When the sky darkens, and the rain starts coming down, it pays to have a quality rain jacket at your disposal. However, the best rain gear varies depending on what you’re doing. The rain jacket you wear to the grocery store may not be the one you’d choose at a roadside construction site. With that in mind, here is a selection of the best rain gear for a wide range of activities and situations.
Best Men’s Rain Jackets
For general use, the best men’s rain jackets tend to be lightweight, with waterproof outer shells that repel the rain. A light rain jacket should be part of any man’s wardrobe. The best men’s rain jackets include:
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The lightweight Full-zip Columbia rain jacket with a 100% nylon Omni-TECH waterproof/breathable shell lined with 100% polyester mesh.
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The DryVent rain jacket is a stylish North Face rain jacket with an environmentally friendly membrane and 100% windproof fabric.
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The New Englander is a Charles River rain jacket made from waterproof polyurethane bonded to a poplin backing for enhanced fabric strength and durability.
Best Women’s Rain Jackets
Women’s rain jackets should be as durable and waterproof as their male counterparts. This isn’t always the case, given the fashion world’s tendency to favor style over substance when it comes to women’s garments. The following women’s rain jackets are high-quality, waterproof garments suitable for a wide range of everyday situations:
Best Construction Rain Gear
Construction rain gear is much more rugged than average rain jackets. If you’re outside for your entire work shift, you want a jacket that keeps you dry for hours, whether you’re working in construction, forestry, or agriculture. Ideally, you want a jacket like Carhartt’s Waterproof Shoreline Jacket, which features a breathable membrane that wicks away moisture.
Alternatively, you might opt for the Waterproof H2O Jacket by Caterpillar, made from a cotton-based fabric for optimal stretch, so you can stay dry without sacrificing your range of motion.
Best Rain Gear for High Visibility
Employees working alongside roads or low-light conditions need a rain jacket that increases visibility while keeping out moisture. For men, Caterpillar’s Hi Vis Waterproof H2O Jacket is an ANSI Class 3 compliant waterproof jacket with 360 degrees of reflective tape to enhance your visibility in low light.
For women, Portwest offers the Ladies Hi-Vis Winter Jacket in fluorescent yellow with 2” silver reflective tape and a detachable hood for rainy days.
Best Rain Gear for Fishing and Hunting
If you’re into fishing or hunting, you know it’s important to have a rain jacket that’s comfortable while you're standing or crouching motionless for long periods. The best rain gear for fishing or hunting is breathable, repels moisture, blocks the wind, and keeps you warm with a fleece lining. The men’s Reticle Camo by Tri-Mountain meets all these needs while providing you with the camouflage you need out in the woods.
While it lacks camouflage, the Ladies Day Break Jacket by Gamehide is an excellent rain jacket for women who enjoy the outdoors. The jacket’s HyperHide SS fabric stretches as you move while repelling moisture and blocking the wind.
Best Rain Gear for Running
Running in the rain can be exhilarating or misery-inducing, depending on how well you dressed for the weather. Adidas has some of the best rain gear for running, such as the Performance Texture Quarter-Zip Pullover, made from a polyester/elastane interlock with a hydrophilic finish.
The Ladies Colorblock Soft Shell Jacket by SPORT-TEK is another excellent choice for running in the rain. With a sleek colorblock shell and warm microfleece interior, this lightweight jacket is ideal for light rain conditions that might otherwise prevent you from getting out for a run.
Best Rain Gear for Hiking
Rain can strike quickly when you’re hiking, especially in the mountains or on the coast. The best rain gear for hiking protects you from the elements while being lightweight enough that it’s not adding much to the weight you’re carrying. The Ascendent Insulated Jacket is a North Face rain jacket that’s built to keep you dry and comfortable with storm-shedding DryVent™ and Heatseeker™ technical fabrics. Or you could consider the Caprice Ladies’ 3-in-1 jacket with a softshell liner that includes a fully seam-sealed waterproof shell.
Best Cold Weather Rain Gear
Rain during the summer can be welcome and refreshing. However, winter rain is often a slushy mess that can ruin your day. For the chilliest rainfall, you need the best cold weather rain gear that keeps you warm as the temperature drops below freezing.
The Everyday Insulated Jacket is a cold-weather North Face rain jacket that combines a 50D WindWallTM shell with a durable water-repellent finish and lining, all protecting 150 g HeatseekerTM synthetic insulation. For women, the Delta Ridge Down Jacket is a Columbia rain jacket made from 100% water-resistant polyester with 650-fill-power down insulation.
No matter what type of rain gear you need, Triple Crown Products can customize it with high-quality logo embroidery, bringing your branding message to the world even in the middle of a torrential downpour!