Rain jacket test & comparison »top 13 in january 2020

The 13 best waterproof jackets at a glance.

Too often we are disappointed when rain jackets do not deliver what they promise in an emergency. For example, some jackets are small in heavy rain, others, on the other hand, in a more gentle drizzle.

In addition to the desired weather protection, you should also pay attention to the comfort. Some jackets are cut so unfavorably that they can stretch especially on the shoulders and arms. Do you need a lot of storage space? Then make sure you have enough bags when buying! Take a look at our product table and find out which rain jackets with particularly good hoods are convincing.

The quality management for our test and comparison procedure is TÜV-certified according to ISO 9001

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Illustration *	Compare winner		Price-performance winner
Model *	Khujo Kimin Light Jacket	Sherpa Adventure Gear Urgyen	The North Face Resolve	Amundsen Fjell Hedda	Vaude Women’s Escape Light Jacket	Jack Wolfskin Cloudburst Women	Cox Swain women’s rain jacket	Camel Crown waterproof rain jacket with fleece lining	Swampland PU rain jacket	Rough Travel Friesian Anchor	Bedee rain jacket	McKinley Kereol III	B&C Sirocco
valuation at Amazon *	14 reviews	191 reviews	78 reviews	42 reviews	12 reviews	142 reviews	72 reviews	150 reviews	90 reviews	56 reviews	25 reviews	40 reviews
sizes	S – XXL	XS – XL	XS – XL	36-42	XS – XL	XS – XXL	XS – XL	S – XXXL	36-46	XS – L	34-46	36-48	XS – XXL
material	100% polyester	100% polyester	100% nylon (upper) 100% polyester (inner lining)	100% polyurethane (upper) 65% polyester, 35% cotton (inner lining) 100% polyester raincoat (sleeves)	100% polyester (upper) 100% polyurethane (1st lining) 100% polyamide (2nd lining) 100% polyester (sleeves)	100% polyamide	100% polyamide	Polymer mix (upper material) 100% fleece (inner lining)	100% polyurethane (upper) 100% polyester (inner lining)	100% polyester (upper) 100% cotton (inner material) 100% polyester (sleeves)	95% polyester, 5% elastane (outer material) 100% polyester (inner lining)	100% polyester	100% nylon
water resistance according to customer opinions	excellent	excellent	excellent	excellent	excellent	excellent	very good	very good	very good	very good	very good	very good	acceptable
Number of pockets	5 outside pockets	3 pockets (2 inside)	2 outside pockets	2 outside pockets	2 outside pockets	2 outside pockets	4 pockets (2 inside and 2 outside)	3 outside pockets	2 outside pockets	2 outside pockets	2 outside pockets	2 outside pockets	2 outside pockets
available colours	green black	blue olive black	black orange	yellow	black blue red blue	dark Blue green red	black violet dark Blue	black Gray dark Blue violet and others	blue yellow red	yellow khaki dark Blue	black blue Army Green yellow and others	dark Blue turquoise	dark Blue yellow orange violet and others
Weight	657 g rather difficult	489 g not particularly easy	389 g light	no manufacturer information	402 g acceptable weight	265 g very easy	255 g very easy	898 g very difficult	700 g rather difficult	919 g very difficult	400 g acceptable weight	499 g not particularly easy	167 g particularly light
benefits	very good rain protection sits very well many pockets Bags securely closed with a zipper Cord on hood	very good rain protection enough pockets	very good rain protection fully taped seams compact and light Bags securely closed with a zipper	Includes carrying case – practical for on the go with cords on the hem, waist and hood Pockets are closed rainproof with a push button and flap adjustable cuffs	very good rain protection	very good rain protection compact and light	good water protection for light rain many pockets particularly compact and light carrying bag – ideal for on the go	removable hood lined thick with cord on the hem available in many colors	with cords on the hem, waist and hood Pockets are closed rainproof with a push button and flap with 2-way zipper adjustable cuffs	proper water protection for lighter rain very good wind protection	removable hood with cords on the waist and hood Pockets are closed rainproof with a push button and flap	Bags securely closed with a zipper elastic cuffs	particularly compact and light – ideal for on the go
Questions and answers about the product	Questions and answers about Khujo Kimin Light Jacket	Questions and answers about Sherpa Adventure Gear Urgyen	Questions and answers about The North Face Resolve	Questions and answers about Amundsen’s Fjell Hedda	Questions and answers about Vaude Women’s Escape Light Jacket	Questions and answers about Jack Wolfskin Cloudburst Women	Questions and answers about Cox Swain women’s rain jacket	Questions and answers about Camel Crown waterproof rain jacket with fleece lining	Questions and answers about Swampland PU rain jacket	Questions and answers about Derbe Travel Friese Anchor	Questions and answers about Bedee rain jacket	Questions and answers about McKinley Kereol Iii	Questions and answers on B&C Sirocco
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Raincoats Buyer’s Guide:
How to choose the right product from the above rain jacket test or comparison

