The Best Rain Jackets of 2024

Made to do (almost) all of it and do it well, the Outdoor Research Foray II GORE-TEX Jacket ($225) continues to impress us, and lands itself atop the list with a tried-and-true GORE-TEX membrane, a full-featured design, and the most novel mechanical ventilation solution we’ve ever seen. Newly updated this spring, the Foray and its female cut — the Aspire — both shed the yoke of forever chemicals entirely and lose no performance for it.

The use of GORE-TEX’s uber-packable Paclite 2L membrane tells you a good bit about what the Foray II should be used for: hiking, backpacking, and anything where compact waterproofing is at a premium. And while this textile does trade protection for breathability, the Foray has a trick up its sleeve for that — adding TorsoFlo zips that run a full 2 feet from the elbow to the hem, meaning that venting the zips feels like throwing open all the windows in the house.

That poncho-like ability adds a new dimension to rainwear, and while it’s unlikely to be the most stylish cut on the AM train, the Foray is perfectly happy between mediums — city to summit. And now as the most eco-friendly apparel piece in OR’s lineup, it’s a forward-thinking shell as well — we tested the waterproofing of the new PFC-free DWR, and while it’ll need to be refreshed more frequently, it performs just as well.

While zips down is our preferred mode of transport, some conditions do require closing the storm shutters, and when working hard in the Foray like this, the Paclite membrane does tend to wilt after some hard work and condensation starts to build on the interior of the jacket. For the money, we’re one to make do, but if you jump up to a higher price tag 3-layer jacket, like the Arc’teryx Beta or Mountain Hardwear Trailverse, you can stave it off for even longer.

Rounding out the Outdoor Research Foray II is a three-way adjustable hood with buried cordlocks, YKK Aquaguard zippers (further guarded by storm flaps), and two torso pockets that are large enough to stuff the jacket into for storage. There is also a left-hand pocket on the chest, and an elastic drawcord hem. For most folks, this is the rain jacket to snag.

Read Review: OR’s Most Eco-Friendly Shell Has a Trick Up Its Sleeve: Outdoor Research Aspire II Jacket Review

The Co-op continues to make the grade with its in-house line-up, and the recently updated REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket ($100) takes no detour. Sporting a brand new HydroWall 2.5L membrane and more features than it rightfully should have for the price, the value needle is pinned on this budget rain jacket. It’s no fortress, but even after braving an exceptionally rainy Pacific Northwest spring, we were impressed with the chutzpah on this shell.

REI hasn’t published any waterproofing or breathability specs for its new HydroWall membrane. But after using it, we’re comfortable placing it at about the same level as other polyurethane membranes, such as Marmot NanoPro or North Face Hyvent. That means that rainy-day hikes, blustery commutes, and graybird camping trips are all on the menu. When the cadence kicks up, twin pit zips help to vent excess heat (though they are a bit on the small side).

In terms of fit, we found the Rainier to be fairly spacious and accommodating, easily allowing layers underneath it. The hood isn’t very technical, but a set of drawcords do allow you to adjust the periphery. As a surprise, one of our favorite features on this jacket ended up being the pockets, as the exterior pockets are sewn into the interior in a way that creates two additional drop-in pockets on the interior. Two for one!

These pockets are all a soft mesh material, meaning your pockets do double-duty in working to whisk away excess moisture — smart. The entire jacket also packs up into one of these pockets, and while not a super small package, does keep the shell all in one place for stashing it away. True to REI, this jacket doesn’t miss when it comes to sustainability, either. The DWR finish is non-fluoronated and protects the recycled nylon shell from light precip. The whole jacket is also created from Bluesign-approved materials, and sewn in a Fair Trade Certified factory.

At an approachable price, we’re impressed at the number of ‘gotta-have-it’ rain jacket features that REI has been able to shoe-horn into the Rainier Rain Jacket. As a 2.5L jacket, there will be a breathability ceiling that, when you hit it — you’ll know. But at $100, it’s an easy issue to sidestep with proper use of those pit zips and mesh pockets. For anyone looking for their first proper rain jacket, or just a daily driver to beat around, the Rainier is high on our list of suggestions.

