Your Guide To Finding The Best Rain Jackets In Australia

We’ve all been there, on top of a mountain, when the skies decide to open up and dump an unfair amount of rain on our heads. It’s in these moments that our rain jackets are put to the ultimate test. 

And if you’re here reading this post, I’m guessing your rain jacket didn’t quite cut the mustard! 

But never fear, because we have spent hours scouring the internet and putting several of our own rain jackets through intense testing to compile a list of the best rain jackets in Australia.

In this post, we will discuss the many factors that come together to produce the best rain jacket before providing you with a list of all the best rain jackets in Australia. Feel free to skip down to the quick facts or rain jacket comparison list from the table of contents below. 

Now, let’s get started! 

Update: We have updated this gear guide on 10/03/2026 to ensure all hiking rain jacket recommendations and information are up to date and relevant. In our update, we have swapped out some jackets to include better options and refreshed some component information – like the DWR treatment – that required new, up-to-date information.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase of a product we recommend through one of our links, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you! This helps to support our blog and enables us to continue providing you with helpful tips and exciting adventures, so thank you 🙂

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How To Choose The Best Rain Jacket

As with most hiking gear that defends us against the wrath of the weather gods, a rain jacket has many components that need to be factored in before choosing the best rain jacket for you and your adventure style. 

Unfortunately, obtaining the best of each component will cost a pretty penny and quite frankly, isn’t worth the money unless you’re planning to utilise the rain jacket in the most extreme circumstances. Much like choosing the best down jacket or sleeping bag, balance and compromise ultimately take precedence.

Understanding the conditions you’ll face and deciding how intensely you’ll be using the jacket will ultimately point out the features and factors that are of most importance and the ones you can live without. 

So let’s take a closer look at the components that make the best rain jackets and what they really mean.

The XTM Takayna, Our Favourite Rain Jacket For Australia

• Highly breathable
• Impressive Performance
• Super cheap
• Awesome orange colour

A great all-round jacket, perfect for Australia! Plus all profits go directly to the Save The Tarkine Foundation 🙂

Shop XTM Takayna

Rain Jacket Ratings

Manufacturers will generally rate jackets by using two numbers, for example – 10k/15k.

The first number illustrates how water-resistant the rain jacket is, which is measured in millimetres. The second number relates to how breathable the jacket is, which is indicated in grams. 

Basically, what we can take from the above information is that the higher the numbers, the more water-resistant and breathable the rain jacket will be. It’s always beneficial to have the highest waterproof rating, whereas high breathability is of most importance when you will be continuously exerting yourself and producing sweat.  

Here is a table for you to refer to when choosing which rating you’ll need.

Waterproofing Technology

You’ve no doubt heard the term Gore-Tex being thrown around in the outdoor world, and that is because it’s the market leader in waterproofing technology. Gore-Tex is a waterproof, windproof, durable and breathable membrane that makes up the main construction of a rain jacket. You will also find Gore-Tex in the best hiking boots.

While Gore-Tex has previously been the only contender in its league, many brands are bringing out their own trademark waterproofing technologies – such as Patagonia’s H2No and The North Face’s FutureLight – that are matching the quality of Gore-Tex. 

The key takeaway here is to purchase a rain jacket that has reputable waterproofing technology. While Gore-Tex might be the best, the competition is building rapport within the outdoor community – the closest of which is Pertex, who make the best breathable technology for summer rain jackets.

To be sure the technology stands up against the likes of Gore-Tex, you can Google search the specific membrane that’s stated in the rain jacket’s product details and make sure they match the specifications found on Gore-Tex products of a similar price. 

DWR (Durable Water Repellent Finish)

Have you ever noticed the water droplets beading up on your jacket and rolling right off? It’s not magic, it’s the DWR coating! 

The term DWR stands for durable water repellent finish and is basically the first line of defence. The coating is applied to the exterior of most rain jackets and prevents moisture from absorbing into the jacket’s fabric. Similarly, DWR coatings are the protection you’ll find on a lot of hiking backpacks to provide basic water resistance.

Unfortunately, this coating traditionally uses perfluorocarbons, which have been linked to health and environmental issues. PFC or PFAS (the newer, broader term for these forever chemicals) are being transitioned out of DWR treatments for many outdoor brands. 

