Here at the Strategist, we like to think of ourselves as crazy (in the good way) about the stuff we buy, but as much as we’d like to, we can’t try everything. Which is why we have People’s Choice, in which we find the best-reviewed (that’s four-to-five-star reviews and lots of ’em) products and single out the most convincing. While we’ve already written about the best rain jackets for women, rain boots for men and women, and umbrellas, here we’re singling out the most stylish and durable rain jackets for men on Amazon (note that reviews have been edited for length and clarity).
The only way to get through April showers? The right gear. It’s the difference between a regular commute and the worst day ever, so we’re finding the stuff that keeps you dry. Welcome to Rain Week.
Best short front-zip rain jacket, overall
“I bought one of these eight years ago, I have gotten nothing but compliments on it. I wear it at work as an industrial electrician, and at home, on cool days, or wet days. I have worn this in misty rain and torrential downpours, it took eight years to get to the point of water penetrating the outer layer, which I why I bought another exactly like it. Hopefully in eight years, they’ll still be available.”
Best lightweight shell rain jacket
“I live in Kodiak Alaska, it rains here more than almost anywhere else in North America. It’s understood here among residents and fisherman alike that Grundéns is the only way to go, and the undisputed leader in rain gear. I have spent many days out on the river fishing in the rain in this jacket and stayed perfectly dry. I go to work right after fishing, so i actually shower first, and thanks to this jacket, and my chest waders, I have no need to dry up, or change the business casual attire I wear underneath.”
Best PVC-coated rain jacket
“Super impressed with the quality of this rain coat. I work on a barge in all weather and needed something rugged, as most other store-bought coats ripped or fell apart after a few uses. Had this for a few months and is good as new.”
Best short rain jacket with a chin guard
“I love this jacket. The price is just right for something so light and packable. I expect low durability with a superlight jacket, so I don’t like to spend a fortune on it. When my last one tore, I got this as a replacement right away. This version of the Precip is incredibly breathable and incredibly effective at the same time. I overheat in other rain jackets, but not this one. And yet I’ve worn it in rain, snow, and at 13,000 feet in blizzard winds.”
Best short front-zip rain jacket under $100
“This is a very lightweight rain jacket. I like that it is very waterproof and the hood comes far enough forward to shield your face, and has an inner-hood type thing you can tighten, so even in the wind it won’t blow the hood off. There’s a soft layer of mesh for the lining, which feels nice — very good for a spring jacket, but in winter, you definitely need to layer.”
Best packable rain jacket under $100
“This jacket is great. We’ve had nothing but torrential downpours here in Michigan the past few weeks, and it has kept me dry. I love its lightweight feel, breathability, and durability. The pit zips on each side help it breathe more.”
Best breathable lightweight rain jacket under $50
“Great jacket … perfect for Bay Area rain that pours down, blows sideways, or drizzles continually like fog on steroids.”
Best cold-weather rain jacket under $50
“I loved the extra warmth of this coat; no matter the drop in temperature nor the wind gusts, it kept me warm and cozy. Basic rain, sleet, or hail didn’t bother this coat at all and kept me dry and warm throughout.”
Best rain poncho
“I ordered this to take to Pitchfork Festival last weekend and although it was bulkier than I expected and took up half my (small) backpack, I was so glad I brought it with me. It started absolutely pouring the second day and while I watched thousands of people frantically scrambling for cover or flimsy plastic ponchos that tore in the wind, I just popped this on and was comfortable until the storm blew over. It was breathable and I didn’t feel overheated or sweaty, plus it dried quickly when the rain ended.”
Best trench coat
“This trench coat is designed very well. The length covers most of my body from the elements. Walking through wind, rain, or snow is no longer a miserable experience. It features a removable liner and wool collar so it basically can function as a raincoat or winter coat. The trench coat is also a timeless classic. You will feel like a bad ass as you walk around wearing this coat.”
Best full-length oilskin raincoat
“I’ve owned mine for nearly two years and have never re-treated, or cleaned it for that matter. I just came in from 30 minutes in torrential rain and the only part of me that is wet is the gap between the bottom of the coat and the top of my muck boots. I work outside and have been very thankful for this coat. I’ve never used the cowl piece because I’m not big on looking like a cowboy all the time.”
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