Rainwear has to be flexible and easy to pack–you never know when you’ll need to throw on a parka or slip into your windbreaker. Whether you’re bringing it on a hiking trip, where conditions will be intense, or you just need to bring it with you in your everyday bag in case of a downpour, you have to make sure it fits in your bag. Keep reading for our top picks of the best packable rainwear for men and women. This list features amazing technology by some of the best brands around, giving you a great variety to choose from.
For Women
1. Marmot PreClip Eco-Rain Jacket
The Marmot PreClip is a 2.5-layer nanotechnology waterproof rain jacket. It’s best known for being breathable and light as well as durable and strong. It’s made of fully-coated nylon fabric and has an adjustable drawstring so that you can make sure you’re protected according to your needs. The one downside of this jacket is it doesn’t have inside pockets so safeguarding your gadgets like your phone can sometimes be an issue. However, it does have deep pockets on the front which come in handy if you’re in a relatively secure environment. You can get this awesome jacket on Amazon or Back Country.
2. Arcteryx Zeta SL Gore-Tex Jacket
Arcteryx’s Gore-Tex technology is famous for being extremely lightweight. Although this is often classified as a rain jacket, it was built with snow in mind. The top layer of the fabric is water-repellent and makes sure you stay dry and toasty from the get-go. It’s extremely adjustable and has velcro straps that you can tighten or loosen according to need. It also has a very feminine silhouette that’s very flattering and won’t look boxy. You can shop this on Back Country or REI.
3. KUHL Women’s Jetstream Trench
This 2.5-layer airskape trench is a marvel–it’s extremely durable and also very flexible and lightweight. This option from KUHL makes sure that it hugs your body and moves when you do. It’s wind-resistant and waterproof, with laminate right where you need it. It’s also equipped with a hydrophilic outer layer that keeps rainwater away. The venting is incredible, with a number of strategically placed zips throughout to make sure you can let off steam without getting wet. Although this isn’t the most feminine silhouette, it has an adjustable waist cord that can instantly transform it into something that’s shapely and flattering. This is also available exclusively on Back Country or REI.
4. Marmot Minimalist
Another hit from Marmot, this jacket has 2.5-layer Gore-Tex Paclite. It’s made to be especially lightweight and easy to pack, ideal for slipping into your luggage last-minute as you pack for a long trip. It’s a shell jacket but is extremely breathable and very well-vented. The downside of this jacket is it isn’t very versatile. There are no ways to adjust it and the fabric is very technical–it’s developed for rigorous outdoor wear and won’t do well in the city or as casual wear. You can get this on both REI and Back Country.
5. Ilse Jackobsen ¾ Raincoat
This stylish raincoat is a softshell, hooded raincoat. It offers a hundred percent protection against rain and moisture. It has raglan sleeves and a long hem that provides good coverage. The body is lined with fleece, making sure that you stay warm as well as dry. It also has pockets that make it easy to carry around your essentials. This is a perfect transition coat from autumn to winter. It also features Teflon coating by DuPont, making it extra durable. The flattering cinched waist and feminine blush colour make it versatile as both casual and sportswear. You can get it on MK Nordika USA.
For Men
1. Arcteryx Zeta SL Gore-Tex Jacket
Artfully designed, this Arcteryx jacket is everything that you’ll ever need. It’s thick, sturdy, durable, and waterproof but also intensely breathable. You can use it as a summer jacket in the outdoors or as a winter jacket when you’re in the city. It’s perfect for all-year-round use with adjustable sleeve tightness and ventilation. It also packs very, very easily because the fabric is so flexible. You can get it now on REI, or Back Country.
2. Marmot Men’s PreCip Jacket
This 2.5-layer rain jacket is nano-waterproof and has pretty much everything that you could need. It has excellent venting and provides breathability via zip pockets in all the right places: under the arms and along the body’s other “heat zones”. It also features a back cover that’s perfect for when you get caught in the rain with your backpack. The full nylon laminate protects you and everything you own. This also comes in a great range of colours–it’s perfect for both outdoor conditions and city living. You can get it both on REI and Back Country.
3. REI Co-op Drypoint GTX
This shell jacket from REI is more affordable than most jackets of its calibre. It holds up really well against the elements while still keeping you warm and toasty. It’s very versatile and can be worn across all seasons. It has an adjustable hood, cuffs, and vents. The material is very durable and isn’t very sensitive to rouching, which a lot of other rain jackets can be. You can fold this up and take this with you wherever you go. This is available only on REI.
4. Outdoor Research Helium II
This isn’t the most versatile rain jacket because of its outdoorsy design but it’s definitely lightweight and easy to pack at only 6.4 ounces. It’s designed for the outdoors and will last you for years. It boasts of Pertex waterproof material and is perfect for surviving the strongest downpours. It’s also extremely easy to use in times of crises–the hood is adjustable with a single tug, making it the perfect jacket for activities like hiking, biking, and running. Get it now on REI and Back Country.
5. Didriksons Ove Men’s Rain Jacket
This stylish jacket with tapered seams is perfect for staying dry and toasty. The construction is streamlined to fit the body, making it ideal for movement. The jacket’s design also makes it perfect for folding, the taffeta lining contracting to fit into compact spaces. Made with Didrikson’s STORMsystem technology, this rain jacket will keep you safe from even the strongest bouts of rain. You can shop the Ove Men’s rain jacket exclusively on MK Nordika.
In a world that’s constantly moving, packing for travel is a very important factor to consider when buying outerwear. If something is too bulky to take with you, its use becomes limited and you don’t get the most out of your investment. Make sure that you put your money where it matters: in design, materials, and technology. Shop these awesome jackets now and feel the difference.