Your rain jacket is probably not essentially the most thrilling piece of your backpacking equipment, nevertheless it’s fairly darn essential. Certain, it’d keep stuffed in your pack through the dry elements of the path, however as soon as the wet part hits, you’ll be glad to deploy this important piece of drugs.
One of the best backpacking rain jackets for thru-hiking will shield you from the wind and assist hold your core heat when the temperature drops. Your superb rain gear will match comfortably and have a superb steadiness of options, breathability, and weight.
Greatest Backpacking Rain Jackets for Via-Mountaineering: Fast Navigation
The Greatest Backpacking Rain Jackets for Via-Mountaineering in 2026
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Males’s | Ladies’s (Most Sturdy Backpacking Rain Jacket)MSRP: $189Weight: 14.1 ounces (males’s) | 12.4 ounces (girls’s)
Greatest backpacking rain jackets: Patagonia Torrentshell
Fairly priced and a basic choice for thru-hikers, the Torrentshell makes use of Patagonia’s proprietary H2No Efficiency membrane, which isn’t fairly as breathable as a few of the different choices on the market, however the venting pit zips take some strain off the membrane.
This jacket has a medium match that’s superb for layering and an adjustable hood that permits ample visibility. Remember that the development of the hand pockets can enable water to seep in throughout heavy rain, so in case you’re heading to a very moist path, this won’t be the most suitable choice.
The newest model of this basic rain jacket, the Torrentshell 3L, has been up to date with three-layer development. This makes the brand new jacket extra breathable and extra sturdy, but additionally heavier and dearer, than earlier 2.5-layer incarnations.
Regardless of the 14-ounce weight penalty for a males’s medium, the Torrentshell is a well-liked rain jacket for long-distance climbing. Many really feel the additional ounces are value it for a sturdy, dependable, and fairly priced jacket from an organization that’s identified for its moral and environmentally acutely aware practices.
Supplies and Options
This three-layer jacket is very sturdy due to the bombproof 50D recycled ripstop face cloth, the burliest on this listing. The face cloth, which is made with recycled nylon, and a smooth tricot inside liner sandwich Patagonia’s proprietary H2No waterproof-breathable membrane.
The Torrentshell has customary (not waterproof, however DWR-treated) zippers protected by storm flaps however makes up for this with good options like an adjustable brimmed hood (retains drips off your face and, in case you put on them, glasses) and a comfortable fleece-lined neck. The jacket can pack down into its personal hand pockets, of which it has two. Not like another jackets, it doesn’t have a chest pocket, which can or is probably not an issue for you. Our reviewer mentioned the drawcords are powerful to make use of.
Professionals: 50D face cloth is most sturdy on this listing; snug; pit zips; brimmed hood; adjustable cuffs and hem; broad coloration choice.
Cons: Heaviest on this listing; hand pockets can leak; customary non-waterproof zippers; no inner/chest pocket; drawcords may be difficult.
Montbell Versalite Males’s | Ladies’s (Greatest Totally Featured Light-weight Rain Jacket)MSRP: $275 – $285Weight: 5.9 ounces (males’s) | 5.4 ounces (girls’s)*
*weight with out Montbell’s included stuff sack, which provides 0.5 oz
Greatest backpacking rain jackets for thru-hiking: Montbell Versalite
Supplies and Options
The Versalite has undergone some fairly dramatic modifications. Whereas it was once made with 2-layer Gore-tex Infinium Windstopper, it now makes use of Montbell’s personal proprietary 3-layer, PFAS-free Drytec cloth. The face cloth remains to be Ballistic Airlight ripstop nylon, however the denier has dropped from 7D to 10D. The material and the DWR end are each PFAS-free. Additionally, whereas the inclusion of hand pockets within the older Versalite was one among our favourite options, the brand new model lacks them.
Different features of the Versalite’s design have stayed the identical. It nonetheless options lengthy pit zips, a water resistant zipper, a triple-adjustable hood, and adjustable cuffs and hemline. It additionally nonetheless makes use of Montbell’s Okay-Mono lower sample (which means the jacket is lower from a single, steady piece of material to attenuate seams, enhancing the jacket’s waterproofness and sturdiness).
Professionals: Lengthy pit zips; minimal seams; light-weight; breathable.
Cons: Zipper not absolutely waterproof; pretty costly; newest model lacks pockets.