At a price just north of most budget rain jackets, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket ($179) makes a strong case for opening your wallet just a bit wider in order to gain a good bit more protection. Updated in recent years to a full 3-layer version of the brand’s in-house H2No waterproof membrane, the Torrentshell performs a good bit better than 2 and 2.5-layer shells in the breathability department.

It’s that interior wicking liner that makes all the difference here, and when tested side-by-side with a previous version of the jacket, the updated Torrentshell was noticeably less clammy-feeling. Waterproofing is also in no short supply, holding back precip in our shower testing on par with other 20K-specced jackets, such as the Outdoor Research Helium and Mountain Hardware Premonition UL Anorak.

Many will also appreciate the number of sustainable choices Patagonia made when creating the new Torrentshell, such as the 100% recycled nylon ripstop face fabric, the Fair Trade sewing, and a PU membrane that employs 13% biobased content. For the price, you’d be hard-pressed to find another rain jacket that provides the same level of performance.

While we previously deducted a few points from the Torrentshell for sporting a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish that still contained PFCs, Patagonia has made good on its promise to continue to cut the forever chemicals out of the rain jacket mix, and now produces the Torrentshell with a full PFC-free build. We did find the face fabric to be a bit crinkly and bulky, something we attribute to working out the kinks in using recycled nylon, but it did soften some with use.

For those looking for the most vis-à-vis comparisons to the Torrentshell, the Marmot Precip Pro is a close match — with a 3-layer construction, a similar feature set, and a price of $160. We did find that the Torrentshell was able to hold out longer during our shower tests, however, and as such, is worth the extra $19. For those who place a high value on stretch, however, the Precip Pro is certainly a shell to check out.

When you consider that Patagonia has the Torrentshell 3L Jacket priced under $180, you’ve got a budget- and resource-friendly rainwear option that’s just as at home on the trail as it is kicking around town. If you’ve got a bit more pocket change and want more protection than the REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket can offer, the Torrentshell is our suggested upgrade.

Read Review: A Classic Shell Jacket Gets New Tech: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket Review

If you need the ultimate in waterproof performance, an alpine-ready hardshell like the Arc’teryx Beta AR ($600) ought to be on your shortlist. The Beta AR isn’t the most full-tilt hardshell that the legendary Canadian mountain-wear brand makes, making it far more approachable for outdoor endeavors where you need top-tier protection but aren’t planning on bivying on the side of a mountain.

Combining an industry-leading GORE-TEX Pro Most Rugged membrane with a generous cut for layering, the Beta AR is primed for long trips under unfriendly conditions. The Pro version of GORE-TEX stacks multiple layers of the ePTFE membrane atop one another, creating a supremely waterproof barrier, and eliminating the need for a polyurethane lining — instead adding a Micro-Grid backer.

All this is to say, this jacket isn’t afraid of a little rain — or a lot. Our testing has taken this shell everywhere from deep into the Alaskan bush to skiing in the Cascade concrete of Washington State, and all without fail.

Generous pit zips aid in dumping heat when the mercury begins to rise, and while other hardshell jackets lean further into the spartan alpine climber trim, the Beta AR is a more well-rounded shell. The handwarmer pockets on the chest are roomy. On the interior, a small accessory pocket aids in wrangling your keys or phone.

Up in the cockpit, a 2.5-inch collar made for one of our favorite features. It was perfect to duck behind when the wind blew up and provided a secondary option for protection without going full batten-down-the-hatches and pulling the hood up. The trade for all this protection, obviously, comes in cost. At $600, you could easily buy a couple of the cheaper jackets on this list for the same price. But none of the other shells will keep up in terms of protection for as long as the Beta AR can hang.

While Arc’teryx recently released an heir to the uber-popular Beta LT in the Beta Lightweight, our choice to suggest the AR variant comes down to pure storm-proofing. The new Lightweight uses the new GORE-TEX ePE membrane and an FC0 DWR, and while we quite like the improved PFC-free membrane, we found some kinks still need to be worked out in the DWR finish.

Primed for weather of any stripe, the Beta AR is well and truly up for it. For locales such as the icefields of Patagonia, the peaks of New Zealand, or the highlands of Iceland, this is the shell you’ll find us in nine times out of ten.

