Best Lightweight Rain Jackets: Field-Trialed & Tested [2023 Update]

The Montbell Versalite is one of the very best rain jackets for backpacking and hiking available. This is why it has earned our Editor’s Choice award for lightweight rain jackets. The Gore-Tex Infinium fabric is ultralight, packable, and ultra-breathable. The Versatile also comes loaded with features, including pit zips, and still weighs less than 7 ounces!

With a four-way adjustable hood, you’ll stay cozy and warm while still being able to see your surroundings. The hook-and-loop tab that adjusts hood brim height doubles as a way to roll up and secure the hood, too. This helps when you’re hiking in light rain – you won’t overheat and the hood also won’t collect water for a total bummer of a surprise when you put it on again.

With an MVTR of 43,000, this waterproof jacket is seriously breathable, so you won’t overheat when hiking hard. It also comes with all the right features: hook and loop wrist cuffs, hip-belt-compatible chest pockets, and an internal hem adjuster.

With all these features for less than 7 ounces, Montbell hit the bull’s eye with this one.

The Patagonia Torrentshell is our top pick for hikers who want solid weather protection at an affordable price, even if that means carrying a few extra ounces in weight.

At 14.1 ounces, this is the heaviest jacket we tested. Nevertheless, we decided to include it on our list as an alternative for buyers put off by the lofty price tags associated with lighter models.

The Torrentshell’s 3-layer construction combines a H2No waterproof membrane sandwiched between tough, 50-denier face fabric and a tricot liner. In layman’s terms, this means you get robust waterproofing, well-above-average ruggedness, and soft fabric against the skin.

Unlike many lower-cost jackets, which all too often feel like flappy trash bags with arms, the Torrentshell has a trim, tailored-feeling and athletic fit that leaves very little fabric to flail in the wind. There’s also a drawcord hood and drawcord hem that let you quickly fine-tune the fit when you’re on the move. The face fabric is a little crinkly and noisy, but this isn’t a major shortcoming and a pair of pit zips can help you dump heat whenever needed.

The Torrentshell isn’t the most breathable jacket we tested, so isn’t the best option if you’ll be hiking hard and fast. However, its reliable waterproofing and reasonable pricing make it an attractive choice if you don’t want to splurge on an ultralight performance jacket.

What Others Thought

• Ben Applebaum-Bauch and Ian Nicholson, Outdoor Gear Lab: “Great for those on a budget.”
• John Ellings, Switchback Travel: “…offers excellent protection and durability.”
• Adventure Alan & Co: “….(costs) literally hundreds of dollars less than most 3-layer hardshell rain jackets with the same features.”

The Zeta SL (click here for women’s version, a contender for the best women’s rain jacket) performed well across every category we tested, so we had to give it the award for most versatile rain jacket.

This jacket stands out in durability, waterproofing, and fit.

It’s made with 40d ripstop nylon face fabric – the thickest face fabric used in any of the jackets we reviewed. Even though the fabric is so thick, it is still reasonably light.

The Zeta SL has a trim fit, yet it doesn’t sacrifice mobility. The articulated fit and gusseted underarms ensure there’s plenty of freedom of movement without leaving excess fabric to flap around in the wind. it has just enough room to ensure maximum mobility.

Our testers were also impressed by the Zeta SL’s hood, even though it’s not helmet-compatible. It can be adjusted at multiple points, has a stout brim, and doesn’t block peripheral vision tightened snug around your head. The soft chin guard also prevents chafing.

Yes, this jacket is pretty pricey (it’s the most expensive on this list), but we think it’s worth the price. With the Zeta SL, you’ll get great performance across all categories and you’ll look good into the bargain. One of the most well-rounded rain jackets out there.

What Others Thought

• Michael Lanza, The Big Outside: “…strikes a balance between performance, low weight, and packability in a rain shell ideal for backpackers and dayhikers.”
• Dave Collins, Clever Hiker: “…a very well-balanced jacket for backpackers looking to shave weight but still stay dry in nasty conditions.”

The Outdoor Research Helium (click here for women’s version) is an ultralight rain jacket without a huge price tag. This is one of the lightest rain jackets we tested and the least expensive in the sub-7-ounce category.

In testing, it held up well in storms and breathed surprisingly well. A few of our testers even remarked that it worked well as a wind-blocker when needed. While not as stormproof as some of the Gore-Tex models on our list, its combo of a solid waterproof rating, high MVTR, and minimal heft make it a great just-in-case or summer rain jacket.

The Helium also excels in packability, packing away into its own chest pocket ready when not in use and taking up hardly any room in your backpack.

