylon, underarm venting, waterproof, adjustable storm hood, drawcord adjustable hem | Check price on Amazon |
| Helly Hansen Loke Jacket | 11.2 oz | S, M, L, XL, XXL | 100% polyamide, seam-sealed waterproof jacket with adjustable hood and storm placket, zippered pockets | Check price on Amazon |
| Brooks LSD Lite | 4.3 oz | L and XL | Water and wind resistant shell, 100% polyester ripstop with durable water-repellant | Check price on Amazon |
| Outdoor Research Helium 2 | 7 ouz | S, M, L, XL, XXL | Fully seam-taped, laminated construction, windproof, waterproof, adjustable hood | Check price on Amazon |
Features to Consider Before Buying
Like with any other product, before you decide on which model exactly you want to buy, you need to know what are the most important features that will help you determine find the most suitable model for your needs. Therefore, we invite you to see which features really matter when it comes to packable rain jackets.
Seam Taping
If the jacket is really a rain model, it has to be entirely seam taped so that it can be 100% waterproof.
Basically every waterproof jacket is pretty much produced like this, meaning that there is no need for you to think about this, as it will definitely come with seam taping.
Zippers
Basically every jacket comes with a bunch of zippers, all over it. But, to keep the water from seeping through the zippers, they need a storm flap or rubberized coating. Coated zippers, sometimes and are very often called laminated zippers, and need a bit more force to zip down and up.
Vents
The fact is that even the most breathable rainwear can sometimes get overheated during very active hiking adventures.
Some jackets can go a little bit further, and have torso pockets fitted with mesh liners, which can double as few more extra vents.
Adjustment Features
The adjustments on your jacket can let you create tight closures so that the wind, cold and rain will stay away from the inside of your jacket by getting in through the openings of your newly bought jacket. Also, they can improve the overall ventilation with the ability to get loosened up.
Packability
Ultralight, non-bulky fabric will always make a jacket fit your pack much easier. A few models go a step further, designing a pocket that is actually a storage pouch.
Top Products on the Market
Now that you are armed with knowledge and know which features you need from a jacket of this type, we have made your decision even easier by presenting you some of the finest models on the today’s market.
Asics Fujitrail Packable Jacket
Price: Approx. $62
Weight: 16 oz
Size: M, L, XL and XXL
Specific features: 100% recycled, rip-stop woven fabric, Micro elasticated cuff and Hem, 100% Polyester.
Best use: Running, camping, biking, hiking, emergency preparedness
Description: If you are cold (especially when it’s windy), Asics FujiTrail Packable Jacket will surely give you some protection. If you start out cold and you manage to heat up, this is breathable, it’s full-length front zipper and almost no weight gives a ton of options for finding the perfect weather conditions.
It is capped with a signature of the Fuji Mountain logo for a distinguished look. This is a super well priced, and a super versatile jacket that anyone can use.It is something that doesn’t take up a lot of room and is SUPER portable when you need it. If you are planning to go hike and the wind is awful, this jacket will make it a lot easier than you might think!
It’s made of 100% recycled fabric, which shows the commitment the brand and any buyer have with the environment, you would be contributing a little bit by buying this particular jacket.
PROS:
- Easy to pack
- Comfortable for performing sports
CONS:
- Sizes are a bit confusing, a bit too big
Related: The Asics Performance Sleeve Top is commonly bought alongside the jacket for those interested in doing sports.
Cotopaxi Aguateca Windbreaker
Price: Approx. $80
Weight: 5 oz
Size: XS, S, L, M, XL, XXL
Specific features: DWR finished, 20D ripstop nylon, spandex lined hood, and a full width back vent, all of the materials are weather resistant, available in two colors – goldfish and patriot
Best use: Camping, running, biking, hiking, emergency preparedness
Description: This Cotopaxi Aguateca Windbreaker is incredibly lightweight, extremely comfortable, and provides a very cheerful and energetic styling that stands out in all possible ways.
It does an amazing job of blocking the wind or even a drizzle, and has so far held up great for biking, hiking, running, and just working around in the office – according to the testers. It comes in all sizes, from XS to XXL, making it ideal for any type of customer. Furthermore, the sizes are actually accurate, something that doesn’t happen often.
It has a lifetime warranty included and Cotopaxi is a Certified B Corporation, focused on doing business as a force for social, environmental and economic good. A company that cares about doing something good from the money it gets.
The packed size is amazing! Its usefulness extends to any possible season. Even better, the price is just about right, and this jacket is surely worth all the money.
PROS:
- Very lightweight
- Very comfortable
- Extremely easy to pack
CONS:
- None
Related: The Cotopaxi Uyuni Travel Duffel is a good add-on for those buying products for a camping trip.