Read Review: High-Output Activity Hardshell for Anything but Climbing: Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket Review

At a claimed 6.2 ounces (and even less on our own scales), Montbell certainly had weight on the brain when they crafted the Versalite Jacket ($260). Part of the brand’s UL Hiking selection, the Versalite impressed us during testing not only with the weight it lacked, but also the features it’s studded with.

While GORE-TEX INFINIUM WINDSTOPPER isn’t marketed as being a fully waterproof membrane, by incorporating fully taped seams and a DWR-finished face fabric, Montbell has been able to whip up a rain shell that sports water resistance that keeps up with the best and puts up breathability numbers that knock many out of the running.  

In the wilds, our initial fears over using a “windshell” material were quickly salved. Make no mistake, the Versalite can hang in a good rain. During our shower testing, this shell staved off soaking through for the entire 10-minute testing period, impressing all our in-house skeptics. And the benefit to using GORE INFINIUM shows when the grade steepens or a thick mist rolls in: this jacket breathes like it’s got a set of lungs stashed away somewhere, and you don’t have to be knocking out 30-mile days to appreciate that.

For the weight, the Montbell Versalite is simply feature-packed. Compared to other jackets of the same, or even more weight, the Versalite boasts the full complement: a three-way adjustable hood that rolls up and stows away, two zippered hand pockets with ample space, and 16.5-inch pit zips for easy venting.

As with any specialized piece, the tech-heavy styling isn’t going to win you any awards, and at 10-denier the face fabric will require more care than your average knock-around rain jacket. But put to the task, the Versalite excels in its lane, jamming in many extra features that jackets of the same ilk can’t claim.

Dialed in for trail running, the Arc’teryx Norvan Jacket ($400) is a whisper to wear, and we had to do a double take when we saw that it sports a full three-layer GORE-TEX membrane. This rain jacket scrunches down into the size of an apple when compressed, and provides the full measure of protection for when the skies open up on your long run of the week.

The predecessor to this jacket (the Norvan SL) was a fan favorite for trail running, but with the GORE Shakedry membrane being retired, runners instead get the 3L variety in the new Norvan, specced out with an ultra-thin 13D face fabric, and a C-Knit backer. This knit backer has a much softer hand than traditional tricot variations, and also sports better breathability thanks to its looser weave. 

The fitted cut does double duty in both staying low profile for trail running (no flapping here), as well as keeping the membrane closer to your body, which helps build the pressure gradient needed to keep moisture moving out. We did miss the addition of pit zips (or a front snap) for added ventilation, but during trail running we’re more interested in keeping warm rather than totally dry.

Rounding out the feature set is a RECCO reflector, a technology typically used in ski resort search and rescue, but seeing new applications in wilderness rescues. The lightweight and full protection of the Norvan will also appeal to alpine climbers looking for a packable shell that doesn’t give up much in the protection department, but there is, alas, no stuffable pocket to park the shell on your harness.

For those looking for a trail running jacket with more bells and whistles, the Norrøna Senja GORE-TEX Active Jacket ($549) has plenty, from a zippered back pocket that turns into a belt to carry the jacket, to underarm zips (unheard of in a GORE Active piece) and a wrist watch zipper. The higher price point keeps it from winning our running award, but it’s an excellent choice for the runner who wants it all.

For runners who pine for the most protection in a lightweight silhouette, however, it’s hard not to lean on the Arc’teryx Norvan as our recommendation. Trail running is a tough nut to crack when it comes to staying dry, but keeping cold rain off your body is the primary concern, and the Norvan does this with ease.

If you run in particularly warm but wet locales, look to The North Face Superior FUTURELIGHT Jacket as a shell landing further on the breathability side of the equation, but for everything else, the Norvan is where it’s at.

Rab has been producing high-quality outdoor gear out of Britain for decades now, and the Kinetic Alpine 2.0 Jacket ($310) is no exception. With an unrivaled stretch and impressive breathability numbers, this shell feels more like a softshell than a rain jacket.

Designed for use in the alpine while mountaineering or rock climbing, the Kinetic Alpine 2.0 is one of the comfiest rain jackets we’ve ever had the pleasure of wearing. With the feel of a softshell, Rab’s proprietary ProFlex fabric manages to be both breathable and durable. A 2-way YKK Aquaguard front zip provides easy access to your harness and equipment, adjustable Velcro cuffs accommodate gloves of all sizes, and the hood is helmet-compatible without feeling too bulky. 

