The forecast said “20% chance of showers.” Two hours later, you’re on an exposed ridge, the wind is pushing rain sideways, and the cheap jacket you grabbed at the last minute is soaked through at the shoulders. Now you’re wet and cold, which on a mountain is a real problem, not just an annoyance.
The best waterproof hiking jacket keeps the rain out without turning into a sweaty plastic bag on every climb. It packs small enough that you’ll actually carry it “just in case,” and it fits over a fleece when the temperature drops.
We compared three popular rain jackets in depth, the Marmot PreCip Eco, The North Face Antora and the Columbia Watertight II, and added five alternatives for ultralight hikers, tight budgets and serious mountain weather. You’ll also find a plain-English guide to waterproof ratings, 2-layer vs 3-layer fabrics and how to keep your jacket working for years.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, JoinHikes earns from qualifying purchases. If you buy through Amazon links in this article, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Our review approach: We used official brand specifications, published product details and real hiking needs. JoinHikes has not run its own lab or shower tests on these jackets, and we don’t invent waterproof scores. Check the exact model, size and color on Amazon before you buy, since details can vary between versions.
Quick Answer: What Is the Best Waterproof Hiking Jacket?
For most hikers, the Marmot PreCip Eco is the best waterproof hiking jacket. It’s light, packs into its own pocket and has pit zips (underarm vents) that make a big difference on uphill climbs.
Want one jacket for both the trail and everyday life? The North Face Antora looks great around town and still handles a rainy hike. On a budget? The Columbia Watertight II covers the basics well.
Need something lighter or tougher? See our alternatives for ultralight, budget and premium mountain jackets.
Quick Comparison: Best Waterproof Hiking Jackets
On a phone, swipe the table sideways.
| Jacket | Waterproof tech | Pit zips | Packs into pocket | Best for | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall Marmot PreCip Eco | NanoPro, taped seams | Yes | Yes | Active hiking & backpacking | Check price |
| City + trail The North Face Antora | DryVent 2L, seam-sealed | Not listed | Not listed | Day hikes, travel, commuting | Check price |
| Best value Columbia Watertight II | Omni-Tech, fully seam-sealed | Not listed | Yes (hand pocket) | Casual hikes & travel | Check price |
Specs are from official Marmot, Columbia and The North Face product information. Details can differ between model years, so check the listing before you buy.
How We Evaluated These Rain Jackets
Waterproofing
Waterproof fabric plus taped or sealed seams. “Water-resistant” alone didn’t make the cut.
Ventilation
Breathable fabric helps, but pit zips are what really let the heat out on a climb.
Adjustability
Hood, cuffs and hem that seal out wind-driven rain.
Packability
If it packs small, you’ll actually bring it.
Versatility & value
Is it trail-only, or will you wear it every rainy day? Are the extra features worth the money?
Waterproof doesn’t mean perfect. Fit, wear, how dirty the fabric is and how hard you’re working all change how dry you stay.
The Best Waterproof Hiking Jackets, Reviewed
1. Marmot PreCip Eco Rain Jacket
Best for: Day hikers and backpackers who sweat on climbs and hike in changeable weather.
The PreCip has been one of the most popular hiking rain jackets in America for years, and the “Eco” version keeps everything people liked about it while using recycled nylon.
The secret is the combination. Marmot’s NanoPro fabric keeps rain out while letting some sweat vapor escape, and the underarm pit zips let you dump heat fast without taking the jacket off. That matters more than any spec sheet: on a steep, humid climb, no fabric breathes fast enough on its own. Being able to open two big vents is what stops you from getting soaked from the inside.
It’s also light (Marmot lists the referenced model at about 305 g) and stuffs into its own pocket, so it disappears into a daypack when the sun comes back out. The hood rolls into the collar, and the cuffs and hem adjust to seal out wind.
- Pit zips for real ventilation.
- Light and packs into its own pocket.
- Adjustable hood, cuffs and hem.
- Recycled nylon face fabric.
- Great all-round hiking shell.
- Lightweight fabric can wear from heavy pack straps.
- Needs DWR re-treatment over time.
- Not an insulated winter jacket.
- Specs vary a little by model year.
Who should buy it?
