As we transition into fall, the need for a rain jacket that can handle the elements will become a growing need for everyone. There are a ton of options, and determining which brand to go with can consume an entire day of shopping.

I recently purchased a Columbia rain jacket, and I love it. I am a bit biased when it comes to Columbia gear, but nonetheless, here are three jackets you should consider to keep you dry when the next storm comes to town.

Columbia Men’s Watertight II Jacket

This jacket is listed on Amazon as a No. 1 bestseller. Columbia is a well-known brand in outdoor apparel. They have become my go-to brand when it comes to outdoor wear. This jacket is made with two main materials: the shell is 100 percent nylon and the lining is 100 percent polyester. It is a front zip jacket with two side pockets at hip height. And it has a hood, which is a necessity for some, many jackets do not have one. The price varies depending on what size you need, but generally, this jacket will run you $79.99 on Amazon.

Marmot Minimalist’s Waterproof Jacket

Marmot is not a brand I am deeply familiar with. However, this jacket has four and a half stars on Amazon. It is a little bit more expensive than the previous Columbia jacket, running you closer to $100, but as you get up into the larger sizes, the price jumps to nearly $200. It comes with a lot of nice features, such as taped seams to ensure weatherproofing. It also has zippers in the armpit area so that you can regulate more effectively the temperature when it’s fully zipped up. And lastly, it has a chest pocket along with two pockets for your hands.

Columbia Men’s Glennaker Lake Rain Jacket

This jacket does not provide waterproof capability, but rather its is water resistant. The difference is important, for you need to pay attention to this little detail. A water-repellent jacket can repel light rain but offers the lowest rain protection. Waterproof jackets offer the highest rain protection, which is what you’re after.

Still, if you don’t expect that you will be in a heavy storm, this jacket will do you just fine. It currently has four and a half stars on Amazon and costs $39.99. It has adjustable cuffs, a hideaway hood, and a front zipper. Just make sure before buying that you understand that this jacket won’t keep you 100 percent dry if you find yourself in a storm for an extended period of time.

Final thoughts

I spent an entire Saturday shopping, and if you are like me, you know that there are far better things to do with your weekend than to be going in and out of stores. I am the kind of person that typically doesn’t enter a shop without knowing what I want. That is because I want to be in and out without any hassle. However, sometimes you have to suck it up if you aren’t sure what you are looking for.  Hopefully, with this shorthand list, I have made your shopping adventure for a rain jacket shorter and more fruitful.