The Kinetic Alpine 2.0 shines in environments where you’d want your waterproof layer to double as a wind jacket, and where durability would be key. During a stormy ridge scramble in Arizona, we managed to stick ourselves with two jumping cholla cactus pods, and were surprised at the end of the day to not be able to find where the needles penetrated the fabric!

On the flipside, the 10,000 mm hydrostatic waterproof rating is one of the lowest in our rain jacket buyer’s guide, so we wouldn’t recommend this jacket for multi-day downpours or heavy snow like we would with the Arc’teryx Beta or the Outdoor Research Foray II. We were also disappointed that there are no pit zips, so mechanical ventilation is limited to the front 2-way zipper. 

Overall, the Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 makes a great addition to the closet for the desert hiker, mountaineer, or climber looking for a 2-in-1 waterproof layer that feels and acts like a softshell. 

Blurring the line between rain jacket and their more climbing-oriented cousins, the Norrøna Falketind Paclite Rain Jacket ($349) is a hardshell jacket in everything but the membrane, meaning you get all of the mountain-ready cut and features, with a lighter packed weight and compressed size — perfect for taking with you anywhere.

The 2.5-layer GORE-TEX Paclite Plus membrane used is a notch above the typical Paclite, in that it incorporates a less slick backer and printed dots on the interior to better move moisture out of the jacket. The breathability will still be on the lesser side when compared to other GORE-TEX membranes at 15,000 g/m², but the waterproofing is just as strong at 28,000 mm.

In lieu of typical under-arm pit zips, Norrøna went with a novel solution that we haven’t seen before, and that’s zippered front chest ventilation. This zipper (separate from the full closure zipper) runs a full 12 inches and opens up the jacket to fresh air, all without splitting the jacket entirely and leading to a floppy shell. During testing, our reviewers found that this moved air nicely through the jacket.

With a technical fit, this jacket doesn’t flap about in strong winds, and retains much of the technical articulation needed to pull off any move necessary — be it on the glacier or on the trail. The hood is sized to accommodate a climbing helmet, and adjusts with a single pull on the back of the head.

Compared to the Arc’teryx Beta Jacket, the Falketind Paclite does have a few advantages. For one, the Falketind implements mechanical ventilation into the build, which is something the Beta is missing out on. The Falketind also slides in $50 cheaper, though it does miss out on the twin hand pockets, and better 3-layer GORE-TEX membrane that the Beta has.

If you’re looking for a jacket that will stand up to the rough stuff, but is still packable enough to make it into your bag on every outing, the Norrøna Falketind Paclite puts up the good fight.

You’re looking at the crest of a new wave here: Making use of the new GORE-TEX ePE membrane, the Mountain Hardwear Trailverse GORE-TEX Jacket ($420) is one of the first through-and-through rain jackets to adopt the entirely PFC-free membrane, and as such is the culmination of almost a decade of advances toward a more sustainable rain jacket future.

We anticipate that by next year, many GORE-TEX rain jackets will be some blend of ePE and as such, we wanted to get to know the new recipe better. Rest assured — those 10 years of development weren’t for nothing. Whereas traditional GORE-TEX is an expanded PTFE material (the F stands for ‘fluoro’), GORE’s new membrane instead pivots its expansion technology to polyethylene, and in doing so strips out the PFCs from within the membrane.

So, the verdict? If you hadn’t told us it was a new blend, we wouldn’t have been much the wiser. The classic 28,000 mm waterproofing is still as stout as always, and while the breathability is a bit on the lower end (at a RET of <13), it feels similar to the classic 3L GORE in practice. Hiking uphill, you’ll still want to leverage mechanical ventilation to keep moisture moving, but in fit, form, and function, it’s nice to see ePE living up to the name.

The jacket itself is well-deserving of the membrane as well, with a more full-featured design that includes a dual-direction front zipper, side torso ventilation vents, and waterproofed chest pockets. A tall collar also helps to bolster the weatherproofing and allows us to tuck away in windy conditions without needing to pull up the full hood.

If you’re looking to get into the new GORE-TEX at a lower price point, Mountain Hardwear also rolled out the LandSky Jacket ($250), a shell with a slightly lesser feature set and thinner 50D material. We find the less-lifestyle cut of the Mountain Hardwear Trailverse to be more amenable to backpacking, and we’re excited to continue testing to see the long-term performance of this new waterproof-breathable technology. If initial impressions hold, ePE looks like a winner.