Arc’teryx Beta SL Jacket Males’s | Ladies’s (Most Stormworthy Backpacking Rain Jacket)MSRP: $500Weight: 12 ounces (males’s) | 10.6 ounces (girls’s)
Greatest backpacking rain jackets for thru-hiking: Arc’teryx Beta SL
The Beta SL is a three-layer jacket with sturdy 40- and 70-denier Gore-tex and a Gore C-Knit inside backing. The backing is meant to make the jacket lighter, quieter, and extra breathable. It consists of built-in RECCO reflector, a passive know-how that may assist search-and-rescue groups pinpoint your location in an emergency.
Although older variations of this jacket lacked pit zips, the present Beta SL has them (thanks Arc’teryx), and the next-to-skin really feel is softer than different comparable jackets.
The Beta SL is undoubtedly the most costly jacket on the listing, and when you’re getting a high-quality piece of drugs, you’re additionally paying partly for the identify model.
That is removed from the lightest jacket on the listing, however for hikers anticipating tough trails and tough climate, the Beta SL delivers with rugged sturdiness, resilient waterproofness, and glorious construct high quality.
Supplies and Options
The three-layer Gore-tex cloth with Gore C-knit know-how and DWR end is extraordinarily powerful and can maintain up within the nastiest of climate. Arc’teryx delivers, as typical, with considerate options like a laminated adjustable hem, anatomical shaping, and gusseted underarms for a extra snug match. The jacket has three pockets: two hand pockets and one inner — all with zippers — and lengthy pit zips.
Lastly, the jacket makes use of Gore-tex’s new expanded polyethylene (ePE) waterproof membrane. Arc’teryx describes this membrane as “lighter and thinner, however simply as robust and sturdy because the supplies we used earlier than. You could discover the face cloth ‘wetting out’ barely sooner in merchandise with ePE membranes, however relaxation assured this doesn’t have an effect on the waterproofing of the membrane itself.” This implies you might want to scrub the jacket extra ceaselessly to reinvigorate the DWR.
Professionals: 3L Gore-tex cloth is among the many most sturdy on this listing; long-lasting DWR; gusseted underarms and anatomical shaping improves mobility and match; taped seams make jacket much more waterproof; RECCO reflectors; PFC-free.
Cons: So costly; considerably heavy; slim match not conducive to layering; could moist out extra rapidly/require extra washing than different jackets
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Zpacks Vertice Males’s | Ladies’s (Greatest Ultralight Backpacking Rain Jacket)MSRP: $299Weight: 5.4 ounces (males’s) | 5.1 ounces (girls’s)
Greatest backpacking rain jackets for thru-hiking: Zpacks Vertice. Picture through Zpacks.
A sub-six-ounce rain jacket that has pit zips, a chest pocket, and excellent breathability? What the what?? This jacket is on the dearer finish of the spectrum however has truly gone down in value by $50 since this time final 12 months. And the burden has additionally gone down, albeit solely by just a few grams: the Vertice is considerably lighter than equally priced choices.
At simply 5.4 ounces for a males’s medium, it’s additionally the lightest jacket on this listing — however whereas most ultralight rain jackets sacrifice options or sturdiness (or each) within the identify of shaving grams, the Vertice has basic options like pit zips and doesn’t really feel like a paper bag once you put it on.
Supplies and Options
The jacket is made with Zpacks’ proprietary Vertice cloth. This three-layer, ultralight materials consists of a smooth tricot interior lining, a scant 7D nylon face cloth with DWR end, and a waterproof-breathable membrane in between.
Per their web site, Zpacks says the jacket “is thick sufficient to face up to gentle brush and abrasion,” however 7D nylon remains to be a really skinny cloth, so be ready to child your rain gear.
Have we talked about the pit zips but in relation to this jacket? Sure? OK properly simply to reiterate, there are pit zips and we’re enthusiastic about that reality. And waterproof zippers.
The Vertice additionally incorporates a deep, adjustable hood, an elasticized hem, and shock twine adjustable cuffs. The entire jacket can pack into its personal roomy chest pocket, which can be fastidiously positioned so as to simply entry it whereas strapped into your backpack.
Professionals: Light-weight; breathable; packable; pit zips; chest pocket; adjustable cuffs and hood.
Cons: Pretty costly; 7d face cloth will not be essentially the most sturdy.
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Frogg Toggs Extremely-Lite Males’s | Ladies’s (Greatest Finances Rain Jacket)MSRP: $25Weight: 8.8 oz males’s | 6.4 oz girls’s
Greatest backpacking rain jackets for thru-hiking: Frogg Toggs Extremely-Lite
They’re removed from the fanciest rain jackets on the path, however in a vogue setting dominated by ragged soccer shorts and thrift retailer Hawaiian shirts, Frogg Toggs match proper in — and so they’re insanely budget-friendly. They don’t have pit zips, waterproof zippers, and even pockets, however they’re waterproof sufficient to do the job, and the worth is correct.
