Rain jackets have evolved so far that a modern shell at any price point will keep you dry. But like non-stick pans, many of them accomplished this miracle with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, more commonly known as Pfas or “forever chemicals”. Now that we understand the harm these chemicals cause in humans and the environment, manufacturers have had to scramble to invent new coatings that perform as well as the tried-and-true.
They’ve risen to the occasion. Every Pfas-free rain jacket we evaluated will genuinely keep you dry in the rain. The real differentiators come down to comfort, breathability and whether a jacket’s design makes sense for how you’ll be spending time in the rain.
Some jackets are designed for high-output activities, like running. Others are meant to withstand torrential weather when the conditions turn serious. For this guide, I tested a range of Pfas-free rain jackets across different uses and price points.
The best Pfas-free rain jackets at a glance
Best Pfas-free rain jacket overall:
Peak Performance Trail HIPE 2.5L Shell
Best budget Pfas-free rain jacket:
Backcountry Kanarra 2.5L Rain Jacket
Best insulated Pfas-free rain jacket:
L.L.Bean Primaloft Packaway Jacket
Best urban Pfas-free rain jacket:
Kühl Stretch Voyagr Jacket
Best running Pfas-free rain jacket:
The North Face Summit Series Superior Futurelight Jacket
Why you should trust me
I’ve tested outdoor gear professionally for nearly 15 years for a number of outlets, including CNN Underscored, Backpacker, REI, GearJunkie and more. In that time, I’ve literally worn more rain jackets than I can remember, and I’ve learned what to look for in a jacket, from breathability to fit preferences. I also live outside Aspen, Colorado, and spend a lot of time outside. Whether it’s trail running, hiking, biking, skiing or backpacking, I sneak in outdoor movement wherever I can – no matter the weather.
How I tested Pfas-free rain jackets
We tested 14 jackets for this guide, ranging from $80 to $515. I wore every jacket for at least two hours while bopping around the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado. Some came along on runs while others hit the trail for some hiking in wintry conditions. Others joined me on strolls around town.
Since I live in a ski town, we usually see more snow than rain during the winter months, so I supplemented the few rainy days of testing with two indoor tests I devised to simulate the worst conditions.
First came the shower test, where I stood under running water for five minutes to check for leaks or seam issues. Good news: not a single jacket saw a failure during this test. Then came my breathability test, which pushed both me and the jackets to the brink. I rode my Peloton for 10 minutes while wearing each rain jacket, along with a humidity gauge strapped to my sports bra. Bad news: every single jacket hit the max of 99% humidity. I was sweating like a beast, and no number of Gilmore Girls episodes could make me re-live this experience.
Finally, I ran all the rain jackets beneath the bathroom faucet to simulate sustained saturation. Again, no issues. The takeaway is clear: modern rain jackets work, even without Pfas. The differences show up in comfort, features and durability, but rarely out-of-the-box waterproofing.
After testing, all jackets were donated to a local school for its teachers and outdoor education program.
The best Pfas-free rain jackets in the US
<em>Best overall Pfas-free rain jacket:</em>Peak Performance Trail Hipe 2.5L Shell
This is the most comfortable shell I’ve ever worn – period. It may not be the most technical or the lightest, but it’s the jacket I reached for every single time when I had a choice.
The Trail Hipe hits that sweet spot between comfort, performance and every day wearability. This is a fully waterproof, Pfas-free shell, but it doesn’t feel like one when you put it on. Whether hiking or ambling through Manhattan, the Trail Hipe is tough to beat.
Why we love it
The Trail Hipe manages to combine rain shell performance with the comfort of your favorite hoodie. Touch this jacket, and you’ll immediately know why it’s unlike any contender on this list. The fabric is so darn soft and – critically – not the least bit crunchy. No one likes to sound like a bag of walking potato chips.
The softer feel also helps it blend into every day life. While the Trail Hipe is designed for outdoor activity, the sleek cut, quiet fabric and clean lines fit in on busy city streets just as they do on a local trail (The black color is especially versatile.)
I don’t believe truly breathable waterproof jackets exist, but the Trail Hipe does a decent job of avoiding that “trapped in a sauna” feeling. I still got hot on steep hikes, but was absolutely comfortable while wandering around Aspen. Zippered hand pockets add a little weight, but I’ll happily take them for a snack, some cash or a car key. A drawstring hem keeps road spray and splashback out, or just gives you a cinched look if you prefer.
