Many men are into outdoor adventures. Perhaps, it is embedded in their genes to explore uncharted terrains, conquer towering summits, and push themselves to the limits. Of course, doing these things are fulfilling--when accomplished. But at the same time, it also exposes them to the elements.
When the weather is bad, you want the best rain jacket for men to protect yourself from the elements. In fact, no matter what time of year it is, we can all appreciate a heavy-duty rain jacket. But there are so many options to choose from, and it's hard to know which model is the best for you and your needs. You may want a super lightweight and breathable model for spring and summer, a hardy jacket that will withstand the winter chill, or a jacket to hold up in all sorts of weather.
Whatever your needs are, I got you covered. I've listed all the top-rated rain jackets for men below.
| Layering | Waterproofing | |
| Arc’teryx Zeta SL Rain Jacket | 2-layer | Gore-Tex PACLITE Plus laminate |
| Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket | 3-layer | Gore-Tex membrane |
| REI Co-op Stormbolt GTX Jacket | 3-layer | Gore-Tex membrane |
| Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Rain Jacke | 2.5-layer | Dry.Q Active Stretch membrane |
| Outdoor Research Foray GORE-TEX Jacket | 2-layer | Gore-Tex PACLITE membrane |
| REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Jacket | 2-layer | Gore-Tex PACLITE membrane |
| Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket | 2.5-layer | Pertex Shield |
PRODUCT LINK REI
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Needless to say, the Arc'teryx Zeta SL Rain Jacket is definitely one of the best rain jackets today. It has a superb construction, as it boasts compressibility and a lightweight structure. Its exterior shell is tailored from a 40-denier ripstop Gore-Tex PACLITE Plus fabric. Not only is it durable, but it offers an exceptional next-to-skin feel. Meanwhile, its 2-layer Gore-Tex PACLITE Plus laminate guarantees superior waterproofing; no water or moisture will pass through its system.
Furthermore, the Zeta SL Rain Jacket features multiple ergonomic qualities. One of them is the adjustable StormHood that provides sufficient coverage to your head against the elements. The jacket also has two hand pockets with secure sliders to keep your essentials safe and dry. The adjustable hem and cuffs of this gear provides it with thermal efficiency.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
PRODUCT LINK REI
Another Arc'teryx masterpiece that you should check out is the Beta LT Jacket. Tailored to be functional and straightforward, this rain gear can keep you dry and fresh even under unfavorable weather conditions. It has a 3-layer Gore-Tex waterproof/breathable membrane that prevents water and moisture from trespassing your underlayers. Since the jacket is lightweight and multi-functional, it can be used as sporting or mountain-hiking gear. It also has been equipped with an adjustable, helmet-compatible StormHood. It adds further coverage to your body against the elements.
It also features exceptional ventilation, thanks to its underarm zippers. These zippers efficiently dump heat away from your body while doing high-exertion pursuits. Its articulated sleeves conform to the motion of your body, ensuring that the jacket doesn't interfere with your movement. Meanwhile, its patented WaterTight front zipper design stops moisture from slipping through the seams.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
PRODUCT LINK REI
You can always take on any backcountry adventures with ease as long as the REI Co-op Stormbolt GTX Jacket shelters you. It features a breathable and waterproof Gore-Tex nylon shell that ensures sturdy protection against the elements. Furthermore, the seams of the jacket have been fully taped so that no water can pass through. Meanwhile, the chest and shoulder panels of this jacket have been reinforced for guaranteed all-weather protection.
Furthermore, this jacket has abrasion-resistant back and side ripstop panels. With them around, you will be able to carry backpacks without worrying that the jacket's fabrics will get worn or stretched. It also utilizes pit zips as its primary ventilation. You can adjust so that you can always feel comfortable every time the weather changes. Interestingly, its adjustable hood has a built-in visor that maintains your view while protecting your eyes from rain, snow, and wind.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
PRODUCT LINK REI
PRODUCT LINK AMAZON
Whether you are in concrete jungles or backcountry terrains, the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Rain Jacket remains to be a reliable protection against the weather. It has been in the market for several years already; it has received multiple updates to optimize its performance. Its recent model features a reconstructed hood cinch system and pit vents. They let you use the jacket in intense activities like hiking, running, or skiing--without the fear that you'll overheat or feel restricted.
Of course, similar to other rain jackets here, the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic has an exceptional defense against the elements. It is full-bodied by a 2.5-layer nylon shell that sheds off water and moisture. With its Dry.Q Active stretch membrane, any watery elements will be banished. The jacket also features a four-way all-over stretch on its fabric for unhindered mobility. Surely enough, you can tackle challenging adventures with this gear, thanks to the fact that its shell's surface is abrasion-resistant.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
PRODUCT LINK REI
Various traits can perfectly define the Outdoor Research Foray GORE-TEX Jacket. But among them, the gear's superior breathability and waterproofing simply stand out. In fact, its quality has been acknowledged by many outdoor enthusiasts; it also gained some accolades due to its premium architecture without hurting your wallet too much.
