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As those of us who love the outdoors know only too well, wherever you go in the US, you're not immune to the odd downpour.
That means that it’s always best to pack your sustainable waterproof jackets whenever you're out and about.
Until recently, the only options available when shopping for a new raincoat were non-sustainable materials (virgin polyester and nylon, for example) covered in a chemical coating.
Thankfully, as more and more consumers become aware of the environmental impact of their clothing choices, more trendy sustainable clothing brands are coming to market. Over the last year, I've been privileged to test them all.
So let's jump straight into the list of my favorite eco-friendly rain jackets that help you look great and stay dry, without harming the planet.
✔ Exceptional 3 Layer Performance
✔ Certified BLUESIGN Approved
✔ Options for the Whole Family
Materials: H2No® Performance Standard shell: 3-layer, 3.3-oz 50-denier ECONYL® 100% recycled nylon ripstop face, polycarbonate PU membrane with 13% biobased content, tricot backer, DWR (durable water repellent)
They Say: Simple and unpretentious, our trusted Torrentshell 3L Jacket uses 3-layer H2No® Performance Standard technology for exceptional waterproof/breathable performance, all-day comfort, and long-lasting waterproof durability. Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
We Say: Mrs. M and I swear by Torrentshell from Patagonia.
We’ve been caught in many a flash downpour when hiking in our Torrentshells, and never has a single drop made its way through to our clothes.
This product is available in multiple colors (I own the two-tone ‘Current Blue’) and sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL).
Mrs. M owns the crisp and classy ‘Birch White’ women’s version.
The design of the handwarmer pockets and micro-fleece lined neck keep you nice and cozy, without adding too much bulk.
This is thanks to Patagonia’s incredibly waterproof H2No® material combined with sustainable ECONYL®.
Patagonia is a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and the fabrics used in this jacket are BLUESIGN approved.
They’re also a B Corp certified company and 1% For The Planet members.
These are excellent jackets made with eco-friendly materials by a reputable and ethical company.
Yes, it’s not the cheapest of the sustainable rain jackets I tested, or even one of the cheapest on the market. But it’s nowhere near the most expensive either. It is, however, most definitely one of the best!
It’ll keep you bone dry for years (if not decades) to come. Worth every cent!
Patagonia has the rest of the family covered with options available for girls, boys, and babies. The product usually ships in 1-2 business days, so if you have an outdoor activity planned and need new raincoats in a hurry, there's a good chance they'll arrive on time!
✔ Sustainable Recycled Nylon
✔ Lightweight
✔ Long Lasting
Materials: 91% recycled nylon, 9% spandex, DWR.
They Say: Kelly's signature collection continues to evolve with new travel-ready styles. Sustainably engineered for ultimate comfort and versatility wherever your journey takes you. Durable 4-way stretch fabric with a water-repellent finish so you're set in any conditions. Complete with a packable hood and plenty of pockets, including one on the inside. Smooth taped seams plus laser-cut vents for breathability.
We Say: Outerknown is a clothing brand co-founded by pro-surfer Kelly Slater. It mixes casual beach styles with practicality, sustainability, and transparency.
The Apex jacket, carrying Kelly’s name, is available in three colors (Marin, Khaki, Black) and five sizes (S, M, L, XL, XXL).
These jackets are made from recycled nylon and are stitched together in a Fair Trade Certified factory. Ensuring that all workers are paid a fair wage and work in safe conditions.
Despite the clear commitment to sustainability, I still can’t quite see why this jacket costs almost 300 bucks!
But, saying that, it’s a dream to wear.
The jackets feel lightweight yet warming, and their water-repelling capabilities are unbelievable! I have a feeling you could go swimming in this bad boy and stay dry! ????
An uncool father of two like me probably wouldn’t pay the premium for a Kelly Slater branded jacket.
However, if this brand is one of your ‘go-tos’, and you can afford the price, then this jacket is worth consideration.
It’s well made and could potentially last you a lifetime.
✔ Recycled Polyester
✔ Fluorocarbon-Free
✔ Deep-Venting Pit Zips
Materials: Recycled 50-denier polyester, 2.5-layer Pertex Shield recycled polyester membrane
They Say: The trail, the weather and your hiking pace are all subject to change. The Rab Downpour Eco jacket adjusts to adapt to whatever comes your way—plus, it has eco-oriented chops you can feel good about.
We Say: I love shopping at Rei. They sell a vast array of kit for a variety of outdoor activities. In the past, I’ve used/recommended them for electric bike accessories, vegan swimwear, and even air mattresses.
When I was prepping for this article, I had a feeling Rei would have a good range of waterproof jackets. I was right!
The Rab Downpour Men’s Eco Jacket is an excellent example of quality water-resistant outdoor clothing made with sustainable materials.
The recycled polyester used in the construction of this jacket makes it environmentally friendly, while the 2.5-layer Pertex Shield recycled polyester membrane provides waterproof and breathable protection.
Not only is this jacket made from recycled materials but due to its mono-polymer construction, You can fully recycle it once it reaches the end of its usable life.
The fluorocarbon-free durable water repellent (DWR) helps to shed moisture, and the front and back adjustable hood is a lovely fit…and fantastic at keeping the rain out!
The pit zips provide plenty of ventilation for sweaty hikes, and the entire jacket stuffs into a hand pocket for easy transport.
The regular fit provided a comfortable and flattering fit. Even for my dadbod!
The Rab Downpour Men’s Jacket should definitely be considered by anyone looking for an environmentally friendly rain jacket that doesn't sacrifice quality or performance…or harm the environment!
