Choosing the perfect rain jacket can be confusing when there are so many options. If you're stuck, a good starting point is to consider whether you will primarily be using it out in the wilderness, or for inner city environments.
HIKE
These jackets are ready for your next adventure. They’re waterproof, windproof, breathable, and durable.
The fully-taped ngx 2-layer shell keeps rain out, while the novaLOFT insulation keeps the warmth in. The cold weather version of our trusty Trailhead rain jacket.
514 grams.
Waterproofing/breathability rating: 15K/15K
This lightweight rain jacket features a waterproof and windproof ngx™2.5-layer fabric to keep you dry through soft showers and Fiordland-like downpours.
265 grams.
Waterproofing/breathability rating: 15K/15K
Made with a GORE-TEX 2-layer fabric, the Bealey has excellent waterproofing to stay dry on the trail.
480 grams.
Waterproofing/breathability rating: 28K/< 9 m²Pa/W GORE-TEX rating
This durable 3-layer is the cream of the crop for outdoor adventures. Lightweight, easy to pack up, and features pit zips for ventilation.
280 grams. Waterproofing/breathability rating: 15K/30K
URBAN
These jackets mix waterproof, windproof, and breathable functionality with urban style.
The fully taped ngx 2-layer shell keeps rain out, while the novaLOFT insulation keeps the warmth in. The cold weather version of our trusty Trailhead rain jacket in a longer length.
580 grams.
Waterproofing/breathability rating: 15K/15K
This 2-layer jacket is made for blustery days when a chance of showers looms.
460 grams. Waterproofing/breathability rating: 10K/10K
This jacket has it all — a 2.5-layer outer shell and a 600-fill down inner puffer with removable sleeves that turn the jacket into a vest.
Inner 480 grams, outer 460 grams. Waterproofing/breathability rating: 10K/10K
LIGHTWEIGHT
Perfectly packable, keep these lightweight options in your bag in case things get windy or drizzly.
This water-resistant windbreaker is made of recycled polyester and packs into its own pocket. 200 grams. Waterproofing/breathability rating: N/A
This lightweight, 2-layer jacket is perfect for unexpected light showers and packs into its own pocket. 260 grams. Waterproofing/breathability rating: 5K/5K
SNOW
Carve with confidence or make snow angels all day, our snow range has you covered for the chilly season.
Featuring 600-fill duck down for cosiness and warmth as well as a critically-taped ngx 2-layer shell and DWR finish.
804 grams.
Waterproofing/breathability rating: 20K/20K
The novaLOFT insulation keeps you toasty and the critically taped 2-layer shell and DWR finish keeps you dry on and off the slopes.
658 grams.
Waterproofing/breathability rating: 20K/20K
The detachable layers of the 3-in-1 Jacket offer all-season adaptability. The fully-taped waterproof shell with a novaLOFT insulated inner will keep you warm and dry.
547 grams.
Waterproofing/breathability rating: 20K/20K
KIDS
Keep your kids happy and dry in our range of raincoats.
The novaLOFT insulation keeps you toasty and the critically taped 2-layer shell and DWR finish keeps you dry on and off the slopes.
For kids aged 8 - 14 years old.
The novaLOFT insulation keeps you toasty and the critically taped 2-layer shell and DWR finish keeps you dry on and off the slopes.
For kids aged 8 - 14 years old.
This 2-layer jacket is made for blustery days when a chance of showers looms.
For kids aged 8 - 14 years old.
This 2-layer jacket is made for blustery days when a chance of showers looms.
For kids aged 8 - 14 years old.
This lightweight, 2-layer jacket is perfect for unexpected light showers and packs into its own pocket.
For kids aged 2 - 6 years.
This 3-in-1 jacket features a recycled fleece inner and a 2-layer outer shell, great for a chilly day exploring city streets.
For kids aged 2 - 6 years.
This 2-layer jacket is made for blustery days when a chance of showers looms.
For kids aged 2 - 6 years.
Rainwear FAQs
In general:
- Waterproof (obviously), windproof, breathable, lightweight, and durable.
- Materials to look for: GORE-TEX, NGX, Pertex.
- Fully seam sealed.
For hiking:
- An adjustable hood and a stiff rain-shedding brim.
- Pit zips for ventilation.
- Packability - even the world's most waterproof jacket isn't ideal for hiking if it takes up your whole pack when not in use.
Note: a lightweight jacket may not be as durable as a heavier jacket, so you will need to decide if durability is more important than lightweight for your needs.
Sometimes called the ‘jungle effect’, rain jackets can feel clammy inside if they’re not breathable.
If you’re sweating in your rain jacket, the air around your body inside the jacket will heat up quickly. If your jacket is breathable or you have good ventilation, the hot air should escape, but if you’re sweating profusely or have a non-breathable jacket, you’ll start to feel the humidity your body has created around you. This is why a lot of jackets come with pit zips or other ventilation areas that allow heat to escape.
There's no point dropping a fortune on the world's most breathable and waterproof jacket, if you're not wearing appropriate clothing underneath it. The job of a baselayer is to regulate your temperature by wicking moisture away. The saying "cotton kills" refers to the fact that cotton holds onto moisture which means that it will become heavy and cold when wet. Whereas polyester or merino wool allows moisture to pass through it, instead of absorbing it.
Long story short: Avoid clamminess, buy a jacket with a high breathability rating (10K+), and wear a moisture-wicking baselayer underneath.
Rain jackets are made to keep the rain out, not necessarily the cold. However, any waterproof jacket will also work against wind, which means you’ll have a nice, thin layer to cut the chill. Plus, staying dry is obviously a key part of staying warm.
Since rain jackets tend to be thin, it’s best to wear thermal, moisture-wicking base layers (such as merino or polyester), and if conditions are extra chilly, also wear an insulating mid layer (such as fleece) under your jacket to stay warm.
Nope, the opposite, actually! Clean rain gear outperforms dirty gear, so it’s recommended to wash your gear when you feel it’s losing its ability to keep you dry.
Follow the care instructions on your jacket, and if you feel it needs a little top up of water repellence, try our range of Grangers products. Learn how to make your rain jacket waterproof again.
It all depends on what your activity level will be, but we always recommend to layer up!
Rain jackets don’t provide a ton of warmth (but they are great for keeping the rain and wind out!), so layer accordingly. Wear a few different, thinner layers, rather than one big bulky one, so you can temperature regulate and pack away your gear the warmer you get.
It’s best to wear thermal, moisture-wicking base layers (such as merino or polyester), and if conditions are extra chilly, to also wear an insulating mid layer such as fleece under your jacket to stay warm.
2-layer jackets are often more affordable because the main fabric is less technical, providing a bonded waterproof/breathable membrane underneath the outer fabric. Often there is a separate fabric, such as a mesh or nylon lining to add comfort and durability, but the result is that it is typically heavier than 2.5 or 3-layer jackets. 2-layers are good for casual outings, like walking the dog in the rain or short walks through the forest.
2.5-layer jackets have the same undercoat that a 2-layer does, with an added veneer to protect the coating. This typically means that the 2.5-layer is less breathable than a 2-layer or 3-layer jacket, but they’re often less expensive than a 3-layer and more lightweight than a 2-layer.
A 3-layer jacket is the cream of the crop. It features a bonded waterproof/breathable membrane on the underside of the outer shell fabric and an interior fabric layer bonded to the membrane. These jackets are much lighter than 2-layers due to the bonded fabrics and offer premium performance.