Best Packable Rain Jackets (Light, Compact & Affordable)

Marmot Precip Jacket

Another great alternative for a packable rain jacket is the Marmot Precip. It’s not as popular as the Patagonia Torrentshell, but it’s quickly gaining cult-level popularity due to great performance for a lower price tag. And the fact that it’s a fully waterproof rain jacket, of course!

The Precip offers reliable protection against water, wind, and even some light snow thanks to its DWR coating and NanoPro Nylon Ripstop material.

The collar is a good touch to keep your neck covered and keep rain from entering from the top. Together with the hood, the whole head is pretty well covered. The hood is also removable making it a great option for everyday and urban wear.

The adjustable cuffs are sealed with velcro, and the hem is adjustable and keeps water and cold out pretty well. The front zipper is not waterproof, but it is covered with a flap and also secured with velcro to keep it from flying up. It also has an additional storm flap underneath the zipper to keep the water out.

It doesn’t come with a chest zip or pit zips (like the majority of packable rain jackets) but it does have some mesh inner pockets to store things if the need arises.

TIP: You can read a full review of the Marmot Precip here.

While it’s great for moderate rain, the Precip is not meant to be worn under torrential and extended rain. The water doesn’t leak through the jacket, but it does soak through the upper layer and you’ll feel the cold on your skin.

Arc'teryx Zeta LT

If you’re a serious hiker and traveler and you’re on the lookout for the best gear in the market, then the Arc’teryx Zeta LT delivers the highest performance on this list.

It also goes without saying that it costs the most as well by almost double the price. However, if the price is no problem, then you’re getting yourself one of the most reliable and packable rain jackets out there.

This waterproof jacket has hand pockets that go above a hip belt, an adjustable hood that can mold to your head, and an outer shell that performs like a hard shell jacket in a very lightweight package. It also has its own chest pocket that is quite deep, to store items you want easy access to. Although there are no pit zips, so, if you walk for a while in this, it will eventually get a bit warm!

Despite the tough build, it’s still lighter than the Patagonia Torrentshell at 11.85 ounces. It performs better than any lightweight rain jacket on the list and is one great investment instead of getting poorer built and tear-prone lightweight jackets.

It also does not skimp on comfort. While most packable rain jackets tend to be clammy and less breathable to keep the waterproofing intact, the Arc’teryx Zeta LT has a Gore-Tex C-Knit interior. It’s soft against the skin while still moisture-wicking and odor repellent.

Unlike most ultralight rain jackets that use a 2-layer build, the Zeta LT has a 3-Layer construction. The Gore-Tex waterproof membrane is sandwiched between the outer shell and inner liner. Even in the heaviest rain, you won’t feel clammy and the jacket won’t feel slippery against your skin.

Note: If you want the even lighter and more packable version check out the Arc’teryx Zeta SL.

Despite the thicker build, Arc’teryx was able to keep this jacket light and breathable. Thanks to the C-knit inner layer, the wearer is kept cool even when you’re working really hard. It also has a snugger fit than most lightweight rain jackets, which keeps less hot air to build up inside.

In terms of packability, it doesn’t have its own stuff sack or pocket. However, it’s thin and manageable enough to roll and store into the hood.

The North Face Alta Vista Jacket

The North Face has been making outdoor gear for decades, so they are a worthy contender for the best packable rain jackets around. This particular model is a new model that is a great compromise between a waterproof jacket and sometimes lightweight and packable. And affordable too!

Unlike the far more expensive Gore-tex options, this jacket uses a DryVent™ 2.5 Layer shell with mesh liner, to reduce any discomfort. It is reasonably breathable too, so you won’t feel like you are wearing a portable sauna!

Starting at the top, it has a 3-way adjustable hood, pit zips to let the sweat out and adjustable pulls to rein in the hem for the perfect fit. These are all the kinds of things I look for as a minimum in a jacket because otherwise they don’t fit, water and wind gets in and they are a waste of money, quite frankly.

In terms of packability, this jacket is so small and light it rolls into the pocket! This is a pocket rain jacket you can throw it in any bag, your car, your biking or running pack and always have it handy. Sure, it’s not a mountaineering Goretex jacket, but for the price it is a no-brainer and many reviewers say the same thing!

The front zipper of this pack away rain jacket is one of those great waterproof zippers. And the DWR on the outside will have the rain beading off in no time. One guy who reviewed this recently said he came out of a downpour completely dry.

All in all, this is a great buy for anyone not wanting to spend a fortune on a full Gore-tex jacket, but still wanting a little comfort and something light to carry around in case of bad weather.

Paradox Waterproof Rain Jacket

Sometimes, all you need is a product that works. For those who are not keen on dropping a wad of cash for a foldable rain jacket, the Paradox Waterproof Rain Jacket fits the bill.

Priced under $50, this is anyone’s go-to packable rain coat for casual travel. Of course, you sacrifice some comfort and performance with a lower price tag, but it does a good job of protecting you from that sudden rainfall on an otherwise sunny day. Made of a polyester and nylon blend, you can even toss this in a washing machine in a cold setting.

This packable rain jacket is built with a 2.5-layer breathability level with a thin inner lining. Without ventilation, this tends to get very clammy and you get very sweaty when working hard under the rain. The outer shell is treated with a water repellent finish, which tends to wear out after years of use.

Rain also soaks through to the middle layer after around an hour of continuous exposure, which will then get you feeling cold. Luckily, it doesn’t soak through entirely.

