Over the past years, we have rigorously tested nearly 60 of the finest rain jackets designed for men. In this review, we present 18 of the top contenders available in the market. These jackets have undergone exhaustive side-by-side and real-world tests, allowing us to identify their respective strengths and weaknesses, ideal applications, and ultimately, the best overall performer. Our assessments include subjecting them to heavy downpours, snow, and sleet, as well as conducting controlled shower tests to evaluate their performance. We have also put these jackets to the test in various outdoor activities, including skiing, backpacking, and even mountaineering. After nearly a decade of hands-on testing, we provide unbiased and truthful recommendations to assist you in selecting the optimal option to meet your specific needs.
Arcteryx Beta LT Jacket
Arc’teryx Beta Jacket
Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Jacket
Outdoor Research Foray II
Black Diamond Stormline Stretch
STAR RATING
OVERALL SCROE
80
78
76
75
73
PROS
Excellent waterproofing, pit zips, durable
Top-tier storm worthiness, great hood design, long-lasting DWR, excellent breathability, hip-belt-friendly pockets
Super stretchy material, above average breathability, nice interior feel, lightweight, stuffs into its pocket
Excellent side vents, comfortable, excellent water resistance
Stretchy material, great freedom of movement, pleasant cut, solid storm protection, lightweight, compresses into its pocket, good value
CONS
Less breathable, stiffer fabric, expensive
No ventilation options, expensive, doesn’t stuff into its pocket
Average weather protection, easy to overtighten hood and squeeze ears
Pocket zippers are not waterproof, does not stow in pocket
So-so breathability, hood doesn’t fit very well over a helmet
BOTTOM LINE
A top-tier rain jacket with excellent water protection, adjustability, and durability from hood to waist
This function-focused jacket is exceptionally versatile and offers some of the best performance in our review
Constructed with a super stretchy material and offering superb mobility, this is the ideal rain shell for demanding activities
A reliable all-around shell with great ventilation features in a fairly light, durable, and stormworthy package
A solid all-around option for the price, with great mobility and respectable storm protection
WEIGHT
13.3 oz
10.75 oz
10.5 oz
11.8 oz
11.5 oz
MATERIAL
N40p GORE-TEX fabric with 3L tricot technology – bluesign Approved Material
3L tricot technology – bluesign Approved Material
3-layer Gore-Tex with Gore C-Knit backer
2.5-layer Dry.Q propriatary material
Bluesign approved GORE-TEX with PACLITE Technology 2L
2.5-layer propriatary BD.dry
Arcteryx Beta LT Jacket | Arc’teryx Beta Jacket | Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Jacket | Outdoor Research Foray II | Black Diamond Stormline Stretch | |
 |  |  |  |  | |
STAR RATING | |||||
OVERALL SCROE | 80 | 78 | 76 | 75 | 73 |
PROS | Excellent waterproofing, pit zips, durable | Top-tier storm worthiness, great hood design, long-lasting DWR, excellent breathability, hip-belt-friendly pockets | Super stretchy material, above average breathability, nice interior feel, lightweight, stuffs into its pocket | Excellent side vents, comfortable, excellent water resistance | Stretchy material, great freedom of movement, pleasant cut, solid storm protection, lightweight, compresses into its pocket, good value |
CONS | Less breathable, stiffer fabric, expensive | No ventilation options, expensive, doesn’t stuff into its pocket | Average weather protection, easy to overtighten hood and squeeze ears | Pocket zippers are not waterproof, does not stow in pocket | So-so breathability, hood doesn’t fit very well over a helmet |
BOTTOM LINE | A top-tier rain jacket with excellent water protection, adjustability, and durability from hood to waist | This function-focused jacket is exceptionally versatile and offers some of the best performance in our review | Constructed with a super stretchy material and offering superb mobility, this is the ideal rain shell for demanding activities | A reliable all-around shell with great ventilation features in a fairly light, durable, and stormworthy package | A solid all-around option for the price, with great mobility and respectable storm protection |
WEIGHT | 13.3 oz | 10.75 oz | 10.5 oz | 11.8 oz | 11.5 oz |
MATERIAL | N40p GORE-TEX fabric with 3L tricot technology – bluesign Approved Material | 3L tricot technology – bluesign Approved Material | 2.5-layer Dry.Q propriatary material | Bluesign approved GORE-TEX with PACLITE Technology 2L | 2.5-layer propriatary BD.dry |
Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket
The Arc’teryx Beta LT excels in our testing, ranking among the top performers. It’s our top pick for its exceptional waterproofing, versatility in various conditions, and user-friendly features. The helmet-compatible hood and watertight pockets offer added convenience and peace of mind. However, it may not be the best option for those prone to overheating due to its bulkier design. Additionally, the fabric can feel somewhat stiff and crinkly, albeit without significant impact on mobility. Despite its premium price, its superb design and performance make it worth the investment for those needing reliable protection in demanding conditions.
Reasons to Buy
- Top-notch storm protection
- Helmet-friendly hood
- Tenacious coating
- Unrestrictive cut
Reasons to Avoid
- Thicker material than most
- Lacks breathability
- No stuff pocket
Weight: 13.3 ounces | Pockets: Two zippered hand
The Arc’teryx Beta LT excels in our testing, ranking among the top performers. It’s our top pick for its exceptional waterproofing, versatility in various conditions, and user-friendly features. The helmet-compatible hood and watertight pockets offer added convenience and peace of mind. However, it may not be the best option for those prone to overheating due to its bulkier design. Additionally, the fabric can feel somewhat stiff and crinkly, albeit without significant impact on mobility. Despite its premium price, its superb design and performance make it worth the investment for those needing reliable protection in demanding conditions.
