When traveling, there are times when you can experience light rain from nowhere. It is then essential to always travel prepared with clothing such as a rain jacket. Having the best lightweight rain jacket for travel can help you get the best protection against light rain as you seek shelter. The same can come in handy as a fashion jacket because some have a stylish touch.
The table below gives you a quick overview of the various rain jackets discussed in this guide.
| Jacket | Brand | Expert Rating | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | OTU Lightweight Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket |  | Check Price |
 | Charles River Apparel Pack-N-Go Wind & Water Resistant Jacket | | Check Price |
 | Avoogue Outdoor Active Rain Jacket | | Check Price |
 | ZHENWEI Waterproof Rain Jacket |  | Check Price |
 | GEEK LIGHTING Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket | | Check Price |
How to Choose the Best Lightweight Rain Jacket for Travel
The Fabrics and Materials
Some people might not realize this, but the fabrics and materials will determine the functionality of your rain jacket. It is why you always have to check out the materials used in making the rain jacket before buying.
Different rain jackets will have other materials introduced into the market each year. However, how good are the fabrics and materials used in making the rain jackets?
A rain jacket would be made of the face fabric (outer layer), the waterproof membrane (middle layer), and the lining (inner layer). These three work together to make the jacket waterproof.
So, look at these materials independently to see if the rain jacket will give you the best rain protection you want.
Breathability
The breathability feature is vital for anyone looking to wear the best lightweight rain jacket for travel for several hours. Without the best breathability, you might find that you get sweaty, and there is air coming in to cool you down.
The way rain jackets are designed, they are likely not to have complete breathability. However, you need a model with better breathability to keep you cool and dry. This will often depend on the lining material. Make sure that it is breathable.
Size and Color Options
You should also consider the size and colors of the manufacturer as part of the jacket.
Getting the right size is essential for comfort. Depending on the manufacturer, you can get several jackets available in different sizes. Some will have a drawstring to pull it for a snug fit.
The colors are essential to ensure you end up with the right color that you enjoy wearing. Luckily, many manufacturers offer their jackets in different colors so that you have a great time wearing your favorite coat.
The Style
The style that you get with the jacket is also crucial. No one wants to end up with a rain jacket that looks boring. Considering that sometimes you might be wearing it for hours outdoors, you also need something that looks good.
This calls for checking out several rain jackets in the market to ensure you get something that works great. You will always like wearing something that stands out, even if it is just supposed to protect you from the light rain.
Weight and Packability
Since we are looking at the best lightweight rain jacket for travel, you need something light always.
This is because you will be traveling and sometimes need to pack lightly. When you have a lightweight jacket that can be folded into a compact form, you will find it ideal for enjoying wearing more often.
Top 5 Best Lightweight Rain Jacket for Travel
Our Top Pick
Our Top Pick: OTU Lightweight Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket
Product Name: OTU Lightweight Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket
Product Description: This is a top choice for anyone who is in the market for a rain jacket. It is made to be waterproof and windproof so that you can get the best protection when out in the rain or travelling. Because of its impressive performance, the same can come in handy for hiking, camping, and other outdoor applications. Many people love it for having the softshell design. This is because it will feel comfortable for most people. Having the lightweight mesh lining further makes it great in terms of wicking away the sweat. This will be good for comfort and maintaining your core temperature. The use of 100% polyester material leaves you with a rain jacket with impressive breathability. You will also find it being very light. Since it is lightweight, packing it away into the bag should be effortless. Many people enjoy using it for convenience when they have to travel to different places. The rain jacket also comes with the option of adjustable fit. In the hood, you will get a drawstring for adjusting the jacket for a snug fit. The jacket will leave you with the best guard and warmth because of such adjustability options. The hood is also detachable so that you can wear it differently
Availability: InStock
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Waterproof
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Windproof
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Breathable
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Lightweight
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Ease of Use
Overall
Summary
If you are in the market for a rain jacket, then this model will be the best you get for the money. The model stands out for being waterproof and windproof. These two features make it quite versatile than what you get with other jackets. The jacket is also made of breathable material that improves its overall comfort and use over long sessions. Its adjustable fit will leave you with a snug fit and the best comfort.