While the silhouette and design are sleek and stylish, the material itself has a plastic feel. The hood also goes on the large side and has limited adjustment options. It also doesn’t come with its own stuff sack, but you can easily stow it in the hood and stuff it in your bag. It also comes with one handy internal chest pocket, so you can stash at least your phone or keys if you need to.

Nevertheless, at its price, you can’t get any better than this.

Outdoor Research Helium Jacket

When we talk about lightweight, there’s no other company that does it better than Outdoor Research. The Outdoor Research Helium is ultralight, packable, and sports a minimalist design in bright and neutral colors.

Thanks to its Pertex waterproof build, the Helium II does an excellent job protecting wearers against rain and width. It only weighs 6.4 ounces, but the material is quite sturdy and almost impenetrable. It’s been a top pick for hikers, bikers, and travelers.

The Outdoor Research Helium rain jacket doesn’t boast much in terms of features. There is one Napoleon chest pocket, a water-resistant main zipper, and a single pull hood adjustment. It stuffs easily into an inner pocket and it turns out so compact and weightless that there’s no real reason for you to leave it behind.

Because of the lack of functionality, it’s not the best jacket to wear around the urban jungle. No hand pockets, nowhere to store your phone, and nothing to keep things from getting stolen. It’s a very basic jacket almost to a fault, but its real performance comes out when you get it outdoors.

While the Outdoor Research Helium jacket is great for waterproofing, the material can get very clammy. Its 2.5-layer design is not very breathable and there are absolutely no venting options. It’s a great option for surprise rain, but wearing it for long periods of time will leave you sweaty and uncomfortable.

While it has significant design flaws, the price range is very attractive. It’s not the cheapest but also definitely not the most expensive. If price is no option, there are better garments on this list that can do a better job. However, value for money gives Helium II a big boost in terms of favorites.

Patagonia Torrentshell

Patagonia is another great brand for outdoor gear, and the Torrentshell is one of the best packable rain jackets. Much thought was put into achieving the perfect fit, not just for style but also for better protection against the elements. It has a sleek flap to cover the waterproof zipper and adjustable hems to hug your hips.

Unlike many rain jackets, the Patagonia Torrentshell is sleek and stylish enough for everyday and urban wear.

It has a more luxurious feel to it as well. The fabric is soft to the touch and not plasticky like many packable rain jackets. At 13.9 ounces, it’s not featherlight, but still light enough for you to easily carry it around everywhere. This heftier build also comes in handy when the weather turns particularly sour. And when the drizzle does turn into heavy rain, the 2-way adjustable hood design keeps your face well protected in any weather.

There’s a single cinch at the back to adjust the sides and back of the head. It also has a small bill to extend protection over the face. It also packs compactly into one of the hand pockets.

The athletic style of the jacket makes for a great silhouette, but the shorter back of the hem doesn’t do well for rain protection. As with any kind of garment, the backside usually rides higher than the front, and a longer back hem would have been better for keeping rain from hitting the backside.

Overall, however, it’s a great option for everyday and emergency wear. It retains its slimmer style even when layered over a shirt or under a heftier jacket. Its versatile use is a great option for travel and outdoor adventures.

Black Diamond Stormline Stretch

Black Diamond has a pedigree when it comes to making long-lasting, reliable, and waterproof outdoor gear. I use a lot of their stuff for snow sports and I have to say that they never fail to amaze me with the quality of their product.

The Black Diamond Stormline is another worthy contender for a great lightweight rain jacket with all the jacket features you would expect. It features their in-house 2.5 layers BD-Dry fabric which is waterproof, breathable, and stretchy. It comes with a DWR coating to help make the water bead. At least for a while.

Black Diamond even gives you pit zips on this model, which is rare in this review. If you don’t know what they are, they are waterproof zippers under your arms which you can open as much as you like to let the jacket ventilate when you are doing heavy exercise. You normally only see these features on top-of-the-line Goretex jackets.

All the openings are also easily secured to keep you dry including the cuffs, hem, and hood, which is adjustable.

Columbia Men’s Watertight II Jacket

Colombia is not as renowned for its outdoor gear as say Patagonia or North Face, however, if you want quality at a reasonable price, they are a great option. This lightweight, packable rain jacket has all the features you would expect. Starting with their own branded Omni-Tech breathable waterproof layer, they have also added mesh on the inside for a little extra comfort.

The fabric chin guard is also a welcome addition for when you need to zip all the way up in cold, windy conditions. This ultralight rain jacket also has zippered pockets and a draw-string hem to keep the wind out. And, it is packable into the pockets, which is great for when you want to keep it in your bag – just in case.

All in all, most owners of this jacket say it’s a great buy and keeps the weather out in all kinds of conditions. For hours on end.

Arc'teryx Norvan SL

If you want the absolute lightest rain jacket, then you can’t go past the Arc’teryx Norvan SL. It is actually designed for trail running, so you can understand why it is so light, packable, and yet still absolutely waterproof.

It weighs in at only 4.4oz (125g) so is great when you want something that will pack into a small space. I have a similar jacket for mountain biking, which I rarely use, but know will always be there when I need it. Right at the bottom of my pack, taking little space.

They have used a new technology on this jacket – Goretex along with Shakedry to help keep the weight to a minimum. There are also fewer features on this jacket, as it is so minimalist – with elastic use on all openings (hood, cuffs, and hem).

So, it might not be as tight and windproof as other jackets that you can really cinch down. The hood is rollable and stowable though, which is a smart addition. All in all, this is the type of light, packable rain jacket people need when they to sports.