Ever been caught in a downpour with a so-called “waterproof” jacket that left you drenched? We’ve all been there. When it comes to outdoor adventures, the right rainwear can mean the difference between pushing forward or packing it in.

But not all rain jackets are created equal. Whether you're braving an alpine storm or tackling a misty morning trail, understanding waterproof membranes, laminates, hydrostatic head, and breathability ratings will help you choose the best gear for staying dry and comfortable.

From Gore-Tex to Futurelight to H2No®, different waterproofing technologies offer varying levels of protection, breathability, and durability. Let’s break them down so you can find the right rainwear for your next adventure.

What Makes a Rain Jacket Truly Waterproof?

When choosing rainwear, you’ll see two key metrics:

• Waterproofing (Hydrostatic Head - HH) – Measures how much water pressure (in mm) a fabric can handle before leaking. A 10,000mm rating works for light rain, but if you’re in heavy downpours, look for 20,000mm+.

• Breathability (MVTR - Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate) – Measured in g/m²/24h, this tells you how well sweat escapes. The higher the number, the better. For high-intensity activities, aim for 20,000g/m²/24h or more to avoid feeling like you’re wearing a sauna.

Now, let’s break down the top waterproofing technologies from the best outdoor brands.

Gore-Tex: The Gold Standard in Waterproofing

Gore-Tex is the most widely recognized waterproof membrane, known for its durability, waterproofing, and breathability. It’s available in several variants, each designed for specific use cases:

Gore-Tex Pro

Designed for rugged, high-output activities, Gore-Tex Pro is the most durable and weather-resistant variant.

• • Hydrostatic Head: 28,000mm+

  • Breathability: 25,000g/m²/24h

  • Best For: Mountaineering, backpacking, and heavy rain

Gore-Tex

The standard Gore-Tex version offers a balance of waterproofing, breathability, and durability, making it suitable for a wide range of activities.

• • Hydrostatic Head: 28,000mm+

  • Breathability: 15,000g/m²/24h

  • Best For: Day hikes, casual outdoor use

🛒Patagonia Men's Triolet Jacket

🛒Patagonia Women's Triolet Jacket

🛒Rab Men's Namche GTX Jacket

Gore-Tex Paclite Plus

A lightweight, packable option, Paclite Plus is ideal for casual use or fast-and-light adventures.

• • Hydrostatic Head: 28,000mm+

  • Breathability: 15,000g/m²/24h

  • Best For: Travel, running, ultralight and fastpacking

🛒Outdoor Research Women's Aspire II Jacket

Why Choose Gore-Tex?

If you’re facing relentless rain and wind, Gore-Tex is the most rugged choice. While newer technologies may be more breathable, nothing beats its weather resistance in harsh conditions.

Futurelight: The North Face’s Breathable Innovation

Using nanospinning technology, Futurelight creates a fabric that’s extremely breathable yet waterproof—perfect for high-output activities.

• • Hydrostatic Head: 20,000mm+

  • Breathability: 75,000g/m²/24h (one of the highest!)

  • Best For: Trail running, ski touring, high-intensity movement

Why Choose Futurelight?

Futurelight is lighter and more breathable than Gore-Tex, making it ideal for aerobic activity where you need to stay dry without overheating. However, it may not be as durable in extreme conditions.

🛒The North Face Women's Summit Papsura Futurelight Jacket

DryVent™: The North Face’s Everyday Waterproofing

DryVent™ is The North Face’s versatile waterproof laminate, available in two versions:

DryVent™ 2L 

A two-layer construction that’s lightweight and packable, ideal for casual, everyday use.

• • Hydrostatic Head: 20,000mm+

  • Breathability: 10,000g/m²/24h

  • Best For: Light outdoor activities, commuting

DryVent™ 2.5L (More Breathable & Durable)

A 2.5-layer construction that’s more breathable and durable than 2L, making it suitable for moderate outdoor activities.

• • Hydrostatic Head: 20,000mm+

  • Breathability: 15,000g/m²/24h

  • Best For: Hiking, steady rain conditions

Why Choose DryVent™?

DryVent™ is versatile and durable, offering solid waterproofing for a range of activities. While it’s not as breathable as Futurelight or Gore-Tex Active, it’s a reliable choice for steady rain and casual use.

🛒The North Face Women's Antora Jacket

🛒The North Face Men's Antora Jacket

H2No®: Patagonia’s Eco-Friendly Laminate Rainwear

Patagonia’s H2No® is a proprietary waterproof laminate made with recycled materials. It balances performance and sustainability, offering solid waterproofing and breathability.

• • Hydrostatic Head: 20,000mm+

  • Breathability: 15,000g/m²/24h

  • Best For: Moderate outdoor use, casual rainwear

Why Choose H2No®?

H2No® is versatile, with the added benefit of Patagonia’s signature commitment to the environment. It’s not as breathable as Futurelight or Gore-Tex Active but performs well in steady rain and light athletic pursuits. 

🛒Patagonia Men's Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket

🛒Patagonia Women's Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket

Pertex® Shield: Rab’s Lightweight Solution

Rab uses Pertex® Shield, a lightweight and highly packable waterproof membrane, in many of their jackets. It’s available in different constructions, including 2.5-layer for lightweight performance:

• • Hydrostatic Head: 20,000mm+

  • Breathability: 20,000g/m²/24h

  • Best For: Trail running, alpine climbing

Why Choose Pertex® Shield?

A favourite of minimalist adventurers, Pertex® Shield is known for its water resistance and breathability. Ideal for fast-and-light activities, this is your go-to ultralight shell.

🛒Rab Men's Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket

Ascentshell: Outdoor Research’s High-Breathability Option

Outdoor Research’s Ascentshell is a highly breathable waterproof membrane designed for aerobic activities. It’s engineered to move moisture away from the body quickly, making it ideal for high-intensity pursuits.

• • Hydrostatic Head: 20,000mm+

  • Breathability: 30,000g/m²/24h

  • Best For: Skiing, climbing, high-output activities

Why Choose Ascentshell?

Ascentshell rivals Futurelight in breathability but is slightly less waterproof. It’s a great choice for sweaty, high-intensity activities.

Which Rain Jacket is Right for You?

• For sweaty, high-output activities? Choose Futurelight, Ascentshell, 2.5-layer Pertex® Shield or Gore-Tex Active.
  Why? These materials offer exceptional breathability (MVTR of 20,000g/m²/24h or higher), making them ideal for activities like trail running, ski touring, and fast-paced hiking where sweat buildup is a concern.
  

• For extreme, wet-weather conditions? Go with Gore-Tex Pro
  Why? These jackets provide the highest level of waterproofing (28,000mm+ hydrostatic head) while still allowing moisture to escape. They’re built for mountaineering, backpacking, and prolonged exposure to harsh elements.
  

• For casual or stationary use? Pick Gore-Tex Paclite Plus, DryVent™ 2L, or H2No®.
  Why? With 20,000mm+ waterproofing, these options give you solid protection against rain while prioritizing comfort, affordability, and packability for everyday use, light hiking, or commuting.
  

• For eco-conscious buyers? H2No® leads the way.
  Why? Patagonia’s H2No® technology is made with recycled materials and free of intentionally-applied PFAS (as of spring 2025), balancing sustainability with strong waterproofing and breathability for moderate outdoor activities.
  
  

Ultimately, your best rainwear depends on where you’re going and how hard you’re pushing yourself. Whether you prioritize breathability, durability, or eco-friendliness, brands like Patagonia, Rab, The North Face, and Outdoor Research offer a range of technologies to keep you dry and comfortable in any weather.

Choose wisely, stay dry, and never let the forecast dictate your adventure!