If you have been caught out in the rain or could not leave the car or house because it was raining heavily, then you know the importance of these jackets.

They are one of those clothing items that every person should have as it provides one of the best ways to shield from the elements. Whether you are camping outdoors or hiking you will always be happy to have a rain jacket in case you get caught in a rainstorm.

And while there are many rain jackets in the market to pick from, you should not just settle for the first one you come across or what you find most fashionable. It is still important to choose a rain jacket that looks good but there is more to it than this.

You need to consider everything from the material to the stitching, and even the weight of the jacket. Below we review 5 top rated rain jackets and also provide some handy tips on how to choose the best.

Columbia Glennaker Lake Rain Jacket by Columbia

Editor’s Choice

Pros

Durable 100% nylon construction
Machine washable for convenient cleaning
Water-repellent material
Internal drawcord for adjusting the fit
Zippered side pockets
Adjustable cuff for a comfortable fit
Close to a dozen colors available

Cons

Sizes run a little large

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Columbia is a common jacket brand as they make various types. This particular rain jacket is 100% nylon and it is also highly water-repellent to keep you dry under the severe rain storms. And it also has an internal drawcord for adjusting the fit and the cuffs are also adjustable for a custom and comfortable fit. The side entry pockets are also zippered and you get to choose from close to a dozen colors.

This is a simple jacket that is highly water-repellent and comes with a reasonable price tag and a variety of colors.

For more about Columbia Glennaker Lake Rain Jacket, check out customer reviews on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

Portwest Classic Rain Jacket, Men’s by Portwest

Pros

100% nylon jacket
PVC coating to make it completely waterproof
Back vent for breathability and ventilation
Inter storm flap for extra comfort under the rain
Elastic storm cuffs
Large hip pockets with flaps

Cons

Few color options

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Although this is the cheapest rain jacket on our list, it is still quite high-quality and well-equipped to handle rainstorms. It is a 100% nylon jacket that has a PVC coating to make sure that no water seeps through.

The jacket has a couple of large hip pockets with flaps, back vent for ventilation and to enhance breathability and the cuff hare elasticized for better hand protection when in a storm. There is also a hood with drawstring to ensure maximum coverage.

This is an affordable but still quite a durable and good-looking rain jacket.

You know what’s the most important feature of Portwest Classic Rain Jacket, Men’s? One customer wrote details about this on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

Gioberti Waterproof Rain Jacket, Men's by Gioberti

Pros

Advanced waterproof technology
Fully sealed seams
Full mesh interior liner
Velcro seal flap helps ensure dryness from all angles
Large and zippered side pockets with flap
Drawstring on hem to keep it snug
Variety of color options

Cons

Zippers are not the best quality.

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With 100% polyester and advanced waterproof technology, you can be sure that this jacket will keep all the water out. And it also has seams that are sealed fully to help with this.

The jacket is quite comfortable as it comes with a full mesh-lined interior for breathability and comfort as it allows water and heat to escape. And with the Velcro flap the zip you can be confident there is no way water will get in.

Polyester also makes some nice rain jacket and this one is as good as they get it.

You know what’s the most important feature of Gioberti Waterproof Rain Jacket, Men's? One customer wrote details about this on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

Charles River Apparel New Englander Rain Jacket by Charles River Apparel

Pros

Easy hand wash
Water and windproof design
Appealing contrast colored jacket
Full mesh lining for adequate air circulation
Available in nine different sizes
Zippered and covered side pockets
Stripe accent for the front and back

Cons

Bright colors are more prone to staining

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Polyurethane is another great material choice for rain jackets it is what makes this particular jacket a great choice. It is both water and windproof and with a full mesh lining that ensures adequate air circulation and with a couple of zippered side pockets that also have a cover.

The zipper is two way and there is a beautiful two-way strip accent on the front and back section of the jacket.

Comfortable and good looking jacket that is also effective in keeping water out.

For more about Charles River Apparel New Englander Rain Jacket, check out customer reviews on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

Baleaf Unisex Packable Waterproof Rain Jacket by Baleaf

Pros

Lightweight and packable
Lovely unisex design
Reflective logo for safety
Back pocket for storing the jacket
Elastic cuffs are useful in keeping your clothes dry
Funnel hood comes with some adjustable drawstrings

Cons

Not many sizes or color options

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You can never go wrong with a unisex jacket like this one as it will look great on both men and women. The lightweight material is completely water resistant to keep your clothes dry and the jacket also includes a funnel hood with drawstring. Also, there is the convenient back pocket that makes it easy to store your jacket and some elastic cuffs that will help to keep your clothes dry.

Looks good on both men and women and is also completely waterproof.

If you’re interested in reading customer reviews of Baleaf Unisex Packable Waterproof Rain Jacket, you should check from Amazon Now. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

Conclusion

Whether you are backpacking, hiking, camping or even just taking a walk and there is a forecasted rainstorm, a rain jacket will be an important clothing item to carry along. But it is also important to make sure that you get the best and do not just settle for the most fashionable one.

Our guide above will give you some ideas on . And for our recommendations, the Columbia Jacket is best overall while the Portwest Classic a great choice when you want something cheap but still effective in keeping water out.

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01	Columbia Glennaker Lake Rain Jacket by Columbia	This is a simple jacket that is highly water-repellent and comes with a reasonable price tag and a variety of colors.	Buy now on Amazon
02	Portwest Classic Rain Jacket, Men’s by Portwest	This is an affordable but still quite a durable and good-looking rain jacket.	Buy now on Amazon
03	Gioberti Waterproof Rain Jacket, Men's by Gioberti	Polyester also makes some nice rain jacket and this one is as good as they get it.	Buy now on Amazon
04	Charles River Apparel New Englander Rain Jacket by Charles River Apparel	Comfortable and good looking jacket that is also effective in keeping water out.	Buy now on Amazon
05	Baleaf Unisex Packable Waterproof Rain Jacket by Baleaf	Looks good on both men and women and is also completely waterproof.	Buy now on Amazon

Buying Guide

There are plenty of rain jackets out there and in varying price ranges. And you can be confident of finding something that is within your budget. However, there is still more to consider than the price or how fashionable the jacket looks. Hence, to make sure that you get the best you should always consider the following points when shopping.

Material

The jacket material determines everything from the durability to the comfort. And so it is not only one of the important things to consider but also the first one. Although different jacket manufacturer can use various materials, nylon and polyester are the most common one. A rain jacket that is 100% nylon or polyester lasts for long, is lightweight and is also quite breathable.

Waterproofing Technique

Your rain jacket needs to be able to keep rainwater out of your clothes dry as this is the main reason why you buy it in the first place.

The waterproofing technique that the manufacturer uses is what determines its effectiveness in doing this. And the good news is that there are many waterproof fabrics available and you just need to go for one that is effective enough in keeping water out such as Gore-Tex. But those with a polyurethane coating can also be a good alternative when you want something cheaper.

Weight

Since you will have to carry the jacket in a bag or backpack, when it is not raining it, needs to be lightweight enough so that it does not give you a hard time. A good rain jacket should weigh a couple of hundred grams at most to make it convenient to carry when you are not wearing it.

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