Pros
✔️It is easily adjustable
✔️It is waterproof and windproof
✔️The jacket is highly versatile
Cons
❌The jacket could use more bright colors for visibility in the rain
Runner’s Up
Charles River Apparel Pack-N-Go Wind & Water Resistant Jacket
You would undoubtedly want the best lightweight rain jacket for travel to make your life easier. Well, this one stands out for being one of the lightest models for the money. The model comes in different sizes and colors. There is no doubt you would be able to get something that works great for you.
This rain jacket has a pullover design. This means that you can get the best protection against the rain while at the same time feeling warmer compared to some other designs. The jacket also folds with ease to end up with compact storage. If you like to travel more often, you can keep it with you in the backpack.
The manufacturer made the jacket of comfortable quality. There are also additional fine details that make the rain jacket better in terms of comfort. Such features include underarm grommets to help with providing you with proper ventilation. You would undoubtedly want the best ventilation that will make your time wearing it even better.
Cleaning this jacket is excellent. You do not have to worry about cleaning the jacket to make it clean for your travels. Having the pouch in the front gives you more storage space to keep some supplies you need while traveling.
Avoogue Outdoor Active Rain Jacket
Undoubtedly, getting the best lightweight rain jacket for travel can improve your traveling experience. Sometimes you never know when the rain jacket can come in handy. This is because the weather can quickly change when least expected.
This jacket is designed to deliver the best waterproof features. As such, you will end up remaining dry for the whole day just in case there is rain. The manufacturer made it to be waterproof by using an excellent gluing process. The result is that you get the best protection even if there is light rain outdoors.
The model comes with styling that you can enjoy using more often. Since it is stylish, you do not need to use it only when there is rain. The jacket is also designed to be windproof. So, when it seems windy outdoors, then you know which jacket to wear for the day.
Other than traveling, this rain jacket is suitable for camping, hiking, hunting, running, riding, and so much more. It is easy to see that this rain jacket is quite versatile. You can always use it for various applications that make it an ideal rain jacket to own today.
ZHENWEI Waterproof Rain Jacket
This is a top choice for those who want the best lightweight rain jacket for travel. The manufacturer recommends it for different seasons. It is why you can use the same jacket for spring and autumn to keep you warm. Some can still use it during the winter season to get the best warmth while traveling.
It is not just about protecting you from the rain but also looking good while at it. Many people love its design as it is a tremendously stylish rain jacket. When other models are boring, this one is stylish and functional.
You will also enjoy using this jacket for being lightweight. It can be folded into a small package. There is no reason why you should not get yourself this rain jacket. It can easily fit in your travel bag so that you have protection whenever you need it.
The jacket also comes with a drawstring design so that you can get the best comfortable fit around the waist. It is why this jacket would be ideal for many people looking for the best protection against light rain while at the same time looking good while at it.
GEEK LIGHTING Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket
If you are on a budget and still looking for the best lightweight rain jacket for travel, you should consider getting this one. Even if it is one of the affordable options on the list, the rain jacket still stands out as one of the best for the money.
The manufacturer uses good quality lightweight nylon shell and a durable water-repellant finish. This type of construction will quickly shed light on rain and any stains. As you can see, in addition to protecting from light rain, it will remain clean for longer. Overall, cleaning the jacket is still accessible.
The model comes out as being fully breathable thanks to its impressive polyester mesh lining construction. The lining is good for improving the overall comfort when wearing the jacket for hours. The jacket’s breathability will also allow air and moisture vapor to pass between the body and the outside to keep you cool and dry.
The seams are sealed so that you get complete protection all the time. This jacket also comes with several pockets necessary to store the supplies you might need while traveling. You will also like that it comes in different colors and sizes. You can now choose the best rain jacket depending on your needs.
FAQs
Can you use a rain jacket for heavy rainfall?
Most rain jackets are recommended for light rain. If you want to wear it in heavy rainfall, you might want to include additional rain protection such as an umbrella.
Are our rain jackets durable for regular wear?
The rain jackets are built using water-repellant material, and thus breathability is not the best. You might not find many people wearing them more often, but they can still be durable even if you wear them more often.
Can you wear rain jackets for running?
Yes. The best lightweight rain jacket for travel can still have many other applications. Such can include running, camping, hiking, cycling, and more.
Conclusion
From the list of the best lightweight rain jacket for travel above, it is easy to see that rain jackets do not always have to be boring. Manufacturers are now coming up with rain jackets with great functionality and look great. It might be the reason you get more people going for rain jackets right now as they know you get rain protection and look good too. Always check out any additional features that make the jacket worth the same price range.
