These tips on favorite rain gear for backpacking can help you keep more comfortable and safe even in less than ideal weather!
Whenever we plan a backpacking trip, there's one element that's hard to predict: the weather.
In some locations, however, backpacking in the rain is (almost always) a possibility. Combine rain with cold conditions and you can turn a fun getaway into a miserable (or even dangerous) situation.
For these trips, a big part of preparing involves packing the right gear. And after several rounds of trial and error, we definitely have some favorite rain gear for backpacking — here it is!
Are Ultralight Rain Jackets the Best Option?
Ultralight jackets typically weigh around 10 ounces (more or less). Check out our recommendations for ultralight down jackets here.
While it's often true that the more lightweight the better, keep in mind that in some conditions, a slightly heavier rain jacket may be preferable. You might want a heavier jacket if you’ll be doing a lot of bushwhacking or hiking through thorny overgrowth.
2-Layer or 3-Layer Rain Jackets
Rain jackets are often labeled as being 2-layer or 3-layer. You’ll even see some hybrid jackets that are 2.5-layer.
These layers refer to how the jacket is built. Layers include (1) the shell fabric, (2) a waterproof membrane, and (3) a liner.
Three-layer jackets have separate fabric layers for all three. Two-layer jackets typically have a shell with a bonded, waterproof membrane and separate liner, and 2.5-layer jackets often use a spray-on waterproof membrane.
Two-layer are typically budget buys, while 2.5- and 3-layer can run the pricing range from conservative to outrageous.
As for which is best in practice, it depends on the jacket! Typically for locations with heavy, soaking rain (such as Iceland or the Pacific Northwest), you’d want a 2.5- or 3-layer jacket.
Waterproof vs Water Resistant
Waterproof will be more rain resistant than water resistant!
You probably already guessed that, but it’s worth looking for on the jacket specs.
Waterproof and Breathability Ratings
Not all rain jackets are created equal. Some are more waterproof than others, and some have more airflow. When shopping, look for waterproof and breathability ratings.
It's also important to know that not all jackets list this information, which I find strange. It seems pretty important for a rain jacket to list the waterproof rating, as a bare minimum.
REI typically doesn’t list this information, but it can usually be found by looking at the manufacturer's website on the product page. Read more about waterproof and breathability ratings here.
Waterproof Ratings
These ratings describe just how wet a jacket can get before the water begins to seep through.
- 5,000mm - will only resist a light shower
- 10,000-15,000mm - resists some downpours and snow, but will soak through with extended rain or when placed under pressure (like with a backpack)
- 20,000mm and up - ideal for heavy, extended downpours or when carrying a heavy pack
Breathability Ratings
Breathability ratings describe how much ventilation and airflow a jacket has. These ratings matter because sweat will make you just as wet as rain. These ratings are less common/easy to find compared to waterproof ratings.
- 5,000-10,000mm - Not ideal for heavy exertion
- 10,000-15,000mm - Good for moderate activity levels
- 20,000mm and up - Ideal for extended strenuous exertion or warm weather
The Black Diamond Stormline jacket that failed me in Iceland was rated 10,000mm for both waterproof and breathability, so really the fault was mine: I pushed it beyond what it was rated for.
PFA-Free (or Not)
Whether or not you’re concerned about PFAs (also called “forever chemicals”), you’ve likely heard the term by now.
These refer to chemicals that help create a non-stick surface (like Teflon) or a water-resistant surface (as in traditional GoreTex rain gear). These chemicals do not break down over time, and recent environmental regulations are prompting outdoor brands to begin using PFA-free alternatives.
A lot of the rain gear we recommend below uses new, PFA-free coating, but not every rain gear brand has started attempting to do this yet, so it’s something to be aware of when shopping.
Learn more about PFAs in rain gear:
Favorite Rain Gear for Backpacking: Shopping Tips
In addition to weight, waterproof levels, 2-Layer vs 3-Layer and eco-friendliness, here are some more things to keep in mind while shopping.