The Helium isn’t as durable as some other jackets on our list, or as breathable. And, it only has one pocket. But, this is a minimalist model made for ultralight hikers, backpackers, trail runners, and climbers. And when you’re counting grams while trying to save cash for ramen noodles, who cares about pockets?

What Others Thought

• John Ellings, Switchback Travel: “…a true ultralight shell at a very reasonable price.”
• Philip Werner, Section Hiker: “…a good choice for warmer weather trips where gear weight is a priority.”
• Michael Lanza, The Big Outside:”…excellent performance for a shell weighing under 12 ounces.”

Okay, the Houdini Air is not quite a waterproof shell. But, it is on the more weather-resistant end of the wind jacket spectrum and weighs next to nothing. There are certainly more outright weather-resistant options in this review, but we decided to include this one since it’s so darn light and offers reasonable rain protection.

The Houdini Air does a good job in light rain and is the perfect jacket to throw in your pack on a nice summer day just in case. It packs down so small you’ll have more of an issue finding it in your pack than feeling the weight on your back.

The thin nylon shell fabric with durable water-repellent coating will be just enough to protect you from quick showers. And, the inside of that fabric is textured, so if you’re working hard it won’t give you that clammy next-to-skin feel.

What Others Thought

• Trey French, Treeline Review: “…perfectly balances packability and lightweight alongside durability and wind resistance in most situations.”
• REI: “…a one-quiver wonder for fickle-weather adventures.”
• Dave Wilkinson, Switchback Travel: “…perfectly serviceable for fending off light precipitation, but it’s not built for heavy or sustained storms.”

The Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 Stretch is a great rain jacket for hikers and backpackers who prioritize comfort and mobility. It its somewhere between a standard rain jacket and a technical hardshell, and most of our testers agreed that it delivers the best of both worlds.

Sure, it could be more breathable and lacks pit zips, but the 2.5-layer GORE-TEX Paclite material does a decent job regulating heat. And while not as durable as a true hardshell, the Exposure/2 is leaps and bounds ahead of some of even the best ultralight rain jackets on this list in terms of toughness.

The Exposure/2 is a solid hiking rain jacket. For activities like backcountry skiing or winter mountaineering, you’d be better off with a true three-layer hardshell. But for those who want one rain jacket to do it all, this is a great option.

What Others Thought

• Katie Kommer, The Trek: “…a great rain jacket…my favorite morning and wind-breaking layer.”
• Hayley Helms and Kyle Porter, Gear Patrol: “…perfect for stashing in a backpack when the forecast isn’t confirmed.”
• Jack Cramer, Outdoor Gear Lab: “…a great rain jacket, but we don’t feel like its performance is high enough for technical hardshell applications.”

The Enlightened Equipment Visp is an ultralight 3-layer waterproof-breathable rain shell that’s ideal for those who like to travel fast and light. It’s breathable enough that it can be used as a wind shell and is the lightest model on our list that comes with pit zips.

The Visp uses a 20,000mm waterproof and breathable membrane with 7d nylon ripstop face fabric. Though highly breathable, our testers didn’t think it’s twice as breathable as any other item on this list – that 75,000 g/m²/24hr breathability rating is certainly a result of extremely controlled laboratory settings! Nevertheless, it performed well in higher temps and when working up a sweat.

This rain shell could be more waterproof, though, and you’ll want to reapply a DWR coating regularly to keep it from wetting out. There’s also no chest pocket and the fabric is too skinny to guarantee longevity. But for under six ounces with pit zips, this seems like a small price to pay.

What Others Thought

• Adventure Alan & Co: “A great ultralight option that has plenty of breathability and still keeps you dry.”
• Philip Werner, Section Hiker: “…has a surprisingly rich feature set despite its light weight.”
• Andrew Marshall, Backpacking Light: “…made with high-performance fabrics at a low weight, and at a reasonable price.”

The Ultimate Direction Ultra is a featherlight waterproof-breathable rain jacket deisgned for trail running, backpacking, and fast-and-light hiking.

This ultralight, ultra-packable backpacking rain jacket comes full of features that make it well-suited for those high-alpine pursuits when you don’t know what the weather will do next.

The Ultra is highly breathable and waterproof, but what makes it stand out is its array of well-designed features. Firstly, it has peristaltic underarm vents. This is most certainly over-fancy marketing jargon, but in real-world testing, we can assure you these permanently open-pit vents work.

This ultralight running rain jacket also has stowable waterproof mitts. When it gets cold, wet, or both, just pull the mitts out and over your hands to keep them warm. Our testers unanimously loved this feature, which could save you having to carry a pair gloves in warmer weather.

