The Best Rain Jacket in 2021 for hiking and backpacking is the Montbell Versalite. I take it out for an OnTrail Review on a rainy/snow hike!

When it comes to rain jackets, there are a few key features you want to look for.
1: Keeps you dry! Kind of a nobrainer.
2: Secure hood.
3: Adjustable wrist cuffs.
4: Raised pockets. To allow for your backpack's waist strap and access to the pockets.
5: Zippered armpits! My personal favorite. It's like your own personal climate control inside your jacket!
6: Ultralight! (I know, I know, not all people care about this one)

The Montbell Versalite ticks all these boxes and then some! I highly recommend this jacket. It kept me dry in the spring Georgia rain on the Appalachian Trail after days of hiking in the rain.