10 Best Rain Jackets of 2024 with Ultralight Options

If comfort is a top priority, you’ll love the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Jacket (men’s / women’s). The stretch fabric is soft to the touch and gives the jacket a relaxed, unrestricted feel that’s easy to move in. We also love how quiet the material is – you can actually hear with the hood up! The Ozonic has all the key elements we look for in a rain jacket – hand pockets, pit-zips, and low weight – so it’s great for just about any activity. More than anything, we reach for the Ozonic because of its outstanding comfort.

The Montbell Versalite (men’s /women’s) quickly became our favorite rain jacket for ultralight adventures because it’s incredibly lightweight, but doesn’t compromise on essentials like hand pockets and pit zips. Like most ultralight gear, the Versalite is made with thin materials, so you’ll have to be a bit more careful with it than you would a burlier jacket. That said, we’ve been using it for years without issue, and the weight savings makes it one of the best choices out there for activities like hiking and backpacking. The Versalite has a very competitive price for a premium ultralight jacket and we highly recommend it to anyone looking for ways to cut pack weight.

The Black Diamond Stormline Stretch jacket (men’s / women’s) hits the nail on the head with a great balance of everything – affordable price, high quality construction, and useful features. We love that it’s sturdy enough for everyday wear, but still lightweight enough to use for backcountry trips. This jacket also has plenty of adjustments to customize the fit, and just enough stretch to make it unnoticeable when reaching or moving. Overall, it’s a highly functional and attractive jacket. Because of the thoughtful design and the affordable price point, we find the Stormline to be one of the most well-rounded rain jackets on the market.

If you’re looking for a jacket with a great balance of affordability and quality, the REI XeroDry GTX (men’s / women’s) is a solid option. It costs a bit more than some of our more basic picks, but the materials feel more durable and comfortable against the skin. The XeroDry is also less fitted than some jackets, so it’s more comfortable and flattering for those who prefer a relaxed fit or want a little extra room to accommodate insulation layers. If you don’t mind the lack of pit zips and you want a great value for everyday wear, the XeroDry is tough to beat.

The Outdoor Research Helium (men’s / women’s) is one of the most affordable ultralight rain jackets on the market. Improvements to the design have given the jacket a more streamlined fit, better waterproofing, and greater durability. The one downside is that the men’s version doesn’t have hand pockets, but this is easily remedied by bringing waterproof gloves on cold, wet trips. Ultralight gear can be expensive, and when you have a lot to buy, it’s important to make every dollar count. The Helium does just that – it’s simple but high-quality, and an excellent value. Check out our full review of the Helium Jacket and Pants.

If you’re looking for a technical jacket that can stand up to the rigors of everyday wear and blasting storms, the Arc’teryx Beta AR (men’s / women’s) is the jacket you want. It has an ultra dialed-in fit and material that feels impenetrable but also moves with you. The Beta isn’t the lightest option, but it’s the jacket we trust most in severe rain and snow conditions. A few of our favorite features are the high collar, precise hood adjustments, and wide visor that keep even the most sideways rain at bay. There’s no doubt that this jacket is spendy, but the Beta is worth the investment for those who need a rain jacket that will last for years of hard use.

The Zpacks Vertice (men’s / women’s) is one of the lightest rain jackets available. This featherweight shell provides excellent coverage, is incredibly breathable, and is surprisingly durable for how light it is. The Vertice is long enough to cover your bum, which is convenient when taking breaks on wet rocks or logs. It also means the seat of your shorts or pants isn’t bearing the brunt of the runoff from your jacket, so you’ll stay a little warmer when it’s wet out. It’s also one of the most breathable jackets on our list, so it won’t cause you to overheat immediately when backpacking. The Vertice is on the spendy side, but if you want the best balance of low weight and excellent coverage – this jacket is hard to beat. Check out our full review of the Zpacks Vertice here.

The Rab Kinetic 2.0 (men’s / women’s) is one of the most comfortable and quiet rain jackets we’ve ever worn. It feels more like a softshell jacket than a traditional rain shell due to the stretch fabric, so you might find yourself wearing it even when it isn’t raining. The Kinetic Plus isn’t the most technical jacket on our list since it lacks hood and hem adjustments, but we like the simplicity of the design and it has a snug, flattering fit. The Kinetic Plus is great for times when you need a little warmth and wind protection while you’re active in mildly rainy conditions.