Once upon a time, these PFC-free or PFAS-free DWR treatments weren’t as effective. But now, they work just as well and are way safer for you. For more information, check out Patagonia’s article about why they have removed PFC/PFAS from their gear.

Fabric Layers

Fabric layers refer to the design and construction of rain jackets, specifically the way in which the material used is bound together to create the shell. Fabric layers are divided into three main categories; 2-layer, 2.5-layer and 3-layer. 

You will find this referenced on nearly all weatherproof jackets on the market in the form of 2L, 2.5L and 3L. In many ways, this rating is the best indication you have to determine the overall performance of a rain jacket.

2-Layer Fabric

As you may have guessed, the 2-layer fabric is used for entry-level rain jackets that are suitable for urban and non-technical use. They consist of a waterproof and breathable membrane joined to an outer-face fabric. 

While they are the cheapest option, their low breathability and bulk (due to a mesh liner that’s needed to protect the inner coating) cause them to be an inappropriate option for hiking. 

2.5-Layer Fabric

The 2.5-layer fabric is the most common in the outdoor world. They are quite affordable while still offering sufficient breathability, durability and weight for adventurers. 

These rain jackets are made with an outer-face fabric joined with a waterproof and breathable membrane. An inner coating shields the membrane from abrasion and sweat, oil and dirt from your body that can affect the performance of the jacket. 

3-Layer Fabric

The 3-layer construction is quite similar to the 2.5-layer, however, the inner coating is made of a more substantial fabric that increases the moisture-wicking capabilities and improves durability. 

Rain jackets with a 3-layer fabric can be a touch bulkier than the 2.5-layer jacket, but you’ll receive a better next-to-skill feel and a tougher jacket all-round. But these jackets do come with a high price tag, so it’s important to decide how often you’ll be in circumstances that will warrant such a beast of a rain jacket.

Denier

Denier refers to a rain jacket’s density. Basically, the higher the number, the thicker the fabric and subsequently, the stronger the jacket will be. A jacket with a high denier is important for adventurers who often find themselves cosying up to rough objects such as boulders and trees. 

Unfortunately, the denier isn’t often stated on a jacket. But when it is, you want this number to be higher than 40D. A hardcore rain jacket will have a rating of 70 – 80D. 

Sometimes brands will quote the weight per square metres of the fabric (100g/m2) instead which can also give you an understanding of the durability. A rating of 100g/m2 is the standard for most mid-range rain jackets. 

Weight

The weight of your rain jacket can tell you a fair bit about its durability and waterproof levels. A lighter jacket will often be less durable and waterproof but offer better breathability and comfort. And a heavier rain jacket is usually designed to thrive in unpredictable and harsh environments, but comes with the obvious downfall of being heavy to lug around. 

However, it’s not always that easy because some of the best rain jackets have incredible lightweight properties. The best way to gauge a jacket’s performance is to compare weight and price. 

If a jacket has a higher price tag and a low weight, it will generally perform just as well as a cheaper and heavier rain jacket. For most applications, finding a sweet spot in the middle is usually the best idea. Jackets anywhere from 250 to 500 grams are great all-rounders for most outdoor activities. 

Fit

Just like any other piece of essential hiking gear, the fit is as important as it is controversial. Finding a jacket that suits your body shape and sits comfortably for your adventure style is sometimes more difficult than it needs to be.

The two biggest factors to think about regarding fit are length and size. 

Length

We’ve noticed that loads of designs are made short as a trendy fashion – especially for women…

Come on guys, this is not ideal for staying dry in the mountains! 

A rain jacket should be long enough to overlap your rain pants generously, but not too long that it hinders any movement. A longer back is beneficial to cover your butt when sitting on damp ground. 

Size

It’s important to decide how fitted you would like your rain jacket to be. Will you be wearing a thick fleece jacket underneath? Or will you be sticking to summer adventures where a lightweight hiking shirt will suffice?

We often hike in the alpine in winter and therefore, I always buy my rain jackets at least one size larger than I need so that I can fit many layers comfortably. 

Durability

As we discussed earlier, the durability of a rain jacket can generally be related to the thickness of a jacket and the type of fabric layer, where 3L is the most durable. On top of these factors, you may also see the word ‘ripstop’ thrown around. 