Fit note: I wore a medium at 1.70 metres (5ft 5in) and 65.77 kg (145lbs), and it fit well overall, though it was a bit snug through my (wider) hips.
It’s a shame that … the size range tops out at XL. This won’t work for many bodies, especially with the trim cut.
Key specs:
Weight: w’s 340g; m’s 390g
Waterproof rating: 10,000mm
Breathability rating: 10,000g/m²
<em>Best budget Pfas-free rain jacket:</em>Backcountry Kanarra 2.5L Rain Jacket
The Kanarra feels like the budget-conscious brethren to the Trail Hipe: similar intent, just fewer finishing touches – and crucially, less than half the price.
This jacket doesn’t pretend to be sleek or fancy. It’s unmistakably an outdoor rain jacket and it looks the part. But during testing, it consistently kept water out and held up well through sustained rain exposure.
Why we love it
While it isn’t loaded with features, the Kannara executes the features it does have right. You get two zippered hand pockets and a zippered chest pocket, which I used constantly. The underarm vents aren’t zippered; they’re basic flaps that stay open. But it would take a lot of deliberate acrobatics to get water dripping into your armpits and I never noticed an issue. The extra airflow helped a lot during high-output activities, especially since the Kanarra doesn’t breathe as well as pricier options (with stats to back that up).
Of course, the lower price point gets you inexpensive materials. For the Kanarra, that means crinkly fabric and a slightly sticky interior when it warms up. The fit is also boxier, with longer arms, a shorter hemline and less refinement.
It’s a shame that … the elastic-only cuffs limit adjustability, especially for layering.
Key specs:
Weight: w’s 360g; m’s 416g
Waterproof rating: 10,000mm
Breathability rating: 5,000g/m²
<em>Best insulated Pfas-free rain jacket:</em>L.L.Bean Primaloft Packaway Jacket
Winters are getting warmer in many places, which often means less snow and more cold, miserable rain. That’s when an insulated rain jacket shines. The L.L.Bean Primaloft Packaway Jacket pulls double duty, offering real warmth while still functioning as a fully waterproof, Pfas-free rain shell.
Why we love it
The Packaway’s smart design made me fall in love with the insulated rain jacket concept. Adjustable cuffs help with layering, and wrist gaiters add extra coziness against the brisk weather. During warmer walks around town, I loved the pit zips with mesh backing to allow airflow. But my favorite features are the two rear side zips. They give you extra room when biking or otherwise moving dynamically, which is a thoughtful touch you don’t see often in rain jackets.
Surprisingly, the Packaway isn’t terribly heavy for an insulated jacket. Primaloft uses aerogel – a Nasa-developed, ultralight type of insulation – to add extra warmth without a lot of weight. The result is a warm and waterproof jacket that feels more like a lightweight puffy.
It’s a shame that … the wrists run a bit snug, especially over bulky gloves or thick sweaters.
Key specs:
Weight: w’s 652g ; m’s 709g
Waterproof rating: not available from manufacturer
Breathability rating: not available from manufacturer
<em>Best urban Pfas-free rain jacket:</em>Kühl Stretch Voyagr
The Kühl Stretch Voyagr threads the needle in the best way possible: technical enough to keep you dry and comfortable, yet stylish enough that you’ll look good wearing it to dinner.
Why we love it
Whether you’re walking into a cafe or catching a bus, style is the Voyagr’s secret weapon. The women’s version has a lightly cinched waist that gives you a snatched look without feeling like a stuffed sausage. The men’s cut skips the taper but still looks sharp. And, the fabric is similar to the feel of Peak Performance: gloriously soft and quiet, with none of that crinkly rain-jacket vibe. It’s easy to wear all day without feeling like you’re wrapped in plastic.
Of course, it’s not all looks. In 30 minutes of light-to-moderate winter rain, I stayed completely dry. Add in excellent stretch and a huge range of color options (more than most jackets we tested), and it’s an easy urban favorite.
It’s a shame that … the men’s version sizes up to XXXL but the women’s jacket tops out at XL. I really wish the Voyagr included more extended sizing to fit more women.
Key specs:
Weight: w’s 317g; m’s 340g
Waterproof rating: 20,000mm
Breathability rating: 25,000g/m²
<em>Best running Pfas-free rain jacket:</em>The North Face Summit Series Superior Futurelight Jacket
This jacket knows exactly what it is: an ultralight, no-nonsense running shell. It gives runners low weight, packability and weather protection without extra features that weigh them down.