Pit zips
Pit zips are just what they sound like: zippers placed at the armpits. They help you release body heat without allowing much moisture in.
Since zippers add weight, some ultralight jackets skip this feature. I personally find this feature invaluable and wouldn't skip it, but many people do.
Pockets
Do you prefer hand warmer pockets on the chest or traditional waist-height pockets?
Since waist-height pockets are often inaccessible with a backpacking pack on, many ultralight jackets marketed to backpackers include chest-height hand warmer pockets. And because pockets add weight, some include only one (or zero) pockets.
Hood adjuster
Some rain jackets make it easy to cinch down the hood; others do not. If you’re hiking in windy conditions, a hood adjuster can be extremely helpful.
Best Practices with Rain Gear
Even the best, top-of-the-line jacket is only as functional as you make it. Here are some tips to help your jacket do its best job.
- Close pit zips when you’re not too warm. Leaving the zippers open could allow water to get inside the jacket.
- Keep the wrist adjusters closed down to avoid letting water drip in from your hands.
Our Favorite Rain Gear for Backpacking
Now that you know what to look for, here's a collection of our favorite backpacking rain gear.
Favorite Ultralight Rain Jackets
- Montbell Versalite
Despite being a 2-layer jacket, this super-lightweight jacket held up incredibly well during a recent (extra rainy) trek through Iceland.
This jacket weighs just over 6 ounces, has a water resistance rating of 20,000 or more, and a high breathability rating of 43,000.
In other words, it's extremely waterproof and extremely breathable.
- Montbell Super Dry Tech Peak Shell
This ultralight jacket uses Montbell’s more environmentally friendly, PFA-free “super dry tech” fabric. It's a 3-layer jacket with a waterproof rating of 20,000 and a breathability rating of 50,000.
The specs look even better than the Versalite, and so far we’ve been thrilled, but I’ll definitely be testing this out more in the upcoming months.
Other options that may work well for you:
- Outdoor Research Helium
As of 2025, this jacket is newly updated to be PFA-free. It does not include pit-zips (which is a deal breaker for me, but might not be for you). It's also more affordable than our other ultralight picks.
- Zpacks Vertice
This is another extremely well-rated ultralight jacket, and it does include pit zips.
- Frog Toggs
Frog Toggs makes a great budget option that’s lightweight and easy to replace.
Favorite Non-Ultralight 3L Rain Jackets
- Patagonia Torrentshell
Looking for a tougher jacket that can withstand lots of rain? The Patagonia Torrentshell is a sturdy 3-layer jacket that's made to withstand whatever you throw at it. I've been thrilled with this jacket so far and look forward to pushing its limits.
- Arc'teryx Beta SL
If price isn't a factor, or if you catch it on sale, this budget-breaking 3-layer Arc'teryx jacket has amazing reviews, and is fairly lightweight for how sturdy it is. (Full disclosure: we tried this one and didn't love the fit, but lots of people swear by this jacket.)
Other Ideas for Backpacking Rain Gear
Looking for more rain gear options? Here are a few other items we've tried and loved.
- Rain pants
My tall husband loves these ultralight Zpacks Vertice Rain Pants.
If you're on the curvy side (or short), these pants might not work. For an option that works with curves, we loved these REI Rainier Women's Rain Pants. They come in different lengths and fit over curves well. They are admittedly a little heavy for backpacking, depending on how lightweight you're trying to go. - Rain Skirts or Rain Wraps
If you find rain pants restrictive or overly warm, or if you're curvy and have trouble finding lightweight ones that fit, try a rain skirt! We loved this Montbell rain skirt and this Enlightened Equipment rain wrap.
- Rain Ponchos
Want lots of airflow? Try a rain poncho! This could be anything from a cheap emergency poncho to a sturdier poncho meant to cover both you and your backpack.
I hope this gets you off to a good start in weather-proofing your hike! Have you found more great gear for backpacking in the rain? Let us know in the comments.
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