Ripstop is a fabric (usually nylon) that is woven in such a way that makes it more resistant to tearing and ripping. This type of woven fabric is becoming quite popular in rain jackets and other outdoor gear such as hiking sleeping mats.

Basically, your hobbies will determine how durable your rain jacket should be. If you engage in extreme activities such as rock climbing or mountaineering, then durability is of the utmost importance.

Many high-end performance jackets are designed with the intent of harsh conditions in ever-changing environments and are built to withstand relentless punishment. But these jackets are overkill for many of us.

For most of us, a 2.5L jacket with an all-round design is a great compromise on durability and affordability.

Breathability

In my opinion, breathability is the most important factor for a hiker. Purchasing a rain jacket with low breathability can cause sweat to pool inside your jacket, dampening your clothes and causing you to freeze once you stop moving.

As mentioned above, the breathability of a rain jacket comes down to the type of fabric it’s constructed with. The two main specifications that depict breathability are the second number of the overall rain jacket rating (15k/20k) and the type of fabric layer. 

For hikers or someone engaging in intense activities, you will benefit from a jacket with an extremely high breathability rating (15K or above) as high levels of exertion will lead to excessive sweat and ultimately, wet base layers.

Packability

This refers to the size that the jacket compresses down to and how easily you can fit it in your pack. Many jackets come with nifty designs that allow you to roll the jacket into its own pocket, but this isn’t completely necessary. 

Weight is the best measure for the packability of a rain jacket, but just remember that the most packable rain jackets generally have to compromise somewhere. The most common compromise is less durability or lower waterproofing properties. 

Here’s a tip for stuffing your rain jacket into a bag: Even if your jacket isn’t equipped with a stash pocket, roll it up into the hood so the inner lining of the jacket is protected by the outer shell.

Features

The best rain jackets will often come with features that enhance their efficiency. It’s important to check whether these features align with the needs of your jacket. 

Hoods

A hood needs to have full coverage of your head without falling in front of your eyes and obscuring your vision. Finding a hood with a built-in peak that is constructed of a harder self-supporting material is best to combat this issue.

If you’re a climber or mountaineer, be sure to check that the hood can expand enough to fit over your helmet. A high level of adjustability at the rear of the hood often results in the most comfortable fit and will cater for most activities. 

Pockets

The factors to consider about pockets on a rain jacket is the placement, amount and whether the zippers are water-resistant. 

Many people forget to think about the location of the front pockets, but as a hiker or climber, you’ll want these pockets to be located higher to allow for a harness or the waist strap of your backpack to sit underneath them. 

An internal chest pocket is also a highly valuable addition to protect sensitive things such as your phone. 

Some high-end jackets will also have waterproof zippers for further protection and fleece-lined pockets to keep your hands warm. 

Vents

Vents are an extremely important feature for hikers and other adventurers who will inevitably work up a sweat. Pit zips – zippers that run along the inseam from either your elbow or armpit to your waist – are the most common form of ventilation and the best for quick temperature control on the trail.

Some rain jackets, like the Macpac Traverse, will scrap pit zips in favour of a lighter, more waterproof jacket. But this does impede breathability slightly – we use our pit zips constantly to regulate our temperatures on the trail, even in jackets with a high breathability rating.

Waist and Hem Adjustment

Rain jackets that feature a hem adjustment offer the best chance of sealing out the weather by eliminating a gap between your pants and jacket. 

A waist adjustment is less common and not as important. This feature allows you to draw in the jacket at the waist to provide a closer fit, and subsequently create more warmth. 

Most waist and hem adjustments are achieved by using an elastic cord and clamp for ease of use and adjustability.

Sustainability

As we move on through the course of time, the world is finally opening its eyes to the importance of sustainability and fair work conditions. While brands may not be perfect in either of these fields, it does feel good to be able to do our part in supporting brands that are trying to make a difference.

The factors that need to be considered in relation to sustainability and ethical practices are:

What Materials Are Being Used

While it’s not always easy to determine whether the materials used to make our beloved products are sustainable, there are a few words we can look out for. 

Obviously, anything that states it’s recycled is a big win, as is a product with a Bluesign Approved label.

