With weather being unpredictable at times, especially for some of us over the next few months, making a jacket a part of your EDC makes sense. Better fabric technology, improved tailoring for freer movement, and easily packable designs make the current crop of lightweight rain jackets an easy and functional addition to your daily pack. You’d be better equipped for a sudden light drizzle, or even harsher conditions, when you’ve got any of these within easy reach. As a bonus, some of these models are also designed for athletic pursuits like hiking, cycling, and running, meaning you get more utility out of them beyond stuffing them into your daily work or commuter bag. This guide rounds up our recommendations for packable rain jackets that deserve to be a consideration for your daily carry.
Marmot Minimalist Packable Rain Jacket
PurchaseKey Features
Paclite technology makes it ultra lightweight
Wind-blocking and hydrophobic
Can also be used over an insulated jacket
Specifications
Materials
Gore-Tex fabric with Paclite technology
Weight
13.6 oz
Technology
Angel-Wing movement and pit zips
This lightweight jacket is also designed to be used for hiking, backpacking, and even cycling, letting it do double duty as both a travel jacket and an outdoor shell. The Marmot Minimalist Rain Jacket uses Gore-Tex fabric enhanced with Paclite technology, resulting in a water-repellent and wind-blocking layer keeps the elements out while keeping the weight down. Angel-Wing Movement combined with articulated elbows means your arms can move freely, regardless of what activity you’re engaged in.
Outdoor Research Helium II Packable Rain Jacket
PurchaseKey Features
Packs up very small
Good breathability for sports use
Protective chin flap
Specifications
Materials
Treated nylon and ripstop fabric
Weight
5.5 oz
Technology
Pertex Shield+
Available in both men’s and women’s versions, the Helium II Jacket from Outdoor Research stands out in this list of lightweights with its excellent breathability during use, built-in carbiner-loop for transit, and ability to pack really small. It functions well as an additional layer for warmth, but also stands up on its own as a light drizzle jacket, thanks to the nylon and ripstop fabric base being treated with Pertex Shield+ for a good balance of waterproofing and breathability. A protective chin flap keeps your neck and chin warm during inclement weather.
Eddie Bauer Rainfoil Packable Rain Jacket
PurchaseKey Features
Doubles as a travel pillow when packed
Stowable hood
Fully seam-sealed waterproof protection
Specifications
Materials
100% polyester
Weight
N/A
Technology
Two-layer WeatherEdge technology, seam-sealed construction
The Eddie Bauer Packable Jacket packs a little bit bigger than most in this list, but that’s because it doubles as a compact travel pillow when not worn. Its fabric features two-layer WeatherEdge technology and is seam-sealed to provide a combination of waterproof and breathable protection when worn. A high neckline, mesh lining, plus adjustable cuffs and hem keep the cold out and the warmth in, while the adjustable hood stows away into the collar when you don’t need it.
5.11 Tactical Packable Rain Jacket
PurchaseKey Features
Folds quickly into a pouch
Large chest pocket
Integrated mic loops
Specifications
Materials
Wind-resistant nylon
Weight
N/A
Technology
Ready Pocket for concealment, YKK zippers
This tough and durable jacket folds easily and quickly into its carrying pouch, and provides you with fast access to all-weather protection when nature decides to surprise you. Designed to keep you warm and comfortable, the wind-resistant nylon construction features elasticized sleeve cuffs and durable YKK zipper hardware to keep cold air out. The large Ready Pocket on the inside chest area is large enough to carry and conceal documents, a travel notebook, or your smartphone. Finally, mic loops on both shoulders let you hang communication devices to keep you constantly in touch when out in the field.
Columbia Challenger Packable Rain Jacket
PurchaseKey Features
Old school pullover style
Available in multiple color combinations
Adjustable hood and elastic cuffs
Specifications
Materials
100% Polyester plain weave
Weight
5.64 oz
Technology
Windbreaker fabric
This retro-styled pullover blocks wind, resists rain, and rolls up tidily into a pouch that’s ready to slip into your everyday work bag. It’s a classic option that’s available in a lot of color combinations and patterns, and also offers tall sizing that adds a few extra inches to better fit longer torsos and arms. The elastic cuffs and adjustable hood keep you warm and toasty in cold weather, and multiple pockets offer you a bit of storage and organization while you’re on the go.
