There’s a moment on every rainy hike where you find out if your rain jacket is any good. For me, it was day two of the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island. The rain started around 7 AM and didn’t stop for 14 hours. By noon, I knew exactly which seams leaked, which pockets flooded, and how much I regretted not spending an extra $50 on something better.

A rain jacket is one of those pieces of gear where the difference between “fine” and “good” is massive. Here’s what’s worth buying in 2025.

What Actually Matters in a Rain Jacket

Before the recommendations, a few things worth understanding:

• 2-layer vs. 2.5-layer vs. 3-layer: More layers generally means better waterproofing and durability, but also more weight and cost. For most hikers, 2.5L is the sweet spot. 3L is for serious mountain use.
• Breathability: A jacket that keeps rain out but traps all your sweat inside is barely better than no jacket. Look for pit zips and breathable membranes.
• DWR coating: The outer water-repellent coating wears off over time. You’ll need to reapply it eventually. This is normal, not a defect.
• Fit: Size up slightly if you plan to layer underneath. A jacket that fits perfectly over a t-shirt will be too tight over a fleece.

Best Overall: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L

Price: ~$179 | Weight: ~400g | Layers: 3L

The Torrentshell has been the default recommendation for years, and the current version is the best yet. It uses Patagonia’s H2No 3-layer fabric, which gives you hardshell-level protection at a mid-range price. The interior has a soft tricot lining that doesn’t feel clammy against skin — a problem with most jackets under $200.

It has pit zips, a helmet-compatible hood, and a solid main zipper that inspires confidence. The 2025 version uses 100% recycled face fabric and a PFC-free DWR coating.

Who it’s for: Most hikers. If you want one jacket that handles everything from day hikes to multi-day trips without breaking the bank, this is it.

Trade-off: Not the lightest or most breathable. You’ll notice it on steep climbs in warm weather.

Best Premium: Arc’teryx Beta SL

Price: ~$500 | Weight: ~315g | Layers: 3L Gore-Tex

Arc’teryx is a BC company, and their gear is built for the kind of weather we get on the west coast — relentless, sideways, all-day rain. The Beta SL uses their latest Gore-Tex membrane with an ePE (expanded polyethylene) build that’s lighter, more breathable, and more environmentally friendly than previous generations.

The fit is trim but allows layering. The hood works with or without a helmet. The seam taping is immaculate. It feels like a jacket that was designed by people who actually stand in the rain for a living.

Who it’s for: Serious hikers, alpine scramblers, or anyone who uses their rain jacket 50+ days a year and wants it to last.

Trade-off: The price. $500 is a lot for a rain jacket. If you’re hiking a few weekends a year, the Torrentshell does 90% of what this does for a third of the cost.

Best Budget: Columbia Hikebound II

Price: ~$80 | Weight: ~510g | Layers: 2L

If you’re just getting into hiking and don’t want to spend $180+ on a rain jacket, the Hikebound II is genuinely good for the price. It has adjustable hood and hem drawcords, velcro cuffs, and a relaxed fit that’s comfortable over layers.

The 2-layer construction won’t hold up to sustained heavy rain the way a 3L jacket will, but for day hikes, light rain, and general outdoor use, it does the job.

Who it’s for: Beginners, casual hikers, or anyone who needs a decent rain layer without a big investment.

Trade-off: Heavier (~510g), less breathable, and the waterproofing won’t last as long under heavy use. Think of it as a starter jacket you’ll eventually upgrade from.

Best Ultralight: Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell

Price: ~$189 | Weight: ~265g | Layers: 2.5L

If you’re counting grams, this is the one. The Fineline uses BD.dry fabric with mechanical stretch, so it moves with you on scrambles and technical terrain. At 265g, it disappears in your pack.

It has an adjustable hood, a chest pocket, and packs into its own stuff sack. The stretch is genuinely noticeable — it doesn’t feel like wearing a garbage bag, which is the problem with most ultralight shells.

Who it’s for: Fast-and-light hikers, trail runners, or anyone who wants emergency rain protection without the weight penalty.

Trade-off: 2.5L construction means it won’t handle prolonged heavy rain as well as a 3L jacket. This is a “most days” jacket, not a “worst day” jacket.

Best Value: Helly Hansen Loke

Price: ~$130 | Weight: ~240g | Layers: 2.5L

The Loke is absurdly light for the price and packs into its own pocket. It uses Helly Tech 2.5-layer fabric with mesh-lined pockets and pit zips. The styling is clean enough to wear around town without looking like you just came off a mountain.

Who it’s for: Hikers who want a packable, lightweight layer for unpredictable weather. Great as a “just in case” jacket that lives in your daypack.

Trade-off: Not built for sustained downpours. The zipper flaps and lighter construction mean it’s best for light-to-moderate rain. For all-day storms, step up to the Torrentshell or Beta SL.

What About the Montbell Versalite?

Still a solid ultralight option if you can find it. Montbell doesn’t have the retail presence of the bigger brands, but the Versalite remains one of the lightest fully-featured rain jackets available (~185g). The fabric is thin enough that you need to treat it carefully, but it’s held up well for me over multiple seasons. Worth considering if ultralight is your priority and you don’t mind ordering online.

How I Actually Use Rain Jackets

I carry two depending on the trip:

• Day hikes and summer overnights: An ultralight shell (~250g range). It lives in my pack and comes out when needed. Most of the time it stays packed.
• Multi-day trips and shoulder season: A 3L jacket. When I know I’ll be wearing it for hours in sustained rain, I want something that won’t wet out.

The mistake most people make is buying one jacket and expecting it to do everything. A bomber 3L jacket is overkill for a sunny day hike where you might get a 20-minute shower. An ultralight shell is inadequate for a week on the West Coast Trail in October.

Bottom Line

For most hikers buying one jacket: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L. It’s the best balance of price, protection, and durability.

If budget is tight: Columbia Hikebound II at $80 gets you on the trail.

If you want the best and don’t mind paying for it: Arc’teryx Beta SL.

If weight is everything: Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell.

Buy the jacket that matches how you actually hike, not how you wish you hiked. And re-apply your DWR coating once a season. Your future self will thank you.