We Tested a $100 Rain Jacket Against a $375 Splurge. Here’s Which One Performed Best.

Your rain jacket is one of those pieces of gear you don’t always need—but when you do, you’re very glad it’s there. From a field test of 82 rain shells, we narrowed the list to 17 top performers across men’s and women’s styles, then evaluated them on price and performance to identify the best budget, mid-tier, and splurge options. Here’s what you can buy from $100 to $375.

Best Rain Jackets: At a Glance

Best Budget Rain Jacket: REI Co-op Rainier

Sizes: XS-XXXL (including Tall)

Pros and Cons
+ Cheap
+ Solid waterproofing
+ Above-average durability
+ Fully-featured
– Below-average breathability
– Not super packable

The REI Co-op Rainier is proof that a great rain jacket doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. This 2.5-layer shell, made from 100 percent recycled nylon ripstop, delivered reliable waterproofing and durability well beyond its price point during testing in Wyoming’s Tetons. One tester praised its roomy-but-not-boxy fit, which easily accommodated insulating layers. He also found the rain jacket kept him warm and dry on daily walks—even while stacking wood in a downpour—without tearing the face fabric.

The Rainier also packs in features rarely found at this budget-friendly price, such as pit zips, internal dump pockets, adjustable cuffs, and a highly effective hood with a semi-rigid visor and cinch cord. Breathability lags behind pricier shells, but for $100, the Rainier offers an impressive combination of weather protection, durability, and features that’s hard to beat.

Best Mid-Range Rain Jacket: Outdoor Research Foray and Aspire 3L Jackets

Sizes: XXS-4X

Pros and Cons
+ Very breathable
+ Slightly stretchy
+ Certified carbon neutral
– Too slim for layering

The Outdoor Research Aspire (women’s) and Foray (men’s) 3L Jacket delivers dependable weather protection, thoughtful features, and excellent packability at a mid-range price. Built with Outdoor Research’s three-layer AscentShell Dry fabric—a 40-denier recycled nylon face paired with a high-performance DWR coating—the Aspire and Foray kept testers dry through everything from backpacking in Alaska’s Chugach National Forest to bushwhacking through wet brush and kneeling in damp blueberry patches. A tester even reported staying dry and comfortable after a seven-mile hike with 2,000 feet of elevation gain and a 40-pound pack.

Two-way side zips provide excellent ventilation on climbs, while the adjustable hood, cuffs, and hem help seal out the elements. The slim fit limits layering with bulky midlayers, but the jacket’s weather protection, comfort, and feature set make it a standout value. When paired with matching rain pants, the Aspire and Foray offer a versatile rain system that punches above its weight.

Best Splurge Rain Jacket: Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0

Sizes: S-2XL

Pros and Cons
+ Versatile
+ Durable
+ Waterproof
+ Ski-friendly features
– Warm above 50 degrees
– Middling breathability

If you’re going to spend big bucks on a rain shell, the Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity 2.0 makes a compelling case for being the only shell you need. Built with the brand’s waterproof-breathable Lifa Infinity membrane and a durable three-layer construction, it delivered outstanding protection across a wide range of conditions, from summer backpacking trips to stormy ski tours. One backpacker stayed completely dry while descending New Mexico’s Black Mountain through torrential rain and a 15-degree temperature drop.

Even though breathability is merely average—a tester overheated during a strenuous hike in the 50s—the tradeoff is exceptional weather resistance and durability. Testers reported no wear from shoulder straps, intact seam taping, and flawless zipper performance. A 2024 redesign also trimmed weight, lowered the price by $100, and upgraded the recycled face fabric without sacrificing features like pit zips, a protective high collar, adjustable hem and cuffs, and a helmet-compatible hood. For hikers, backpackers, and mountain travelers who want one premium shell that can handle nearly everything, the Verglas Infinity 2.0 is worth the investment.