Best Ultralight Rain Jackets for Backpacking 2025

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Staying dry and light on your feet can make or break a backpacking trip, especially when the weather doesn’t cooperate. With so many ultralight rain jackets on the market in 2025, finding one that truly delivers can be a challenge.

After more than 30 years on the trail, I’ve learned what counts the most when the rain starts falling. In this guide, you’ll find my top picks for the best ultralight rain jackets. Each rain jacket is carefully selected for its dependable waterproofness, real-world breathability, durability, lightweight design, and trail-tested features.

Whether you’re thru-hiking, bikepacking, or heading out for a weekend adventure, you’ll find straightforward, independent recommendations here. My goal is to help you choose the right ultralight rain jacket so you can stay comfortable, dry, and ready for whatever the trail throws your way.

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How We Tested

All the lightweight rain jackets in this review have been extensively evaluated and researched by the expert author, who has more than 30 years of experience in Thru-Hiking, Backpacking, and Hiking.

The ultralight rain jackets have been rigorously tested by the author on multi-day hikes and bikepacking trips across a range of real-world conditions, including heavy mountain storms and humid summer rain. Comparisons focused on waterproofness, breathability, durability, weight, and comfort. Testing included checking for leaks after hours in the rain, monitoring sweat buildup during strenuous climbs, and assessing wear at high-stress points like shoulders and zippers. Jackets were weighed, packed, and evaluated for practical features such as hood adjustments and pocket design.

Some of the rain jackets were purchased by the author, and some were supplied by the manufacturer and received the same independent, hands-on assessment to ensure honest and transparent recommendations. Read the Review Policy for further details.

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Best Ultralight Rain Jackets 2025

The Best Ultralight Rain Jackets for Backpacking in 2025 are:

• Best Ultralight Rain Jacket: ZPacks Vertice Rain Jacket
• Best Lightweight Rain Jacket: Outdoor Research Helium
• Best Backpacking Rain Jacket: Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket
• Best Budget Backpacking Rain Jacket: REI Co-Op Rainier Rain Jacket
• Best Eco-Friendly Rain Jacket: Patagonia Storm Racer
• Best Stretch Rain Jacket: Black Diamond Fineline Stretch

More High-Quality Backpacking Rain Jackets:

• Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
• Enlightened Equipment Visp
• Marmot Precip Eco
• Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2

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The Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket is a premium ultralight rain jacket that is possibly the most packable rain jacket you will find anywhere. This is an ultralight rain jacket best suited to backpackers and thru-hikers who want the maximum weight saving and the most packable jacket possible.

The Zpacks Vertice weighs only 5.9oz / 168 grams. It comes with a good set of pit zips to assist in venting heat, which is something that light and fast backpackers love. Not only does it have pit zips, but the fabric is one of the most breathable in this review at 56000 g/m2/24-hour. Add to that the hydrostatic head waterproof rating of 20000mm, and you have a good, lightweight rain jacket that ticks a lot of boxes. Keep in mind, the ultralight 7D fabric is ideal for on-trail use but can tear easily if you spend much time bushwhacking or heading off the beaten path.

I tested and reviewed this rain jacket during long-term testing, which lasted more than 18 months in both hot and cold weather, and while hiking and mountain biking. I can confirm it has the best in class breathability, and with the addition of pit zips, this is the jacket to get if you want an ultralight, breathable, and packable rain jacket.

Overall, the Zpacks Vertice is the best ultralight rain jacket for 2025 and best suited to ultralight thru-hikers and backpackers.

The Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket is the updated version of the very successful Helium 2. I used the Helium 2 to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail, so I know and love it well, but is this new jacket an improvement?

The upgraded Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket weighs in at only 7oz / 198 grams. This makes it one of the best lightweight rain jackets for thru-hiking and backpacking.

The OR Helium Rain Jacket is a minimalistic jacket with no hand pockets and a small chest pocket just big enough for smaller-sized phones or other items that the hiker wants to keep dry. The small pocket in the chest also doubles as the storage sack for the jacket.

I like the elastic cuffs, waist drawcord hem, and everything about the adjustable hood. It comes in a range of colors, including my favorite, Bright Orange. A great color for a rain jacket for cycling and hiking in dull weather!