Its Gore-Tex PACLITE 2-layer shell fabric has a fully seam-taped construction so that it can seal off the elements minus the added weight. With the proprietary TorsoFlo venting system, you can unzip the jacket from its hem down to the biceps. It allows you to wear the gear via poncho-style for extra convenience. Furthermore, the vents let you regulate the internal temperature so that you can deal with the sudden changes in the weather. Its left-hand pocket works as a stuff sack, too; here, you can stash the packed jacket if you are not using it. There's a carabiner loop equipped in the jacket that lets you affix it to climbing and backpack harnesses.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
PRODUCT LINK REI
Durability is perhaps the best quality that the men's REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Jacket can offer--aside from its waterproofing, of course. It has a rugged polyester exterior shell tailored from recycled materials. Meanwhile, its interior layer features the use of a 2-layer Gore-Tex PACLITE laminate, which is known for its solid defense against the elements. If the rain is just light, you can trust that its durable water repellent can shed off the drizzle from its shell's surface.
It's also notable that the jacket has impeccable articulation throughout its construction. This design lets you move with full mobility; it is one of the reasons why the jacket is a choice for many male athletes and hikers. It can also keep your essentials close and secure, thanks to its hand and chest pockets. These pockets have mesh linings, too, so that they can function as core vents. Fine-tuning its hood is easy, which, in turn, guarantees full coverage and unhindered vision.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
PRODUCT LINK REI
PRODUCT LINK AMAZON
The reliability of the Helium Rain Jacket to defend you against brewing storms and downpours is definitely over-the-top. It possesses exceptional durability without being too bulky and heavy. Its nylon exterior shell is abrasion-resistant and is lighter than the fabric used on the previous model. The 2.5-layer Pertex Shield of the Helium Rain Jacket is fully waterproof and windproof. But at the same time, it is breathable enough to give you adequate ventilation when the external temperature increases.
Several components of this jacket aid in temperature regulation and sealing off cold drafts. Examples of these components are its elastic drawcord hem and cuffs. Even its adjustable hood and patented YKK AquaGuard zippers optimize the weather protection that this gear provides. Meanwhile, it comes with a chest pocket that works as a stuff sack. When you are not using the jacket, you can pack and stow it in the chest pocket for a more convenient carry.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
It doesn't matter what kind of rain jacket you use; they're all designed to protect you from the elements. Typically made of water-resistant fabrics, rain jackets are designed to hold you nice and dry when it's raining, snowing, or even just sprinkling.
If you live or travel in areas prone to bad weather, it's always a good idea to have a rain jacket with you. But how do you know which ones are the best?
The considerations below can help you out.
Most rain jackets are classified by the number of fabric layers they have on their jackets. Of course, it would make you think whether or not a higher number means better performance during stormy conditions. On the other hand, others think that having too many layers could make a jacket bulky.
But what's the real score in this matter?
As of now, the shell of these rain jackets is either classified as 2, 2.5, or 3-layer. At first glance, you wouldn't think that these jackets have multiple layers, as they all appear to be tailored from a single layer alone. The reason for this is that these layers are sandwiched tightly; they are also laminated so that they don't get separated.
Interestingly, there are distinct differences between a 2, 2.5, and 3-layer fabric. At the same time, they also share similar qualities, such as their exterior shell or "face fabric." The exterior shell is often treated with a durable water repellent so that it won't be susceptible to absorbing water and moisture.
The middle layer is the actual layer where the waterproofing part is placed. There are various types of waterproof membranes, such as Gore-Tex and eVent. But most of them work just fine.
Meanwhile, others have linings or the third layer that gets in contact with the skin.
A 3-layer jacket has an exterior shell treated with durable water repellent. Meanwhile, its interior layer has polyurethane or a similar coating. The latter ensures that the layer that is next to the skin won't be clogged by oils and dirt. These particulates could affect the performance of waterproof-breathable membranes if they accumulate over time.
The known advantage of these 3-layer rain jackets is their durability due to the presence of a third layer. It prevents the waterproof-breathable layer from losing its breathability. But at the same time, these 3-layer fabrics are heavier and bulkier, as compared to 2- or 2.5-layer fabrics.
Rain jackets that have a 2.5-layer construction may appear similar to 3-layer jackets. However, you'll just notice that they are lighter and not too bulky. They still have an outer shell that has a durable water repellent treatment. But this time, the outer shell is attached to the waterproof-breathable membrane via lamination.
After that, they are painted with a thin coating so that the waterproof-breathable membrane will get protected. With the coating, your dirt will not get through the membrane. By now, you might have already guessed that the "paint" is the one that makes up the half layer.
Keep in mind, though, that the coating might feel sticky or irritating to the skin. Furthermore, its durability isn't as great as liners. Hence, their lifespan isn't that extensive.
The traditional design of 2-layer jackets is as follows: an exterior shell and a mesh liner that hangs on its interior. Due to the rise of 2.5-layer and 3-layer jackets, the original construction of 2-layer jackets became outdated. Furthermore, it is not a secret that these 2-layer jackets are bulky, heavy, and uncomfortable to some degree. On the upside, these 2-layer jackets are known for their durability. They can withstand multiple uses without any problem.
There are changes to the design of these 2-layer jackets. But it is not used by all brands. Some of the improvements have been first introduced by Gore-Tex through their Paclite Plus fabrics.
Not all rain jackets are fully waterproof. If you want to conquer storms and heavy rains, you would need waterproof gear. But for light drizzles and snows, a water-resistant jacket might be sufficient already.
Choosing the best rain jackets for men can be a complex, time-consuming process. That's why it is important that you consider the climate and activities that you are about to do. Furthermore, it is also recommended that you check out the top-rated options in the market today--such as the rain jackets that I've listed here. Not only are they great investments, but they can also give you an idea about the most suitable jacket that meets your requirement.
That's it for now. If you have other related inquiries, feel free to ask me in the comment section below!
