Nothing ruins a trip quicker than soggy clothes! I always recommend taking a rain coat on your travels. So I’ve hunted down 50 of the best waterproof jackets for travel. These are the most lightweight, packable and stylish rain coats for weather protection on your trip.
The perfect waterproof jacket checks all these boxes:
- lightweight
- packs up very small, ideally in its own pouch or pocket
- waterproof
- breathable
- windproof
- still looks stylish and cute
Obviously the compromise between stylish and waterproof will depend on what kind of weather you’re facing!
You should also consider whether you need a breathable fabric; they can be substantially more expensive but if you’ll be spending a lot of time in the jacket (or doing activities that raise your heart rate) then you’ll appreciate not being in a hot and sweaty shell. Generally the more you spend, the better the performance fabric and additional features to keep you dry.
On the flip side, if you’re not travelling to a cold or wet destination you might prefer to go for something as small and packable as possible.
These are the kinds of rain coat we’ll be looking in this list:
- stylish and cute rain jackets and trenches for city trips
- packable lightweight water-repellant windbreakers
- long lightweight rain jackets
- best packable lightweight rain shells
Hopefully your perfect waterproof jacket here.
COLUMBIA PARDON MY TRENCH
This belted rain jacket from outdoors gods Columbia has serious practicality points with its lightweight waterproof fabric, venting and drawstring hood, but in a trench form for those of us who don’t always want to look like we’re off to climb a mountain. The longline fit is flattering and you can find it in a variety of colours.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
LONDON FOG HERITAGE TRENCH
For a trench that will last you for years to come, quality brand London Fog is worth the initial investment. Includes classic features such as a double collar and shoulder epaulets. Available in a longer length too.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
HELLY HANSON WESLEY WATERPROOF TRENCH
For some serious waterproof chops check out this trench from Scandi outdoors brand Helly Hanson. HH make sailing clothing so expect construction and waterproofing to be of a high standard, but there’s no compromise on style here. It has a high neck, breathable outer layer, adjustable cuffs, storm flaps, and a hood that packs away into the neck. Ideal for wet windy weather (guys, have I just found the perfect coat for British winter? I think so). 8+ colours and insulated versions available too.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
HELLY HANSON LYNESS RAIN JACKET
Lighter than the Wesley trench, the Lyness is a feminine take on the belted waterproof rain jacket. Longline and quick-drying with a vented back, this will keep you dry and stylish. I love the cute anchor print but there’s also stripes and dots as well as solid colours.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
JOULES COAST PRINTED JACKET
Continuing the nautical theme, Joules’ signature Coast jacket comes in French navy stripes. Ahoy! No need to fish for compliments (womp womp) with this beauty. Length hits the hips. Florals available too.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
JOULES HAVEN WATERPROOF HOODED JACKET
With a slightly longer length than the Coast jacket, the Haven from Joules also has a stand-up collar, generous front pockets and a cute wooden duffel toggle at the top. And in stripes, yay.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
JOULES RAINA WATERPROOF PARKA
Lightweight but long, with waist-cinching drawstrings, the Raina parka is seam-sealed and polyurethane coated to keep you dry in downpours. This light blue stripe gives it a cheery upbeat feel. Just needs a matching brolly and galoshes!