Why we love it
With running jackets, less really is more. The Superior packs down into its own pocket and weighs as much as a lemon, so I easily rolled it up and shoved it into my running vest without thinking twice. Running in a rain jacket is never ideal, but I felt like the Superior did a reasonable job of keeping interior swampiness at bay, even when I was cranking up a steep local climb that covers 900ft of gain in less than a mile.
The hood fit is dialed, too, with elastic sides and a subtle brim to keep rain off your face without blocking peripheral vision. And honestly? I don’t miss the extra pockets. What runner wants car keys jangling for six miles anyway?
It’s a shame that … there aren’t any pit zips. It’s a trade-off that comes with the ultralight territory, but I’ll never not be a sweaty monster.
Key specs:
Weight: 117g
Waterproof rating: not available from manufacturer
Breathability rating: not available from manufacturer
The best of the rest
<em>Best for: Ethical design</em>Páramo Halkon Jacket
The Halkon combines birder-friendly countryside chic with sustainability. It’s made with Nikwax Analogy waterproof fabric, which is renewable with wash-in treatments, and repairable with a needle and thread. It’s even recyclable at end of life. It’s ethically produced in a Fair Trade Certified facility, and for every jacket sold, a tree gets planted. No other jacket in this test comes close on the eco front.
It’s about three times the weight of most shells here, so this isn’t your packable, just-in-case layer. And, note that Páramo doesn’t play the standard ratings game: its jackets are independently tested in a rain room at the University of Leeds under sustained heavy downpours for four hours, focusing on real-world performance rather than static lab scores.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s the most expensive jacket in our guide by a lot.
Key specs:
Weight: w’s: 894g; m’s 967g
Waterproof rating: not available from manufacturer
Breathability rating: not available from manufacturer
<em>Best for: Brutal weather</em>Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity 2.0
This is the jacket you grab when the forecast makes you reconsider leaving the house at all. The Verglas Infinity 2.0 is a veritable fortress, keeping out sideways rains, blasting snow and gale force winds. Built with Helly Hansen’s own waterproof tech and a seriously tough fabric, calling it a rain jacket feels like calling King Kong a baby gecko. It’s burly.
It’s fully seam-sealed and loaded with a bevy of features like a helmet-compatible hood, large pockets that work well with a backpack or harness, and a sturdy brim that doesn’t collapse at the slightest breeze.
It didn’t make the final cut because … the price hurts, and most people could get away with less.
Key specs:
Weight: w’s: 368g; m’s 416g
Waterproof rating: 20,000mm
Breathability rating: 20,000g/m²
<em>Best for: Long days on the trail</em>Mammut Duncan Guide HS Hooded Jacket
This one’s for the hikers in the house. One of my trail-time favorites, the Duncan Guide HS feels ready to hit the dirt the second you put it on. It’s soft (not quite Kühl- or Peak-level soft, but close), stretchy, and comfortable when you’re grinding uphill with a pack.
It’s fully waterproof with a 20,000mm rating and legit breathability, and it kept me dry on long, damp trail days. I’m always hot while hiking in a shell, but at least I wasn’t trapped in a hot box. Pit zips, pack-friendly pockets and smart seam placement round out the features that make the Duncan another one that’s tough to beat.
It didn’t make the final cut because … It’s probably more jacket than most casual hikers need – and you pay for that extra performance.
Key specs:
Weight: w’s: 395g; m’s 458g
Waterproof rating: 20,000mm
Breathability rating: 20,000g/m²
<em>Best for: Every day adventures</em>Columbia Hikebound II Jacket
This one is a screaming deal. The Hikebound II nails that trail-to-town vibe with a slightly shorter, more stylish cut than the Backcountry Kanarra, our best budget winner. It adds some warmth (great for shoulder seasons, but not the dead heat of summer) and comes in tons of colors, which I love.
Columbia offers a huge range of sizes for both men and women, plus big and tall. The mesh-lined two-layer build keeps costs down, though it can feel a little funky over a T-shirt.
It didn’t make the final cut because … the shorter hemline means less rain coverage.