Regular hikers and backpackers who want the best balance of rain protection, ventilation and packability.
Who should skip it?
Mountaineers and people heading into storms above treeline, who need a tougher 3-layer shell.
More sizes & colors on Amazon:
2. The North Face Antora Jacket
Best for: People who want one rain jacket for hiking, travel and everyday wet days.
Some rain jackets look like they belong only on a mountain. The Antora looks just as right on a rainy city street, which is exactly why so many people buy it.
It uses The North Face’s DryVent 2L waterproof-breathable fabric with sealed seams, and it’s windproof too. A storm flap covers the front zipper, the hood adjusts with cord locks, and the hem and elastic cuffs help keep wind-driven rain out. The North Face also uses recycled fabric and a non-PFC water-repellent finish on the standard model.
The trade-off is ventilation. The standard Antora doesn’t list pit zips, so on a long, steep, humid climb it can get warm inside. For casual hikes, travel and daily wear, though, it’s a very easy jacket to live with.
- Clean look for everyday wear.
- Waterproof, windproof and seam-sealed.
- Storm flap over the zipper.
- Adjustable hood.
- Trusted brand, lots of colors.
- No pit zips listed on the standard model.
- Can feel warm on hard climbs.
- Antora styles vary; check the exact listing.
- Not insulated.
Who should buy it?
Commuters, travelers and casual hikers who want one good-looking rain jacket for everything.
Who should skip it?
Hikers who sweat a lot on steep trails. Choose the Marmot for its pit zips.
Other Antora styles on Amazon:
3. Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Best for: Day hikers, travelers and anyone who wants solid rain protection without spending a lot.
The Watertight II is one of those jackets that just quietly works. It uses Columbia’s Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable fabric, and the seams are fully sealed. That’s important, because waterproof fabric alone isn’t enough if rain can sneak in through the stitching.
The storm hood, cuffs and hem all adjust, there’s a mesh lining that feels nicer against your skin than bare coated fabric, and the whole jacket packs into one of its own hand pockets. Throw it in your daypack, car or suitcase and forget about it until you need it.
There are no pit zips listed, so it’s not the best choice for long, sweaty climbs. But for most day hikes, travel and everyday rain, it’s hard to beat for the price.
- Fully seam-sealed.
- Packs into its own pocket.
- Adjustable storm hood, cuffs and hem.
- Comfortable mesh lining.
- Lots of colors, usually budget-friendly.
- No pit zips listed.
- Less breathable on hard climbs.
- Not for serious mountain storms.
Who should buy it?
Beginners, casual and occasional hikers, and travelers who want dependable, simple rain protection.
Who should skip it?
Hikers who run hot or do long, steep climbs. Choose the Marmot instead.
Pick your color on Amazon:
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Marmot PreCip Eco VS Columbia Watertight II
| Feature | Marmot | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Pit zips | Yes Cooler | Not listed |
| Seams | Taped | Fully sealed |
| Packs into pocket | Yes | Yes |
| Usual price | Mid-range | Lower Value |
| Shop | Check price | Check price |
Marmot PreCip Eco VS The North Face Antora
| Feature | Marmot | North Face |
|---|---|---|
| Pit zips | Yes Cooler | Not listed |
| Everyday look | Sporty | Clean, casual Style |
| Packability | Packs into pocket Smaller | Not listed |
| Windproof | Yes | Yes |
| Shop | Check price | Check price |
5 More Waterproof Hiking Jackets Worth Considering
Our three picks cover most hikers. But if you need something lighter, cheaper or tougher, these are some of the most recommended rain jackets out there.
4. Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket
Best for: Backpackers and thru-hikers counting every ounce.
A long-time favorite with ultralight hikers, the Helium is a minimalist shell that weighs only a few ounces and packs down to about the size of a fist. You give up pit zips and some durability, but if your jacket mostly lives in your pack “just in case,” it’s hard to beat. Pair it with our ultralight gear list.
See it on Amazon5. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
Best for: Hikers who want a tougher, longer-lasting shell.
The Torrentshell uses a 3-layer construction, which tends to feel less clammy and last longer than lighter 2-layer jackets. It also has pit zips, a well-designed hood and Patagonia’s repair program behind it. It’s a bit heavier than the Marmot, but a great “buy once” jacket.