Black Diamond Liquid Point Shell
Price: Approx. $250
Weight: 16 oz
Size: S, M, L, XL
Specific features: Adjustable, climbing-helmet-compatible hood, Single internal chest pocket, YKK® Vislon® flat center front zipper with DWR coating, Zip hand pockets, Low-profile, custom-molded cuff tabs, Drawcord Hem, two-way armpit zip vents
Best use: Camping, biking, running, hiking, emergency preparedness
Description: The Black Diamond Liquid Point Shell carries all of the most important features you expect from a GORE-TEX hard-shell with a minimal bulk and extremely lightweight materials.
The Full-featured GORE-TEX Paclite®hardshell, the Liquid Point will protect you against unexpected alpine tempests. Featuring chest and hand pockets for storing the smaller essentials and cold digits.
The adjustable hood slides all over the climbing helmet, and a two-way armpit zip vents allow quick temperature control during stormy, rainy days. The drawcord hem and custom-molded cuff tabs seal out the annoying moisture and cold wind when weather conditions get awfully bad.
Although it is way more expensive than the other two models previously reviewed, this is a higher end jacket made with not only higher end materials, but more reliable ones. Goretex is well known and won’t disappoint in wet, rainy and windy environments, it will protect you against all of them, no exception.
PROS:
- Gore-Tex fabric
- Durable
- Easy to clean
CONS:
- Very expensive
Related: If you’re planning a camping trip to a colder area, Black Diamond’s Mission Pants are the perfect match for the jacket, being the same brand and quality.
Columbia Evapouration Jacket
Price: Approx. $100
Weight: 48 ounces
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
Specific features: 100% nylon, underarm venting, omni-tech waterproof, breathable, fully seam sealed, attached, adjustable storm hood, omni-wick EVAP advanced evaporation panels, drawcord adjustable hem
Best use: Camping, biking, hiking, running, emergency preparedness
Description: This Columbia Women’s Evapouration Jacket feels like a rain jacket, this is also a quite comfortable rain jacket. You won’t forget that it is a rain jacket -it has that familiar stiff and noisy fabric to go with. It is rather simple, with just-right pit zips. The brand is always a reliable pick, as it produces quality and trendy clothing products, and this jacket in particular isn’t as expensive. The value you get for your money is actually a very good deal.
There is just enough room in the sleeves for layers. And the hood is SUPER comfortable, with decent coverage and a small visor, which is designed to fit perfectly around your face and move easily with your head whenever it is needed.
If you become a passionate rainy-day hiking person, you will probably want an upgrade, this jacket will buy you some time without draining your bank account.
PROS:
- Good quality
- Waterproof
CONS:
- Not the best for cold weather
- Sizes may be a bit tricky, too small according to reviews
Related: The Columbia’s Knee Pant is a trendy item of clothing that goes along with the jacket, good for hiking while remaining stylish.
Helly Hansen Loke Jacket
Price: Approx. $100
Weight: 11.2 oz
Size: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Specific features: 100% polyamide, seam-sealed waterproof jacket featuring adjustable hood and storm placket, zippered pockets, packs into pocket, zippered underarm vents.
Best use: Camping, running, biking, hiking, emergency preparedness
Description: The Helly Hansen Loke Jacket easily packs into its pocket so you can take the waterproof protection on all your outdoor adventures. Everyone knows that there is nothing more comfortable than a compact rain jacket, it won’t take space and you will always be prepared.
Helly Tech Performance pairs a 100% waterproof, breathable membrane with a super quick-drying interior to keep you entirely dry in the annoying rainy weather and sweaty moments. Fully taped seams improves the waterproofing by preventing raindrops from getting inside. The hoody is also adjustable, for wind or water not breaking into your face or neck. Plus it comes in all possible sizes from XS to XXXL, to suit any client from any size or weight, making it very easy to buy.
Helly Hansen also equipped the Loke with awesomely designed zippers under each arm for ventilation and a 100% fully adjustable hood for secure coverage.
PROS:
- Fully adjustable hood
- Zipped hand pockets to stop water
- Velcro cuff adjustment for comfort
CONS:
- Zips are not seam sealed
Related: The Helly Hansen’s Midsund Rain Boots are a good addition to the jacket, especially for those who live in rainy places.
Brooks LSD Lite
Price: Approx. $65
Weight: 4.3 oz
Size: L and XL
Specific features: Water and wind-resistant shell, 3M™ Scotchlite™ retroreflectivity details, L.S.D. Lite – 100% polyester ripstop with durable water-repellant (DWR), Inner storm guard with zipper garage for comfort,
Best use: Camping, hiking, running, biking, emergency preparedness
Description: An irreplaceable companion for running, hiking, walking and travel. Brooks Women’s LSD Lite is easily packed and stashed; the newest Lite Shelter Device Jacket IV brings a lot of awesome style to this windproof and fully water-resistant jacket.