The Helium Rain Jacket is breathable, but not as breathable as many other jackets in this review, especially the Zpacks and Enlightened Equipment jackets. Having said that, I’m a big fan of the 2.5-layer construction made from Pertex Shield Pro outer material. The jacket has no pit zips to vent the heat, but that helps keep the overall weight down.

The Durable Water Repellent Coating (DWR) seems to be just as good as the previous model, which was ok but not outstanding.

The upgraded 2.5-layer Pertex Shield Pro is 30 Denier and uses Diamond Fuse technology, which essentially is upgraded ripstop nylon that is said to be 5 times stronger than the previous model.

Overall, the Outdoor Research Helium is one of the best thru-hiking rain jackets due to the great price and increased durability of the material.

The updated Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket is part of their large range of jackets from the Beta family of rain jackets. It is rated as one of the best quality rain jackets on the market for 2025.

It is not as lightweight as some other jackets, but it is right up there with the Patagonia Torrentshell (which is cheaper) and the Patagonia Storm Racer as a premium rain jacket.

If you are looking for a good mix of durability and waterproofness, then this could be the jacket for you. Add to that one of the best hoods of any of the jackets in this review, which is also helmet compatible.

The Arc’teryx Beta Rain Jacket comes with hand pockets that are just below chest level, which makes them easy to access when you are wearing a backpack with a sternum strap and hip belt. There is also an internal chest pocket and a new feature like pit zips under the arms to assist with venting heat when needed.

Despite being made with high-quality material, it comes in at a premium price and is a little on the heavy side for some people wanting a lightweight rain jacket.

Overall, the Arc’teryx Beta Rain Jacket is the best rain jacket for backpacking and best suited for someone who wants a top-tier product that is durable and able to withstand most wet weather situations.

If you are looking for a budget rain jacket, then the REI Co-Op Rainier Rain Jacket is at the top of the list. Not only is this jacket priced very well, but it comes with pit zips, which is not so common on budget-priced backpacking rain jackets.

At 11.3oz / 320 grams, it is not the lightest rain jacket in this review, but considering the price, it ticks a lot of boxes. It comes with good hand pockets and a couple of internal pockets to keep things dry and accessible.

The 2.5-layer waterproof nylon is made with recycled material and provides a good level of water resistance and breathability.

Overall, the REI Co-Op Rainier Rain Jacket is one of the best budget-priced backpacking rain jackets for 2025.

The Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket is one of the few jackets that has made the commitment to be made from 100% recycled materials and uses certified fair trade sewing in the manufacturing process.  

The Stretch Storm Racer jacket is an ultralight 7 Denier, 3-layer jacket made from a material called H2No. The shell fabric is made of 100 % recycled nylon fabric. The material also has a decent DWR coating.

The Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket is one of the lightest rain jackets from Patagonia, which weighs only 7.2 ounces / 204 grams. Although there are other lighter jackets in this review, there are a few that can boast the environmental credentials for materials and fair trade practices. For this reason, the rain gear comes at a premium price.

The Patagonia Storm Racer comes with a small chest pocket only. This updated model has removed the hand pockets to shave a couple of ounces of the overall weight.

The Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket is breathability, but like all the jackets in this review, it can get a bit clammy after a while. Some of the previous lightweight Patagonia Rain Jackets had pit zips to vent heat from the jackets, but they are missing on this newer rain gear.

Overall, the Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket is a better option than the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L because it is a much lighter rain jacket. It ticks all the boxes as being one of the great rain jackets, I just wish it had pit zips to vent heat build-up. If it had them, it would be the perfect jacket. If you care about the environment and want a fair trade certified jacket made from recycled materials, then this could be a perfect choice.

The Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Shell is the new and improved version of the popular Stormline Stretch Rain Jacket. It is a good all-weather jacket for the active backpacker and the best lightweight stretch jacket for 2025.

The Black Diamond Fineline stretch jacket uses an improved 2.5-layer construction and pairs with a decent DWR finish. When Stretch Rain Jackets appeared on the market a few years ago, I loved the stretchy feel but felt they weren’t as good as normal hardshell rain jackets. Black Diamond has mastered the stretch rain jacket with the updated Fineline Stretch Rain Jacket.

One of the better things about the jacket is the use of pit zips. This adds another layer of breathability to the jacket.

It is also quite reasonably priced compared to others in the review. But at a weight of 11.2 oz / 320 grams, it puts this jacket at the higher end of lightweight jackets.

