When it comes to exploring the great outdoors, fair-weather adventures are often preferred. However, as many of us know, Mother Nature doesn’t always play nice. Especially when it’s spring time in the mountains. With so many jacket brands and styles available, it can be confusing to find the best option to turn to when the weather acts up. Based on experience, here are three things to look for in a good piece of waterproof outerwear for hiking:

Is it lightweight?

Is it packable?

IS IT ACTUALLY GOING TO KEEP ME DRY???

One additional point is simply, is it affordable. You can find yourself spending a pretty penny on high-end waterproof jackets to meet all these requirements, but is it really necessary to shell out for a simple shell? For a great, simple rain-jacket that offers all the essentials, the White Sierra  Trabagon Rain Shell fits the bill across the board–and it won’t break your bank. Depending on size, color, and availability, some of these jackets run in a range of $22-$55, and a few even drop below $20 depending on those variables. There are also kid’s shells, so the whole family can be prepared for the next adventure with unexpected weather.

Here’s a few of the key features:

Women’s Trabagon Rain Shell

4.2 Stars, 210 Reviews

“This is perfect for what i needed. Just moved to Hong Kong and its hot, but there is heavy rain at school drop off/pick up. This jacket is light, has mesh air pocket and under the back for good airflow and if you don’t want to zip up there are a series of velcro strips to just do up a little or a lot and still let air through. Theres a great color selection but i chose the lavender which is really nice. This is an excellent quality lightweight rain jacket that i would recommend! I am a size 6-8 and the small fits perfectly.”

Men’s Trabagon Rain Shell

4.1 Stars, 175 Reviews

“Perfect rain jacket for warm weather. We hiked the rain forest in Puerto Rico and brought these along, as they zip into their own pockets and are very light. Sure enough, it started to rain and these kept us dry without overheating. They are similar in feel to those cheap ponchos you can buy anywhere, but the construction feels solid and they look much nicer. I am 5’9, 155 lbs, usually wear small to medium shirts and jackets. I had to return the medium because it was too baggy. The small fits perfectly and the sage green color looks nice. The hood is great too.”

Youth Trabagon Rain Shell

4.2 Stars,95 Reviews

“This jacket is fabulous and has so many nice features. We decided to buy it ‘just in case’ it rained on our vacation. Well it poured the first day and our youngest had the best protection out of all of us! He is 5 yrs. old, 40 lbs., 44 in. tall and this fit perfect with some room to grow. It has zippered outside pockets, 2 inside mesh pockets, a loop to hang it, adjustable wrists, and the back has mesh underneath the flap to breathe. Definitely worth the price! I recommend a bright color so you can always easily spot your kid in bad weather!”

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