See it on Amazon6. Marmot Minimalist GORE-TEX Jacket
Best for: Hikers who want Gore-Tex without paying top-end prices.
The Minimalist uses lightweight GORE-TEX Paclite fabric and has pit zips. It’s a step up from the PreCip for wet climates like the Pacific Northwest or Appalachians, without the price of a full alpine shell.
See it on Amazon7. Arc’teryx Beta Jacket
Best for: Serious mountain hikers and anyone who’s out in bad weather a lot.
Arc’teryx’s Beta line is a benchmark for premium Gore-Tex shells: excellent fit, a great helmet-compatible hood and top-tier build quality. It costs much more than everything else here. Worth it if you spend a lot of time above treeline or in long, wet storms. Overkill for casual day hikes.
See it on Amazon8. Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Rain Jacket
Best for: Emergency backup and very tight budgets.
Many thru-hikers swear by Frogg Toggs because they’re extremely cheap, very light and surprisingly breathable. The catch: the material tears easily on branches and pack straps, and the fit is boxy. Think of it as a budget backup, not a jacket that will last for years.
See it on AmazonBest Waterproof Jacket by Type of Hiker
| If you… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hike most weekends | Marmot PreCip Eco | Pit zips + packable |
| Want one jacket for city and trail | The North Face Antora | Everyday style |
| Are on a budget | Columbia Watertight II | Simple, solid protection |
| Count every ounce | OR Helium | Ultralight |
| Want it to last for years | Patagonia Torrentshell 3L | Tougher 3-layer fabric |
| Hike in very wet places | Marmot Minimalist | Gore-Tex + pit zips |
| Hike high mountains in storms | Arc’teryx Beta | Premium protection |
| Just need an emergency backup | Frogg Toggs | Very cheap and light |
Waterproof Jacket Tech, Explained Simply
Waterproof vs. water-resistant
A water-resistant jacket handles light drizzle for a while, then soaks through. A waterproof jacket uses a waterproof membrane or coating and sealed seams to keep steady rain out. For hiking, always choose waterproof.
2-layer, 2.5-layer and 3-layer
| Type | What it means | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 2-layer | Outer fabric + waterproof layer, with a hanging mesh lining inside | Everyday wear, casual hikes (Columbia, Antora) |
| 2.5-layer | Outer fabric + waterproof layer + a thin printed protective coating, no loose lining | Light, packable hiking shells |
| 3-layer | Waterproof layer bonded between outer fabric and a thin inner fabric | Durability and comfort in long storms (Torrentshell, Beta) |
What do waterproof ratings mean?
Some brands list a waterproof rating in millimeters (for example 10,000 mm or 20,000 mm). Higher numbers mean the fabric resists more water pressure. Breathability is sometimes listed in grams (g/m²/24h). Higher means more sweat vapor can escape. Brands test differently, though, so use these numbers as a rough guide, not a perfect comparison. Many brands don’t publish them at all.
Gore-Tex vs. brand fabrics
Gore-Tex is the best-known waterproof membrane, and it’s often used in premium jackets. Most brands also make their own (Marmot NanoPro, The North Face DryVent, Columbia Omni-Tech, Patagonia H2No). These can work very well for hiking and usually cost less. Fit, seams and ventilation matter just as much as the brand name on the membrane.
What is DWR?
DWR (durable water repellent) is the coating that makes rain bead up and roll off the outside of the jacket. When it wears off, the outer fabric soaks up water (“wets out”). You might stay dry, but you’ll feel cold and clammy. The good news: you can wash and re-treat it (see care tips). Many brands are switching to PFC-free DWR, which is better for the environment but may need re-treating a little more often.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Waterproof Hiking Jacket
1. Get pit zips if you sweat
No fabric breathes fast enough on a steep climb. Underarm vents are the best fix.
2. Check the hood
It should move with your head, adjust snugly and have a stiff brim to keep rain off your face.
3. Size for layers
Leave room for a fleece underneath, but not so much that wind blows straight through.
4. Think about weight
Lighter jackets pack smaller but wear out faster. Ultralight is for backpackers; most day hikers are fine with a mid-weight shell.