Overall, the Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Shell is one of the best stretch rain shells on the market in 2025 and is well suited to the active backpacker.

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket is the rain jacket you buy when you are confused by all the choices out there. You know it will be good because it is Patagonia.

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L leans very heavily towards its eco-friendly heritage. It uses its H2No 3-layer material, which is a 100% recycled and fair trade sewn jacket. While it is a bit on the heavy side at 13.9 oz / 394 grams, it is a 3-layer material, which most others in this review are not. It also comes with good hand warmer pockets, venting pit zips, and a decent DWR finish. And the hood has good coverage and cinches down well.

Overall, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L rain jacket does everything well and is a good, honest jacket to pick if you are confused with all the choices. If you do, you will be happy.

The Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain Jacket was updated and is now one of the lightest, most breathable, and most waterproof lightweight jackets available at the moment.

I have been using and testing this jacket for more than 18 months and can confirm its excellent protection against both rain and wind. It is best suited for ultralight thru-hikers only. The Enlightened Equipment Visp would be the best rain jacket for the Pacific Crest Trail or a similar long-distance trail.

The 3-layer jacket is made from ultralight 7D ripstop nylon. This is a paper-thin waterproof breathable membrane that is soft to the touch, comfortable, and weighs around 5.6 ounces or 159 grams.

Being such a thin material, it will be more prone to getting holes while hiking in the backcountry. If going off-trail or on trails with lots of sharp sticks, I would avoid this jacket in preference to heavier duty.

With a claimed breathability rating of 83000 g/m²/24 hour, this is the most breathable jacket in this review. They now come standard as a rain jacket with pit zips. The pit zips do a good job of venting heat when needed.

It has a waterproof rating of 28,000mm, which is more than enough for any backpacking rain jacket.

Be aware that at the time of writing, there may be supply issues with this jacket, which is the only reason it has been pushed down in the ratings. It is the only jacket to give the Zpacks Vertice a challenge as the best ultralight rain jacket. Click the link below and check if they are in stock.

Overall, Enlightened Equipment’s Visp Rain Jacket is one of the best waterproof breathable rain jackets for thru-hiking. With class-leading light weight, best-in-class breathability, and the option of pit zips for better ventilation, there is little to dislike about this rain jacket.

The Marmot PreCip rain jacket has been around since about 1999. This latest upgrade gives the Marmot Precip an eco-friendly conscience.

The Marmot PreCip Eco is made from recycled nylon face fabric and uses a PFC-free DWR, which is one of the rain jacket’s best features.

The Marmot PreCip Eco costs less than $100 at some retailers, which makes it one of the cheapest rain jackets for hiking; only the Outdoor Research Helium 2 and REI jacket is close in the quality vs price category. For those wanting a budget backpacking rain jacket and wanting something environmentally friendly, it ticks all the boxes.

This 2.5-layer jacket is not the most breathable rain jacket in this review, and hikers will wish it were a little more breathable during hikes with long uphill climbs. To address this, the Marmot Precip Eco has pit zips to vent heat, and there is a mesh lining for the hand pockets.

The Pit Zips and the pockets pit zips with mesh do a good job at regulating body heat and transferring moisture outside when needed.

Weighing in at 10.5oz / 293g, it is just light enough for hiking and backpacking, multi-day hikes, and cycling. Thru-hikers and ultralight hikers will look elsewhere, as there are better options for the weight.

The fixed hood is adjustable with velcro tabs so you can easily wear it over a baseball cap or a hooded down jacket. It also has two cord adjustments so you can quickly cinch it closer to your face to keep the rainwater out.

Marmot uses a unique name for the design of this jacket. It has a built-in “Angel-wing movement” design. When you reach overhead, the sleeves will not want to move up the length of the arms. A well thought out feature that appears to work well.

For the price, this is the best rain jacket for budget backpackers and hikers. If you are in the market for rain gear that is environmentally friendly and are a fan of the circular economy, you can’t go wrong with the Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket.

The Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 rain jacket is still lightweight at 9.1oz / 258 grams, but there are still some jackets a bit lighter.

Made with Gore-Tex Paclite, it is not only breathable due to the quality lightweight material but also very waterproof. The build quality is also very solid, and due to the high quality, it will last a long time.