✔ Super-Lightweight
✔ Recycled Materials
✔ Ten Trees Planted for Every Order
Materials: Shell: Bluesign certified non-PFC, Insulation: 100% recycled polyester.
They Say: Keep out the chill with this wind-resistant layering piece. From its elastic cuffs and adjustable hood to its recycled polyester lining and shell, everything about The Cloud Shell Jacket is performance-tested and planet-friendly.
We Say: Ok, so these jackets are, strictly speaking, more windproof than waterproof.
I’ve included it because it does still keep you dry during light showers and is super lightweight and packs down to barely anything.
This jacket is also great for layering with other outer garments.
It’s available in two colors (Jet Black, Fig) and five sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL).
A men’s version is also available here.
If you need fully waterproof jackets, Tentree also has you covered with their popular Nimbus Rain Jacket for men and women.
The Cloud Shell is a Bluesign product and the company is also B Corp and Climate Natural certified, and every item of apparel sold comes with a code for you to plant ten trees.
✔ BLUESIGN Approved
✔ Adjustable Hood
✔ Fluorocarbon-Free
Materials: Polyester, fluorocarbon-free EC0-DWR treatment
They Say: Fully seam taped, and completely waterproof, windproof, and breathable, the women's Royal Robbins Mobile trench coat has a quiet, canvaslike feel and subtle plaid that give it a fun yet classic style.
We Say: At the behest of Mrs. M, I was tasked with including “an elegant and sustainable raincoat option for afternoon fizz with the girls on a drizzly midweek afternoon”.
Quite a specific request, I admit!
And, looking back at the review process, I suspect I was duped into testing a bunch of trench coats so she could keep her favorite!
On the subject of favorites, though, the Royal Robbins Mobile Waterproof Women's Trench Coat was streets ahead of the rest in Mrs. M’s eyes.
This is now her non-hiking sustainable rain jacket of choice for spring and fall. Perfect for commuting to work in the rain or afternoon fizz with the girls on a drizzly midweek afternoon…NAILED IT! ????
It never fails to keep her dry, and she loves that it folds down pretty compactly and will fit easily in a tote bag when the rain clears up.
The primary material is polyester, which is not ideal. However, the fact that it meets the BLUESIGN criteria means I’m happy with the level of style/eco trade-off.
✔ Fabric Rescued from Landfills
✔ Packs Down into Internal Pocket
✔ Great Value
Materials: 100% remnant fabric.
They Say: Made from 100% remnant fabric that might have otherwise gone to our landfills, this weather-resistant jacket is made from repurposed polyester taffeta with a DWR finish. It has elastic bindings at the hood, cuffs, and hem, plus a back panel vent and a front kangaroo pocket with flap. Plus, it's super lightweight and easily packs down into an internal pocket!
We Say: This lightweight windbreaker from Cotopaxi is excellent value for money.
It’ll keep you dry in light showers and packs down to pretty much nothing.
Great for a warm but drizzly day (where you keep having to put a jacket on and off all day) or a day at a theme park (to keep you dry on water rides).
I love that Cotopaxi, a B Corp certified company, uses remnant fabric to make these eco-friendly raincoats.
This is a fantastic way to reduce waste by utilizing resources that would otherwise have been thrown away.
Using recycled materials is a good thing for the planet. Using up textile waste before it’s recycled or trashed is even better.
Want to find out more about what these sustainable rain jackets are made from? We’ve already covered the topic of fabric sustainability in detail in the articles listed below.
A durable water repellent (DWR) coating is applied to rain jackets to boost the waterproof properties of the natural fabric.
Two main chemicals are used, PTFE and PFC.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a thermoplastic polymer.
Unless heated to over 300°C, it’s considered a stable and non-dangerous material.
PFCs (per- and poly-fluorinated chemicals) are artificial and should be avoided wherever possible.
PFCs often leach into the waterways during manufacturing or when waterproof clothing is washed.
This has led to PFCs being found in glaciers.
Has your old rain jacket lost its mojo when it comes to keeping the rain out?
Before you ditch it, consider these three steps to try and bring it back to life:
If the steps above fail, it might be time to recoat your jacket with a PFC-free DWR.
While waterproof jackets are designed to prevent water from penetrating through the material, they are not always 100% waterproof. Most jackets are made with a water-resistant membrane or coating that prevents moisture from seeping in, but intense downpours or submersion in water for prolonged periods of time can cause some leakage.
It is important to look for jackets with high waterproof ratings and to properly maintain them by washing and reapplying waterproofing treatments as needed.
This depends on the component materials used to make the jackets. If in doubt, check the label or contact the manufacturer. If the jacket is still in good condition, maybe consider donating it rather than recycling it.
Organic cotton is undoubtedly one of the most eco-friendly and breathable fabrics. However, when I think of waterproof fabrics, I don't immediately think of organic cotton. I’ve not yet come across a manufacturer or brand coating organic cotton products with DWR, but I’ll keep my eyes peeled.
When shopping for a new waterproof jacket, you should be looking for eco-friendly materials (such as recycled waste plastics or vegan and deadstock materials) made by a reputable company, using ethical practices.
It also needs to keep you dry…obvs!
All of the options mentioned in this article meet that brief beautifully.
Where do you buy your sustainable fashion and eco-friendly rain jackets? Have I missed someone doing good for the planet and turning recycled materials into kick-ass rain jackets? Drop me a line and let me know.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
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