Key specs:
Weight: 420g
Waterproof rating: not available from manufacturer
Breathability rating: not available from manufacturer
<em>Best for: Do-it-all performance</em>Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
The Torrentshell is the definition of a workhorse. It’s simple, reliable and built to handle real weather without overcomplicating things. I found myself reaching for it on everything from quick bike rides to steady trail days because it just flat-out works.
The three-layer build is fully waterproof, breathable enough for most hikes and durable in real storms. There’s a reason this jacket has been a perennial favorite for years. You also get solid sustainability cred: 100% recycled face fabric and Fair Trade Certified construction.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s good at everything but not exceptional at anything.
Key specs:
Weight: w’s 352g; m’s 400g
Waterproof rating: not available from manufacturer
Breathability rating: not available from manufacturer
<em>Best for: Rainy day style</em>Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Trench
This jacket is pure joy. The Cielo is easily the most colorful and fun option in this guide, and I loved how it popped in a sea of neutral rain shells. On my 1.70 metre (5ft 5in) frame, the trench length hit about an inch above my knee, which means serious coverage. Whether I was carrying a backpack or splashing through sidewalks in downtown Aspen, it kept more of me dry than any standard hip-length shell.
The fit is relaxed without feeling sloppy – a medium was perfect on me and never tight through the hips. Features are minimal, but the two zippered hand pockets did exactly what I needed.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s a women’s-only shell, and the trench-length won’t work for everyone.
Key specs:
Weight: 425g
Waterproof rating: 10,000mm
Breathability rating: 10,000g/m²
What other products did the Guardian test?
What you need to know
What are Pfas?
Pfas stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – shorthand for chemicals that have been used for everything from non-stick pan coatings to stain-resistant carpets. They also work extremely well to repel water in jackets, but they’ve recently been linked to a slew of health concerns since they linger in the environment for thousands of years.
What does Pfas-free mean in rain jackets?
In a rain jacket, Pfas are typically found in the durable waterproof repellant (DWR) finish, which makes water bead up on the surface, and sometimes in waterproof membranes. Pfas-free jackets use different substances to achieve water resistance. Early Pfas-free options sometimes struggled with durability, but newer versions have improved dramatically.
If you’re shopping for a more environmentally conscious rain jacket, looking for labels that say “made without intentionally added Pfas” is a good starting point.
How are waterproof rain jackets rated?
Waterproof performance is measured by a “water column” rating, which represents how many millimetres of water can press down on a waterproof fabric before it leaks. A 10,000mm rating is more than enough for everyday rain, commuting and moderate hiking. Meanwhile, a rating of 20,000mm and above is better suited for sustained downpours and extended time outdoors.
Are Pfas-free rain jackets actually waterproof?
Definitely. Pfas-free rain jackets are fully waterproof, and they typically match traditional rain jackets in water column ratings, since those tests reflect the membrane and not the waterproof finish.
The key difference appears less in these ratings, and more in how long the water-repellent finish lasts before needing re-treatment. Pfas-free DWR finishes may require more frequent maintenance, like washing and reapplying a spray-on or wash-in treatment. But in real-world use, most perform great when properly maintained.
How do you care for a Pfas-free rain jacket?
While Pfas-free rain jackets often require more maintenance than traditional shells, it mostly boils down to washing them regularly. Dirt, sweat and body oils clog the fabric and reduce breathability, so regular washing actually helps performance.
Nikwax Hardshell Cleaning & Waterproofing Duo-Pack
$24.10 at Backcountry $24.50 at AmazonJust beware of conventional detergents and fabric softeners, which can degrade performance. You want to machine wash your jackets in cold water using a technical detergent like Nikwax.
Nikwax Tech Wash
$11.50 at Amazon $11.50 at BackcountryWhen you’re done, tumble drying on low heat often helps reactivate the DWR finish. If water stops beading on the surface, you can apply a Pfas-free spray-on or wash-in DWR treatment to restore the waterproofing. Again, Nikwax is my top choice.
Nikwax Waterproof Spray
$16.73 at Amazon $16.75 at NikwaxHeather Balogh Rochfort is a freelance journalist, gear tester and professional “let’s see if this actually works” skeptic. She has written seven books, rode her bike across the country, climbed 46 of Colorado’s 14ers and torn both ACLs backcountry skiing – all in the name of adventure. A former CrossFit coach and lifelong mountain person, she prefers testing rain jackets in actual rain and believes good gear should earn its place the hard way