This model lacks some of the features that were on previous models, such as side zips to help with venting heat when climbing up a rainy but sweaty hill.

Overall, this is a good quality, lightweight rain jacket. It has been discontinued, so at the moment it is a bargain compared to the normal retail price. Check the prices below to see just how good the prices are at the moment, but hurry, they may not last for long.

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More Rain Jackets

Below are some backpacking rain jackets worth a look:

• Frogg Toggs – Frogg Toggs are very cheap and do a good job. Despite the very cheap price, it is a waterproof breathable jacket used by many backpackers on a budget.
• Montbell Versalite – The Montbell Versalite is being reviewed at the moment and may be added to this review in the future. The best features of this ultralight rain jacket are the weight or lack of it, the pit zips, and the best quality DWR.

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Rain Jacket Comparison Table

Brand	Weight	Breathability (g/m2/24-hour)	Waterproof Level (mm)	Hand Pockets	Storage	Pit Zips
ZPacks Vertice Rain Jacket	5.9 oz	56,000	20,000	No	Hood	Yes
Outdoor Research Helium	7 oz	20,000	15,000	No	Pocket	No
Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket	12 oz	Not Specified	Not Specified	Yes	Hood	Yes
REI Co-Op Rainier	11.3 oz	Not Specified	Not Specified	Yes	Pocket	Yes
Patagonia Storm Racer	7.2 oz	15,000	15,000	No	Pocket	No
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L	14.1 oz	Not Specified	Not Specified	Yes	Pocket	Yes
Black Diamond Fineline Stretch	11.2 oz	10,000	10,000	Yes	Pocket	Yes
Enlightened Equipment Visp	5.6 oz	83,000	28,000	No	Hood	Yes
Marmot Precip Eco	10.3 oz	17,000	10,000	Yes	Pocket	Yes
Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2	9.1 oz	15,000	28,000	Yes	No	No

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Best Ultralight Rain Jacket for Thru-Hiking

All the best rain gear in this review could be improved, whether it be shaving off a couple of ounces in weight, having a better DWR, or they could be cheaper. There is no such thing as the perfect rain jacket.

A couple of the jackets stood out from the pack like the Zpacks Vertice, and Outdoor Research Helium. All of these are ultralight, very packable, and full of everything a lightweight thru-hiker would need.

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Best Overall Rain Jacket

Overall, my choice of the Best Rain Jacket for 2025 is the Zpacks Vertice. This is a great rain shell and easily one of the best backpacking rain jackets on the market right now. If you want the best waterproof and windproof jacket for ultralight hiking, then this is your jacket. The best option for ultralight thru-hikers. The Outdoor Research Helium is also one of the best ultralight rain jackets for backpacking.

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Best Rain Jacket with Pit Zips

Pit zips are the underarm zippers that let you vent heat fast, especially for anyone hiking hard in wet weather. Here are my top picks for rain jackets with pit zips in 2025:

• ZPacks Vertice Rain Jacket
• Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket
• REI Co-Op Rainier Rain Jacket
• Enlightened Equipment Visp
• Marmot PreCip Eco

In my experience, pit zips make a real difference on sweaty climbs or humid days, letting you dump heat without taking off your jacket. And many manufacturers are also starting to agree. Just keep in mind, pit zips add a bit of weight and can be a wear point over time. If you’re truly counting grams, consider if you’ll use them enough to justify it.

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Best Environmentally Friendly Rain Jackets

For those who want the most environmentally friendly rain jackets, the choice is either the Patagonia Storm Racer, Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, REI Co-Op Rainier, or the Marmot Precip Eco. These environmentally friendly and eco-conscious jackets will help you feel like you are doing something good for the environment while hiking and backpacking.

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Best Budget Rain Jackets

The best budget option is the REI Co-Op Rainier Rain Jacket, which is priced under $100. The Marmot Precip Eco is another option that is priced under $120.

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How to Choose a Lightweight Rain Jacket

Choosing the right lightweight rain jacket can mean the difference between a comfortable adventure and a soggy, miserable slog. Here’s what to look for to stay dry, light, and happy on the trail.

