April showers bring May flowers, isn’t that how the saying goes? Well in preparation for this years wet season (whether it’s Hurricane season in the Southeast, or springtime showers in the North) we want to provide you with the the best selection of men’s raincoats available anywhere online. Mining through tons of different selections, evaluating on a plethora of factors like fabric and materials, water resistance, insulation and warmth, as well as customer feedback, we’ve come down to a final selection.
This is a hand selected list of our favorite 7 jackets, all high quality and from premium manufacturers and high scorers on all of our evaluation factors. Now without further ado, lets get to it!
Evapouration from Columbia Men’s Sportswear
Our #1 pick this year is comes from a heralded brand in the outdoor wear space, Columbia. While known more for their winter wear, many of the same variables are carried over to make some exceptional rain wear. It’s got more features and factors than some other Columbia jackets, including proprietary EVAP advanced evaporation panels.
Omni-tech waterproof, it can provide all the protection you need from the cold sting of rain. However it also includes underarm venting to allow for ventilation during times of high heat or activity (i.e. running, jogging, biking, etc).
It’s pockets zip close to help secure you valuable items like cell phones, wallets, keys, etc. It also keeps these items behind the same water resistant materials, helping to shield them from potentially damaging water.
Earning consistently positive ratings from customers, our staff has also awarded this model the #1 pick of the year. It scores extremely high among all of our evaluation factors. Take a look:
- Comfy Fit: 10/10
- Dry: 10/10
- Water Resistance: 10/10
- Customer Feedback: Outstanding!
- Price: $$ – $$$$
Dubliner Rain Jacket from Helly Hansen
This is definitely on of our top picks this year, and for good reason. It performed well on all of our factors, even the common underperformers (like material and fit). Made out of 100% Polyester, this is definitely a winner over the more common Nylon (which is less expensive, but ultimately draws the ire of those who purchase it due to its light/flimsy nature and tendency to seep through with water). Polyester performs much better than Nylon in these regards.
As for size and fit, it tend to fit as expected (unlike some other jackets that might be too large or too small). So if you are an extra large, go ahead and order an extra large.
The fit is loose but not baggy, allowing for freedom of movement, and fully sealed for protection from wind, cold, and of course, rain.
High scores on all our factors! See below:
- Comfy Fit: 10/10
- Dry: 9/10
- Water Resistance: 9/10
- Customer Feedback: Outstanding!
- Price: $$$
Men’s Resolve Jacket from The North Face
A legendary brand in outdoors wear, The North Face began it’s life providing apparel for moutain climbers that scaled the likes of Everest and K2! They bring that same high level of quality to the consumer market with this excellent rain slicker called “Men’s Resolve”. Using many of the same principles from their famous winter coats (such as the front Velcro closure over the zipper and elastic over the wrists), this coat provides excellent protection against the elements, while of course being lighter and slimmer than their heavy winter coats.
Customers have very few complaints about the “Resolve”, and have included praises that it protects against both the wind and the rain (not just one or the other), and it can be comfortable in temperatures down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (any lower than that and its recommended to pair with a sweater underneath).
Overall this one is real winner, waterproof, “weatherproof”, lightweight and the high quality that is come to be expected from The North Face, we doubt you will be disappointed with this selection.
Scores high across the board too!
- Comfy Fit: 9/10
- Dry: 10/10
- Water Resistance: 10/10
- Customer Feedback: Outstanding!
- Price: $$$
Breathable and Waterproof Rain Jacket from Paradox
A little break from the ordinary for this one. As you can see from the picture its not your usual rain coat, and looks more like a lab coat or hazmat suit than a standard windbreaker, but it checks off all the boxes and gets some great customer feedback, so it’s made our final list. Also not quite pictured is the hood (which is does indeed include). Fully waterproof and including vents for breathability, it a perfect selection for high intensity outdoors activity in the rain, such as running or biking.
Form fitting and coming with Velcro cuffs and adjustable waste, the 80/20 Nylon/Poly mixture gives a good feel and an excellent protection against the elements. It is coated with a water repellent finish to keep you both dry and warm.
In the case of rain in high temperatures, the breathable and light constructions provides a perfect match. One customer commented on her trip to Vietnam where it was both 90 degrees and rainy, and this provided just the right type of protection she needed from those elements.
Scoring very strong on our scales, this is a great pick for the outdoors adventurers:
- Comfy Fit: 10/10
- Warm: Combine with sweater.
- Dry: 9/10
- Water Resistance: 10/10
- Customer Feedback: Very Positive!
- Price: $$
Watertight II from Columbia
Just as The North Face is a heralded brand when it comes to winter weather wear, so is Columbia. For decades they have been providing some of the most rugged winter gear available on the market. This type of protection is helpful to have in the form of raincoats, and the factors that perform so well in winter coats carry over excellently. We highly doubt you will be disappointed with this choice.
Besides the brass tacks of comfort, warmth and protection from the elements, this also has some great style choices. We’ve counted 19 different colors available for this particular model, so if you want a jacket that will match your boots, iPhone case or new hair dye, this is the perfect choice for you.
Super light, this particular model is great for spring time or early fall rain showers. You’ll need to pair with a sweater for the colder weather (not unlike many other models listed here). Plenty of pockets to fit your cell phone (as one reviewer put it, it fits a iPhone 6S with plenty of room to spare).
Tons of positive feedback from customers, and scores very high on all of our scales, take a look:
- Comfy Fit: 9/10
- Warm: Combine with sweater.
- Dry: 9/10
- Water Resistance: 8/10
- Customer Feedback: Very Positive!
- Price: $$ – $$$
PVC Raincoat from 32 Degrees
For those that are looking for an inexpensive option that will keep you dry in a heavy rain storm, this is a great pick for you. The PVC Weatherproof coat from 32 Degrees uses the unusual material of Polyvinyl Chloride (as opposed to the more common Polyester or Nylon), to make a waterproof coat that is light and perfect from those very rainy days.
Not meant to keep you warm, this will need to be combined with some additional layers if you are facing a very cold day. However its perfect for a light jacket that is comfortable to wear (doesn’t stick to the skin like some other unlined jackets).
These are sized appropriately (so if you are normally a large you can order a large). Very competitive in pricing, this makes a great buy if you need to pick up jackets for several children, or to be used as gifts.
Scoring very solidly on our evaluation factors, this item makes a perfect pick for those not too concerned about the very cold, but still want to stay dry during epic rainstorms.
- Comfy Fit: 8/10
- Warm: No, very light. Combine with sweater if necessary.
- Dry: 10/10
- Water Resistance: 8/10
- Customer Feedback: Very Positive!
- Price: $
Men’s Venture from The North Face
Another item from The North Face made it on our list. You can expect this one to be as high quality as any available rain slick on the market. Waterproof, seam sealed as well as breathable, this one checks off all the boxes when it comes to a reliable jacket. It’s even got the chin lining that will keep help protect your face from high winds.
It also comes in literally dozens of different colors and styles, so its perfect if you want something more than just the standard black/grey. What’s life without a little color in it anyway?
We particularly liked the Duck Green and Shady Blue Heather varieties, but you can choose your own based on your own personal color palette. The “Venture” is sure to make a great accompaniment to any fall or spring wardrobe.
- Comfy Fit: 10/10
- Warm: Moderate, somewhat light. Combine with sweater if necessary.
- Dry: 10/10
- Water Resistance: 10/10
- Customer Feedback: Very Positive!
- Price: $$ – $$$