From your morning commute to a coastal deluge, the Arc’teryx Beta Jacket ($400) ticks the boxes for our needs when it comes to a rain jacket that can simply do it all. And freshly updated, the Beta follows in the footsteps of the Beta Lightweight shell and adopts the GORE-TEX ePE membrane — which incorporates zero forever chemicals in its construction.

Arc’teryx’s Beta line of jackets are made for ‘All-Around’ activities, and we can confirm that this jacket will just about do most of it. Utilizing a high-power GORE-TEX 3-layer ePE membrane and a durable face fabric, this is the shell for serious outdoors folk who need absolute protection, no matter the price. Our own testing has taken the Arc’teryx Beta to places that other rain jackets shudder to dream of. Through it all, this jacket came out ready for more.

The Beta certainly isn’t cheap. At its premium price point, it’s better thought of as a long-term investment piece that’ll be around far into the future. But at a 28,000mm waterproof rating, know that you’ll be protected from the rain for the long haul. During testing around British Columbia’s Squamish, we came to greatly appreciate this heightened waterproofing, as well as the trim fit that worked equally well cutting through downtown as it did getting up close and personal with a few waterfalls.

One downside of the über waterproof fabric is the distinct crinkle of fabric on fabric, which can become a drone on repetitious missions like ski touring. And since this is the lower end of the Beta line, this jacket does without pit-zips. If some added mechanical ventilation is high on your list, check out the Beta AR ($600).

One benefit of the buy-once-cry-once ethos is getting access to brands that are pushing innovation. Arc’teryx works closely with GORE-TEX to produce leading-edge fabric technologies, and if the leading edge is where you spend most of your time, the Arc’teryx Beta is up to the task. It’s probably one of the best rain jackets money can buy today, without stepping up to something more mountain-savvy like a hardshell jacket.

They say you can’t have your cake and eat it too, but the Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 Jacket ($180) sure does get close. Combining an admirable balance of waterproofness/breathability, features, and price, this Rab rain jacket strikes a near-perfect balance across the spectrum and is easily among the better in our testing.

The Pertex Shield 2.5-layer waterproof membrane sports what we believe is just about the perfect balance of waterproofing to breathability: 20,000 mm to 20,000 g/m², and generous pit zips help to avoid perspiration when the difficulty really ramps up. There are certainly other rain jackets that fill special niches better than the Downpour, but few tick more boxes across the range.

In our own testing, we were consistently impressed by the well-thought-out features that round out this shell. During a trail ride on Washington state’s Galbraith mountain, we battled on-again, off-again showers with the Downpour, and were keen on the roll-away hood, which easily tucked away for the rip down, as well as the drawstring hem which kept mud from going where the sun don’t shine.

There are a few stumbles: such as the sometimes difficult-to-manage left-hand zipper, and the need to mechanically vent to avoid interior slickness typical of 2.5-layer waterproof membranes — but we’re willing to look past these minor flaws for the sheer utility the Downpour provides.

The Downpour Plus 2.0 is one of the most well-rounded rain jackets we’ve tested, and at the price (less than $200), it’s an easy go-to for anyone looking for a shell to do almost everything.

Read Review: Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 Jacket Review: A Versatile Shell That’s Ready for All 50 Names for Rain

The anorak doesn’t get much love in the U.S., but we think that should change. The Mountain Hardwear Premonition UL Anorak ($400) is a highly functional piece of rainwear, and, dare we say — stylish? Without going too gorpcore, the Premonition UL does have a certain je ne sais quoi that we can’t deny. 

Made to be pulled over your head and worn like a smock, this jacket is a minimal design that is easier to don/take off than you would imagine. We wore it through a wet transition from fall into winter in the Pacific Northwest — as well as a few volcano summits — and greatly enjoyed it on hikes through dripping old growth and into the alpine alike.

While Pertex Shield is made in 2, 2.5, and 3-layer variations, we don’t often see the 3L, and we’re not sure why. The added backer greatly relieves the damp feeling that can occur in unlined versions and aids in wicking moisture into the membrane to be drawn out of the jacket. We also didn’t note any ding to breathability between the 2.5-layer jackets we’ve tested and this one.

