The North Face GTX Mountain Jacket
Where to Buy It: TheNorthFace.com
Price: $450
A tried and true staple from The North Face is its iconic Mountain Jacket. Since it was first released in 1985, The Mountain Jacket has become one of the most popular vintage styles from the outdoor label. This style hasn't been available in Gore-Tex for some time. This season, The North Face finally brought it back and added old school Gore-Tex logo embroidery on the shoulder. When it comes to buying any waterproof rain jacket, there's an unspoken guarantee of staying dry. So if you're looking for a stylish rain jacket that gives off some '90s hip-hop vibes, this is definitely the one for you. And as long as you wash it properly, it will last you a couple years.
Barbour Ashby Jacket
Where to Buy It: ENDClothing.com
Price: $249
Rainproof jackets don't have to be outfitted with Gore-Tex or other waterproof technical fabrics. Just take Barbour jackets as an example. Since 1894, the heritage British label has been known for crafting classy waxed cotton jackets. Wax has been used to waterproof fabric for centuries and it's still reliable today. This Barbour Ashby jacket reworks Barbour's iconic Bedale style. It feature's the label's corduroy collar, 2-way zip closure with a storm flap, four front pockets, and a subtle embroidered logo. Barbour jackets are truly perfect for those looking for rain gear but not trying to lean too deep into the Gorpcore aesthetic. Just remember that wax has to be reapplied to these jackets to maintain its waterproof capabilities.
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket
Where to Buy It: REI.com
Price: $99.95
Listen, you don't have to shell out hundreds of dollars for technical rain jackets crafted by name brand outdoor brands. When it comes to buying affordable and sturdy outdoor apparel, REI's in-house label is certainly the best in class. Yes, you could consider buying a souped up Arc'teryx jacket at the famous outdoor gear retailer, but if you're really just looking for something cheap and don't care about all the bells and whistles behind the design of a Beta AR, don't break the bank. REI's Rainier rain jacket boasts sealed seams, is windproof up to 60 miles per hour, and constructed out of layered waterproof fabric that mimics Gore-Tex. It features pit-zips and other doodads seen across pricier rain jackets within this list. If you're on a budget, this is the best option for you.
Arc'teryx Veilance Field Jacket
Where to Buy It: Arc'teryx.com
Price: $800
If you're looking for a rain jacket that looks casual but still boasts great technical qualities, Arc'teryx's Veilance line is perfect for you. Since 2009, Veilance has been producing elegant menswear that's cut from the same cloth as the Canadian label's more outdoor-focused garments. This Field Jacket recently released by the brand is a pristine example. It boasts the silhouette of a traditional military field jacket but is crafted out of 3L Gore-Tex—which is one of the most durable Gore-Tex shells money could buy. The jacket is lined with microfleece for both light warmth and comfort. What makes this piece really nice is that the hoodie can be stowed inside the collar like a traditional military jacket. The difference is, this one that will actually keep you dry.
Burberry Kensington Heritage Trench Coat
Where to Buy It: Burberry.com
Price: $2,590
There's many pricey Gore-Tex jackets on the market today, but none can really stack up to the heritage of a luxurious Burberry trench coat. Although Burberry is more known as a British luxury fashion house headed by Daniel Lee today, it got its start producing weather gear in 1856. Burberry certainly knows a thing or two about making an elegant rain jacket. Thomas Burberry actually invented gabardine in 1879, which was one of the first waterproof fabrics designed to be lightweight, durable, and breathable. The brand's iconic Nova Check pattern traces back to the lining of its original trench coats, which were even worn by British officers during World War I. Burberry's Kensington Heritage Trench Coats are still crafted out of gabardine, boast a Nova Check lining, and exude a timeless rain-ready look.
Supreme 'Belly' Jacket
Where to Buy It: StockX.com
Price: $700-$1,185
Supreme releases tons of Gore-Tex jackets each season. Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of them. But if you're truly looking for a piece of rainwear that's a flex, and will likely become a grail in the future, consider this Gore-Tex jacket that spotlights the iconic opening scene of Hype Williams' Belly. The jacket features both Nas and DMX in the film's signature blue tint. Yeah, you may have never been to The Tunnel nightclub this scene was filmed at. But you can at least show that you're a hip-hop head while staying dry.
And Wander Breath Rip Hoodie
Where to Buy It: Bdgastore.com
Price: $262 (Originally $374)
While Gore-Tex jackets are definitely the best bet to make on waterproof fabrics, regular nylon will truly work for most people. It may not be as breathable or waterproof, but going for a humble nylon jacket does open the door for more fashion forward outdoor brands. Take this And Wander Breath Rip Hoodie, for instance. It's perfect for anyone looking for an avant garde rain jacket that isn't too over the top.
Marmot Gore-Tex Mammoth Parka
Where to Buy It: Marmot.com
Price: $600
So here's the thing about raincoats. If you're expecting to buy one that will also keep you warm, that's unfortunately not the case for many rain jackets on the market today. Most rain jackets are designed to be worn with fleece jackets or even puffers underneath. However, there are waterproof jackets that are also filled with down feathers to keep you warm and dry. This Marmot jacket truly needs no introduction if you're from New York City. For those that don't know about Marmot's infamous Mammoth Parka, it's perferct to combat tough weather conditions. While this shouldn't be your go-to rain jacket when it's pouring outside, since it's harder to clean than a traditional shell, it's perfect for cold days with light rains showers or even snow. Just make sure you have enough space in your closet. They're not called "Biggies" for nothing.
Arc'teryx Beta LT
Where to Buy It: REI.com
Price: $450
If you're looking for a rain jacket that's designed for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, backpacking, or skiing, Arc'teryx's Beta LT is truly the best rain jacket for you. It boasts 3L Gore-Tex, trademark WaterTight zippers that keep you dry, and is incredibly light—weighing just13.9-ounces. Yes, Arc'teryx is part of the whole Gorpcore trend along with Salomon sneakers. But this isn't just some trendy jacket. It's also incredibly functional.
Supreme x The North Face RTG Jacket
Where to Buy It: StockX.com
Price: $815-$1,000
When it comes to rain jackets within streetwear, you can't knock most of Supreme's collaborations with The North Face. Many of these have not only been made with waterproof Gore-Tex, but have also revived jackets from The North Face's rich archives that are nearly impossible to find originals of today. One example is this RTG jacket and vest Supreme re-released with The North Face in 2020. This piece boasts a ridiculous number of pockets and features a backpack-esque vest that could potentially hold a hydration bladder. RTG stood for "Remote Terrain Gear" and was a line by The North Face released for just a couple of seasons in the '90s. It was designed for the toughest outdoor conditions and defined by an "RTG" embroidery hit on the sleeve of each garment. As told to Complex by Bill Brown, The North Face’s East Coast sales director in the '90s, lines like RTG were instrumental in The North Face's reverence within streetwear culture. "Lines like Steep Tech, Heli, and RTG were—aspirational products which helped grow the brand," shared Brown. "If you’re wearing a Black Nuptse for $199, you look the same as everybody else. But if you got money, you got a Steep Tech jacket on.” So if you want a waterproof jacket with a flashy North Face vest like the one DMX wore in LL Cool J's "4,3,2,1" music video, this is the one for you.