Fair Trade 

Fairtrade refers to the promise that traders in developed countries are ensuring the producers in developing countries are being paid and treated fairly. This is an extremely difficult metric to figure out as in many cases, even the brands trying to do the right thing in supporting fair wages and conditions have no idea what the factories are actually doing. 

Durability and Longevity

Durability is another massively important factor in sustainability. Even if a jacket is made with sustainable materials in an environmentally conscious way, if the quality of the rain jacket is poor, then this results in a short life span – which adds to waste and over-consumption.

Don’t forget the age-old saying – you get what you pay for!

Company Policies

Company policies, such as repairing faulty or damaged products, can make a huge impact on sustainability. Many of the companies at the forefront of sustainability will offer a lifetime repair warranty, and when the jacket becomes unrepairable, they will take the jacket off you to recycle it and provide you with a discount for a new purchase.

Waterproof vs Water-Resistant Rain Jackets

Let’s make one thing clear, very few rain jackets are completely waterproof. If they were designed in this way there would be zero breathability. So as a compromise, rain jackets are made as close to waterproof without sacrificing breathability.

However, for ease of explanation, we call rain jackets that have a built-in laminate layer like Gore-Tex or 2.5 – 3 layer fabrics, waterproof. Generally, a waterproof jacket will also have taping along the seams on the interior of the jacket for added protection. 

Water-resistant jackets are only suitable for light showers and short exposure to rain. These jackets are often called spray jackets or softshells and are not suitable for most outdoor activities.

Summer Vs Winter Rain Jackets

When talking about summer versus winter rain jackets, we are mainly talking about the jacket’s breathability. Summer rain jackets are generally lighter, more breathable and come fitted with extra ventilation.  

Winter rain jackets are made with greater protection for cold temperatures. These are designed to withstand harsh environments and provide additional warmth. Most winter jackets will have a 3-layer fabric, and in some cases, they will also have a removable insulated liner.

Rain Jackets With Built-In Stretch

Traditionally, the only way to get an outer layer with built-in stretch was to invest in a softshell jacket at the cost of lowered waterproofing abilities. But as technology advances, we are beginning to find more and more ‘stretchy’ rain jackets becoming available for purchase.

The advantage of a rain jacket with built-in stretch is better mobility for activities such as rock climbing and more intense hiking. If you purchase a higher-quality stretchy jacket, you won’t need to sacrifice waterproof and wind-resistant levels.

As you can see, there are loads of things to take into consideration when choosing your next hiking rain jacket. The best way to decide is to be honest with yourself about your needs and the places you’ll be wearing the jacket most.

While we all want the best of all the components, sometimes it’s not worth the higher price tag! 

Below is a list of the best rain jackets for a variety of different categories.

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12 Best Rain Jackets In Australia

*All rain jacket weights are based on the Women’s version.

1. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket

Best Overall Rain Jacket

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L rain jacket offers superb protection against the elements while keeping a low price point. The 3-layer design is simple yet functional and will keep you comfortable in any condition that’s thrown your way.

There are a few things we would change on this jacket, such as adding a chest pocket and raising the waist pockets slightly. But we do love the microfleece-lined neck and the self-supported peak hood.

What It’s Good For

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket is a solid all-around option for hikers looking for reliability without needing the lightest or most feature-packed jacket. Its affordable price for the quality it offers makes it an easy choice.

Price: $250 AUD
Denier Count: 50D
Waterproof / Breathability Rating: 10-20K/12-15K (specifics unknown)
Material: 3-Layer H2No Performance Standard shell with 100% recycled nylon ripstop face,
a polycarbonate PU membrane with 13% biobased content and a tricot backer
Weight: 352 g
Pit Zips: Yes
Pockets: Two waist pockets
Sustainability: 100% recycled face fabric, PFAS-free DWR, Fair Trade Certified, B-Corp Certified, 1% For The Planet

2. Rab Kangri GTX Jacket

Best Performance Rain Jacket

The Rab Kangri GTX is the jacket you want when tackling technical trails and unpredictable weather. Its tough 70D outer layer can handle the most rugged conditions, while the windproof Gore-Tex Performance ePE keeps you dry and warm when the temperature drops.

