Insane in The (Waterproof) Membrane: The Best Waterproof Jackets
There are few things more satisfying than watching the rain bead off your waterproof jacket, especially when those around you are scrambling for cover or trying to navigate obstacles with an umbrella in hand.
Finding the right watertight outerwear means having an impenetrable first line of defense when the weather gets wet. And if you happen to live in a climate where that happens more often than not, then your technical outerwear is likely to enjoy regular outings — so picking the right one is not to be underestimated.
There's a full scale of options available on the market, from the tech-heavy extremes of a $1k+ ACRONYM jacket to more traditional everyday styles, such as those in the recently-teased Palace and Baracuta collab.
We've browsed online to find the very best of all the jacket options and listed them down below. Plus, if you're really dedicated to the bone-dry lifestyle, we've done the same for waterproof sneakers.
Keep scrolling to find a waterproof jacket.
Snow Peak Light Packable Rain Jacket
Japanese label Snow Peak combines high-performance gear with its minimal aesthetic to create some of the most desirable technical clothing and camping accessories around. This packable lightweight jacket is made entirely from recycled 3-layer polyester and boasts a stretchy, waterproof outer layer that is fully seamed to ensure maximum protection against the elements.
Nike ACG Storm-FIT "Cascade Rains"
Named after the notoriously rainy Cascade Mountain Range, this jacket is geared towards making wet days as comfortable as possible. The jacket is made using Nike's Storm-FIT technology and is entirely seam-sealed with water-resistant zippers, making it wind- and waterproof.
Moncler x Salehe Bembury Menger Parka
Before releasing his collaborative collection with Moncler, Salehe Bembury said: "My goal is to harmoniously balance Moncler DNA with the heritage of the outdoors." This jacket presents the designer doing that, crafting a highly-functional parka from 2L GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ fabric and heat-sealed seams that make it highly water resistant.
K-Way x Highsnobiety LE VRAI 3.0 CLAUDE
K-Way's founder, Léon-Claude Duhamel, first created the brand's packable rain jackets to help defend against the Parisian rain and, almost 60 years later, there's still nothing more practical for days in the city than a packable rain jacket. Made together with this very magazine, we took the brand's LE VRAI 3.0 CLAUDE back to its hometown with a range of Paris-themed graphics.
Arc'teryx Beta Lt Jacket
Once just a high-performance brand frequented by those in the know about outdoor wear, Arc'terx has become so much more. The label has been adopted by the fashion industry through multiple collabs, celeb co-signs and has even been on the runway. None of this means that it has stopped producing some of the best technical gear around though, and Beta Lt proves this. The jacket is made with 3L GORE-TEX fabric and is waterproof, windproof, and breathable.
The North Face RMST FUTURELIGHT Mountain Jacket
This jacket is crafted using The North Face FUTURELIGHT, a new technology that the American brand has developed. Unlike typical waterproof membranes, the FUTURELIGHT membrane includes air permeability for better breathability without affecting its waterproof capabilities. It's also highly lightweight and has been tested by athletes for over 400 continuous days on Mount Everest.
C.P. Company Chrome-R Anorak Bracken Brown
This jacket's made using C.P. Company's recycled Chrome-R fabric, a woven multifilament nylon that acts as a barrier against water and wind. It might not have the taped seams and waterproof zippers needed to be certified as 100% waterproof, but this casual jacket's more than weather-resistant enough to handle bad weather in the city.
Acronym J1WTS-GT 3L Gore-Tex Pro Interops Jacket
You can't talk about technical clothing without mentioning ACRONYM. The Berlin-based brand has been laser-focused on creating the most functional wares possible way before we ever muttered the words gorpcore and it's built a cult following in the process. This jacket sees the label use an enhanced and highly-breathable GORE-TEX® Pro membrane that provides uncompromised waterproof and windproof protection.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket
Simple, affordable, high-performance, and made with a sustainable approach — the Patagonia Torrentshell ticks a lot of boxes. The jacket is crafted from a PFC-free, 3-layer shell and meets the brand's H2No™ Performance Standard for exceptional waterproof/breathable performance.
Patta Waterproof Reflective Shell Jacket
If you're lost in a rainstorm at night, then this is the jacket you'll want to be wearing. Not only is Patta's shell jacket waterproof, but it's also covered in graphic 3M reflective prints that make it easy to spot out — and looks great in fit 'pics using flash.
adidas x and wander Xploric RAIN.RDY Jacket
When you get two of the finest brands in the outdoor clothing market and put them together, you're always going to end up with some top-tier outerwear. This jacket from adidas x and wander includes advanced waterproofing to channel rain away from your body.
Highsnobiety 3 Layer Nylon Jacket
Utilizing technology found in outdoor wear, our in-house brand crafted this jacket using a 3-layer nylon fabric, with taped seams and water-tight zippers. The end result is a casual outerwear style that can handle any sudden rainfall, from a light shower to an all-out storm.
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