Men's Rain Jackets
Men's rain jackets and waterproof shells built to handle New Zealand's wet, changeable weather, from lightweight packable layers for the pack to burly hardshells for the tops. Our range covers the brands that take waterproofing seriously, Patagonia, The North Face, Arc'teryx, Simms and Columbia, with jackets for tramping, fishing, commuting and everyday downpours.
The real decision is how much protection you need against how much you want to carry. A jacket's waterproofing is measured in millimetres (mm): the higher the rating, the more pressure it holds out before it leaks, and taped or welded seams stop water sneaking through the stitching. For serious hill and alpine use look for a high waterproof rating, fully taped seams and a proper adjustable hood; for town and lighter days a lower rating saves weight and packs down smaller. Balance waterproofing against breathability so you do not end up wet from sweat on the climb, and remember a shell has no warmth of its own, so layer a fleece or down jacket underneath when it is cold.
Want to check the fit with your layers on, or feel the difference between a light shell and a heavy-duty one? Visit our Grey Lynn concept store for a hands on look and honest advice, or order online for fast, tracked delivery right across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about men's rain jackets
What waterproof rating (mm) do I actually need in New Zealand?
It depends on how long you will be out and how hard it rains. The mm rating measures how much water pressure the fabric holds out before it leaks. For everyday showers and town use, 5,000mm to 10,000mm is plenty. For tramping, hunting and long days in real New Zealand weather, look for 10,000mm to 20,000mm, and for alpine or sustained heavy rain, 20,000mm and up. Higher ratings usually cost more and are built tougher, so match the jacket to how exposed you will actually be rather than buying more than you need.
What is the difference between waterproof and water resistant?
Water resistant means the fabric shrugs off light rain and mist for a while but will eventually soak through in a real downpour, which is fine for a quick dash or a windbreaker. Waterproof means the jacket is built to keep sustained rain out, usually with a rated membrane, taped seams and often a hood, so you stay dry through steady rain. If wet weather is the whole reason you are buying the jacket, choose waterproof rather than water resistant.
What do taped or welded seams do, and do I need them?
Every stitched seam is a line of tiny needle holes that water can get through, so waterproof jackets seal them with tape or welding on the inside. Fully taped seams mean every seam is sealed, which is what you want for serious rain. Critically taped means only the most exposed seams are done, which saves weight and cost on lighter jackets. For a jacket you are relying on to keep you dry in the hills, fully taped seams are worth it.
What is Gore-Tex, and is it worth it?
Gore-Tex is a waterproof, breathable membrane used by many top brands. It blocks rain from getting in while letting sweat vapour escape, which is the balance that keeps you comfortable when you are working hard. It is proven, durable and well worth it for demanding use, though there are other excellent proprietary membranes too. If you spend long days outdoors in the wet, a quality membrane like Gore-Tex earns its keep; for occasional light use a simpler waterproof coating may be all you need.
Why does my rain jacket wet out, and how do I fix it?
The outer fabric of a waterproof jacket has a water-repellent finish (DWR) that makes rain bead up and roll off. Over time, dirt, body oils and wear wear that finish down, so the face fabric soaks up water and looks like it is leaking, even though the membrane underneath is still working. To fix it, wash the jacket with a technical wash, then reactivate the finish with warm heat from a tumble dryer or a cool iron through a cloth, and re-proof it with a spray or wash-in product when needed.
What is the difference between a 2-layer and a 3-layer shell?
It refers to how the waterproof jacket is built. A 2-layer shell bonds the membrane to the outer fabric and hangs a separate liner inside, which is comfortable and good value for everyday and travel use. A 3-layer shell sandwiches the membrane between the outer fabric and an inner layer in one piece, making it lighter, tougher and more packable, which is why it is favoured for serious tramping and alpine use. 3-layer generally costs more but lasts and performs better under load.
How do I stay dry from sweat as well as rain?
Staying dry is as much about breathability and layering as waterproofing. Choose a jacket with a breathable membrane, use pit zips or vents if it has them, and do not over-dress underneath. A moisture-wicking base layer moves sweat off your skin, and adjusting your layers before you overheat makes a big difference. On hard climbs even the best jacket cannot vent everything, so slow down or open up rather than sealing yourself in.
Can a rain jacket pack down small enough for hiking?
Yes, many are designed exactly for that. Lightweight 2.5-layer and 3-layer shells fold into their own pocket or a stuff sack and weigh only a few hundred grams, so they live in the top of your pack until the weather turns. If pack space and weight are priorities, look for a jacket described as packable or lightweight, and accept that the very lightest shells trade some durability for that low weight.