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
MACR&STEVE WATERPROOF RAIN JACKET
Stand out from the crowd with this elegant and bright lightweight rain mac. The fishtail hem is my favourite feature here. It also is elasticated at the waist for shape, and comes in some sophisticalted floral prints. Suitable for showers rather than heavy rain. It’s worth reading the Amazon listing just for the hilarious translations.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
JOULES GOLIGHTLY PACKABLE RAIN JACKET
Brit country brand Joules is one of my go-to stores for colourful and cute but practical clothing. Their Golightly packable mac has a generous hood, matching pouch and comes in a number of different cute prints including florals, animal prints and polka dots. Perfect for summer festivals.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
KATE KASIN WINDBREAKER
This quick-dry packable hoody from Kate Kasin won’t break the bank and comes with a matching pouch. I like the textured effect on the fabric, drawstring at the waist for shape, and the high neck/hood combo. A great budget option to keep in your bag.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
HOUNT WATERPROOF HOODED RAINCOAT
Minimalistas will love this raincoat from Hount which resembles a waterproof hoody with constrasting white drawstrings and a striped lining in the hood. It has a retro feel and comes in 5 solid colours. I’m a fan of yellow this season. No bells and whistles here, and a pricetag to match.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
FISOUL LIGHTWEIGHT HOODED JACKET
A high neck, breathable fabric and peaked hood are a few of the features you’ll appreciate in this Fisoul rain coat. The bright yellow will look fly on your IG feed too.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
EDDIE BAUER CLOUD CAP JACKET
This compact rain shell from Eddie Bauer is a perfect travel companion. Befitting its manufacturer, it comes in a hardy technical (and breathable) waterproof fabric and has pit zips and waterproof zips. Best of all, it packs up into its own pocket for stowing away.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
EDDIE BAUER RAINFOIL PACKABLE JACKET
Not quite as light as the Cloud Cap, the Rainfoil will nevertheless still keep you dry and pack up into its own pocket (the product description claims it even does double duty as a travel pillow once rolled up) or clip onto a bag. Designed to fit over midweight layers.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
OUTDOOR RESEARCH HELIUM
If you like more length and coverage from your rain jacket, this mid-range option from Outdoors Research has all the performance features you’d expect (ripstop, waterproof, breathable, windproof, adjustable hood, handy clips and pockets) but in a flattering cut that hits just below the hips and is slightly fitted through the waist. No more draughty waistbands. 5 colours available, I love the cornblue and baltic blues.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
ZEAGOO LONG SLEEVE RAIN JACKET
This windproof coat from Zeagoo is cut in a classic style and has waist cinchers so you can give yourself some shape. It might be best considered rain-resistant rather than rainproof – but it’s quick-drying and easy to pack. The army green version is a perfect spring-weight coat.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
FISOUL ACTIVE TRENCH
A lightweight casual design and similarly lightweight price from FISOUL, this versatile jacket will keep you dry in unexpected showers. Smart enough for city wear, you can roll up the sleeves for a patterned detail that matches the inner hood.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
HOTOUCH LIGHTWEIGHT TRAVEL TRENCH
I love the bright cheery yellow version of this trench, but it does come in more sober colours too such as burgundy and navy. Like most of the coats in this low-cast category it’s more suited to brief spring or fall showers than heavy duty downpours. The asymmetric dipped hem adds a touch of interest.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
QZUNIQUE RAIN JACKET
Take a break from solid colours and activewear with this stylish (and cheap) checked trench. Belted, doubled-breasted, water resistant and quick drying, it also comes with a matching pouch so you can a pack it up small and keep it in your bag (it’s very lighweight). Perfect for London or Paris in the shoulder season.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
QZUNIQUE PACKABLE RAIN JACKET
Another cute, chic (and cheap) jacket from QZUnique. This bargain water-resistant rain coat comes in a few different polka dot colours, with and without pockets/belts/drawstrings. All of them fit in the matching pouch so you can pop in your handbag.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
QZUNIQUE PACKABLE PONCHO WITH HOOD
I couldn’t resist adding this cute and unusual jacket from QZUnique. It’s a hooded poncho that you cinch in with a belt to give it shape. Love the contrasting colour on the seams, belt and pockets.
Check the latest pricing and reviews on Amazon.
HUNTER ORIGINAL VINYL SMOCK
Hunter, the country brand beloved by fashionistas, are known primarily for their galoshes. But this translucent vinyl smock has a hint of iconic about it. I love the yellow colour too.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
COLUMBIA ARCADIA II
You can’t go wrong in the rain with this waterproof hooded jacket from outdoors giants Columbia. Fully seam sealed breathable and mesh-lined fabric with zippered hand pockets and a small visor on the adjustable hood for keeping the rain off your face. Plus sizes are available too.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
SOTEER HOODED WINDBREAKER
For something a bit different, this Soteer hooded windbreaker has an urban feel with its contrasting colours (this blue/white/pink version is my favourite but there’s a good selection available). Lightweight and quick drying with elasticated cuffs and a drawstring hood, this is perfect for light showers in the city.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
COLUMBIA SWITCHBACK III
If you’re looking for a lightweight rainproof nylon shell that’s equally light on the wallet then the Switchback ticks those boxes. Not breathable, but lined with a fine mesh polyester to stop it sticking to skin, this is a perfect packable jacket to keep stuffed away in your handbag for those surprise showers. Available in 16+ colours,
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
MARMOT PRECIP WATERPROOF RAIN JACKET
Marmot produce top-of-the-range technical outdoors clothing which is particularly loved by ultralite packers. The PreCip jacket – made from NanoPro membrane – is the lightest of their raincoat offerings and comes in over 10 colours with fully taped seams, pit zips and a roll-up hood.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
MARMOT ROAM WATERPROOF JACKET
The next step up in the Marmot line, the Roam also offers excellent protection against rainfall but made from a microporous Gore-Tex membrane and Paclite inner lining. Still lightweight but with hardier waterproofing (though this makes it slightly heavier).
