Looking for the best rain jacket can be a bit of a minefield. You’re probably here because your last one didn’t cut it. Too hot. Not waterproof enough. Gave up after one season. Sound familiar?

This guide is here to help you figure out what is the best rain jacket for you, whether you're hiking, commuting, travelling, or trying to stay dry chasing after kids. We'll cut through the jargon and show you what actually matters.

What Makes a Great Rain Jacket?

There’s no single answer to what is the best jacket for rain, because that depends on how, where and how often you’ll wear it. But a good one should always tick these boxes:

Waterproof Rating

This is the number you’ll see written as "10,000mm" or "15,000mm". Anything above 10K is solid for everyday use. Going higher makes sense if you’re spending longer in the wet or heading into serious weather.

Breathability

Just as important as waterproofing. A breathable jacket (look for 10,000g/m² and up) lets your body heat escape, so you’re not sweating inside your shell.

Extra Features

Think storm flaps, sealed seams, adjustable hoods, pit-zips and secure cuffs. These are the difference between staying dry and getting slowly soaked around the edges.

What Is the Best Lightweight Rain Jacket?

If you’re out for the day, heading interstate, or just need a backup layer in your bag, weight and packability matter. The best lightweight rain jacket is one you’ll actually carry, and wear, because it doesn’t feel bulky or overbuilt.

We’re big fans of our Stash Jacket for this. It's lightweight, waterproof, breathable and made from recycled materials. It packs into a small bag and takes up barely any room, but still holds its own in a downpour.

What Is the Best Waterproof Rain Jacket?

Planning to spend serious time in the rain? Then you'll want more protection than a travel jacket can give you. The best waterproof rain jackets are:

• Made from 3-layer fabric for durability and structure

• Rated 15,000mm or higher for waterproofing

• Fully seam-sealed

• Built with features like storm flaps, adjustable hoods and zip vents for airflow

Our go-to in this category is the Takayna Jacket, built for harsh alpine conditions but just as handy in sideways rain on the coast.

What Is the Best Rain Jacket for Men and Women?

Fit makes a difference. Not just for comfort, but for performance too.

• Men’s rain jackets tend to be longer through the body with room to layer underneath

• Women’s rain jackets usually taper at the waist and have a more contoured shape

• There are also plus-size options designed with extra coverage and movement in mind

• And for kids, it’s all about easy zips, good hoods and staying dry while they keep moving
  
  

Who Makes the Best Rain Jackets?

There are plenty of jackets out there that look the part, but don’t hold up when the skies open up. So if you're wondering who makes the best rain jackets, start by asking: was this designed for the conditions I live in?

We design all our rainwear right here in Australia, on Victoria's south coast. So we've had our fair share of intense weather.

All our jackets are made with recycled fabrics, finished with PFAS-free DWR coatings, and made to perform from mountain trails to urban commutes. 

We’ve worn them in sideways rain, snow dumps, muggy storms and misty drizzle, and if we wouldn’t wear it, we don’t sell it.

How to Avoid Common Rain Jacket Mistakes

There’s no shortage of waterproof jackets out there, but not all of them are what they say they are. If you’ve had one that felt clammy, leaked at the seams, or left you soaked after ten minutes in real rain, it might not have been all it was hyped up to be.

Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for when choosing the best rain jacket:

• Going too cheap: If the price seems too good to be true, the waterproofing probably is. Thin plastic jackets often lack breathability, taped seams, or reliable fabric coatings.

• Focusing only on the outside: A jacket might look tough, but check what’s happening on the inside. Features like quality linings, vent zips and decent breathability ratings make a huge difference.

• Overlooking fit: A good jacket should give you room to move and layer, without feeling bulky. Pay attention to sleeve length, hood shape, and how it sits at the hem.

• Ignoring the forecast: The best rain jacket for summer hiking probably isn’t the best for winter storms. Think about when and where you’ll use it most, then pick a jacket that suits the conditions.
  
  

Which One’s Right for You?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you decide:

Explore the XTM Rainwear Range

Still trying to figure out which rain jacket is best for you? Start by thinking about how and where you’ll use it, then look for something with the right mix of waterproofing, breathability, and fit.

Our XTM rainwear collection covers lightweight packable jackets, heavier-duty shells, and styles for men, women, kids, and plus sizes. Every jacket is designed with Aussie conditions in mind, so you can trust it to handle a proper downpour.

If you’ve still got questions, get in touch. We’re here to help.