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The Best Rain Jackets of 2025: Arc’teryx, Helly Hansen, Patagonia and More

Keep wind and water at bay with the most capable rain shells on the market.

A close-up of a person wearing a green raincoat with a hood and black gloves, appearing to be in a struggle or defensive position. The raincoat is wet with visible water droplets. The background is a pale, overcast sky.Arc’teryx
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By Hayley Helms

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The days of rain shells being slick, sweaty and crunchy are long gone. Today’s models are not only more efficient at keeping moisture at bay, they’re also comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

Recycled fabrics, PFAS-free waterproof membranes and innovative material technology have transformed the once-despised garment into a symbol of capability, innovation and outdoor street cred.

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This story is part of the 2025 Gear Patrol Outdoor Awards, which collects our top recommendations across more than 80 categories. See the full list.
Gear Patrol

Whether you’re trail running or running across town for a meeting, the humble rain shell is one piece of apparel that can’t let you down.

Why You Should Trust Us: Covering products is our core mission, not a side hustle. And we use real-world testing to inform our recommendations. Learn more about our methodology.

Best Overall Rain Shell

Black waterproof jacket with a front zipper, adjustable hood, and two zippered side pockets. The jacket features the "HH" logo on the left chest.Helly Hansen

Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0

Specs

Weight 15.7 ounces (size L)
Waterproofing Helly Tech Professional
Materials 100% recycled polyester

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Comfortable fit
  • Waterproofing is top-tier

Cons

  • Breathability could be improved
  • Too warm for warmer months

Consider the Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 the multi-tool of rain shells: it features tons of functionality, while removing the need for various specialized jackets.

Of course, this comes with some drawbacks, but these are mostly negated by this midweight jacket’s usefulness, versatility and comfort. 

The Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 uses the brand’s proprietary Helly Tech Professional and Lifa Infinity waterproof technologies on its three-layer fabric, which does a great job holding its own against thunderstorms, unexpected showers and long-lasting storms.

Close-up of a teal jacket's underarm ventilation zipper opened to reveal a mustard yellow inner layer underneath. The jacket fabric appears lightweight and water-resistant.
Strategically-placed underarm ventilation helps manage built-up heat.
Helly Hansen

The hard-working fabric and waterproof membrane are complemented by the adjustable elastic hem, Velcro cuffs and high collar, all of which come together to lock out any errant drops attempting to sneak past your outer defenses. 

We admit that the breathability could be better, but functional features like pit zips will help you dump that extra heat quickly and efficiently.

Close-up of a person wearing a teal Helly Hansen jacket with a front zipper and the "HH" logo on the chest. The person has their hand in the jacket pocket and is also wearing a black backpack with a chest strap buckle.
Thoughtfully-placed hand pockets offer convenient storage for small items.
Helly Hansen

Last year, this jacket was given a full redesign, which included swapping in efficient pocket flaps instead of cumbersome waterproof zippers, recycled face fabric and a 2.7-ounce weight drop.

Best Budget Rain Shell

Black waterproof jacket with a hood, front zipper covered by a flap with a snap button at the bottom, and two side pockets. The jacket features the REI Co-op logo on the left chest and has adjustable Velcro cuffs. The interior lining is light gray.REI

REI Co-op Rainier

Specs

Weight 11.3 ounces
Waterproofing 2.5-layer HydroWall recycled waterproof/breathable membrane
Sizes XS – XXXL
Materials 100% recycled ripstop nylon (bluesign approved)

Pros

  • Mega-affordable
  • Robust feature set for price
  • Fabric is soft to the touch

Cons

  • Fabric isn’t as effective as 3-layer alternatives
  • Adjustability of hood could be improved

In today’s climate of tariffs and inflation, seeing a rain shell come in under $100 may elicit some suspicion as to its efficacy … but have no fear, the REI Co-op Rainier can be trusted to keep you dry on the rainiest days.

A close-up of a hand adjusting the drawstring at the hem of a black jacket. The drawstring is black with reflective stripes and is held by a small black toggle. The jacket fabric appears lightweight and slightly textured. The person is wearing beige pants.
The single drawcord adjustment at the hem helps seal out water and wind.
REI

That’s thanks to its 2.5-layer construction, which features a recycled ripstop nylon shell and Peak waterproof laminate along with a light interior lining, all of which come together to form a protective sandwich.

Along with the efficiency of its aforementioned ripstop nylon shell, we also liked the Rainier’s separate collar from its adjustable hood, its taped seams, pit zips and abundant pocket options.

A close-up of a person's hand holding a white textured pouch with a black zipper. The person is wearing beige pants and a blue patterned shirt, and has a geometric tattoo on their forearm.
When the storms clear, pack the Rainier away in its lefthand pocket for easy stowing away.
REI

The Rainier comes with as much functionality as you’d expect from a sub-$100 rain shell, and it isn’t the most technical or most packable option out there.

But, if you’re in the market for a dependable rain shell that will repel wind and rain without breaking the bank, it is hard to beat the value of the Rainier.

The Wildcard Pick

Navy blue waterproof jacket with a hood, front zipper, two zippered chest pockets, and adjustable wrist cuffs. The jacket features a small logo on the left chest.Arc’teryx

Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket Men’s

Specs

Weight 15.6 ounces (men’s medium)
Waterproofing Gore-Tex Pro ePE
Sizes XS – XXXL
Materials N40d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro – bluesign Approved Material; Reinforcements: N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro

Pros

  • Flagship performance and features
  • Comfortable in almost all conditions
  • Packs down well
  • PFAS-free waterproofing

Cons

  • Expensive
  • May be overkill for beginners or novices

When it comes to withstanding brutal weather conditions, as well as being comfortable during more temperate shoulder seasons, there is only one shell that can stand up to the demands of a multi-hyphenate outdoor enthusiast: the Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket.