The slimmer waist and pleating give this amazing piece a super fast and fierce look.
Great styling and soft, lightweight fabric combine to make you as comfortable and visible as possible on your runs in the dark or foggy weather.
So, if you are just a casual runner, or you like to take long walks, then this jacket will fulfill all your expectations and needs. The price of this jacket is reasonable, and it makes it completely worth all the money. Just take into consideration that it only comes in two sizes, L and XL, which is a bit tricky if you’re a petite size woman, although truth is both sizes, according to reviews, aren’t very big.
PROS:
- Jacket turns into a packable case with zip
- Reflective elements for visibility
- Good price for quality
CONS:
- Comes only in two sizes
Related: This jacket is ideal for running, and Brooks Adrenaline GTS Shoes are a good match for the runner out there.
Outdoor Research Helium 2
Price: Approx. $186
Weight: Less than 7 oz
Size: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Specific features: Fully seam-taped, laminated construction, windproof, lightweight, waterproof and breathable fabric, internal pocket doubles as stuff sack, reflective logos, carabiner loop, adjustable hood, YKK® Aquaguard® zippers, zip chest pocket, elastic cuffs, elastic drawcord hem, single-separating front zipper
Best use: Camping, hiking, running, biking, emergency preparedness
Description: When a flash storm appears out of nowhere and the outside temperature drops 10 degrees in five minutes, don’t call in a helicopter, do not hesitate and reach in your pack and grab ultralight Outdoor Research Helium II.
Built with weather-resistant Pertex Shield fabrics, the Helium II weighs in not more than under seven ounces and packs down to basically nothing. This jacket goes in with pretty much all of the possible weather conditions, from snow to a rather scary storm.
This is a bit of a higher end jacket, but it’s also a very good item for the money it costs. The adjustable hood is always an extremely handy feature, especially during very rainy and windy days. The same hood comes with a reflective trim, to increase visibility on those rainy or dark afternoons. It comes available in many sizes to suit almost all the possible interested buyers.
PROS:
- Very good fit for anyone
- One of the lightest wind breakers in the market
- The hood is easy to adjust
CONS:
- Lack of pockets for the hands
Related: Many buy beanies alongside jackets in case the hike, or the everyday life gets cold. The Wigwam Wills Beanie Hat is a good and reliable hat for those specific occasions.
Wrapping It Up
Now you probably have your favorite jacket from the list and you have an idea of what you might need in the future. All of the jackets above are nicely designed and do their job perfectly well, however, it is just you who has to pick the right one.
Be aware that you should and you have to take care of the jacket you buy, in order to have it in the top condition. Keeping your jacket in the best conditions as possible is very important, because it will be providing you with warmth and keep you dry at any time given.
Keep in mind that having a good jacket is not the only thing and equipment you need in order to successfully go on an adventure while hiking, running or camping, there are a lot more things to take with you.
So try and plan your adventures accordingly, look for the items which fit your budget and make sure you feel comfortable in what you wear, no one wants to hike in a super stiff jacket, or wet boots, no good backpack or a lack of food.
Hopefully, our article will help you find the ideal rain jacket for you and if you think that we missed a model worth mentioning, feel free to leave a comment in the comments section below.
Wow, worth every cent. It is very lightweight and perfect for hiking and backpacking. It kept me dry in conditions like pouring rain or extreme fog. I’d never bought this brand name outdoor equipment before, but now I’d say the black diamond gear delivers best results and it’s worth it.
Though it may be pricey, you’ll see why this jacket is such a crowd-favorite. The stunning look of the jacket is worth every penny. The GORE-TEX hard-shell material has minimal bulk and are extremely lightweight materials. Even with extreme weather, this jacket has got you covered!
Though it may be pricey, you’ll see why this jacket is such a crowd-favorite. The stunning look of the jacket is worth every penny. The GORE-TEX hard-shell material has minimal bulk and are extremely lightweight materials. Even with extreme weather, this jacket has got you covered!
My Black Diamond Men’s Liquid Point Shell Captain Blue has seen me through so many rainy days on the trail. It fits well, feels great on the body and it compacts so well when folded. I don’t have to worry about it taking up so much space in my backpack.
One of the best jackets in the market and it is pretty compact. The material is compact – the GORE-TEX hard-shell feature is an outstanding one. The jacket has vents, too so you won’t overheat, even on long walks or a sudden upswing in temperature. It may be a bit pricey for some but its stellar qualities are their best come-on.