One feature we love is the high, water-resistant waist pockets, which are easy to access even when wearing a harness or backpack. Unsurprisingly, a high-performance rain jacket like this comes with a hefty price tag. While it’s a worthwhile investment for those needing serious protection and durability, it might be overkill for fair-weather hikers.

What It’s Good For

The Rab Kangri GTX rain jacket is designed for adventurers who embrace the challenge of bad weather. Its durable, windproof shell offers reliable warmth for winter trips, but don’t pack it away for summer – it’s breathable enough to tackle alpine adventures year-round.

Price: $670 AUD
Denier Count: 70D
Waterproof / Breathability Rating: 28K/10-17K ( breathability specifics unknown)
Material: 3-Layer GORE-TEX Performance Products with ePE membrane
Weight: 391 g
Pit Zips: Yes
Pockets: Two backpack-compatible waist pockets, one internal chest pocket
Sustainability: 100% recycled face fabric (60% of all fabrics used are recycled), PFAS-free DWR

3. XTM Takayna Rain Jacket

Best Value For Money

The XTM Takayna is the new and improved version of the beloved Tarkine rain jacket. Just like its predecessor, the Takayna will keep you dry and comfortable without breaking the bank.

Plus, you can feel good about your purchase. All profits from the jacket’s sales are donated to the Bob Brown Foundation’s  Protect The Takayna Campaign. 

The XTM Takayna rain jacket has been our trusty companion on countless adventures throughout Australia, New Zealand, and Nepal. While it isn’t the warmest option for snowy alpine conditions, we can’t speak highly enough of its quality, durability, and comfort. And trust us, we’ve definitely put this jacket to the test

Read our full review of the XTM Takayna Rain Jacket here.

What It’s Good For

If you’re searching for an affordable and dependable rain jacket that’s perfect for year-round use in milder climates, the XTM Takayna is the jacket for you! Its versatility and light weight make it a fantastic travel companion when you need one jacket that can do it all.

Price: $220 AUD
Denier Count: Unknown
Waterproof / Breathability Rating: 20K/20K
Material: 2.5L HydroVENT20+ shell with 100% recycled polyester ripstop face
Weight: 330 g
Pit Zips: Yes
Pockets: Two waist pockets
Sustainability: 100% recycled face fabric, PFC-Free DWR, All proceeds go to saving the Tarkine, B-Corp Certified

4. The North Face Dryzzle FutureLight 2 Jacket

Best Breathable Rain Jacket

The North Face Dryzzle FutureLight rain jacket has recently been upgraded, and we couldn’t be happier with the added features.

The updated TNF Dryzzle FutureLight 2 rain jacket continues to wow us with its exceptional breathability and comfort. Now, it also comes with pit zips for extra ventilation and an external zippered chest pocket –  two features we really appreciate in a rain jacket.

The Dryzzle FutureLight 2’s breathability still outshines its waterproof performance, but there often needs to be a compromise. If you often find yourself sweating constantly in damp conditions, this could be a very valuable trade-off.

What It’s Good For

If you’re looking for a rain jacket that can handle humid climates and intense, sweat-inducing adventures, The North Face Dryzzle FutureLight 2 is your top contender. We put its breathability to the test on New Zealand’s North Island and during a trek in Bali, and we were seriously impressed.

For a more detailed breakdown of each component, check out our full review of The North Face Dryzzle Futurelight Jacket.

Price: $450 AUD
Denier Count: 75D
Waterproof / Breathability Rating: 18K/75K
Material: 3-Layer FUTURELIGHT shell, 100% recycled polyester face with 100% recycled nylon tricot backer
Weight: 387 g
Pit Zips: Yes
Pockets: Two waist pockets and one external chest pocket
Sustainability: 100% recycled fabrics, PFC-free DWR

5. Macpac Traverse Rain Jacket

Best Lightweight Rain Jacket

If you’re looking for a lightweight rain jacket that doesn’t compromise on waterproofness or comfort, you must check out the Macpac Traverse. This 3-layer jacket weighs just 270g and provides exceptional protection, thanks to its Pertex Shield Pro technology.

While lighter jackets exist, they often sacrifice comfort, breathability, and waterproofing. This is where Pertex Shield Pro excels, giving you the benefits of a 3-layer jacket at a much lighter weight.

