Embrace spring showers with the best Pfas-free rain jackets for hiking, running and just looking good
Rain jackets have evolved so far that a modern shell at any price point will keep you dry. But like non-stick pans , many of them accomplished this miracle with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, more commonly known as Pfas or "forever chemicals". Now that we understand the harm these chemicals cause in humans and the environment, manufacturers have had to scramble to invent new coatings that perform as well as the tried-and-true.
They've risen to the occasion. Every Pfas-free rain jacket we evaluated will genuinely keep you dry in the rain. The real differentiators come down to comfort, breathability and whether a jacket's design makes sense for how you'll be spending time in the rain.
Some jackets are designed for high-output activities, like running. Others are meant to withstand torrential weather when the conditions turn serious. For this guide, I tested a range of Pfas-free rain jackets across different uses and price points.
The best Pfas-free rain jackets at a glance
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Best Pfas-free rain jacket overall: Peak Performance Trail HIPE 2.5L Shell
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Best budget Pfas-free rain jacket: Backcountry Kanarra 2.5L Rain Jacket
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Best insulated Pfas-free rain jacket: L.L.Bean Primaloft Packaway Jacket
Now $209.99, originally $280 at L.L.Bean
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Best urban Pfas-free rain jacket: Kühl Stretch Voyagr Jacket
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Best running Pfas-free rain jacket: The North Face Summit Series Superior Futurelight Jacket
Why you should trust me
I've tested outdoor gear professionally for nearly 15 years for a number of outlets, including CNN Underscored, Backpacker, REI, GearJunkie and more. In that time, I've literally worn more rain jackets than I can remember, and I've learned what to look for in a jacket, from breathability to fit preferences. I also live outside Aspen, Colorado, and spend a lot of time outside. Whether it's trail running, hiking, biking, skiing or backpacking, I sneak in outdoor movement wherever I can – no matter the weather.
How I tested Pfas-free rain jackets
We tested 14 jackets for this guide, ranging from $80 to $515. I wore every jacket for at least two hours while bopping around the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado. Some came along on runs while others hit the trail for some hiking in wintry conditions. Others joined me on strolls around town.
Since I live in a ski town, we usually see more snow than rain during the winter months, so I supplemented the few rainy days of testing with two indoor tests I devised to simulate the worst conditions.
First came the shower test, where I stood under running water for five minutes to check for leaks or seam issues. Good news: not a single jacket saw a failure during this test. Then came my breathability test, which pushed both me and the jackets to the brink. I rode my Peloton for 10 minutes while wearing each rain jacket, along with a humidity gauge strapped to my sports bra. Bad news: every single jacket hit the max of 99% humidity. I was sweating like a beast, and no number of Gilmore Girls episodes could make me re-live this experience.
Finally, I ran all the rain jackets beneath the bathroom faucet to simulate sustained saturation. Again, no issues. The takeaway is clear: modern rain jackets work, even without Pfas. The differences show up in comfort, features and durability, but rarely out-of-the-box waterproofing.
After testing, all jackets were donated to a local school for its teachers and outdoor education program.
The best Pfas-free rain jackets in the US
Peak Performance Trail HIPE 2.5L Shell Rain Jacket
A Woman in the Backcountry Kanarra 2.5L Rain Jacket
The L.L. Bean Primaloft Packaway Jacket
Model in the Kuhl Stretch Voyagr Jacket.
The North Face Summit Series Superior Futurelight Jacket
The best of the rest
The Páramo Halkon Jacket
Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity 2.0
Mammut Duncan Guide HS Hooded Jacket
The Columbia Hikebound II Jacket
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket
The Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Trench
What other products did the Guardian test?
What you need to know
What are Pfas?
Pfas stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – shorthand for chemicals that have been used for everything from non-stick pan coatings to stain-resistant carpets. They also work extremely well to repel water in jackets, but they've recently been linked to a slew of health concerns since they linger in the environment for thousands of years .
What does Pfas-free mean in rain jackets?
In a rain jacket, Pfas are typically found in the durable waterproof repellant (DWR) finish, which makes water bead up on the surface, and sometimes in waterproof membranes. Pfas-free jackets use different substances to achieve water resistance. Early Pfas-free options sometimes struggled with durability, but newer versions have improved dramatically.
If you're shopping for a more environmentally conscious rain jacket, looking for labels that say "made without intentionally added Pfas" is a good starting point.
How are waterproof rain jackets rated?
Waterproof performance is measured by a "water column" rating, which represents how many millimetres of water can press down on a waterproof fabric before it leaks. A 10,000mm rating is more than enough for everyday rain, commuting and moderate hiking. Meanwhile, a rating of 20,000mm and above is better suited for sustained downpours and extended time outdoors.
Are Pfas-free rain jackets actually waterproof?
Definitely. Pfas-free rain jackets are fully waterproof, and they typically match traditional rain jackets in water column ratings, since those tests reflect the membrane and not the waterproof finish.
The key difference appears less in these ratings, and more in how long the water-repellent finish lasts before needing re-treatment. Pfas-free DWR finishes may require more frequent maintenance, like washing and reapplying a spray-on or wash-in treatment. But in real-world use, most perform great when properly maintained.
How do you care for a Pfas-free rain jacket?
While Pfas-free rain jackets often require more maintenance than traditional shells, it mostly boils down to washing them regularly. Dirt, sweat and body oils clog the fabric and reduce breathability, so regular washing actually helps performance.
Nikwax Hardshell Cleaning & Waterproofing Duo-Pack
$24.10 at Backcountry $24.50 at Amazon
Just beware of conventional detergents and fabric softeners, which can degrade performance. You want to machine wash your jackets in cold water using a technical detergent like Nikwax.
Nikwax Tech Wash
$11.50 at Amazon $11.50 at Backcountry
When you're done, tumble drying on low heat often helps reactivate the DWR finish. If water stops beading on the surface, you can apply a Pfas-free spray-on or wash-in DWR treatment to restore the waterproofing. Again, Nikwax is my top choice.
Nikwax Waterproof Spray
$16.73 at Amazon $16.75 at Nikwax
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Other pieces you might enjoy from the Filter , the Guardian's guide to buying fewer, better things:
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Heather Balogh Rochfort is a freelance journalist, gear tester and professional "let's see if this actually works" skeptic. She has written seven books, rode her bike across the country, climbed 46 of Colorado's 14ers and torn both ACLs backcountry skiing – all in the name of adventure. A former CrossFit coach and lifelong mountain person, she prefers testing rain jackets in actual rain and believes good gear should earn its place the hard way
