Updated: April 29, 2024
If you’re looking for the best rain jacket for the Oregon Coast or the Pacific Northwest, there are so many options and factors to consider it’s overwhelming. We’ve condensed it down to these important key points to help you choose the right raincoat for your needs.
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Waterproof vs Water-Resistant Jackets
Do I Need a Waterproof Jacket in Oregon?
For the Oregon Coast, we would recommend a waterproof jacket unless you will only be here for a short time in July or August. Even then, it’s not a bad idea to bring a lightweight rain jacket just in case.
Waterproof means the material is designed to seal water out. A quality waterproof jacket offers a high level of protection against moisture and is typically suitable for use in heavy rain or prolonged wet conditions. Look for features like sealed seams and waterproof zipper flaps.
Can You Wear a Water-resistant Jacket in the Rain?
Water-resistant materials are designed to repel water to some extent, but they do not entirely keep it out. Eventually, water will seep through and you will get wet. Water-resistant jackets aren’t really practical in Oregon unless you don’t plan on being outside for very long.
Insulated vs Non-Insulated Jackets
Do I Need an Insulated Rain Jacket in Oregon?
Insulated jackets are typically filled with goose down or polyester fill and have puffy, warm inner linings. When combined with a waterproof exterior, a weatherproof insulated coat will both keep you dry and protect from cold temperatures. These are nice to have in early spring, late fall and especially winter at the Oregon Coast. You’ll still need a waterproof layer on the outside to stay dry though, especially for goose down which can not get wet.
Partially insulated jackets may only have a warm lining in the torso area and have no insulation in the arms, so be sure to check if the whole jacket is lined.
Combination or 3-in-1 jackets are really just 2 separate pieces. You can wear the inner warm layer by itself, the outer layer by itself, or both zipped together.
Non-insulated jackets or shells are unlined and unfilled and are usually less expensive than insulated jackets. You can wear a non-insulated, waterproof jacket in winter as long as you layer up well underneath for warmth. This is often preferred to wearing a big, bulky one-piece coat as you can peel off layers to suit your level of comfort.
Layering starts with a moisture-wicking base layer to which you can add a sweater or warm fleece if you need more warmth. For the outer layer, a lightweight, waterproof rain shell can be easily removed if it stops raining.
Jacket Fit and Sizing
Get a proper size that is roomy enough for layering underneath but not too loose. Check your measurements against size charts if you’re buying online. You may want a longer jacket for more coverage during extreme weather or a shorter jacket for flexibility during outdoor work or activities.
It’s windy at the Oregon Coast, so look for hoods that cinch around your head or Velcro closures around the collar to help keep the wind out. Drawstrings around the bottom hem, waist and wrists are also nice features to have, especially on windy beaches.
Jacket Weight
A light weight packable rain jacket is good for backpacking, hiking, cycling or any outdoor activity where you will be moving a lot and generating heat. Packable jackets can be stuffed into their own compact, tidy pouch and carried in a small bag or backpack.
Insulated jackets are bulkier and take up a lot of room in your luggage. They usually do not compact very easily, so if you want to travel light and save space, choose a lightweight, packable jacket and add layers underneath to stay warm.
Rain Jacket Breathability
For the best breathability, look for lightweight rain jackets with moisture-wicking, quick-dry, synthetic waterproof materials such as Gore-Tex, eVent, OutDry, DryVent, etc. These fabrics will keep water out while keeping you dry on the inside. Some jackets also have side zip vents for added breathability.
Heavy, old-school, non-breathable rain slickers are cheap and good for keeping water out for short outdoor tasks, but they’ll also trap moisture inside and probably leave you feeling cold and clammy.
Rain Jacket Prices and Reputable Brands
The North Face
Above $100. Top-tier brands like The North Face often have the latest waterproofing fabric technologies but will also cost more. It may be worth investing in a higher-end jacket if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors in a cold climate, especially in winter.
Columbia
$50-100. We’ve had our mid-range Columbia rain jackets for many years and they are still keeping us dry for day-to-day casual use year-round in Oregon.
Marmot
Marmot also makes some good mid-range waterproof rain jackets that are highly rated among outdoor enthusiasts.
Carhartt
Good quality workwear like Carhartt is also a common choice amongst Oregon locals.
⚠ Beware of low-end jackets that may leak, lose their waterproof coating and the fabric may not be as breathable or comfortable to wear.
🐕🦺 Also, don’t forget about a raincoat for your dog!
If you plan on winter whale watching, storm watching, hiking, bird watching or any prolonged outdoor activity in the rainy season, a quality waterproof rain jacket is really essential for Oregon and the Pacific Northwest region in general.
We hope this guide to the best waterproof rain jackets for the Oregon Coast helps you figure out how to sift through the options and choose the right raincoat to suit your needs. Stay dry out there!
You may also be interested in:
🥾 The Best Waterproof Shoes and Boots for the Pacific Northwest
❄ Winter Travel Packing Guide for cold-weather destinations
⛅ The best time of year to travel to the Oregon Coast and what kind of weather to expect in each season