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
MARMOT STARFIRE WATERPROOF JACKET
The Starfire is top of the Mamot range, offering superior waterproofing and more tailored fitting. Adjustable velcro cuffs and hood brim and its innovative 3-layer NanoPro MemBrain fabric make this suitable for the hardcore outdoors adventurers.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
WHITE SIERRA TRABAGON
If you’re just looking for a budget but cute printed rain shell then this one by White Sierra is a decent option. Fabris is Teflon-waterproofed and it comes in a couple of different low-key prints. It’s also super light and packs up into its own pocket.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
CHARLES RIVER NEW ENGLANDER RAIN JACKET
This zip-front mesh-lined rain jacket from Charles River comes in an array (13+) of cheery solid colours. It has underarm vents and reflective piping. Another solid budget choice from Charles River, particularly if you like pastels.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
CHARLES RIVER PACK’N’GO PULLOVER
The Pack’n’Go Pullover from Charles River is water-resistant rather than waterproof, but has a zippered kangaroo pouch and packs into its own pocket. It’s unlined so more lightweight and packable than the other Charles River jackets.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
CHARLES RIVER NEW ENGLANDER WATERPROOF PULLOVER
Available in pink, green and gray, the New Englander Pullover is similar to the Pack’n’Go Pullover with its quartler length zipper and front pouch pocket but has a printed taffeta lining and A-line fit.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
CHARLES RIVER WATERTOWN JACKET
The clue is in the name with this one. The Watertown jacket is waterproof, with a full-length zipper and mesh lining. A great lightweight shell to keep stashed away in a bag. The white colour is beautifully non-intrusive but it comes in a few other cute colours too.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
HELLY HANSON ASPIRE RUNNING JACKET
A thin quick-dry skin which is water-repellant and windproof, the Aspire performance training jacket has a feminine fit and comes in a couple of prints. It will only protect you from a light drizzle but is ideal if you’re after an ultralight layer to put between your skin and the elements.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
HELLY HANSON FLEECE LINED CREW JACKET
I’m a bit in love with the bright Olympian Blue of this Helly Hanson jacket. You can expect high performance waterproofing as this is a sailing jacket designed for cruising in moderate conditions. What does that mean? Waterproof, windproof, and breathable, with fleece lining. This is a really nice looking jacket that you can wear off the water too.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
HELLY HANSON SEVEN J
This versatile Helly Hanson rain jacket comes in almost every colour under the sun. Similar to the Crew but minus the fleeciness. If you’re just after a shell this is perfect for potential downpours. It comes in a Light version too.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
HELLY HANSON BELLEVUE PACKABLE JACKET
One of my favourite rain coats on this list (because: stripes), the Bellevue features HH’s legendary performance fabric but in a packable version. If you’re not as into the marine look as me then there’s also polka dots and other prints too. This jacket will keep you dry in the fiercest of storms.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
HELLY HANSON KIRKWALL
The belted Kirkwall comes in all the best colours that will pop on your IG feed (yellow! pink! two shades of bright blue!), although alas no stripes. A classic design fave from Helly Hanson but in a stretchy weatherproof construction.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
GRACE KARIN WINDBREAKER RAINCOAT
Bargain alert! This lightweight and highly packable fitted jacket from Grace Karin is an absolute steal. It’s soft to the touch and packs into a matching pouch. At this price you can’t expect full waterproofing, but what it lacks in ruggedness it makes up for in versatility.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
GRACE KARIN HIKING COAT
The long length, fishtail hem and contrasting zippers are the standout features of this Grace Karin waterproof and windproof coat. Handle those spring showers in style (and it won’t break the bank, either).
