10 Best Lightweight Hiking Jackets of 2024

One of the most important things to put on when you go hiking is a hiking jacket. However, choosing the best lightweight hiking jackets isn’t an easy task because there are several factors to take into account such as weight, waterproof ability, and fit.

With that in mind, we have compiled a complete guide to help you pick the perfect jacket for your hikes. Let’s get started.

Here are the best lightweight hiking jackets (Apr 2024 Update):

• Best Overall (Women’s): Columbia Women's Switchback Iii
• Best For Light Rain (Women’s): Hount Women's Lightweight Hooded Raincoat
• Stylish (Women’s): SoTeer Women's Waterproof Raincoat
• Best For Sunny Days (Women’s): Zeagoo Lightweight Windbreaker Women Packable Raincoat
• Best For Windy Days (Women’s): CAMEL CROWN Women’s Fleece Lined Softshell Jacket
• Best Overall (Men’s): BALEAF Men's Waterproof Rain Jacket
• Best For Moderate Rain (Men’s): Columbia Men's Watertight Ii Rain Jacket
• Best For Layering (Men’s): TEZO Men’s Rain Jacket
• Best For Large-Framed People (Men’s): Carhartt Men's Dry Harbor Jacket
• Best For Small-framed People (Men’s): Little Donkey Andy Men's Waterproof Rain Jacket for Hiking

Best Overall (Women’s): Columbia Women's Switchback Iii

Columbia Women's Switchback Iii

Check Price →

What do you expect in a lightweight hiking jacket? Stylish, durable, waterproof, or storage? Whichever of your expectation, the good news is this option has them all.

It offers 40 color options to choose from. The fabric is 100% machine-washable nylon applied advanced technology for waterproof, along with an adjustable stowaway hood, it can protect you from light rain.

The jacket is one of those rare options coming with an internal layer made of polyester for moisture-wicking and breathability.

Best For Light Rain (Women’s): Hount Women's Lightweight Hooded Raincoat

Hount Women's Lightweight Hooded Raincoat

Check Price →

However, if you’re looking for a specialized hiking jacket for light rains, we highly recommend this option. Although this is a no-lined design, we believe its perfect material combination will never make you sweat nor feel damped wet, even in the midst of rain.

Stylish (Women’s): SoTeer Women's Waterproof Raincoat

SoTeer Women's Waterproof Raincoat

Check Price →

Why having to compromise between style and function while you can get both of them with this lightweight hiking jacket from SoTeer?

It is crafted from 5% Spandex and 95% polyester that’s not just lightweight but also waterproof and sun-proof that can well-protect you from light rain, heat, and other impacts. Meanwhile, its beautiful dual-colored design, along with 25 options, will never let you down.

Best For Sunny Days (Women’s): Zeagoo Lightweight Windbreaker Women Packable Raincoat

Zeagoo Lightweight Windbreaker Women Packable Raincoat

Check Price →

If you’re going to hike under harsh sunlight, look no further than the Zeagoo. It is lightweight, well-protective, durable, and especially, the sun protection level is top-notch.

Aside from the high-quality nylon shell, it is built with a stand-up collar and adjustable drawcord for extra protection to your neck. No lining so it dries out quickly. No waterproof so it’s breathable and wicks moisture pretty fast.

Best For Windy Days (Women’s): CAMEL CROWN Women’s Fleece Lined Softshell Jacket

CAMEL CROWN Women’s Fleece Lined Softshell Jacket

Check Price →

Hikes on windy days usually make you feel chilled and cold.

If you’re preparing for such hiking trips, we highly recommend the CAMEL CROWN. It’s not only windproof (by featuring an adjustable drawcord hem, hook & loop fastener, elastic cuffs, and drawcord hood) but also comes with a polyester soft fleece lining.

Besides, the shell is water-resistant.

For extra warmth, it has two zippered hand pockets aside from the two insides for storage.

Best Overall (Men’s): BALEAF Men's Waterproof Rain Jacket

BALEAF Men's Waterproof Rain Jacket

Check Price →

Start off with the BALEAF hiking jacket – one of the most popular options these days. It is waterproof, lightweight, easy to clean, and durable. Besides, the added elastic cuffs and the adjustable hem is a great combo that not only offers a relaxed fit but also dries out easily.

We do appreciate the additional reflective elements attached to this jacket so if you’re hiking in low light conditions, it’s a lot safer.

Best For Moderate Rain (Men’s): Columbia Men's Watertight Ii Rain Jacket

Columbia Men's Watertight Ii Rain Jacket

Check Price →

For optimum rain-protection performance, you should go for the Columbia Men's Watertight Ii because it’s built with advanced waterproof nylon shell technology.

