Buy It For Life
Raincoats

Clothing

Buy it for life: the most durable raincoats,
according to r/BuyItForLife on Reddit —
recommended by people who have owned them for years. How we pick.
Do you know of an item that should be on this list? Let us know!

Patagonia Torrentshell

Lightweight waterproof shell with pit zips, strong warranty, and reliable storm performance.

Mentioned 8 times in the threads we read

• Truly waterproof in downpours
• Pit zips help ventilation
• Excellent patagonia warranty

Patagonia Torrentshell, my partner and I both have one plus the rain pants. Even in downpours we’ve stayed dry.
– kattheuntamedshrew

So far it’s my favorite rain jacket of all time!! So lightweight, the pit zips are so helpful, and it can fold down into its pocket!
– heyoheatheragain

I have this raincoat too, and it’s truly waterproof.
– BoomerOrNot

Marmot PreCip

Affordable, packable rain shell frequently praised, though long-term delamination concerns appear repeatedly.

Mentioned 6 times in the threads we read

• Affordable
• Packs small for backpacking
• Strong warranty support

Marmot Precip is an affordable high-featured shell
– WereRobert

Seconding the Marmot. I've had mine for years, it's help up with pretty frequent usage.
– jblah

I appreciate that Marmot was easy to deal with and all
– Daxos157

Arc'teryx Beta AR

High-end Gore-Tex shell with pit zips and strong weather protection for backcountry use.

Mentioned 3 times in the threads we read

• Very waterproof
• Pit zips and hood
• Good for backcountry conditions

I have an Arc’teryx Beta AR, and it’s been 100% waterproof since 2014.
– unknown

Arc’teryx Beta AR is a great investment. Pit zips, hood, gore tex.
– unknown

I picked up a beta SV for around 330 and it's my favorite shell.
– nosleepz2nite

Helly Hansen Moss

PU-coated waterproof raincoat line offering true rain protection at a relatively low price.

Mentioned 3 times in the threads we read

• Truly waterproof
• Durable for heavy rain use
• Good value price

Helly Hansen are the best. Commercial mariner for over 25 years. My HH jackets last decades.
– SanFransicko

Helly Hansen make them for as cheap as $60 with their Moss line.
– Brutto13

I love my Helly Hanson PU rain jacket
– Quail-a-lot

Outdoor Research rain shell

Seattle-made technical rain shell with lifetime guarantee and strong outdoor performance reputation.

Mentioned 5 times in the threads we read

• Lifetime guarantee
• 100% waterproof
• Packs down small

My OR rain shell is great--and guaranteed for life. (Or at least it was when I bought it.) 100% waterproof and packs down to almost nothing.
– Ben_Towle

I have OR ski, puffy, and rain jackets. Seriously fantastic products for a bit more extreme backcountry conditions compared to your standard outerwear.
– Ass4Eyes

I work in the mountains OR is where I spend my money
– bchelidriver

Barbour waxed jacket

Classic rewaxable raincoat with exceptional longevity, though heavier and less suitable for summer.

Mentioned 4 times in the threads we read

• Very long lasting
• Rewaxable and repairable
• Good waterproofing when maintained

Barbour waxed jackets are quite waterproof if you keep them waxed.
– sneaky518

I have one that is 30 years old, and my dad's is probably 60 years old.
– sneaky518

Yep. I’ve got a Barbour that will outlive me.
– veepeedeepee

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