It pays to have a rain jacket
when bad weather catches you off guard.

If you are a serious hiker or just out for a day on the trail, odds are you’ve got the right gear for just about anything and an app that tells you when to expect rough weather, but that’s not going to help with an upcoming storm you didn’t expect. If you get caught in the wet stuff, here are curated options to have on hand that will help you stay dry no matter where you are, and best of all, these jackets are self-packing.

Marmot PreCip

The PreCip Jacket is good to keep close for backcountry and urban traveling. Marmot’s NanoPro Waterproof/Breathable Fabric is 100-percent seam-taped. And the attached adjustable hood rolls into the collar. It includes PitZips, pack pockets, adjustable Velcro cuffs, and elastic drawcord hem, all scrunch down into its own pocket.

Hyperlite The Shell

This shell is ultralight and a beast for thru-hiking, backpacking, packrafting, climbing, day hiking or just about anything that comes it’s way in water. Made with DCF-WPB, this jacket is remarkably breathable and waterproof. The self-contained pocket lets you pack and stash.

Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket

The Helium is 100-percent waterproof, breathable and weights just 6.4 ounces.

You can compress this jacket so it’s barely noticeable, and it is one piece of equipment you would never think to leave behind because you’ll almost forget it’s with you when clipped to your backpack or stashed in your bag. The only time you will know it’s there is when you need it for that sudden down-pour.

Montane Minimus 777 Pull-On

When the rain comes, there’s always the Minimus 777 Pull-on . Here’s why. It offers three-layer waterproof protection and Pertex Shield+ laminate combines a seven-denier nylon face, a seven-micron breathable membrane and a seven-denier tricot backer. It weighs just 134g with micro-taped seams and a 12-to-13 seam stitch count for tight, clean and strong seams. It also has pre-elasticated hood, articulated arms and reflective detail, and it fits into a tiny pack for easy carry.

Photos courtesy Marmot, Hyperlite and Outdoor Research