Rain Layers for Hiking: What I Look For (2026)
In the Pacific Northwest, waterproof rain gear is essential for hiking year-round. These are the pieces I personally use and recommend, with ultralight and four-season options.
Even if it’s not raining, rain gear can help to block wind and retain body warmth. Breathability is important in rain gear, otherwise, condensation can build up inside and get your layers wet. The most breathable options tend to be expensive but are often more durable. Look for items with venting options such as pit zips and mesh-lined pockets to increase breathability.
Full-Featured Rain Jackets
Himali Monsoon Hardshell
I’ve been using this three-layer hardshell for colder, wetter hikes in the Pacific Northwest, where I rely on it for full days on trail. As a four-season layer, it’s designed for conditions that call for more coverage than lighter shells can provide, when I want something a bit more substantial for longer days outside. The interior is comfortable against the skin, and the ventilation options make it easy to manage heat buildup when I’m exerting more.
See my full review of the Himali Monsoon Hardshell
- sizes available: XS to XL
- fabric: 100% nylon
- type of waterproofing: 3-layer Toray 20K/20K waterproof and breathable membrane with PFAS-free DWR coating
- ventilation: pit zips and a front double zipper
- weight: 14.2 oz.
- sustainability: made in a Fair Trade Certified facility; contains materials that meet Bluesign criteria
- price: $460
REI XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket
A new technical rain jacket from REI, the XeroCloud 3L combines soft, stretchy fabric with a laminate for a waterproof design, making it a comfortable (and stylish) option for staying dry. After wearing almost daily in rainy conditions for the past month, it hasn’t wetted out yet. The fit is relaxed without being baggy, and it layers well. There’s also a chest pocket that fits a smartphone, plus two zippered hand pockets and an adjustable hood. This is my preferred rain jacket for hiking in the colder months and for use around town.
See my full review of the XeroCloud Rain Jacket
- sizes available: XS to 3X
- fabric: 72% recycled nylon/28% recycled polyester with jersey backer
- type of waterproofing: 3-layer HydroWall waterproof/breathable laminate
- ventilation: pit zips
- pockets: 2 hand pockets; 1 chest pocket
- weight: 11.5 oz.
- sustainability: made in a Fair Trade Certified facility; contains materials that meet Bluesign criteria; REI is Climate Neutral Certified
- price: $189
Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid Jacket
I especially like the fit of this rain jacket, which is more streamlined and less boxy than many other rain jackets I’ve worn. The full-coverage hood has a brim for added protection, and the two hand pockets are positioned so they’re accessible when wearing a backpack. It also has pit zips for ventilation. I’ve been using the Beta SL for more than five years, and it’s still in great condition — a good example of the thoughtful design and quality I’ve come to expect from Arc’teryx.
- sizes available: XXS to XXL
- fabric: 2L GORE-TEX fabric used in main body; reinforced with supple 3L GORE-TEX fabric in high wear areas
- type of waterproofing: Gore-Tex PacLite
- ventilation: pit zips
- pockets: 2 hand pockets
- weight: 10 oz.
- sustainability: Fair Trade Certified; Contains recycled materials; Contains materials that meet the Bluesign criteria.
Ultralight Rain Jackets
Outdoor Vitals Tushar Rain Jacket
The Tushar is a minimalist-style rain jacket that does exactly what it needs to: keep you dry on trail. But it also has several features that make it a stand-out option, including a softer fabric feel inside and out, pit zips for ventilation, and a lightweight construction that packs down small for stashing in your pack. The Tushar is my top pick for backpacking trips due to its low weight and reliability.