5. Check the length
A jacket that covers your hips keeps more rain off your pants and stays put under a pack.
6. Pockets that work with a pack
Hand pockets sitting high on the chest stay usable with a hip belt.
7. Don’t overpay
A $400 alpine shell won’t help on a 3-mile park loop. Buy for how you really hike.
Rain Jacket vs. Softshell vs. Poncho
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Rain jacket (hardshell) | Truly waterproof, windproof, packable | Can feel warm on climbs |
| Softshell | Stretchy and very breathable | Only handles light rain |
| Poncho | Cheap, covers your pack too, great airflow | Useless in strong wind, snags on branches |
How to Stay Dry on a Rainy Hike
- Wear a rain jacket and rain pants together. Water runs off your jacket straight onto your legs. See our best waterproof hiking pants.
- Protect your gear. Pack your spare clothes and electronics in a dry bag. See our best waterproof bags for hiking.
- Keep your feet happy. See our best waterproof shoes.
- Open your vents before you sweat, not after you’re already soaked.
- Avoid cotton underneath. Synthetic or wool layers stay warm when damp.
How to Care for Your Waterproof Jacket
- Wash it. Dirt and body oils stop the fabric from working. Follow the care label.
- Use a tech wash or mild liquid detergent. Skip fabric softener and bleach.
- Rinse well so no soap is left behind.
- Dry it as the label says. Many jackets’ DWR is revived by gentle heat, but always check first.
- Re-treat the DWR when rain stops beading up.
- Check seams and zippers now and then, and repair small tears early.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best waterproof hiking jacket?
For most hikers, the Marmot PreCip Eco. It’s light, packable and has pit zips. For a mix of city and trail, The North Face Antora. For value, the Columbia Watertight II.
What is the best budget waterproof hiking jacket?
The Columbia Watertight II is the best value pick. For the absolute cheapest backup, Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2.
What is the best ultralight rain jacket?
The Outdoor Research Helium is a long-time favorite with backpackers who want the lightest shell possible.
Is the Columbia Watertight II really waterproof?
Yes. Columbia describes it as waterproof and breathable with fully sealed seams. Comfort in long, heavy rain depends on fit, care and how hard you’re working.
Is The North Face Antora good for hiking?
Yes, especially for day hikes and casual trails. It’s waterproof, windproof and seam-sealed. It doesn’t list pit zips, so it can feel warm on hard climbs.
Is the Marmot PreCip Eco good for backpacking?
Yes. It’s light (about 305 g for the referenced model), packs into its own pocket and has pit zips, which makes it popular with backpackers.
Why do I get wet inside my rain jacket?
Usually it’s sweat, not leaks. Hiking hard makes more moisture than any fabric can release. Open pit zips early, slow your pace and wear breathable layers underneath.
Is Gore-Tex worth it?
For long storms and serious mountain trips, often yes. For most day hikes, a good brand-fabric jacket like the Marmot or Columbia works well for less money.
Should a rain jacket be loose or fitted?
Somewhere in between. Leave room for a fleece and full arm movement, but not so much that it flaps in the wind.
Are these jackets available for women?
Yes. Marmot and The North Face sell women’s PreCip Eco and Antora versions, and Columbia’s women’s equivalent of the Watertight II is the Arcadia II.
How do I make my rain jacket waterproof again?
Wash it with a tech wash, then re-treat it with a DWR spray or wash-in product. If it still leaks through the fabric or seams, the membrane or seam tape may be damaged.
Final Verdict: Which Waterproof Hiking Jacket Should You Buy?
For most hikers, the Marmot PreCip Eco is the best waterproof hiking jacket, thanks to its pit zips and packability. If you’ll wear it in town as much as on the trail, choose The North Face Antora. And if you just want dependable rain protection for less, the Columbia Watertight II is a smart buy.
Whatever you choose, the best rain jacket is the one that’s in your pack when the clouds roll in.
Our winner: Check the Marmot PreCip Eco on AmazonGear Up for Rainy Hikes
Editorial disclosure: This guide is based on manufacturer specifications from Marmot, Columbia and The North Face and product research. No lab test is claimed. Prices, colors and stock change, and specs can differ between model years.
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