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
STORMTECH NEUTRINO SHELL JACKET
Another one for the fans of citrus yellow (meeeee!). Fully seamed watersealing on this one, and a TPU coated shell with elasticised cuff and hood. The electric blue is also rather fetching.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
BERGHAUS PACLITE 2.0
Reasonably priced outdoors champs Berghaus bring you the Paclite 2.0 which, as the name suggests, packs down to small size despite being Gore-Tex. A perfect travel option. Also comes in black, bright blue and bright pink.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
NORTH FACE VENTURE 2 JACKET
The North Face Venture 2 comes in the most colours of all of the jackets on this list – there’s a whopping 38 to choose from! You’re bound to find something you like. Lightweight, waterproof and durable, with pit-zips and an adjustable hood, the Venture 2 also packs into its own pocket. A quality choice for moderate budget and moderate weather.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
PARADOX PLATINUM WATERPROOF JACKET
This excellent value rain coat has a stylish fit and external pockets for things like phone and keys. It’s unlined and packs down pretty small; reviewers love it for travel. It comes in a couple of attractive (though fairly muted) colours.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
RAB KINETIC PLUS JACKET
Rab is another outdoors brand to check out if you’re looking for the best waterproof jacket for travel. It doesn’t come cheap but you get what you pay for; the Kinetic Plus is very lightweight and breathable and has a stiffened peak to stand up to those downpours.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
RAB XENON-X
The Xenon X from Rab is a versatile jacket, combining top-of-the-range performance waterproofing with a layer of light PrimaLoft insulation. This adds some warmth (although it’s still designed to be layered) but remains breathable enough for low-key activity. Perfect if you feel the chill.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
RAB DOWNPOUR RAIN JACKET
A classic raincoat style from Rab which comes in my favourite yellow too (plus a few other colours). It’s a lightweight shell and ideal for everyday use. The Downpour has a fully adjustable peaked hood and adjustable cuffs. A brilliant wardrobe standard.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
MONTANE MINIMUS STRETCH ULTRA
Montane is another brand loved by ultralight packers with a decent budget. Designed for running and mountain endurance activities, the Minimus has a water-repellant coating and lots of ergonomic features.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
MAGCOMSEN WATERPROOF JACKET
A budget option in awesome shocking pink, this waterproof and windproof coat from Magcomsen has a removable hood in case you want to further streamline it. Pay attention to the sizing which runs small.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon
BERGHAUS GLISSADE
If you need a heavy duty rain coat to protect you from driving rain, Gore-Tex is the fabric you want and the Glissade jacket from Berghaus should be on your shortlist. The Gore-Tex here is double layered and the coat comes equipped with features to protect from icy blizzards and stroms.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
JACK WOLFSKIN RAIN COAT
Jack Wolfskin have made a name for themselves as purveyors of quality outdoors wear with a stylish and modern fit. This Kimberley trench is no exception. It’s waterproof and windproof yet velvety soft, and you can find it in khaki, navy, black and sand.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
MARMOT ESSENTIAL LONG PACLITE
This longline jacket is lightweight too but doesn’t skimp on quality or performance. Designed for casual weather protection rather than hardcore outdoors activities, it’s nonetheless constructed from Gore-Tex with Paclite technology and comes with taped seams and pit zips.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
JACK WOLFSKIN ARROYO JACKET
The Arroyo is Jack Wolfskin’s waterproof and windproof shell layer, and for something a bit different it comes in HOT CORAL as well as the more standard black and dark blue. A high quality city and trail jacket with breathable fabric and ergonomic hood.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
JACK WOLFSKIN TOPAZ
Another weatherproof shell option from Jack Wolfskin, this one more suitable for hiking and other outdoors activities with features like pit zips. Love the Mineral Blue colour that’s one of several available. Can be worn as part of a layering system with a fleece zipped in for added warmth.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
ASICS PACKABLE RUNNING JACKET
If you’re just looking for something super pretty and packable, that will keep the wind and light rain spatters off then Asics have this adorable packable running mac in a bright pink. These tend to be windproof with light water repellant protection but are so small and light they’re great to keep in your bag whilst travelling or just out in town.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
ASICS STORM SHELTER JACKET
The next step up is this Storm Shelter jacket in a similar hot pink only with a better level of water repellant finish, sealed seams and a water resistant zipper. The stripes also have a reflective thread woven in for visibility whilst you’re out on a run or walking along country roads.
Check the latest prices and reviews on Amazon.
Phew! There we go. 50+ non-fugly waterproof jackets to see you through the rainy season, wherever you are. Happy puddle-jumping.
Read More:
50 Cute (But Comfortable) Sandals For Travel
50 Stylish (But Practical) Travel Purses
50 Comfortable (But Stylish) Flats and Sneakers
50 Boots Perfect for Fall/Winter Travel
What To Do With Your Valuables At The Beach
12 Flowy Skirts to Pack for the Ultimate Travel ‘Gram
Image credit: © artfocus / Adobe Stock
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