The Traverse features reinforced shoulders and wrists to combat wear in high-use areas, while the rest of the jacket uses a lighter fabric to save weight and boost breathability. It might not be the top pick for durability, but if breathability and minimal weight are your main priorities, the Traverse is a clear winner.

What It’s Good For

The Macpac Traverse is a top choice for weight-conscious hikers who need a dependable rain jacket for unpredictable mountain weather. It strikes a great balance between windproofing and breathability, keeping you comfortable as conditions change.

However, if you typically stick to shorter, less demanding trails at lower elevations, a more affordable and even lighter 2.5-layer jacket like the Marmot Precip Eco below would be a perfectly suitable alternative.

Price: $530 AUD (members price $424)
Denier Count: Unknown
Waterproof / Breathability Rating: 20k/20k
Material: 3-layer Pertex Shield Pro, 100% Bluesign approved nylon
Weight: 270 g
Pit Zips: No
Pockets: Two backpack-compatible waist pockets
Sustainability: Bluesign-approved material, pre-consumer recycled nylon

6. Zorali Horizon 3L Rain Jacket

Best Sustainable Rain Jacket

Zorali is another awesome Australian brand that’s super dedicated to sustainability and creating great outdoor gear. Their Horizon 3L rain jacket is a favourite for many, constructed from 100% post-consumer waste and designed specifically for Aussie conditions.

While it’s not quite as breathable as some other jackets (like the TNF Dryzzle or XTM Takayna), the Horizon 3L will still keep you comfortable, warm, and dry across a wide range of trail conditions.

We love the fun colour options Zorali offers, and that the jacket is designed for easy layering underneath (just be sure to size up). However, we do wish it had a stiffened peak on the hood and a few extra pockets.

What It’s Good For

The Zorali Horizon 3L rain jacket is the perfect companion for a variety of Australian climates, particularly excelling in windy and wintry weather. Its durable shell effectively blocks wind and keeps you dry during extended periods of rain.

Price: $250 AUD
Denier Count: Unknown
Waterproof / Breathability Rating: 20k/15k
Material: 3-layer Repel 100% recycled rainproof technology
Weight: 385 g
Pit Zips: Yes
Pockets: Two waist pockets
Sustainability: 100% recycled post-consumer waste material, PFC-Free DWR, B-Corp certified

7. Marmot PreCip Eco Rain Jacket

For a budget-friendly jacket that also puts the environment first, we bring to you the Marmot PreCip Eco rain jacket. This is a great entry-level jacket that will keep you sufficiently dry in sudden rainfall. 

While it may lack some of the bells and whistles of other rain jackets we’ve listed, this 2.5-layer rain jacket is a fantastic lightweight choice when breathability and weight are your top priorities.

What It’s Good For

The Marmot PreCip Eco rain jacket is an ideal choice for warmer climates, where you want to throw in a lightweight waterproof jacket for the ‘just in case’ moments.

Price: $220 AUD
Denier Count: Not specified
Waterproof / Breathability Rating: 10K/17K
Material: 2.5-layer NanoPro, 100% pre-consumer recycled nylon ripstop, 83g/sqm
Weight: 255 g
Pit Zips: Yes
Pockets: Two waist pockets
Sustainability: 100% pre-consumer recycled material, PFC-free DWR

8. The North Face Antora Rain Jacket

The North Face Antora rain jacket is another affordable option for those who occasionally spend time in grim weather and are looking for a sustainable and durable jacket from a reputable brand.

The Antora is a 2-layer rain jacket – the only one on our list – so we know breathability isn’t its strong suit. That said, the mesh lining adds an extra layer of comfort and warmth, which might just check the boxes you’re looking for.

What It’s Good For

While I wouldn’t recommend The North Face Antora rain jacket for high-exertion hikes due to its less breathable design, it is an excellent choice for travel. It’s warm, stylish, packs down small, and does a great job keeping you dry and comfortable for exploring new cities or shorter walks.

Check out our guide next for a more detailed review of the TNF Antora rain jacket and why I think it’s a great travel rain jacket.