They aren’t very sturdy and may snag simply on sharp rocks and branches, however they’re maybe not as delicate as widespread opinion would have you ever imagine: with a bit additional care and a willingness to resort to occasional duct tape restore jobs, The Trek’s Kelly Floro made a single set of ‘Toggs final about 1300 miles. (It’s value noting that the Frogg Toggs Extremely-Lite² pants, regardless of being product of the identical materials because the jacket, by some means appear much more delicate and are very susceptible to tearing).
Supplies and Options
Not like most rain jackets, Frogg Toggs don’t depend on DWR as the primary layer of protection in opposition to precipitation, which implies you gained’t expertise the wet-out issues widespread with DWR jackets, and also you gained’t have to fret about periodically reapplying.
Frogg Toggs can final over a thousand miles in case you child them, however they’re pretty delicate and may simply snag or develop holes the place your pack rubs the fabric, so that you’ll need to child them. Frogg Toggs have customary zippers, an adjustable (however floppy) hood, elastic cuffs, and no pockets. They do run massive, and the match is pretty cumbersome.
Professionals: Very cheap; can final a complete thru-hike or longer in case you child them; simply replaceable on-line or at Walmart; no DWR.
Cons: Tear pretty simply; no pockets; no pit zips; hood is a bit awkward and ceaselessly droops into your eyes; hideously ugly; next-to-skin really feel isn’t wonderful; not that breathable.
READ NEXT – Why $20 Frogg Toggs Are the Perfect Rain Gear for a Via-Hike
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Lightheart Gear Rain Jacket (Unisex | Greatest Completely Waterproof Jacket)MSRP: $150Weight: 7.4 oz
Greatest backpacking rain jackets: LightHeart Gear Rain Jacket
Breathable rain jackets are nice, however let’s face it: regardless of their finest efforts, you’ll nonetheless find yourself drenched in sweat after just a few hours. Breathable rain jackets additionally depend on a DWR end on the face cloth to maintain from wetting out, and that end will ultimately put on out and need to be reapplied.
Lightheart Gear takes a totally completely different strategy to the climbing rain jacke. Its single-layer silpoly rain jacket is particularly non-breathable. Slightly, it’s absolutely and completely waterproof, and it has extra-long pit zips to assist with air flow. The model used to make its distinctive rain jackets from silnylon, however LightHeart now favors extra waterproof silpoly (the fuschia coloration remains to be silnylon). The Trek’s Kelly Floro reviewed this jacket again in 2022; just a few issues have modified since then (the worth went up by $25, the seams are taped slightly than sure now, the zippers at the moment are waterproof, and the colorways are completely different), however total, it’s largely the identical jacket.
The value-to-weight ratio of this jacket (a scant six ounces for less than $150) is great, due to this jacket’s simple, minimalist development. In the event you’re intrigued by the single-layer rain jacket idea, Antigravity Gear makes the same garment out of rugged 70D silnylon that’s additionally value a glance.
Supplies and Options
A single layer of 20D ripstop polyester coated with silicone on the skin and polyurethane on the within — no liner, no face cloth, no DWR — offers this jacket its waterproofness. Silpoly is hydrophobic and gained’t take in water or stretch or sag when moist the best way silnylon can.The jacket was once constructed with sure seams, however is now absolutely seam-taped. It has waterproof zippers. It has a brimmed hood and beneficiant pit zips, that are important to enhance the air flow of this non-breathable layer.
Professionals: Brimmed hood; two hand pockets and two waterproof inner pockets; silpoly extra waterproof than silnylon; massive measurement vary (XS – XXXL); no DWR to fuss about reapplying; wonderful price-to-weight ratio; customizable sleeve size.
Cons: Sleeves run brief; no zipper on pocket; zero breathability.
Out of doors Analysis Helium UL Males’s | Ladies’s (Most Sturdy Ultralight Rain Jacket)MSRP: $225Weight*: 5.7 ounces (males’s) | 5.6 ounces (girls’s)
*All weights on this listing are based mostly on a measurement medium except in any other case specified.
Greatest backpacking rain jackets for thru-hiking: OR Helium UL
Constructing on its longstanding and widespread Helium rain jacket, OR has now launched the Helium UL — a lighter model of the Helium that makes use of a unique waterproof-breathable cloth. The brand new cloth is the most important departure from Helium custom; in any other case, the jacket’s lower and minimalist function set stay the identical.