Yes, it is expensive. But if you are truly in need of a versatile hardshell that’s low in weight and high in efficiency, there isn’t another jacket that can hold a candle to the Beta AR. And now, thanks to a 2025 revision, it features PFAS-free waterproofing in the form of Gore-Tex Pro ePE.

A person wearing a dark navy jacket with two vertical zippered pockets on the side is seen from the side. They are also wearing a black beanie with the white text "RYX" visible. The person is holding the strap of a large black backpack with a mesh back panel and a water bottle in a side pocket.
Vent easily thanks to subtle pit zippers.
Arc’teryx

For 25 years, the Beta has been a key piece in the Arc’teryx lineup, lauded for its workhorse appeal and technical capabilities. The fit is tailored; the design is packable, breathable and waterproof; and the feature set is rich.

This jacket features Gore-Tex Pro ePE, a next-gen, PFAS-free treatment that Arc’teryx developed in collaboration with Gore, as well as a helmet-compatible hood, embedded RECCO reflector and much, much more. 

Navy blue waterproof jacket with an adjustable hood and a high collar, featuring a zipper closure. The hood has a small visor and drawstrings for tightening. The brand name "ARC'TERYX" is visible on the side of the hood. The jacket appears to be designed for outdoor or weather protection.
The helmet-compatible hood provides full coverage, and uses a unique adjustment system to dial in fit without impacting peripheral vision.
Arc’teryx

Wearing the Beta AR instills confidence, even in the most challenging terrain. The fabric is robust while remaining lightweight, and is surprisingly comfortable. The jacket packs down efficiently, and the small details like drawcord tabs and buttons are easy to use, even while wearing gloves.

If you’re a serious adventurer with the dollars to spend, this is the jacket we’d recommend every time.

Other Great Options

Lightweight, hooded rain jacket in a bright red-orange color with a front zipper and a small Patagonia logo on the left chest. The jacket has long sleeves with adjustable cuffs and a high collar for added protection. The interior lining is light gray.Patagonia

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket

Patagonia’s tried-and-true option is an excellent choice for explorers looking for a value driven jacket: this is a true three-layer shell, with a durable 50-denier, 100-percent recycled nylon ripstop face fabric, priced below two hundred bucks. Score.
Teal waterproof jacket with a hood, full front zipper, and adjustable cuffs. The jacket features a small black logo on the left chest and has zippered underarm vents. The interior lining is light gray.Black Diamond

Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell

Comfort seekers, see the Fineline. Stretchy, protective and mobility-centered fabric help maintain tons of freedom of movement and flexibility, without compromising protection. 2.5-layer BD.dry construction and mechanical stretch fabric do the heavy lifting here.
Two-tone outdoor jacket with a bright yellow upper section and dark blue lower section. It features a front zipper, a chest pocket with a vertical zipper, and a hood. The left sleeve has "OUTDOOR RESEARCH" text, and the right cuff has "ASCENTSHELL" text. The jacket also has adjustable wrist straps with Velcro closures.REI

Outdoor Research Foray 3L

Revamped with a proprietary waterproof membrane (OR’s 3-layer AscentShell Dry), this shell is more waterproof than ever, and hem-to-pits zippers offer tons of versatility for shifting weather conditions.
Blue waterproof jacket with a hood, featuring a front zipper closure, two side pockets, and The North Face logo on the left chest and right sleeve. The jacket has a slightly elasticated hem and cuffs.The North Face

The North Face Summit Series Papsura FUTURELIGHT Jacket

If ‘light, fast and technical’ describes your mode of exploring the outdoors, pick up a Papsura Jacket, stat. Its 7D x 15D 3-layer FUTURELIGHT membrane does plenty of heavy lifting, while maintaining high breathability. A sub-10 ounce weight keeps things feeling minimal.
Light green waterproof jacket with a hood, front zipper, and the "mont-bell" logo on the left chest. The jacket has adjustable drawstrings on the hood and elastic cuffs on the sleeves.Montbell

Montbell Versatile Jacket

Clocking in at half the weight of its competitors (6.4 ounces), this ultra-lightweight number is admittedly water-resistant, not -proof, but manages to repel rain with best of them, while being one of the most breathable options available today.
Navy blue waterproof jacket with a hood, front zipper, and two zippered side pockets. The jacket features the Mountain Hardwear logo on the left chest. The hood is worn over a cap, and the person is also wearing black sunglasses. The jacket has adjustable cuffs and a high collar for added protection.Mountain Hardwear

Mountain Hardwear Premonition UL Jacket

Stay comfortable on backpacking trips with MH’s packable, minimal rain shell. The 20-denier, 3-layer Pertex Shield fabric is thin and light, without sacrificing protection or durability. Two zippered hand pockets, a zippered internal pocket, and an adjustable, helmet-compatible hood round out the practical feature set.
Light brown hooded jacket with a front zipper and a zippered chest pocket on the left side. The jacket has a smooth, slightly padded texture and long sleeves.Patagonia

Patagonia Storm Racer

Trail runners, this is your rain shell: You’ll stay dry both externally and internally, thanks to the thin 20-denier 100% recycled nylon face fabric and 3-layer Patagonia H2No membrane combo that refuses to let heat build up, while allowing sweat to escape.
About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).
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