See my full review of the Tushar Rain Jacket
- sizes available: men’s small to 3X
- fabric: 20D micro-Ripstop Nylon with mapped membrane application
- type of waterproofing: Toray Torain 3D 2.5 layer waterproof breathable lamination technology
- waterproof rating: lamination 1: 28,500mm hydrostatic head; lamination 2: 15,500 hydrostatic head
- breathability rating: lamination 1: 20,000g; lamination 2: 28,900g
- ventilation: pit zips
- pockets: 1 chest pocket
- weight: 6.2 oz. (men’s size small)
- price: $224.97
Berghaus Rain-Motion Jacket
The Berghaus Rain-Motion is a lightweight waterproof shell designed for hiking and other high-output trail use. Built with 3-layer Pertex Shield fabric, it prioritizes weather protection, breathability, and unrestricted movement while keeping weight and bulk low. With an articulated women’s-specific fit, pack-compatible storage, and soft, quiet fabric, it feels built for moving comfortably through changing weather.
See my full review of the Berghaus Rain-Motion Jacket
- sizes available: 8 to 20 (equivalent to XS-3XL)
- fabric: 100% Polyamide
- type of waterproofing: 3-layer Pertex Shield
- waterproof rating: 20,000mm hydrostatic head
- breathability rating: 20,000g/m²/24hrs
- pockets: 2 zippered hand pockets; 1 interior zippered pocket
- weight: 8.7 oz.
- price: $324
Outdoor Research Helium UL Rain Jacket
One of the lightest rain jackets available, the Helium UL trims weight by minimizing features. This is a solid choice for hiking and backpacking when every ounce carried counts.
- sizes available: XS to XXL
- fabric: 100% nylon 15-denier ripstop
- type of waterproofing: Toray Dermizax™ 2.75-layer waterproof/breathable fabric
- ventilation: none
- pockets: 2 hand pockets
- weight: 5.6 oz.
- price: $225.50
View at REI - Women's View at REI - Men's
Rain Pants
REI Rainier Rain Pants
In variable conditions while hiking, I prefer to use rain pants with full-length zippers so they are easier to pull on and take off without needing to remove my shoes. These rain pants feature zippered hand pockets and cuffs that can be cinched down to keep out mud and snow.
- sizes available: XS to 3X, with petite and tall options
- fabric: 100% recycled ripstop nylon (bluesign approved)
- type of waterproofing: 2.5-layer HydroWall recycled waterproof/breathable membrane
- ventilation: full length zippers
- pockets: 2 zippered hand pockets
- weight: 9 oz.
- sustainability: Fair Trade Certified™ factory; Contains materials that meet the Bluesign criteria; Contains recycled materials; From a Climate Label Certified brand
- price: $99.95
REI XeroCloud 3L Rain Pants
These rain pants from REI feature soft, stretchy fabric with a a 3-layer HydroWall laminate for a waterproof design, making them more comfortable and quieter than typical rain pants due to the softness of the fabric (both inside and out), yet they work extremely well at keeping rain out. They feature zippered hand pockets, and an elastic waistband with a drawcord for an adjustable fit, as well as ankle zips at the bottom of each leg for ease in taking on and off over shoes or boots.
- sizes available: XS to 3X, with petite and tall options
- fabric: 72% recycled nylon/28% recycled polyester (bluesign approved) with jersey backer
- type of waterproofing: 3-layer HydroWall waterproof/breathable laminate
- ventilation: ankle zippers
- pockets: 2 zippered hand pockets
- weight: 9 oz.
- sustainability: Fair Trade Certified™ factory; Contains materials that meet the Bluesign criteria; Contains recycled materials; From a Climate Label Certified brand
- price: $159
Gaiters
Hillsound Armadillo LT Gaiters: When hiking in rain or snow, gaiters that are worn over your hiking pants and attach to boots or shoes will keep you drier and provide an extra layer of warmth. These waterproof and breathable gaiters provide coverage up to the knee.
Waterproof Socks
Showers Pass Wool Waterproof Socks: These wool-blend waterproof socks are comfortable to wear while keeping your feet dry in all conditions – even when submerged in water. Also a great option when your hiking boots or shoes are no longer waterproof.