Sadly, the material improve added virtually $50 to the worth. The Helium has all the time stood out as a comparatively reasonably priced ultralight choice. It’s now extra ultralight than ever, nevertheless it’s not so budget-friendly anymore.
Supplies and Options
The OR Helium UL is made of two.75-layer Toray Dermizax, a waterproof-breathable cloth from Japan that’s identified for its superior breathability and stretchiness in comparison with the competitors (however, reportedly, decrease sturdiness and waterproofness).
Just like the earlier Helium, this model nonetheless has waterproof zippers, reflective particulars, elastic cuffs, and a drawcord hem. The ladies’s model has two zippered hand pockets, whereas the boys’s has a single zippered chest pocket for small gadgets. The match is roomy sufficient to layer beneath with out being cumbersome.
Professionals: U;tralight; first rate breathability; no-frills; a number of coloration choices; 30D nylon among the many hardest on this listing.
Cons: No hand pockets on the boys’s model/bizarre that the design is completely different; no pit zips; waterproofing could not maintain as much as frequent use/heavy storms; costly
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What to Search for within the Greatest Backpacking Rain Jackets for Via-Mountaineering
Weight
Your rain jacket shouldn’t weigh greater than 12 – 14 ounces. Actually, one thing nearer to eight – 10 ounces is right. Lower than 8 ounces = an ultralighter’s dream.
Match
Your backpacking rain jacket must be a medium match. You wish to comfortably layer beneath it with out sacrificing mobility, nevertheless it shouldn’t really feel so large that it bunches up. As a result of this can be utilized as one other layer to guard in opposition to chilly, you don’t wish to need to work tougher to maintain that microclimate heat.
Search for an extended mannequin with a drop waist to assist rain runoff within the again, and in addition in case you wish to sit down. On the very least, the jacket must be lengthy sufficient that it doesn’t experience up beneath a hip belt.
Supplies
The 2 predominant sorts of waterproofing are a PU laminate and an ePTFE membrane. Rain jackets constructed with a PU laminate are inexpensive however gained’t be as breathable. Gore-Tex was the unique person of the ePTFE membrane, which is waterproof and breathable. You probably have the finances, search for mentions of GTX, eVent, or proprietary branding that makes use of ePTFE.
If doable, search for a jacket that makes use of a PFC-free DWR remedy. Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are industry-standard in sturdy water repellent (DWR) finishes, however they’re additionally poisonous and persist for tens to tons of of years within the setting.
A rising motion within the cottage UL {industry} now favors inherently waterproof silpoly and silnylon rain jacket development. Silpoly and silnylon rain jackets aren’t breathable, however they usually have additional air flow options like pit zips to offset the stuffiness. And since they’re made with only a single layer of material, they’re typically lighter than conventional waterproof-breathable clothes.
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Options
Pit zips: Good for dumping warmth whereas carrying it on the transfer, however not completely vital.
Drawcord waist: Defend from splashing and hold your different layers (type of) dry.
Adjustable cuffs: Identical because the drawcord waist. Nothing’s worse than reaching up and having water pour down your sleeves. Search for elastic or Velcro closures.
Hood match: This one may be difficult. You need the hood to be fitted and deep sufficient (with a brim) so the rain doesn’t sneak in, however you additionally don’t wish to lose your peripheral imaginative and prescient. Ensure you can tighten the hood sufficient to show your head and have the hood flip with you, not flip your head and be staring on the inside the hood.
Sealed pockets: We don’t advocate maintaining something of worth in your rain jacket pockets, however be sure that the mannequin has waterproof zippers … on the very least extremely water resistant.
–Maggie Slepian
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The Greatest Via-Mountaineering Rain Jackets: FAQs
Do I want rain pants for backpacking?
Not essentially. Rain pants are deathly uncomfortable and inconvenient to placed on / take off. Because of this, many thru-hikers discover that their rain pants sit untouched within the backside of their packs till they lastly get sick of the useless weight and mail them dwelling. For gentle rain safety, a rain kilt is a extra breathable various to pants.
You do wish to carry rain pants in case you anticipate potential chilly climate, reminiscent of on winter backpacking journeys, uncovered high-elevation journeys the place the climate can change on a dime, and early-season thru-hikes. In these situations, you’ll worth the additional heat and safety rain pants present as a result of chilly + moist = hypothermia, and also you undoubtedly don’t need that.
READ NEXT – Do You Actually Want Rain Pants for Backpacking?
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Can a climbing umbrella substitute my rain jacket?
Mountaineering umbrellas pull double responsibility by shielding you from each rain and solar, and so they’re well-ventilated and cozy in comparison with stuffy, sweat-inducing rain jackets. On the flip aspect, they don’t carry out properly in excessive winds or on overgrown trails and gained’t present a lot safety in opposition to chilly climate or swirling mist.