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In our 2019/2020 rain jacket comparison, we examined the information on rain jackets for men and rain jackets for women. According to some customer reviews, the practice test pushes one or the other product to its limits.
According to rain jacket tests on the Internet, the zipper of the jackets is often a major weakness: Without a protective strip of fabric over them, jackets often have a hard time keeping the zipper tight. It is a mystery why many manufacturers do without the stripes, making their jackets unnecessarily vulnerable.
In addition, other criteria were taken into account that examined the suitability of rain jackets for everyday use. This showed that, for example, the cords on the hood and waistband are not always intuitive to use and that the number and quality of the bags also varied greatly. Bags that can be closed with zippers and – like the zipper of the jacket – are covered with an additional flap are particularly good.

Some hood properties provide better protection against rain than others.

Wind and rain jacket in one?

In rain jacket tests on the Internet, a connection between rain and wind protection was often mentioned: A jacket did not have to be waterproof to provide good wind protection. Conversely, good water protection is not synonymous with high wind protection. If you value both properties, you should always pay attention to both criteria when buying, so that you not only get a good rain jacket, but also a good wind jacket.

Zipper closed, collar up, hood open – dirty weather cannot be turned off, but we can at least make sure that you arrive at home in a perfectly protected and dry condition even on rainy days. A survey by Der Spiegel in 2017 shows that many people see it this way, according to which almost 60% of the German population show a sometimes strong interest in special outdoor clothing. Quite often, the first step here is the search for the best rain jacket. And so almost everyone in Germany probably owns a rain jacket, but at the same time has already been punished by her because she did not deliver what she promised.

We therefore have our Rain jacket comparison 2019/2020 done for you to separate the wheat from the chaff. In our table you will find both branded and inexpensive rain jackets and can find out from the purchase advice whether the purchase price is a decisive criterion for the quality of a good rain jacket.

In addition, we explain to you in the following chapters, among other things, where the typical weak point of many rain jackets is, how well your bag contents are protected from moisture and what needs to be considered with the hood and the cords.

1. Weather Protection – Covered zips ensure better results

Which rain jacket is really waterproof? You can’t give a general answer here, but one thing has been shown in a rain jacket comparison: Sealed zippers are worth gold in rain jackets. If you have the claim that a waterproof jacket should also withstand heavy rain, it should have a tab that protects the zipper from direct water exposure.

Rain jackets by Vaude and Jack Wolfskin in comparison: The zip at Vaude is not covered and is therefore a weak point of the jacket. With Jack Wolfskin, a flap completely covers the zipper, so that no water can get through.

However, some rain jackets, sometimes referred to as weather jackets, also allow water to seep through the material – you should only consider products of this type if you do not plan to walk through the pouring rain with the jacket.

If you can tolerate a little moisture, you can also use jackets with small weak spots in light rain.

Of course, jackets with more fragile material or zippers can also be a good option for everyday wear.

However, you should note that these are really only suitable for lighter and shorter rains, while wet rainwear can be expected quickly in heavy rainfall. If a little penetrating wetness does not bother you, you can, for example, choose a jacket with weaker rain protection for price or fashion reasons.

This is what the Stiftung Warentest says: In the comparison results of its rain jacket test from 2016, it confirms that only 3 out of 14 jackets (around 21.5%) are really waterproof.

2. Comfort – Often too little play on shoulders and arms

In addition to the weather protection, a rain jacket should of course also be comfortable to wear so that you also feel comfortable in it. Whether it is a sweeping or sporty cut – there are arguments about tastes.

Some jackets, like the one on the left, do not have a particularly sleek fit, but they also do not attract attention. In the middle we show an example of a jacket that is rather bulky and unfavorably cut. On the other hand, the cut of the right rain jacket is successful – also because there is still enough space for a sweater under the jacket.

In addition, there are typical problem areas of clothing for the upper body: It can quickly tighten on the shoulders, which limits freedom of movement. The sleeves are often not long enough, which is particularly noticeable when the weather jacket is used for cycling and the wearer leans forward.

So if you are a little stronger or you want to be able to move around in the jacket completely without restrictions (for example when cycling), you should make sure that the waterproof jacket is cut a little more generously.

Comfort also depends on another factor. Many a raincoat or rain jacket is not lined and also quite torsion-resistant.

If you also want to buy a rain jacket in which you can feel comfortable around the clock, you should pay attention to both the comfort and the fit.

3. Equipment – Bags without a closure are at a disadvantage

Practical bags? A zipper (on the left) is optimal, but snap fasteners do a similarly good job (2nd from right), so that something is difficult to lose. A tab is also an advantage, so that a higher weather protection consists. Bags without a closure are bad: something is easily lost here and the weather protection is often inadequate.