Checklist:

• Waterproof rating: 15,000mm or higher
• Breathability: 15,000g/m2/24hr or higher
• Quality DWR coating
• Adjustable hood (preferably helmet-compatible if you climb)
• Pit zips or other venting if you hike in warm/humid climates
• Weight under 12oz for ultralight trips
• Durable zippers and well-placed pockets
• Easy-to-adjust cuffs and hem
• Very small when packed up

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Waterproof Rating of Rain Jackets

The waterproof rating for rain jackets is often called the Hydrostatic head, rated in millimeters (mm). It refers to the amount of water pressure needed to leak through the rain jacket material.

A rain jacket with a hydrostatic head rating of 20000mm is the equivalent of placing a cylinder of water 25mm (1 inch) round on a jacket and filling it with 20000mm of water before it will leak through.

For a hiking rain jacket to be waterproof while wearing a backpack, it is generally accepted that it must be rated at 15000mm or above. Only rain jackets being worn in the city and not in the backcountry should be rated lower such as 5000mm.

A good waterproof membrane is essential to keep the water out. The best waterproof breathable fabric is also lightweight such as Gore-Tex, Pertex, and ePTFE.

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DWR Coating: Almost as important as the Fabric

A DWR Coating, also known as Durable Water Repellent Coating is arguably the most important feature needed for a rain jacket.

It is a chemical coating on the face fabric of a jacket that caused the water to bead and run off the surface of the rain jacket. All the Best backpacking rain jackets have a good DWR.

Think of it as similar to the way water runs off the surface of a car after it has a layer of wax applied.

When water no longer beads up and starts soaking into your jacket, it’s time to refresh the DWR.

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How long does a DWR Coating last?

A DWR coating will not last forever. It will usually last for several backpacking trips before it wears off and needs to be reapplied. Hikers and backpackers will need to take note of when the DWR treatment is starting to wear off. When water no longer beads up and starts soaking into your jacket, it’s time to refresh the DWR.

Without a quality DWR, your rain gear will ‘Wet Out’. The water will sit on the surface of the jacket instead of beading and running off the jacket, making the waterproof breathable membrane useless.

The DWR may last as little as a few weeks of regular use or several trips, depending on conditions and care. This is dependent on many factors, including abrasion from your backpack, dirt, washing, and body oils on the fabric. It can siply be renewed by using a spray-on or wash-in DWR finish.

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Rain Jacket Wetting out

When a rain jacket “wets out,” the outer fabric stops beading water and becomes saturated. This blocks the waterproof/breathable membrane from letting sweat escape, so moisture builds up inside and you end up feeling clammy, even though the membrane itself isn’t leaking.

Back when I managed an outdoor store, the number one complaint I heard was that rain jackets leaked. Nine times out of ten, it was the worn-out DWR causing the problem. I’d show customers the difference by spraying water on a new jacket (which would bead water perfectly) and then on their old one (which would soak it up). A simple spray-on or wash-in DWR treatment usually fixed the issue and restored the jacket’s performance.

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Is DWR Environmentally Friendly?

Older rain jackets used a C8 DWR coating. This was a super durable coating, but made with toxic chemicals that stick around in the environment and can build up in wildlife and your own body. Most brands now use C6 DWR, which is safer but doesn’t last as long. The newest and most eco-friendly option is PFC-free (non-fluorinated) DWR, which is even better for the planet, but may need to be reapplied more often.

If you care about sustainability, look for jackets labeled “PFC-free” or “Bluesign approved.” I’ve switched to PFC-free options for most of my gear, but remember to check your DWR regularly and refresh it as needed with a product like Nikwax.

In conclusion, Eco-friendly DWR is better for the wild places we love, even if it means a bit more maintenance on your part.

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How to restore a DWR Treatment Video

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Breathability

Breathability tells you how much sweat vapor a jacket can let escape, measured in grams per square meter over 24 hours (g/m²/24hr). For backpacking, I recommend looking for at least 15,000g/m²/24hr. In my experience, breathability matters even more than a sky-high waterproof rating for staying comfortable on the move.

Just keep in mind, lab numbers are only part of the story. Real-world breathability depends on your jacket’s fit, venting options like pit zips, and how well the DWR is working. When the outer fabric gets soaked, even the best membrane can’t keep up.

Keep your DWR fresh and use those pit zips on the climbs. It makes a world of difference when you’re hiking hard in the rain.