What Others Thought

• Philip Werner, Section Hiker: “…a lightweight rain jacket than can serve double duty as a wind shirt.”
• Claire Maxted, Advnture: “We really like this jacket and love the Flip Mitts feature.”

The REI Drypoint GTX is a lightweight, highly functional, and cozy shell that offers great value to hikers who want robust weather protection without paying through the nose. With its 3-layer Gore-Tex construction, this is technically a hardshell, but it’s still light enough to be considered in the rain jacket class.

The weather protection you’ll get with this one is impressive. It will keep you dry in even the heaviest downpours without even a hint of clamminess. Gore-Tex Active is the most breathable fabric made by the company, so you’ll be able to wear the Drypoint while hiking with a fully loaded pack without overheating.

The Drypoint doesn’t come with pit zips, but the front hipbelt-compatible pockets double as vents. Complete with a solid, fully adjustable hood, the Drypoint comes with just the right amount of features to be functional. And, it does this while keeping the price affordable.

What Others Thought

• Maggie Slepian, The Trek: “…lightweight and comfortable to wear while moving for extended periods of time.”
• Ian Nicholson, Outdoor Gear Lab: “…an excellent jacket for hiking or backpacking.”

The XeroDry GTX is one of the best value Gore-Tex rain shells you’ll find anywhere. This shell provides exceptional waterproofing and breathability at a steep discount compared to other Gore-Tex Paclite offerings available. While you can find a lighter or more breathable shell, it would be difficult to buy a more versatile one for even close to this price.

The XeroDry comes with 3 pockets, and the hand pockets double as vents. It has a fully adjustable hood that allows you to maintain your peripheral vision while hiking.

It does have some downsides, though. We would’ve liked to see pit zips, but at least there is some ventilation via the chest pocket and hand pockets. We also found, however, that the interior can get a little clammy and it tends to wet out faster than more expensive 3-layer Gore-Tex models.

Given the price, however, it’s hard to quibble with these small shortcomings.

What Others Thought

• Rebecca Yaguda, Switchback Travel: “REI’s Gore-Tex-equipped rain shell is yet another great value from the brand.”
• Kurt Spurlock, The Wise Adventurer: “…an industry leader when it comes to value.”

The Precip Eco is an inexpensive rain jacket that’s great to stash in your pack when there is a chance of showers.

Weighing in at 10.6 ounces and packable into its own pocket, the Precip is a lightweight and highly portable jacket. Marmot has made the Precip for close to 20 years, but they’ve updated it to include 100% recycled ripstop nylon in the construction, so it’s a more durable option than some of the lighter models we tested.

This is the perfect jacket for travel or moderate day hikes when you don’t expect a biblical downpour. It’s not the most breathable, but it does have pit zips.

While there are certainly more functional waterproof jackets out there, for the price this is hard to beat.

What Others Thought

• Ian Nicholson, Outdoor Gear Lab: “…packs quite a punch for its price tag.”
• Philip Werner, Section Hiker: “…inexpensive but fully featured and suitable for year-round hiking and backpacking.”
• Amanda Jameson, Treeline Review: “…a reliable standby hiking rain jacket available in relatively inclusive sizing.”

The Montbell Storm Cruiser is lightweight, full of features, and offers great storm resistance. Using Gore-Tex with a C-knit backer, this is one of the most breathable and waterproof jackets on this list and ideal for winter adventures.

While stats aren’t the be-all-and-end all, the Storm Cruiser’s high HH and MVTR piqued our interest. In testing, we found it lived up to the numbers, keeping the first of our testers (yours truly) dry in a biblical downpour on the Hoh River Trail and the second happy through a week-long hiking trip in northern Scotland, where pelting precipitation is the norm rather than the exception.

The Storm Cruiser’s textured backing doesn’t feel clammy against your bare skin and the pit zips come in handy when you crank up the pace, too. And if the sun is shining, this jacket packs down into the tiny included stuff sack. If you want to keep it on for some extra warmth, you can roll down the hood and keep it out of the way with the hook-and-loop tab.

Unlike other lightweight shells, this one can take the abuse of constant use, too. It uses 20d outer fabric, which is much thicker than some lightweight jackets.

This is one of the more expensive options you’ll find on this list. But, we think it’s worth the price if you’re looking for a reliable and durable shell for winter hiking.

What Others Thought

• Philip Werner, Section Hiker: “…loaded with features but still exceptionally lightweight and affordable.”
• Mac, Halfway Anywhere:”…a high-performance rain jacket with all the features you need for a successful time in the wet outdoors.”