The Best Rain Jackets for Men, From What Each Listing States
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Our picks at a glance
- Best OverallColumbia Men's Watertight II Rain JacketCheck price on Amazon
- Best for HikingThe North Face Men's Antora Waterproof JacketCheck price on Amazon
- Best for a Published Waterproof RatingCarhartt Men's Monterey JacketCheck price on Amazon
All three listings say waterproof, so the useful differences are in the details: whether the seams are sealed, whether the brand publishes a rating, and how the jacket packs and fits. All three of these are rated 4.7 on Amazon and sold by Amazon.com.
How we picked
We searched Amazon for men's rain jackets, set aside sponsored results and unbranded listings, and kept listings rated 4.3 or higher across at least 200 ratings. Then we saved each finalist's fabric, construction details, seller and return terms. Waterproof and breathable claims below are each brand's own; only one listing gives a number.
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Best Overall: Columbia Men's Watertight II Rain Jacket
The most-rated of the three. The listing describes a 100% nylon shell that packs into its own hand pocket, two zippered side pockets, an abrasion-resistant chin guard, and elastic cuffs and hem. Columbia calls the shell waterproof and says its Omni-Shield finish resists liquid absorption; the listing does not give a waterproof rating.
What the listing says
- 100% nylon shell; packs into its hand pocket
- Two zippered side pockets
- Abrasion-resistant chin guard
- Elastic cuffs and hem
Best for Hiking: The North Face Men's Antora Waterproof Jacket
The North Face describes the Antora as a year-round rain jacket with seam-sealed recycled fabric and a DryVent 2L shell coated with a non-PFC durable water-repellent finish. It has an adjustable three-piece hood, comes in standard and big sizes, and Amazon ranks it #6 in Hiking & Outdoor Recreation Waterproof Jackets. The listing does not give a fabric type or a waterproof rating, and calls the fit standard, with ample mobility through the chest and shoulders.
What the listing says
- Seam-sealed DryVent 2L shell (per The North Face)
- Seam-sealed recycled fabric; shell coated with a non-PFC DWR finish
- Adjustable three-piece hood
- Standard and big sizes
Best for a Published Waterproof Rating: Carhartt Men's Monterey Jacket
The only listing here that publishes a number: Carhartt gives a 10K/5K waterproof breathability rating and describes Storm Defender technology, plus fully taped waterproof seams and an attached hood with an adjustable hem. The shell is 100% nylon. It has the smallest rating base of the three, at 772 ratings, which is still well above our floor.
What the listing says
- 10K/5K waterproof breathability rating (per listing)
- Fully taped waterproof seams
- Attached hood with adjustable hood hem
- 100% nylon
Side by side
| Jacket | Waterproof detail (as listed) | Hood | Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Men's Watertight II Rain Jacket | Waterproof nylon shell, no rating given | Not described in captured bullets | 3,221 |
| The North Face Men's Antora Waterproof Jacket | Seam-sealed DryVent 2L, no rating given | Adjustable three-piece hood | 2,402 |
| Carhartt Men's Monterey Jacket | 10K/5K rating, fully taped seams | Attached, adjustable hem | 772 |
What to look for
A published rating
Figures like 10K/5K describe waterproofing and breathability. Most listings here only say waterproof; one gives a number.
Sealed or taped seams
Seams are where water gets through stitching. Two of these three listings state sealed or taped seams.
Hood design
Some listings describe an adjustable hood. Check how the listing describes it.
Packability and fit
A shell that packs into its own pocket is easy to carry. Fit descriptions range from snug to standard.
The bottom line
- Best Overall: Columbia Watertight II, the most-rated of the three and packable into its pocket.
- Best for Hiking: The North Face Antora, with a seam-sealed shell and a three-piece hood.
- Best for a Published Waterproof Rating: Carhartt Monterey, the only listing with a 10K/5K rating.
Frequently asked questions
What does 10K/5K mean on the Carhartt jacket?
It is the waterproof breathability rating Carhartt publishes on the listing. The other two listings do not publish a rating.
Does the Columbia Watertight II pack down?
Yes. The listing says it packs into its own hand pocket.
Is The North Face Antora available in big sizes?
Yes. The listing title says it comes in standard and big sizes.
Are these jackets insulated?
None of the bullets we captured lists insulation. Check the current listing if you need a warm jacket.
Why are the ratings different from what I see on Amazon?
Ratings change over time. The figures here are what each listing showed on the date at the top of this page.
Ratings and listing details were checked on Amazon on the date shown at the top of this page. We have not worn these; everything above is from their Amazon listings.
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