Rain jackets & rain coats

Shield yourself with reliable rain gear and there’s no such thing as bad weather. MEC carries a range of waterproof jackets that are ultralight for hiking, stormproof for skiing and mountaineering, plus more affordable options for urban settings or travel. Choose from the best outdoor brands including Arc’teryx, Patagonia, The North Face and MEC’s own line of outerwear designed and developed right here in Canada.

Waterproof-breathable materials and construction

Fabrics used in technical jackets are laminated or bonded into multiple layers that stop rain getting in while allowing water vapour to get out – keeping you dry from both inside and out. Lined 2-layer fabrics are less expensive and suit urban styles. Lightweight, packable 2.5-ply fabrics are used for hiking or multi-sport shells, while 3-layer fabrics tend to be heavier, more durable and suited to alpine conditions.

Premium brands frequently provide data from industry-standard tests that measure fabric waterproofness and breathability so you can compare performance. Look for this info in each jacket’s description where you’ll also see a distinction between waterproof and water-resistant. Waterproof layers sold at MEC can be trusted to keep you dry in heavy rain. Water-resistant jackets and windbreakers are fine for short spells of light rain.

Sport-specific features

The location of pockets, the size of the hood and the placement of zippers give you an indication of the activities a jacket is designed for. Deep hoods work great with helmets but need to be adjusted to use comfortably without. A layer of insulation is welcome on a chairlift but might be too hot for ski touring or climbing. Pockets at the hip are great for stashing stuff quickly but are hard to reach if you’re wearing a harness. And to make jackets super-packable and ultralight, pockets and underarm venting zippers are the first things to go. See how to choose a rain jacket.

Sizing and fit

Your rain protection is an outer shell that should fit easily over one or two inner layers. You don’t want it so loose that your warmth escapes, but it should also let you move freely. Learn more about clothing systems in how to layer for outdoor activities. Jackets cut for skiing and climbing are roomy through the shoulders and have articulated shaping in the arms, for using ski poles and swinging ice tools. Cycling jackets are streamlined through the body and have extra length in the arms to accommodate the ride position. MEC technical outerwear comes in a range of sizes including plus sizes for women and men’s XXXL, because empowering more people to get outside is our mission.

Washing and drying waterproof garments

If your rain jacket or raincoat starts to leak or wet out, using a washing machine and dryer can help restore its water-shedding powers. Removing dirt and oil with soap or a technical fabric wash and drying at low to medium heat is recommended for GORE-TEX and most waterproof or durable-water-repellant fabrics but check your garment’s washing label first. For more care tips, read or guide to washing your waterproof jackets and pants.

Finally, learn to extend the useful life of your rain-protective layers in our guide that covers how to repair a torn waterproof jacket or pants.