Getting caught in rain without proper gear turns a good hike into a miserable slog. I've been soaked through on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail when a storm rolled in faster than expected. A cotton hoodie doesn't cut it. You need a jacket that sheds water, breathes enough to prevent sweat buildup, and packs down small when the sun comes back out.
The key is waterproof fabric that doesn't trap heat, reflective elements for low-light conditions, and a hood that actually stays on your head in wind. Weight matters. An extra pound of rain jacket is an extra pound you're carrying all day, even when it's dry. Packability is critical if you're stuffing it in and out of your pack as weather changes.
1. Apexup Packable Rain Jacket Men
The APEXUP jacket packs down tight, which is the main selling point. The reflective zipper is a good safety feature for early morning or evening hikes. The waterproof fabric keeps rain out without feeling like you're wearing a trash bag.
It's lightweight enough to forget it's in your pack. The hood fits over a hat without being too loose. The windbreaker design cuts wind chill, which matters on exposed ridges. Good value for a packable rain layer.
Pros:
- Packs down small for easy storage
- Reflective zipper for visibility
- Waterproof and windproof
- Lightweight for all-day carry
Cons:
- Only available in black
- May run slim for layering
2. Frogg Toggs Men's Ultra-lite2 Waterproof Breathable Rain Jacket
Frogg Toggs is budget rain gear that works. At 311 grams, it's ultralight. The breathable waterproof membrane keeps rain out while letting sweat escape. It's not fancy, but it does the job without costing a fortune.
The jacket folds into a small package that fits in any pack. The blue color is visible on the trail. This won't last as long as premium jackets, but for the price, it's hard to beat for occasional use.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight at 311 grams
- Waterproof and breathable
- Budget-friendly
- Packs down small
Cons:
- Not insulated for cold weather
- Less durable than premium jackets
3. Men's Cycling Rain Jackets
This jacket is designed for cycling but works well for hiking. The reflective elements are positioned where they catch headlights or flashlights. The waterproof and windproof fabric cuts weather effectively. The breathable material prevents overheating during hard climbs.
The adjustable hood stays put in wind. The white and black color scheme is visible in low light. Good for active hikers who move fast and generate heat.
Pros:
- Reflective elements for safety
- Waterproof and windproof
- Breathable for active use
- Adjustable hood
Cons:
- May run large or small depending on build
- Limited color options
4. Little Donkey Andy Men's High-performance Waterproof Rain Jacket
Little Donkey Andy makes solid outdoor gear. This jacket is ultralight and waterproof without sacrificing breathability. The shell design is minimalist, which keeps weight down. It's designed for golf but works equally well for hiking.
The grey color is neutral and practical. The waterproof shell handles moderate to heavy rain. Good choice for hikers who want lightweight protection without extra features.
Pros:
- Ultralight shell design
- Waterproof for heavy rain
- Breathable fabric
- Neutral grey color
Cons:
- May need sizing up for layering
- Not insulated for cold weather
5. Coofandy Men's Windbreaker
COOFANDY's windbreaker is ultralight and packable. It fits into small bags or pockets easily. The water-resistant fabric keeps you dry in light to moderate rain. The windbreaker design blocks cold gusts on exposed terrain.
The black color is versatile. The jacket breathes well enough for active hiking. Simple design without unnecessary features keeps weight and bulk down.
Pros:
- Ultralight for minimal packing
- Packable into small spaces
- Water-resistant and windproof
- Breathable for activity
Cons:
- Only available in black
- Not insulated for extreme cold
6. Coofandy Rain Jacket Mens Waterproof Packable Rain Coat
Another COOFANDY option with a hood for added protection. The waterproof fabric handles rain well. The packable and foldable design makes it easy to stow when not needed. At 0.44 pounds, it's light enough to carry without thinking about it.
The light grey color shows less dirt than white. The hood provides coverage for wind and rain. Good all-around rain jacket for hiking and fishing.
Pros:
- Waterproof fabric
- Packable and foldable
- Lightweight at 0.44 pounds
- Hood for wind and rain protection
Cons:
- May not fit all body types perfectly
- Not insulated
7. Columbia Men's Glennaker Lake Ii Rain Jacket
Columbia makes reliable outdoor gear. The Glennaker Lake II is waterproof and breathable at 0.5 pounds. The compact design packs down small. The black and city grey color combo is understated and versatile.
The waterproof technology keeps you dry without overheating. The lightweight build means you can carry it all day. Good choice for hikers who want trusted brand quality. While you're at it, take a look at our waterproof dry bag. While you're at it, take a look at our lightweight backpack. While you're at it, take a look at our hiking hat.
Pros:
- Lightweight at 0.5 pounds
- Waterproof and breathable
- Compact packing
- Columbia brand quality
Cons:
- Limited color options
- May need layering in extreme cold
How to Pick the Right One
- For ultralight packing: Frogg Toggs or COOFANDY Windbreaker
- For visibility in low light: APEXUP or Cycling Rain Jacket with reflective elements
- For active hiking: Little Donkey Andy or Cycling jacket with breathable fabric
- For budget-conscious hikers: Frogg Toggs offers solid performance at low cost
- For brand reliability: Columbia Glennaker Lake II
Bottom Line
Waterproof, breathable, packable. Pick one light enough to carry all day and small enough to fit in your pack when the sun comes out.
