Shop All Rain Jackets by Carhartt | Helly Hansen | The North Face

Why Masterman's Rain Jackets

Top Brands, Every Weight Class

From the legendary Carhartt Rain Defender jacket to Helly Hansen's Helly Tech® waterproof shells and The North Face technical outerwear, every jacket in this category is sourced from brands that have earned their reputation on real worksites and real trails across New England and beyond.

Built for All Seasons

Lightweight styles pack down for warm-season use and active outdoor work. Mediumweight jackets bridge the gap during unpredictable spring and fall weather. Heavyweight and insulated options deliver full cold-and-wet coverage for crews working through winter conditions without slowing down.

Custom Branded for Your Crew

Masterman's in-house screen printing and embroidery services cover select rain jackets for construction firms, municipalities, facilities teams, and corporate crews. Professional logo placement, fast turnaround, and shipped directly from Auburn, MA.

Choosing the Right Rain Jacket: Lightweight vs. Mediumweight vs. Heavyweight

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a rain jacket used for?

A rain jacket is a waterproof or water-resistant outer layer designed to protect the wearer from rain, wind, and wet conditions during work or outdoor activity. Unlike a raincoat, a rain jacket is hip-length and built for mobility, making it ideal for active work, hiking, construction, and agricultural settings. Masterman's carries options from Carhartt, Helly Hansen, The North Face, and Tingley across all weight classes.

2. What is the difference between a rain jacket and a raincoat?

A rain jacket is shorter and hip-length, designed for active movement and mobility in wet conditions. A raincoat is typically longer in length, providing extended torso and thigh coverage for stationary or slow-movement work. For workers who need to move freely in the rain, a jacket is the better choice; for sustained exposure in place, a raincoat covers more ground.

3. How do I choose a rain jacket?

Start with your climate and application. Choose a lightweight rain jacket for mild, intermittent rain in warm seasons; select a mediumweight option for shoulder-season New England weather; and opt for a heavyweight insulated style for cold, sustained wet conditions. Also consider waterproof rating, breathability, hood adjustability, and whether ANSI high-visibility compliance is required for your worksite.

4. Are rain jackets effective in heavy rain?

Fully waterproof rain jackets with sealed seams, such as those from Helly Hansen and The North Face, perform reliably in heavy rain for extended periods. Water-resistant jackets with a DWR finish handle light-to-moderate rain but will eventually saturate in prolonged downpours. Always check the waterproof rating and seam construction before selecting a jacket for heavy-rain environments.

5. What materials are rain jackets made from?

Rain jackets are most commonly made from nylon or polyester with a waterproof or water-resistant coating applied to the outer fabric surface. Higher-performance options use bonded membrane technology for both waterproofing and breathability. Carhartt Rain Defender styles use a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish; Helly Hansen uses proprietary Helly Tech waterproof technology across their work and outdoor jacket lines.

6. Do rain jackets keep you warm?

Standard lightweight and mediumweight rain jackets are designed primarily for wet weather protection and provide limited insulation on their own. Heavyweight and insulated styles, including lined Carhartt options, add thermal protection for cold and wet conditions. For colder New England seasons, layering a fleece midlayer under a waterproof shell is the most effective approach to staying both dry and warm.

7. What features should I look for in a rain jacket?

Key features to evaluate include waterproof vs. water-resistant rating, seam sealing, hood type, breathability for active use, pocket placement and zip security, and cuff and hem adjustability. For work applications, also consider compatibility with safety vests, ANSI compliance availability, and outer fabric durability for rough environments.

8. Can rain jackets be used in winter?

Yes. Heavyweight and insulated rain jackets provide both waterproofing and thermal protection for cold, wet winter conditions. Mediumweight shells layer effectively over fleece or insulated midlayers for extended winter use. Masterman's carries Carhartt and Helly Hansen styles suited for New England winters, and the Fall and Winter Essentials collection covers additional cold-weather workwear options.

9. Which brands of rain jackets does Masterman's carry?

Masterman's carries waterproof rain jackets from Carhartt, Helly Hansen, The North Face, and Tingley, spanning lightweight, mediumweight, and heavyweight constructions in a full range of sizes and colors for both men and women.

10. When do I need a hi-vis rain jacket instead of a standard rain jacket?

A hi-vis rain jacket is required when workers are near vehicular traffic, in road construction zones, or in any environment where ANSI Class 2 or Class 3 compliance is mandated. Standard rain jackets from Carhartt, Helly Hansen, and The North Face do not meet ANSI visibility standards. Visit Masterman's hi-vis rain gear category for fully compliant options, or call 800-525-3313 for expert guidance.