7 Packable Men’s Rain Jackets That Take Up Next to No Space

The Mountain Hardwear brand has been producing gear for outdoorsmen for almost 30 years, partnering with noteworthy mountaineers like Ed Viesturs to develop outerwear that truly meets the needs of the adventurous. That's still true today, which is why the Ghost Whisperer 2 is our best overall pick.

Not only does it have a sleek, stylish design that makes it as perfect for a night on the town as a day on the trail, but its 800-fill insulation is made up of 90% goose down and 10% goose feathers, all of which are ethically sourced by Allied Feather & Down. In terms of packing, it folds neatly into its own right pocket and sports a carabiner clip for easy carry.

If you’re an outdoorsman who lives by that Chief Seattle credo “Leave only footprints, take only memories,” this environmentally conscious attitude likely carries over to the type of items you pack.

If so, turn to the Fjallraven Expedition X-Latt. Not only is the insulation in this jacket synthetic, but its fabric and lining are both made from recycled polyamide. As for storage, this jacket sports two zippered side pockets, as well as an interior pocket that the jacket itself can fold into.

If you're looking for a packable jacket that will fit any budget, Amazon has the answer. Their Amazon Essentials line creates an affordable alternative to name-brand items, including typically pricey outerwear.

This functional, packable jacket is made from 100% nylon with a 100% polyester fill, and is even machine-washable. It may not provide the same level of warmth as some of the other jackets on this list, but as a packable jacket that anyone can afford, it certainly gets the job done.

This North Face jacket features a unique synthetic insulation called their trademarked Eco Thermoball. Along with being made entirely from post-consumer recycled materials, this 600-fill insulation is notable for being able to retain heat just as well when wet. This is the opposite of goose down, which often loses insulation power when wet.

This jacket features two side pockets, and can be folded into the left — as well as an interior — pocket.

One downside to many of the jackets on this list is that while they're perfect for the great outdoors, wearing them on an errand run will have you looking like you just hiked the Great Western Loop on your way to the local pharmacy.

That's why Filson's Swiftwater jacket is perfect for everyday activity. It's casual enough to wear on a trip to the store, but still durable and water-resistant enough for the roughest trails that lay ahead.

If you have any prior experience with outerwear, you've likely heard about Gore-Tex jackets, the water-repellant fabric that's been a godsend for hikers for the more than 50 years since its invention.

Made of stretched polytetrafluoroethylene (more commonly known as Teflon), Gore-Tex changed the outerwear game by creating a breathable, all-weather jacket that repelled external liquids while allowing sweat vapors to escape, therefore keeping the wearer fully dry.

While Gore-Tex jackets can often be pricey, REI has incorporated Gore-Tex into their own Co-op brand jacket to create an affordable option for the average customer.

Featuring a two-point adjustable hood and Gore-Tex protected chest-pocket big enough to store your phone or wallet, this is a relatively inexpensive option for an all-weather, water repellent jacket that's still light enough to easily pack.

As a lightweight shell, this Patagonia jacket offers nothing in the way of insulation like some other entries on this list. But for runners seeking a compact form of rain protection they can easily carry — either by its carabiner or even tucked in their back pocket — this compact jacket is the way to go.

Featuring a durable water repellent coating, this featherweight windbreaker is built to withstand abrasion and protect against the harsh weather that runners typically encounter. It packs neatly into its own chest pocket.