Nothing ruins your day like getting caught in the rain without the shield of a trusty waterproof jacket. As travellers, it's not always convenient to halt plans when a downpour strikes – a lightweight rain jacket can make all the difference the next time your afternoon hike or day of museum hopping gets interrupted by an expected shower. The best waterproof jackets for travellers are completely waterproof, windproof, and packable (bonus points if it stashes down into one of its own pockets).
To help narrow your search, we rounded up 15 versatile and durable lightweight waterproof jackets to bring on your next adventure, whether you're anticipating some less-than-perfect weather or want something compact just in case. Keep scrolling for our top lightweight rain jackets to wear this spring and beyond, from trusted brands like Patagonia, Columbia, Lululemon and more. But first, let's answer some commonly asked questions you might be wondering while shopping for your new jacket.
While most rain jackets can be thrown in the washing machine on a gentle setting, always check the brand's website or the jacket's tag for any specific cleaning instructions. If you are machine washing, prevent ripping or damaging the waterproof coating by choosing a delicate cycle and limiting it to a quick wash if possible. Jackets can be heavy, bulky, and take up a lot of precious packing space.
Travellers will benefit from buying a lightweight, packable rain jacket that can be folded up tightly to f.