Kryptek Jupiter Packable Rain Jacket
PurchaseKey Features
100% waterproof
Detachable and adjustable hood
Multiple camo pattern options
Specifications
Materials
Kryptek 10/10 Fabric (87% Polyester, 13% Elastane)
Weight
N/A
Technology
Quick-drying waterproof and breathable fabric
Multiple camouflage designs place the Kryptek Jupiter Jacket squarely in the outdoors and tactical category, providing protection from rain and wind when you’re out in unpredictable field conditions. Seam-taped construction using the brand’s own 10/10 Waterproof/Breathable Fabric keeps things dry from precipitation outside, while pit zips provide ventilation that helps keep you dry within. The fabric’s fast-wicking and quick-drying properties keep you ready for whatever meteorological challenge lies ahead.
Arc’teryx Norvan SL Hoody Packable Rain Jacket
PurchaseKey Features
Permanent hydrophobic treatment
Highly breathable
Fitted, stowable hood and chin guard
Specifications
Materials
Nylon with Gore-Tex Active waterproof/breathable laminate
Weight
4.2 ounces
Technology
Gore-Tex Active Shakedry
Designed for rain, mountain trekking, and multi-sport activities, the Arc’teryx Norvan SL (“super light”) Hoody provides protection against inclement weather using Gore-Tex technology. The nylon fabric used in its construction features a Gore-Tex Active waterproof and breathable laminate, while the permanent Gore-Tex Active Shakedry beading treatment allows the lightweight fabric to shed water efficiently throughout the jacket’s lifetime, without the need for repeated treatments.
Chrome Industries Elston Packable Rain Jacket
PurchaseKey Features
Wrinkle-resistant fabric
Cycling-specific features
Zippered pockets protect from loss
Specifications
Materials
Wrinkle-resistant poly
Weight
N/A
Technology
DWR treatment for water and wind resistance
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$$
Based on the design of the brand’s best-selling Cobra hoody, the Chrome Industries Elston Packable Windbreaker Jacket uses a DWR-treated, wrinkle-resistant poly construction for wind and water resistance. This double-duty casual and cycling jacket features stretch-to-fit cuffs to keep the cold out, a reflective strip on the wrist for night time visibility, an adjustable hood to fit helmets, and a small dropped tail to fend off wheel spray while on the bike. Two zippered pockets, one up front for your phone and one behind for some cargo capacity, ensure you don’t drop your stuff while on the move.
Arc’teryx Incendo Hoody Packable Rain Jacket
PurchaseKey Features
Highly breathable
Running-specific features
Chest snap keeps it on even when unzipped for ventilation
Specifications
Materials
Ripstop nylon fabric with mesh underarm panels
Weight
4.6 ounces
Technology
Lightweight materials, reflective accents
This minimalist running shell is best for cool and windy conditions, providing wind and water resistance while being light and comfortable enough for use during athletic activity. A hidden snap system stows the brimmed and fitted hood, while mesh underarm panels help keep you cool during use. A small front chest snap keeps the Arc’teryx Incendo Hoody in place even if you unzip the front for added ventilation during exertion. Meanwhile, reflective accents on the back and sleeves and back offer extra visibility at night. The zippered hip pocket, which also functions as a media pocket with routing for cords, takes in the rest of the jacket when it’s time to pack it up.
Snow Peak Insect Shield Parka Packable Jacket
PurchaseKey Features
Odorless insect-repelling coating
EPA-approved safe for children and pets
Cinch waist for smart fit
Specifications
Materials
100% polyester
Weight
N/A
Technology
Odorless insect repellent
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$$$$
If one of your primary concerns when outdoors is warding off mosquitoes and other insects, the Snow Peak Insect Shield Parka should be high on your list of options. The polyester fabric of this packable jacket is treated with an odorless insect-repelling coating that’s derived from the Asteraceae (daisy) family. It’s EPA-approved and certified safe for children and pets, letting you enjoy the outdoors without any sticky or smelly chemicals just to keep tiny pests at bay. For extra protection when out in the field, you can pair it with the brand’s Insect Shield Pants.
Uniqlo UV Protection Packable Rain Jacket
PurchaseKey Features
Packs small enough to fit in a pocket
UV Cut technology
New fit and cut
Specifications
Materials
100% polyester
Weight
N/A
Technology
UV Cut Technology, water-repellent coating
Designed to protect you from harmful UV rays when the sun’s out and repel precipitation when it isn’t, the Pocketable UV Protection Parka from Uniqlo offers all-weather support in a compact and convenient package. The sturdy ripstop material gets treated both with UV Cut Technology and a durable water-repelling coating. It packs small enough to fit easily in your pocket, and barely takes any space in your pack—no more excuses not to take this along. Customer feedback also led to a more refined fit and cut, letting you move as you please while wearing this handy pocket parka.
