How to Choose a Rain Jacket

Rain jacket, raincoat, or simply a shell - whatever you call it, do you know what to look for?

The right rain jacket will keep you dry and comfortable during your activity of choice. Do you work up a sweat in rainy weather? Perhaps you walk the dog in the cold drizzle? Or maybe you commute to work and the weather just cannot make up its mind? In this guide, we cover the best rain jackets and features that will help you power through any shower.

CONTENTS

• The Basics
• Best for Hiking
• Best for Cold, Wet Weather
• What else to look for
• Rainwear Accessories

WATERPROOF AND BREATHABLE CONSTRUCTION

Within minutes of leaving your house for the rainy outdoors, your jacket’s not wet, but you are. How is that possible, you ask yourself. If you want to avoid getting wet from your sweat, it’s time to focus on breathability. Even though the most breathable jacket won’t stop you from building up a sweat, it'll enable quick release to keep you dry.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: 2 LAYER CONSTRUCTION OR MORE

For everyday use, look for a jacket with a minimum of two layers. This is often referred to as 2L, 2.5L, 3L etc. More advanced waterproof/breathable garments have more layers — some of our Ægir Offshore products, which are suited to offshore sailing adventures, have 5!

Whichever you choose, the key to the construction lies in the layers:

• the membrane allows moisture to escape from your body
• the outer layer protects you from precipitation

The final touch in this construction is typically a durable water repellency treatment. This is a treatment that wears off over time and should be cleaned and reproofed. Read about how to clean and reproof a shell jacket here.

Rain can be unpredictable at the best of times. Don't get caught out - look for a breathable and waterproof construction

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HELLY TECH®: WATERPROOF / BREATHABLE PERFECTION

Our waterproof/breathable technology is called HELLY TECH®. It is the outer layer and final defense between you and the elements. To make this technology as waterproof and breathable as possible, every detail is thoughtfully considered to enhance performance — from the taped seams, to the membrane used, all the way down to the treatment of the fabric (skip ahead to durable water repellency for more details).

WHO ARE BREATHABLE RAIN JACKETS FOR?

Active commuters, dog walkers, those who are always on the move or who build up heat fast.

RAIN JACKETS FOR HIKING

Rain jackets made for hiking are often referred to as a shell jacket. A shell jacket should always be waterproof and breathable. If it isn't, it'll become even wetter on the inside than the outside.

Waterproof hiking jackets should have some other key features, such as:

• Smart ventilation (arm vents can help a lot during intense hikes)
• Backpack-compatible construction (for access to pockets and zippers while wearing a backpack)
• Waist-length construction to ensure mobility and avoid "bunching"

Rain jackets for hiking have different features you need to consider to get the most out of your adventure

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WARM RAIN JACKETS FOR COLD AND WET WEATHER

It’s all well and good having a rain jacket, but what about those cold, damp days that chill you to the bone? Here you’ll want to factor in warmth and plenty of it.

The Men's Munich Insulated Rain Coat is insulated to keep you warm on cold days

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR: INSULATION (OR ROOM FOR EXTRA LAYERS)

Here you have 2 options depending on your individual needs:

• If you’re the type of person that always runs cold, then we highly recommend an insulated rain jacket. We mostly use PrimaLoft®, the king of synthetic insulation that provides down-like insulation even when wet.
• If you’re looking for year-round rain protection, then you might want to consider a non-insulated rain coat that is roomy enough to add extra layers in shoulder seasons (think fleece or a wool sweater).

Explore our parkas for more insulated and waterproof jackets.

OTHER FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN A RAIN JACKET

On top of waterproof and breathable constructions, you’ll also want to think about the features according to your needs, activity and the climate in which you live and/or work.

DURABLE WATER REPELLENCY

For our gear to be waterproof and breathable, two things need to happen. We need to make the membrane porous enough to let out moisture and tight enough to keep water droplets from seeping through. Though the membrane’s fabric has some water-resistant properties, it needs an extra boost with DWR (durable water repellent) treatment. This nifty layer of liquid is thinly spread over the fabric, and responsible for giving our gear its water-repellent properties. It is worth noting that DWR should be reapplied to keep your rain gear performing as it should - scroll down to our how to clean your shell jacket video for more.

Durable water repellancy treatment provides breathable rain protection

FIT AND LENGTH

The obvious advantage of a longer length is that it covers more of the body. If you live in a climate where squalls are common, then we recommend a longer length jacket. For active pursuits, a waist-length jacket gives more freedom of movement, along with the added benefit of being easier to pack away, and throw on when you feel those first drops of rain.

POCKETS

Fleece-lined pockets add extra warmth for cold hands. Look for zippers to secure your goods and drop pockets (that open from the top) for easy and safe storage.

COLLAR AND HOOD

A high collar gives more protection from the wind. Select rain coats feature a stowaway hood that can be easily packed away for a more sleek look.

RAINWEAR ACCESSORIES

Sometimes, you need head to toe protection. Don't forget rain boots and even a rain hat for serious downpours.

Keep your feet dry and protected from unexpected rain

Let’s face it. Umbrellas quickly lose their charm once a shoelace comes undone or we really need an extra hand. While the best rain jacket may not exist, you can still get a rain jacket that best suits your needs. Skip the umbrella with our quality rainwear made to last.

CARE FOR YOUR JACKET