How to Choose a Waterproof Rain Jacket
This guide helps you pick a waterproof rain jacket that works for both hiking trails and everyday city wear. You’ll learn what to look for in fabric, fit, and features, so you can buy once and use it for years.
What You’ll Need
- A budget range in mind (jackets vary widely in price)
- Your typical use: hiking frequency, climate, and how much you sweat
- A tape measure (optional, for checking fit against your current jacket)
- Access to a store or online reviews to compare options
Step-by-Step
- Decide between waterproof and water-resistant. Waterproof means the fabric has a membrane or coating that blocks liquid water, while water-resistant only handles light drizzle. For hiking in real rain, choose waterproof.
- Check the waterproof rating (mm). Look for a hydrostatic head rating. 5,000mm is fine for light rain, 10,000mm for moderate downpours, and 20,000mm+ for heavy, prolonged rain. For everyday use, 5,000–10,000mm is enough; for serious hiking, aim for 10,000mm or more.
- Check breathability (g/m²/24h). This number tells you how fast moisture vapor escapes. Higher is better for hiking because you’ll sweat. Look for at least 10,000g for active use; 5,000g is okay for casual wear. Remember, breathability is reduced when the jacket gets wet on the outside.
- Choose the right fabric type. Two-layer (2L) jackets are flexible and good for everyday; three-layer (3L) are more durable and breathable for hiking. Two-and-a-half-layer (2.5L) is a lightweight compromise. For hiking, 3L is best; for city, 2L is fine.
- Check the seams and zippers. All seams should be taped (look for tape lines on the inside). Zippers should be water-resistant or have a storm flap behind them. This prevents water from seeping through the needle holes.
- Evaluate the hood. For hiking, you want an adjustable hood that fits over a helmet or hat, with a stiff brim to keep rain off your face. For everyday, a simple roll-away hood is fine. Make sure it cinches tight enough that it doesn’t flop in wind.
- Check the cuffs and hem. Adjustable cuffs (Velcro or snap) keep water from running up your sleeves. A drawcord hem lets you seal out drafts. For everyday, elastic cuffs are simpler but less effective.
- Look for pit zips. Underarm vents are a lifesaver for hiking because they dump heat quickly. If you run warm or hike uphill, get pit zips. For city use, they’re less critical.
- Check pockets. For hiking, you want pockets that are accessible while wearing a backpack hip belt. For everyday, you want secure, zippered pockets for phone and wallet. Make sure pockets are either waterproof or have a drain hole so they don’t fill with water.
- Consider packability and weight. If you’ll carry it in a daypack, look for a jacket that stuffs into its own pocket. For everyday, a heavier, more durable jacket might be okay. For hiking, lighter is better.
- Check the fit. Try it on over a mid-layer (like a fleece). You should be able to raise your arms without the hem riding up. The jacket should not be too tight in the shoulders or chest. For hiking, a slightly relaxed fit allows airflow. For everyday, a trimmer fit looks better.
- Set a budget and compare. Good waterproof jackets start around $100 and go up to $500+. You don’t need the most expensive for everyday, but for serious hiking, invest in a reputable brand with a warranty. Read reviews from hikers who test in real rain.
Common Mistakes
- Buying a rain jacket that’s too small. You need room for layers. If it’s snug over a t-shirt, it’ll be too tight over a fleece.
- Ignoring breathability. A non-breathable jacket (like a PVC poncho) will make you sweat, and you’ll end up wet from the inside.
- Choosing fashion over function. A stylish jacket with no taped seams will leak at the shoulders.
- Overlooking the hood. A hood that doesn’t adjust will flop in wind and let rain run down your neck.
- Assuming all waterproof jackets are the same. Ratings vary hugely. A 2,000mm jacket is not for hiking in a storm.
Tips
- If you’re between sizes, go up a size for hiking, but stay true to size for everyday.
- Look for a jacket with a two-way front zipper—it lets you open the bottom for ventilation while keeping the top closed.
- Test the jacket at home by running water over the shoulder and checking for leaks after 10 minutes.
- Check the care label. Most waterproof jackets need to be washed with special detergent and re-treated with DWR (durable water repellent) after a few washes.
- Buy from a store with a good return policy, so you can test it in real rain and return if it fails.
Troubleshooting
If the jacket wets out (water soaks into the outer fabric): This means the DWR coating has worn off. Re-treat it with a spray-on or wash-in DWR product. The membrane is still waterproof, but the outer layer is saturated, which reduces breathability and makes you feel clammy.
If you sweat excessively inside: You’re likely wearing too many layers or the jacket is too low-breathability. Open pit zips, unzip the front, or remove a mid-layer. If that doesn’t help, you may need a more breathable jacket.
If water leaks through the seams: Check that all seams are taped. If some are not, you can apply seam sealer to the inside. This is a temporary fix; for permanent, get a jacket with fully taped seams.
If the hood won’t stay up: Adjust the rear cinch to tighten around your head. If it still flops, the hood is too large—look for a jacket with a helmet-compatible hood that has a stiff brim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?
A: Waterproof means the fabric has a membrane (like Gore-Tex or similar) that blocks water under pressure. Water-resistant only repels light moisture and will wet out in heavy rain.
Q: How many mm waterproof rating do I need?
A: For everyday and light rain, 5,000mm is enough. For hiking in moderate rain, 10,000mm. For heavy, prolonged downpours, 20,000mm or more.
Q: Can I use a hiking jacket for everyday?
A: Yes, but it may look technical and have features you don’t need. Many hiking jackets are packable and stylish enough for city wear, but they might be less durable for daily commuting.
Q: How do I wash a waterproof jacket?
A: Use a mild liquid detergent (not powder) and wash on a gentle cycle with cold water. Do not use fabric softener. Then tumble dry on low or air dry, and re-apply DWR spray to restore water repellency.
Q: What is DWR and why does it matter?
A: DWR (durable water repellent) is a coating that makes water bead up and roll off the outer fabric. It keeps the jacket from wetting out and maintains breathability. It wears off over time and needs reapplication.
Q: Are expensive jackets worth it?
A: For serious hiking, yes—they offer better breathability, durability, and warranty. For everyday use, a mid-priced jacket with taped seams and a decent rating is usually sufficient.
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