Rain Jackets & Shells
Hardshell and rain jackets tested in real storms.
Best OverallArc'teryx Beta AR Jacket
The gold-standard all-round hardshell. Gore-Tex Pro shrugs off multi-day storms while the fit layers cleanly over a puffy.
Best ValuePatagonia Torrentshell 3L
A 3-layer shell at a 2.5-layer price. Reliable waterproofing, pit zips, and Patagonia's repair program make it the default recommendation.
Best for Wet ClimatesOutdoor Research Foray II
Full-length side zips turn this Gore-Tex Paclite shell into a poncho when you need maximum venting on humid climbs.
Rain Jackets & Shells guides
- Gore-Tex vs. eVent vs. Proprietary Membranes: What's Actually Different?
Every brand claims their waterproof fabric breathes best. We explain how the membranes actually differ — and when the expensive one is worth it.
- How to Wash and Reproof a Rain Jacket: The 30-Minute DWR Refresh
Wetting out doesn't mean your jacket is dead — it means it's dirty. The wash-and-reproof routine that makes a $300 shell perform like new.
- The 5 Best Softshell Jackets of 2026 for High-Output Hiking
When a hardshell is too clammy and a fleece too drafty, a softshell is the answer. Five stretch-woven jackets tested on windy ridges and hard climbs.
- The 6 Best Rain Jackets of 2026, Tested in Real Storms
We hiked through 200+ miles of Pacific Northwest drizzle and Colorado thunderstorms to find the rain jackets that actually keep you dry — from $179 budget picks to bombproof alpine shells.