The Arc’teryx Beta is among our top picks in its category, impressing us with its lightweight design and exceptional waterproofing. It excelled in all comparison metrics and proved versatile enough for various activities, from everyday errands to rugged backpacking trips. This jacket strikes a balance between compactness and durability, making it suitable for diverse weather conditions. Whether it’s a casual outing or an adventurous climb, the Beta provides reliable protection.
Reasons to Buy
- Top-tier storm worthiness
- Great hood design
- Long-lasting DWR
- Excellent breathability
- Hip-belt-friendly pockets
Reasons to Avoid
- No ventilation options
- Expensive
- Doesn't stuff into its pocket
Weight: 10.75 ounces | Pockets: Two zippered hand
While the Arc’teryx Beta may come with a higher price tag compared to other jackets in its category, it proves its worth for outdoor enthusiasts seeking top-notch performance. With superior storm protection, excellent freedom of movement, breathability, and comfort, it stands out as a top choice. From its meticulous seam tape and lightweight materials to its well-designed hood and garment cut, every aspect of this jacket impresses. Though the price may be a deterrent for some, for those willing to invest, the Beta delivers unmatched quality and functionality.
The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic earns our praise for its exceptional mobility and freedom of movement. Ideal for active individuals, it allows uninterrupted enjoyment of any activity, no matter how strenuous. With its highly stretchy exterior, the Ozonic maintains superb breathability and a comfortable interior feel. Designed for active use in adverse weather conditions, it’s also one of the lightest jackets in our lineup. If you prioritize protection without sacrificing mobility and weight, the Stretch Ozonic is the perfect choice.
Reasons to Buy
- Super stretchy material
- Above average breathability
- Nice interior feel
- Lightweight
- Stuffs into its pocket
Reasons to Avoid
- Average weather protection
- Easy to overtighten hood and squeeze ears
Weight: 10.5 ounces | Pockets: Two zippered hand and 1 chest pocket
The Stretch Ozonic offers versatility and comfort with its stretchy construction, ideal for activities demanding high mobility. It excels in outdoor pursuits like hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, and ski touring. However, while it’s excellent for aerobic activities where weight and freedom of movement matter, it may not be as durable for extended exposure to heavy rain as some other jackets. For this reason, we recommend it for less stormy seasons and climates.
We’re impressed by Outdoor Research’s Foray (and women’s Aspire) rain jackets, versatile options suitable even for lightweight spring skiing. These jackets feature a Gore-Tex Paclite waterproof laminate, providing a smooth and comfortable interior, and a tough 50-denier shell that’s both durable and highly weather-resistant. What truly sets the Foray apart is its full-length side zips, known as TorsoFlo, extending from the armpit to the bottom hem. When fully unzipped, this creates a poncho-like opening, allowing excellent venting on the trail—an effective way to release excess heat while maintaining coverage.
Reasons to Buy
- Well-rounded design and feature set for everything
- Unique full-length side zips
- Smooth polyester shell
- Excellent build quality
- Healthy selection of colorways
Reasons to Avoid
- Lining feels clammy against bare skin during high-output
- Cinch cord only covers the back half of the jacket
- No longer comes with a two-sided zipper for storing in a hand pocket
Weight: 11.9 ounces | Pockets: Two zippered hand and 1 chest pocket
The Foray received minor updates last spring, resulting in the Foray II, which boasts a lighter weight, modernized design, expanded color options, and a broader size range (S to XXXL). Despite these changes, the overall formula remains consistent, which is reassuring. The venting system proves functional for various outdoor activities, and the jacket’s relatively light weight ensures nimbleness and versatility for multi-sport use. While opinions on the full-length side zips may vary, overall, the Foray and Aspire stand out as excellent all-purpose rain jackets suitable for backpacking, spring skiing, and everyday wear.
Black Diamond entered the rain shell market with the StormLine, featuring a stretchy 2.5-layer construction for enhanced comfort compared to standard rain jackets like the REI Rainier. The soft interior avoids the plasticky feel typical of traditional designs, and the shell fabric offers noticeable flexibility. Equipped with two hand pockets, a coated front zipper, and weighing just 10 ounces (for our men’s medium), the StormLine is well-equipped and competitively lightweight.
Reasons to Buy
- The lightest fully featured rain jackets on the market
- Stretchy shell fabric increases mobility and boosts comfort
- Fabric isn’t crinkly and loud
- Nice array of color options
Reasons to Avoid
- Doesn’t breathe well during high-output activities
- Interior can feel a bit clammy and sticky
- Slightly large and boxy
Weight: 11.3 ounces | Pockets: Two zippered hand and 1 chest pocket
The StormLine stands out with performance-oriented features like a helmet-compatible hood, stuff pocket, and pit zips. However, its large fit may not be ideal for backcountry use, as it can feel too long and roomy, especially when worn over a thin baselayer (sizing down could help). While the FineLine jacket offers a more athletic cut and is lighter by 2 ounces, it sacrifices features like hand pockets, adjustable cuffs, and pit zips. Additionally, Black Diamond has expanded the StormLine collection to include an Anorak variant, featuring a half-zip front and zippered kangaroo pocket.