Comparison.org recommends: There should be at least three pockets, one of which is inside. At least if you like to stow your wallet, cell phone and other everyday items in your pockets. A closure option is also ideal (zipper is best, push buttons are an alternative), so that you don’t lose anything so quickly. If many storage options are particularly important to you, it is worth choosing a jacket with four or five pockets.

Of course, you can also consider rain jackets with just one or two pockets. A women’s rain jacket, for example, does not have to have many pockets if you plan to store most of the items in your handbag or backpack. And men can also do without numerous pockets in men’s rain jackets if backpacks or trouser pockets are sufficient for the essentials.

Cords: functionality comes first before optics

Whether it’s the waterproof jacket for women or the weather jacket for men, we recommend your rain jacket should have cords on both the hood and the bottom of the jacket. They make sense on the hood, because this way you can protect yourself from heavy rain, which could also get into your face and collar. In addition, the wind is better prevented from getting into the jacket.

The cords on the waistband and hood should be intuitive to use. On the left you can see an example in which the slider for the cord is integrated in the jacket material. Visually nice, but often difficult to find or feel. On the right, on the other hand, an example in which the cord can be easily found and operated.

At the waistband, cords are primarily a good tool against the wind. If the waistband is pulled tight, the wind can no longer get through the opening and you not only stay dry, but also warm.

Hood: A lot of umbrellas have charm

Many hoods have an umbrella and protect your face from the rain. Of course, complete protection cannot be achieved, especially during heavy rain, but it already makes a difference that the rain at least cannot get into the eyes completely unhindered.

A hood with a large visor not only keeps the head, but also the face largely dry.

tip: A comprehensive protective hood ensures that the rain jacket cuts a better figure on the bike. Here you are confronted with the wind and sloping rain, at the same time it is particularly important to keep an eye on the bike. Cyclists should therefore pay special attention to the hood.

4. Brand, color, feeding and Co. – We help you decide

The brands: Outdoor beats sport

As in the fashion industry in general, there are of course numerous manufacturers of rain jackets that bring good rain jackets onto the market. On the one hand, there are specialized outdoor brands such as Jack Wolfskin, The North Face or Vaude, which can usually also score with good quality. On the other hand, the large sporting goods manufacturers also serve the market, so an Adidas, Puma or Nike rain jacket is not uncommon.

Known brand = good rain protection? Yes and no. Well-known outdoor brands tend to offer higher rain protection. Well-known sports brands, however, are more for light rain.

However, it must be mentioned here that the Sports brands often offer a fashionable cut and are very comfortable to wear, but they are far from being functional compared to the outdoor brands.

Anyone looking for good rain protection is well advised with a real outdoor rain jacket. If you are only looking for protection from light rain and would like to appear particularly sporty, you will also find interesting rain jackets from sport brands.

In addition, there are of course other brands that are not clearly assigned to the outdoor or sports segment, but can also offer strong rain protection. Brands such as Khujo, Sherpa or Derbe are worth mentioning here.

The colors: focus on fashion sometimes leads to functional losses

Chic, but sometimes a little tight on the back, shoulders and arms: the Friesennerz swings between functional and fashion jackets.

While many manufacturers have their rain jackets in different Colours offer, a certain color is associated with some types. The so-called Frisian ore, for example, always appears as a yellow rain jacket. The yellow rain jacket for women and men has now become a fashion item, it originated as a fishing jacket for trips on the high seas. However, this development has also had disadvantages, because many a fashion item does not have the same functionality as its template.

So if your rain jacket is to be yellow and is also to be used as a fashion item to a certain extent, you should pay attention to cutting off the jacket in the area of the weather protection in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Feeding: More is not always better

At first glance, one might come to the conclusion that a rain jacket with a thick lining is better per se than a thin one – after all, you get more for your money and are better protected from the cold in this category.

Differences in feeding can also affect comfort. Padded jackets (as shown here on the left) are often more comfortable on the skin and thus make them feel better.

The latter means that the material does not move well, which in turn can restrict freedom of movement. If you only want good functionality, you can of course neglect the comfort of your outdoor jacket.

But it’s not that easy. Which one is the best rain jacket for your needs depends on what you want to use it for. A thin rain jacket can make more sense, for example, if it is to be worn on mild spring or summer days.

Which rain jacket is suitable for hiking? An ultra-light rain jacket is made for hiking. A thin and light rain jacket for women or men is also more suitable than a lined one as a racing rain jacket or generally as a bicycle rainwear.

You should especially consider a lined rain jacket if it is also used in autumn and winter temperatures and should therefore also function as a winter jacket.

5. Rainwear: equipped from head to toe

Finally, we would like to introduce you to some alternative and complementary rainwear that you can use with your Put together a weatherproof outfit from head to toe can. If you are frequently exposed to heavy rain or if you are particularly keen to arrive at home completely dry, it is worth taking a look at the table below.