Updated October 16, 2026. Prices checked October 16, 2026.
Five rain jackets cost $260 or more. The Arc'teryx Beta SL has the highest score in OutdoorGearLab's test and ties for the top rating at CleverHiker, but it costs $500. The Outdoor Research Foray 3L is the most ventilated, and the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic is the stretchiest. The Beta and the M10 Storm have fewer tests behind them, so their scores carry more doubt.
How these scores are built. Outer layers are judged mainly on waterproofing, which counts for 45% of the score. Breathability counts 25%, and the other two criteria count 15% each. Based on: Independent tests by OutdoorGearLab, CleverHiker, Switchback Travel and GearJunkie, manufacturer specifications and prices read on REI and brand pages. Most tests cover general rain use, not only hiking. We do not test products in person. 10 source pages are linked under the 5 products so you can check each finding. How we score.
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It never changes our scores. Read the affiliate disclosure.
#
Product
Best for
Waterproofing
Score
1
Arc'teryx Beta SL
Best protection
9
7.9
2
Arc'teryx Beta
Most durable
8.5
7.8
3
Outdoor Research Foray 3L
Best ventilation
7.5
7.8
4
Patagonia M10 Storm
Light, packable and waterproof
8
7.4
5
Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic
Best stretch and breathability
6.5
7.1
01
Arc'teryx Beta SL
Best protection, $500.00
7.9/10
Waterproofing 45%
9/10
Breathability 25%
7/10
Fit and mobility 15%
8/10
Durability 15%
6/10
Pros
OutdoorGearLab gives it its top score of 87 and an upgrade pick for high performance. CleverHiker (4.8 of 5) calls it the most protective jacket for wet conditions, and Switchback Travel names it best for performance.
It uses a GORE-TEX ePE membrane, has large pit zips and a helmet-compatible hood, and weighs 11.2 to 12 oz.
Cons
It is the most expensive jacket here. Reviewers note a crinkly fabric, tricky sizing and limited storage.
Arc'teryx says the fabric emphasizes light weight and packability over durability. GearJunkie rates breathability 7 out of 10.
CleverHiker (4.7 of 5) and GearJunkie (8.2 of 10) name it the best for ventilation, and Switchback Travel calls its breathability great. It has long adjustable side vents that open from hem to pit.
OutdoorGearLab (77) found it durable with a slim but mobile fit, and GearJunkie says the new three-layer AscentShell Dry membrane protects better than the previous version.
Cons
It is heavier than past versions, at 11.8 to 15.3 oz depending on the source. CleverHiker finds the shoulders tight and the hardware extra.
OutdoorGearLab says it is harder to layer insulation under, and Switchback Travel calls the hood drawcords finicky.
Readers in Germany, Canada, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom and Sweden are sent to their own Amazon store, where prices show in local currency. The prices on this page are US prices.
04
Patagonia M10 Storm
Light, packable and waterproof, $379.00
7.4/10
Waterproofing 45%
8/10
Breathability 25%
7/10
Fit and mobility 15%
7/10
Durability 15%
6.5/10
Pros
Switchback Travel names it the best performance at a good price and finds it lightweight, packable and waterproof, with a three-layer H2No build at 10.9 oz.
Patagonia owners rate it 4.6 out of 5, from 21 reviews.
Cons
Switchback Travel finds it still pricey and less refined than the Arc'teryx Beta SL.
Only Switchback Travel covers it among the independent tests we read. REI lists $379 and Patagonia lists $389.
Readers in Germany, Canada, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom and Sweden are sent to their own Amazon store, where prices show in local currency. The prices on this page are US prices.
How we picked
Each score comes from four independent tests (OutdoorGearLab, CleverHiker, Switchback Travel and GearJunkie), manufacturer specifications and the price on REI. The tests cover general rain use as well as hiking, and none publishes a lab waterproof rating. We do not test jackets in person. Ratings are our assessment from what the reviewers report.
The Beta SL and the Foray 3L have four independent sources each. The Beta and the M10 Storm have one or two, so their scores carry more doubt.
What we left out
Mountain Hardwear Cloud Cipher ($310): GearJunkie rated it 7.4 out of 10 and it survived a 36-hour rainstorm, but it is the only test we read and it scored lowest here. Each ranking keeps its five best scores.
Patagonia Granite Crest ($289) and Marmot Waypoint GORE-TEX ($295): prices read, but no independent test found.
Arc’teryx Beta AR ($650), Alpha SV ($900) and Alpha ($700): expedition shells beyond a hiking jacket, with no test read.
Norrona trollveggen ($699) and Falketind Dri1 ($349), Montbell Versalite ($285), Zpacks Vertice ($299) and Enlightened Equipment Visp ($250): CleverHiker and Switchback Travel recommend them, but we did not read a US retailer price.
Helly Hansen Odin Infinity Minimalist ($400): sold through Amazon in GearJunkie’s guide.
What to look for
A hood that works over a helmet if you scramble or climb
Vents or pit zips, since a three-layer shell breathes less than a thin one
A fit that leaves room for a mid layer without riding up
Questions
Why is the Mountain Hardwear Cloud Cipher not here?
It costs $310, but it has one test behind it and scored lowest of the six jackets in this price range. Each ranking keeps its five best scores.
Why is the Patagonia Granite Crest not here?
It costs $289 and Patagonia owners rate it 4.1 out of 5 across 172 reviews, but we found no independent test of it.
Why is the Helly Hansen Odin Infinity Minimalist not here?
GearJunkie rated it 7.9 out of 10, but its page links only to Amazon, and we did not read a retailer or brand price for it.
Why does the M10 Storm cost $379 here?
REI lists $379 and the Patagonia site lists $389. We use the REI price for the tier, and both prices fall in the premium band.
Where do the prices come from?
The regular price on REI on October 16, 2026, checked against brand pages where they loaded. Sale and outlet prices are ignored.