Price: $230 AUD
Denier Count: 75D
Waterproof / Breathability Rating: 15K/15K
Material: 2-layer DryVent – 100% recycled polyester ripstop shell, 100% recycled polyester mesh lining
Weight: 345 g
Pit Zips: No
Pockets: Two waist pockets
Sustainability: 100% recycled fabrics, PFC-free DWR

9. Arcteryx Beta SL Rain Jacket

The Arcteryx Beta SL is an alpine-ready rain jacket designed to handle harsh conditions without sacrificing packability. This lightweight jacket comes loaded with mountain essentials, like a helmet-compatible hood and high-positioned waist pockets. 

While it’s lighter than the Rab Kangri GTX – our pick for ‘best performance jacket’ – the Beta SL falls short of the title due to its steep price tag and limited advantages over the Kangri GTX. Not to mention, the Rab Kangri offers a tougher 70D shell compared to the Beta SL’s 40D.

That said, if a lightweight design is more important to you than having the toughest shell, the Beta SL could be the better choice for your adventures.

What It’s Good For

If you’re looking to keep your pack light without giving up the essential protection needed for harsh alpine conditions, the Arcteryx Beta SL rain jacket is a game-changer. Incredibly lightweight yet high-performing, it has all the features you need to stay dry and comfortable while taking on rugged trails.

Price:820 AUD
Denier Count: 40D
Waterproof / Breathability Rating: 28k/10-17k
Material: 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE with C-KNIT backer, plain weave recycled nylon
Weight: 300 g
Pit Zips: Yes
Pockets: Two backpack-compatible waist pockets, one internal zippered pocket
Sustainability: Recycled fabrics, PFC-free DWR, Fair-trade Certified, some Bluesign-approved material used

10. Rab Downpour Mountain Waterproof Jacket

The Rab Downpour Mountain rain jacket delivers the best of both worlds. Featuring the lightness and affordability expected of a quality 2.5-layer jacket, all while packing in mountain-ready features like backpack-compatible pockets, a generous hood, and more.

We’re truly impressed with the feature set of this rain jacket, especially the extended cuffs designed to fit better with gloves – a detail we haven’t seen on any other jacket we’ve reviewed so far.

What It’s Good For

If a high-end 3-layer performance rain jacket feels out of reach, but you still need all the essential features for mountain adventures, the Rab Downpour Mountain rain jacket is the perfect solution. The lightweight design and excellent breathability make this jacket an ideal pick for high-energy hikes and year-round adventures.

Price: $300
Denier Count: 40D
Waterproof / Breathability Rating: 20K/20K
Material: 2.5-layer Pertex Shield with ripstop fabric
Weight: 323 g
Pit Zips: Yes
Pockets: Two backpack-compatible waist pockets, one external chest pocket
Sustainability: 100% recycled post-consumer face fabric, PFC-free DWR

11. Marmot Minimalist Pertex Rain Jacket

Like the Rab Downpour Mountain jacket above, the Marmot Minimalist Pertex rain jacket offers similar benefits but with a lighter weight and fewer features. Its no-frills design makes it 200g lighter, which is a great option if you don’t need a mountain-ready jacket.

That said, you’ll still find backpack-compatible waist pockets – a feature we highly recommend for any hiking rain jacket. 

The biggest downside, however, is the price. It costs the same as more durable and technical 3-layer jackets like The North Face Dryzzle and Macpac Traverse, making it a less compelling choice for those on a budget.

What It’s Good For

The Marmot Minimalist Pertex rain jacket is a lightweight, minimalist option that offers all the features you definitely need and none you may not. It’s a good companion for strenuous, low-elevation, 3-season hikes – especially for those who value simplicity and breathability.

Price: $450 AUD
Denier Count: Not specified
Waterproof / Breathability Rating: 20K/20K
Material: 2.5-layer Pertex Shield Revolve, plain weave 111g/sqm
Weight: 301 g
Pit Zips: Yes
Pockets: Two backpack-compatible waist pockets
Sustainability: 100% post-consumer recycled polyester, PFC-free DWR

Final Thoughts

We hope our guide has made choosing the best rain jacket a little easier. Before you get distracted by trendy colours or designs, remember to focus on your top priorities and let those guide your decision.

Is there a rain jacket you love that didn’t make our list? Let us know in the comments below! And if you’ve used any of the jackets we mentioned, we’d love to hear your thoughts and real-world ratings.

Happy Adventuring 🙂