The feature set is light on the Premonition, but it’s got it where it counts. The front chest pocket is surprisingly spacious and doubles as a storage pocket for the jacket itself. It also sports an elastic band on the inside — a feature many other alpine shells from Mountain Hardwear have — that we found great for holding our radios in the upright position.

Two interior drop pockets round out the storage options. Instead of multiple corded adjustments, the jacket goes with an elastic binding around the hem and sides of the hood to keep things snug. There is a single corded adjustment to pull the crown back from your eyes, however. Downsides appear when faced with taking the jacket on and off frequently, but since this is rare, we didn’t ding the jacket too much for this.

With a super-light 3-layer construction, the Premonition UL Anorak could easily slot into a climber’s “low-probability, high-consequence” kit, alongside similar jackets like the Patagonia Storm10 and Outdoor Research Helium. And no, we’re still not over the hip anorak look. Just look at it.

Built for moving through the mountains, the Patagonia Storm10 jacket ($329) is the beefed-up sibling of the Torrentshell, making use of the same 3-layer H2No membrane, but in a much more packable and capable profile. This jacket lands squarely in between a hardshell and a rain jacket, but with a sub-10-ounce weight, you’d hardly guess that it’s got such chops.

The Storm10 sits among the more technical rain jackets on our list, with the Arc’teryx Beta just edging it out in overall burl-factor. Both jackets sport a 3-layer membrane, but the Beta has a slightly thicker skin (30-denier to the Storm10’s 20D), and a slightly higher waterproof rating. In testing, we found these jackets both excelled in the same use profile: perfect for off-trail, mountainous adventures where you’ll need every ounce of protection.

On top of the high-quality 20,000 mm waterproofing, the Storm10 adds a number of savvy features that ensure the jacket isn’t held back when you want to push into new territories. The hood is helmet-compatible, meaning it’ll fit over a climbing or ski helmet, and it also sports a RECCO reflector. And when you want to stash the jacket away, it stuffs into its own chest pocket, and has an integrated hang-loop for clipping to the back of a climbing harness.

Alas, it can’t all be roses, and the rain jacket is unfortunately lacking in the pit zips department. During our testing in a particularly rainy Pacific Northwest spring, casual hiking was manageable while fully zipped up, but turning up the cadence did cause some moisture pile-up. We’ll add it to the wish list for now, which is mighty short otherwise.

Ideal for those who want a rain jacket to do it all in, the Storm10 offers an adaptable shell that has the muscle to back it up for when the skies open.

Having now gone through a number of revisions over 12 years, it’s easy to say that not only does the Outdoor Research Helium Jacket ($170) have staying power, but it also continues to get better. This weight-conscious shell tips the scales at a scant 6.3 ounces, and still manages to not leave too many features on the cutting room floor.

While our use of the previous generation of Helium is extensive (we’ve carried it on over 2,000+ miles of thru-hiking), the newest iteration pushes the needle even further with the addition of a new version of Pertex Shield membrane with Diamond Fuse technology. Instead of increasing the denier for strength, this weave utilizes diamond-shaped yarns that interlock with one another to bulk up the tear resistance.

OR claims this adds up to a 5x more tear-resistant jacket over its predecessor, and while we haven’t dove into the brambles to prove it, a strong tug across the fabric does yield a more confidence-inspiring feel. During a recent trip to Joshua Tree National Park, the Helium jacket performed admirably when pressed against the sharp granite boulders of the desert.

Other improvements come in the form of the single Napoleon pocket on the left chest, which has been enlarged for easier stuffing of the jacket into itself. There is also a hidden key clip to keep your keys close at hand, and YKK water-resistant zips on both the main and pocket zips.

When compared to its contemporaries, the Outdoor Research Helium exists in sort of a middle-ground between the Zpacks Vertice and the Montbell Versalite, where the former offers higher breathability (and higher price), and the latter boasts more features and better livability, all at the same weight. As with many Pertex Shield jackets, we did find that breathability wasn’t quite what we’d like to see, and that the slick interior can feel clammy once you’ve pushed the jacket past the brink.

Choosing between the three will mean weighing your goals and going with the best fit, but for any discerning thru-hiker, alpine climber, or trail runner, the Helium rain jacket can easily makes the grade.