On warm-weather hikes the place you don’t anticipate plenty of rain, utilizing an umbrella as standalone rain gear is an effective way to avoid wasting weight and keep snug. In additional humid and/or colder environments, most hikers persist with conventional rain gear and, at most, carry an umbrella as a complement to their rain jackets.
High climbing umbrellas: Gossamer Gear Liteflex, Six Moon Designs Silver Shadow Carbon, Snow Peak Ultralight
Ought to I take advantage of a poncho or a rain jacket for backpacking?
In comparison with rain jackets, ponchos get an honest quantity of airflow via the enormous gap on the backside and may be worn over prime of your backpack. This maximizes your safety and probably saves you the burden of a separate pack cowl (or the burden of a rain-sodden pack in case you go for an inner pack liner).
That mentioned, it’s not all roses. On the finish of the day, ponchos are heavier than rain jackets, they don’t carry out properly in windy circumstances, and all that cumbersome materials (and no zipper) makes them unwieldy. Rain jackets are undoubtedly the extra widespread alternative, and we are likely to agree within the identify of sheer consolation and comfort.
Can’t choose between the 2? The Packa is a poncho-jacket hybrid with a entrance zipper and pit zips that’s particularly designed to suit over your backpack. It’s additionally marvelously attractive. Belief us.
How do waterproof-breathable rain jackets work?
Waterproof-breathable jackets usually function a microporous waterproof membrane protected against abrasion by an exterior face cloth with a sturdy water-repellant (DWR) coating and from damaging dust and physique oils by an inside liner. The membrane’s micropores are massive sufficient to permit water vapor to flee from contained in the jacket however sufficiently small to stop liquid water droplets from penetrating.
These layers may be laminated collectively to type one unit (three-layer jackets), the face cloth and membrane may be laminated collectively as one unit whereas the inside liner stays separate (two-layer), or the face cloth and membrane may be laminated along with a protecting coating painted on the within of the jacket in lieu of a liner (2.5-layer).
2.5-layer jackets are usually the lightest, whereas three-layer jackets are essentially the most breathable and sturdy. Two-layer jackets are normally the heaviest and the least suited to backpacking, however they’re additionally cheap.
Why does my rain jacket get moist inside?
When your rain jacket “wets out,” it’s not as a result of the jacket’s waterproofness has failed and rain is getting via from the skin. Often, it’s from condensation and sweat that type contained in the jacket.
Usually, a breathable jacket’s microporous waterproof membrane permits this inner water vapor to flee, but when the DWR coating on the skin of the material fails, the exterior face cloth turns into saturated and prevents the jacket from respiration correctly. Condensation and sweat construct up inside, leaving you moist and clammy.
Luckily, DWR remedy may be reapplied to breathe new life (heh) into your rain gear.
How can I keep away from sweating in my rain jacket?
Put on much less beneath to remain cool, and search for a breathable rain jacket with air flow options like pit zips.
Don’t put on the jacket in heat, wet circumstances when you’re actively climbing: put it aside for chilly climate or relaxation durations when staying heat is extra of a problem. Take off your climbing shirt earlier than donning your rain jacket in order that the shirt will stay dry and sweat-free when the storm passes.
Re-up the DWR remedy in your jacket periodically in order that it might probably breathe successfully.
And, on the finish of the day, settle for that nearly all rain jackets will make you sweat in case you attempt to hike in them. Opposite to widespread perception, the first perform of rain gear isn’t to maintain you dry: it’s to maintain you heat, as a result of, once more, chilly + moist = hypothermia.
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Why must you belief us?
As a result of we’re so extremely clever, after all! Engaging, too. (To not point out extraordinarily humble).
But when that isn’t sufficient to impress you, there’s additionally the truth that everybody who contributed to this text is an skilled thru-hiker with 1000’s of on-trail miles beneath their belt. We’re gear nerds who love placing our tools to the check on trails lengthy and brief, and we’ve examined dozens of rain jackets in pursuit of drier backcountry days.
Furthermore, we do our greatest to remain plugged into the path group’s gear preferences (we’re undoubtedly these obnoxious individuals on-trail who all the time wish to know what everybody else is packing). Which means our picks for one of the best backpacking rain jackets for thru-hiking aren’t simply our opinions: they’re based mostly on years of suggestions from the thru-hiking group.
Competence and backpacking proficiency personified.
Rachel Shoemaker and Alexander “GPS” Brown contributed to this listing.
Featured picture: Graphic design by Chris Helm.