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Features

There are a couple of important features to look out for on lightweight rain jackets. Apart from the obvious ability to keep the hiker dry, there are some things that set one jacket apart from another. There are 4 important features to consider when purchasing a high-quality rain jacket:

• Pockets
• Hood
• Waist Cinch Cord
• Pit Zips
• Waterproof Zipper

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Rain Jacket Pockets

Pockets are a great feature, but they add a bit of weight to the rain jacket. Most ultralight rain jackets do not have hand pockets; usually, the chest pocket is as complicated as it gets.

Having used a jacket without pockets for many years, I don’t feel they are important; others feel they are super important.

Most backpacking rain jackets pack into an internal pocket for storage, some have a stuff sack, and some roll into the hood for storage when not in use.

Keep in mind that not all pockets are completely waterproof, so ensure that important stuff, such as phones, is in a waterproof bag.

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Rain Jacket Hood

A good hood is your first line of defense against rain running down your neck. Simple elastic hoods are light and easy, but adjustable hoods with cinch cords and toggles give you a snug fit that keeps water and wind out, especially important in harsh weather.

Some hoods also have stiffened brims to keep rain off your face and help you see where you’re going. The best hoods move with your head, so you’re not constantly peering into the side of your jacket.

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Helmet Compatible Hood

For those who spend time in alpine areas and require an Alpine rain jacket then they may also need a helmet-compatible rain jacket.

Most ultralight rain jackets skip this feature to save weight. In my reviews, the Arc’teryx Beta SL is a good example of a jacket with a helmet-compatible hood, while most others stick to standard sizing.

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Rain Jacket Waist Cinch Cord

A waist cinch cord helps seal out drafts and gives your jacket a snugger fit, especially handy in windy or cold weather. Some jackets use a single-sided cinch, while others have adjustments on both sides for a more even seal. You might also see simple elastic hems on ultralight models, which save weight but don’t offer as much control.

The location of the cinch cord matters; look for cords that are easy to reach and adjust, even with gloves on. And always check the fit with your backpack hip belt; an awkwardly placed cord can dig in or cause bunching on long days.

I’ve found that a good cinch cord makes a big difference when the wind picks up. It’s a small feature, but it can mean the difference between staying warm and shivering through a storm.

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Rain Jacket Cuffs

Cuffs might seem like a small detail, but they make a big difference in comfort and protection. Most rain jackets use either elastic cuffs, which are lightweight and simple, or adjustable cuffs with Velcro tabs. Adjustable cuffs let you cinch the sleeves tight to keep rain out and prevent the sleeves from sliding over your hands. This is especially useful if the arms are a bit long or you are wearing gloves.

Just keep in mind, Velcro can wear out over time or get clogged with mud, so give it a quick check before big trips. If you’re aiming for the lightest setup, elastic cuffs will save a few grams, but for serious rain or cold, I prefer the versatility of adjustable cuffs.

On stormy days, I always cinch my cuffs tight over my gloves to keep water from running down my arms.

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Pit Zips on Rain Jackets

Pits Zips are under the arm or sometimes zips in the chest area of the jacket that can be unzipped to vent heat. This is a useful feature when climbing up hills on warm days when there is just enough rain to warrant the use of a rain jacket, but not enough that having the jacket opened up a bit will get you wet.

While they are good at venting heat, they are in a high-wear area and can fail a lot quicker than normal zips. While most people will not experience this issue, if you own and use a rain jacket with pit zips long enough, you may experience this kind of failure.

Overall, pit zips are a great idea and well worth looking for when purchasing an ultralight rain jacket.

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Waterproof Zippers

All the rain gear in this review uses a quality water-resistant zipper. YKK is the current gold standard for quality waterproof zippers for outdoor use.

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Conclusion

All the Rain Jackets Tested in the Ultralight Rain Jacket Gear Review are great and worth buying. But the ultralight ZPacks Vertice Rain Jacket and Outdoor Research Helium are the two best choices.

• Best Ultralight Rain Jacket: ZPacks Vertice Rain Jacket
• Best Lightweight Rain Jacket: Outdoor Research Helium
• Best Backpacking Rain Jacket: Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket
• Best Budget Backpacking Rain Jacket: REI Co-Op Rainier Rain Jacket
• Best Eco-Friendly Rain Jacket: Patagonia Storm Racer
• Best Stretch Rain Jacket: Black Diamond Fineline Stretch
• Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
• Enlightened Equipment Visp
• Marmot Precip Eco
• Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2

Frequently Asked Questions

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