The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Jacket ($230) takes the phrase moves with you to heart, incorporating a four-way stretch across the entire jacket that not only makes pulling the move easier, but it also does so quietly and with a super soft hand.

Billed as a front-to-backcountry do-it-all shell, this jacket oozes movement and adds a nice amount of stretch to Mountain Hardwear’s 2.5L Dry.Q waterproof membrane. The membrane itself specs out at a respectable 10,000 mm waterproofing and 10,000 g/m² breathability, and in a live-fire environment, we found the Stretch Ozonic to be ideal for lighter precip environments where motion is king, such as trail running, scrambling, or bumping around the city.

Taken to the bench, the Stretch Ozonic did wilt a bit faster than jackets with higher waterproofing counts, and in our shower tests, while wearing a backpack, the areas beneath the pack straps began to wet out before the time was up. This is a known issue for stretch shells and is why the jacket finds itself below the fold in our recommendations.

As a surprise, one of our favorite features of this jacket is hidden away: mesh-lined pockets. In terms of easy methods to add physical venting to a jacket, mesh is high on our lists (we’re surprised more jackets don’t incorporate this). There will be a slight durability ding with using a lighter material, but we’ve yet to see it pan out that way in our experience.

The hood of the Stretch Ozonic is fairly standard, with a single drawcord adjustment at the rear of the head to keep it out of your eyes. No wire-stiffened brim here, but we did enjoy the soft microfleece chin guard for when the rain really let loose and we had to retreat inside the hood.

As with many stretch-infused jackets, you’ll need to keep up on the DWR treatments, as this is an area of tradeoff for the impressive flexibility of the membrane. But for when the occasional storm brews up, this jacket certainly will make the cut for folks who want a shell that will flow with them.

From the minds of thru-hiking gurus, the Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket ($299) aims to be in the company of the “lightest possible choices,” and at 7 ounces it certainly lands among them.

The standout headline of the Vertice is Zpacks’ proprietary membrane, which boasts an impressive claimed 56,000 g/m² breathability rating that stacks up strongly against the new wave of hyper-breathable membranes, such as The North Face’s FUTURELIGHT membrane.

This jacket is no slouch when it comes to waterproofing either at 20,000 mm, which typically will suffer when seeking out high breathability numbers. Compared to the lab numbers, we found during testing that we stayed dry for multiple hours of Pacific Northwest rainfall.

The finish of the Vertice is decidedly cottage industry, and you can tell that an actual human went to work on this jacket. We actually became fond of this fact, and there aren’t any sewing issues that would compromise the integrity of the jacket, but this is certainly a piece for the function-forward among us. There’s a reason thru-hikers look so goofy.

The hood of this jacket, unfortunately, left something to be desired, feeling more like looking through a porthole than anything else. In our estimation, adding a few more inches to this aperture would greatly improve the liveability on days when the precip doesn’t yield. For your next thru-hike or ultralight mission, the Zpacks Vertice trims the fat but maintains the protection.

A solid blend of packability, stretch, weight, and value, the Black Diamond StormLine Stretch ($180) provides a good option for traveling and daily getaways. And available at below $200, it’s a reasonable option from a trusted brand.

Underarm gussets pair with four-way stretch to allow greater freedom of motion, while Black Diamond’s proprietary BD.dry membrane seals out the elements. The StormLine packs into its own pocket and has adjustable cuffs, and also has a climbing helmet-compatible hood. Plus, the jacket weighs just 11.3 ounces, which means you’ll hardly register that it’s hanging from your climbing harness or stashed away in your pack.

While this shell sits great parked on the back of a harness, it isn’t the jacket you want to spend all day camped out in. During an unexpected rain shower halfway up a wall in the Cascades, we found the StormLine to give up the ghost where it was pressed against our harnesses and the environment — something we replicated in our bench tests. It’ll still keep you warm — arguably the more important part when moving quickly — but there’ll be some wringing to do when you’re done.

While not the best suited for layering, the Black Diamond StormLine Stretch will do just fine as a jacket to hedge your bets against a middling forecast. The more climbing-oriented among us more often reach for the 3-layer protection of the Mountain Hardwear Premonition UL Anorak or Patagonia Storm10 — and recommend you do, too, if you’ve got the dough.