This new design makes the apparel durable enough to handle from light rains to downpours or storms like a champ. Plus, it boasts Omni-Shield for unparalleled resistance to liquid absorption.

This feature also keeps your jacket from stains, meaning for ease of maintenance.

Best For Layering (Men’s): TEZO Men’s Rain Jacket

TEZO Men’s Rain Jacket

Check Price →

Unlike Columbia, this jacket is loose-fitting, which means it’s perfect for layering if you intend to go hiking during fall and winter.

Meanwhile, the unit itself is good at rain and wind resistance.

That’s a big thank you to the waterproof polyester shell, fully sealed seams, adjustable Velcro cuffs, windproof detachable hood, and TPU membrane. But rest assured that it’s still moderately breathable due to the non-fleece mesh lining.

Best For Large-Framed People (Men’s): Carhartt Men's Dry Harbor Jacket

Carhartt Men's Dry Harbor Jacket

Check Price →

While most hiking jackets are designed for standard men’s torso, the Carhartt Men's Dry Harbor Jacket’s size chart is a bit larger, which is like a God’s bless for large-framed guys.

Aside from the comfortable fitting, you'll benefit from its fully-taped waterproof seams, rain-defender dual-layered membrane, and storm-defender, waterproof nylon shell. The ultra-protection and durable design make the protection rating of this jacket up to 10K/5K.

Plus, it’s attached with a hood and visor.

Best For Small-framed People (Men’s): Little Donkey Andy Men's Waterproof Rain Jacket for Hiking

Little Donkey Andy Men's Waterproof Rain Jacket for Hiking

Check Price →

A wide size chart and adjustable fit design (include hook & loop cuffs, drawcord hem, and tuck-away hood with adjustable drawstring), we find no reason to deny this men’s hiking jacket. It fits everyone, regardless of their body torso and taste.

Although it’s stated to be windproof and waterproof efficiently, the jacket doesn’t make you sweat, thanks to the PU coated membrane and mesh lining. Meanwhile, it offers great comfort.

The lined chin guard and front storm flap are what we’re trying to talk about.

How To Choose The Best Lightweight Hiking Jacket?

Lightweight

The reason why you should opt for a lightweight jacket is that it feels more comfortable to wear and keeps your packing light if you get warmer and don’t need to wear it anymore.

Besides, if it’s cold, with a lightweight jacket, you can wear extra layers without worrying about already carrying much weight on your body.

Waterproof

The waterproof ability of a hiking jacket is determined by the fabric it’s made of.

The best material known is GORE-TEX, which offers breathability so you won’t get the sweaty, clammy feeling when you heat up. This fabric is also durable and windproof.

The waterproof ability can also be indicated in ratings for different weather conditions.

For example, a jacket with ratings of 2 and 3 can keep your dry from 6-12 cm rainfall within 1-2 hours. A jacket with a rating of 4 can protect you from 30 cm rainfall for 3 hours. And a rating of 5 means the jacket can protect you from 1.8-meter rainfall for 4 hours.

Fit

You should go with a jacket that fits you well as it will make you comfortable and look good at the same time. It’s best that you try jackets on to see how they fit because a jacket that’s too big doesn’t do you any good.

On the other hand, a jacket’s too small may expose your skin or inner layers when you bend over to tighten your shoelaces, for example.

Others

• Cuffs: They help minimize the amount of water wicking up your arm.
• Pit zips: They are placed under the arms to ventilate the jacket and limit the exposure to the rain.
• Zips: They can be protected by a flap or water-resistant. The zips often come with an extra flap inside to prevent water penetration.
• Pockets: Remember that more pockets mean less breathability. Opt for pockets lined with mesh to maximize breathability. Take into account the number and positions of the pockets so that they are enough and accessible.
• Hoods: Choose a hood that’s compatible with helmets and features a round-the-head cinch cord so you can secure the hood around your face.

Which Brands Make The Best Lightweight Hiking Jacket?

Columbia

Founded in 1924, this brand specializes in jackets for men, women, and even children. It offers a wide range of styles and colors for you.

CAMEL CROWN

With over a hundred years of experience in the industry, this brand achieves success by focusing on quality. Its jackets are loved for great design and technology as well.

BALEAF

Since its establishment in 2015, this brand has paid a lot of attention to research and development to come up with the best clothing items for outdoor activities, featuring airflow tech, lightweight materials, and compression.

Carhartt

Over the past 130 years, this brand is trusted for making menswear that only satisfies its consumers.

FAQs

Conclusion

With this post, we hope that it has got a lot easier for you to figure out what to look for in the best lightweight hiking jackets. There are countless models on the market, but if you follow our guide and stick with reliable brands, you will be fine.