DeWalt Waterproof Lightweight Packable Raincoat - Unisex 2XL

I threw this DeWalt rain jacket in my truck for a month of shoulder-season site visits to see if a lightweight, packable shell could replace the bulkier rain gear I normally carry. It ended up becoming the thing I grabbed most often—especially on those days when the forecast can’t make up its mind. It’s not a do-everything shell, but it nails the basics: keep wind and water out, pack down small, and stay visible enough to be noticed around equipment.

Build and materials

The shell is a ripstop polyester with a waterproof coating, backed by a mesh liner. Taped seams run throughout, and the main zipper is covered by a hook-and-loop storm flap with a bottom snap. That combination matters: in cheaper shells, water often creeps through the zipper or seam lines first. Here, the seam taping and flap create a clean barrier that didn’t weep on me.

A few thoughtful touches stand out:
- An adjustable hem with a pull toggle lets you seal out drafts.
- Hook-and-loop cuffs are wide and easy to cinch, even with gloves.
- The hood has a high neck and extended visor, plus a tab at the back to help manage coverage.
- Underarm vents add a path for air without inviting rain in.
- Two front zippered pockets provide basic storage.

The reflective elements are segmented heat-transfer strips—including on the hood—so they flex with the fabric instead of cracking.

Waterproofing and wind protection

Across several wet mornings—steady drizzle, gusty wind, on-and-off showers—I stayed dry. The storm flap did its job, and I didn’t see water bead up and work through the zipper, which is a common failure point. Taped seams held up; no damp lines along the shoulders or the back yoke. The ripstop face sheds water readily when clean; when it picks up dust and grime, a quick wipe restores beading.

Wind blocking is solid for a lightweight shell. The high collar and visor help keep wind-driven rain off my face, and the hem toggle keeps gusts from ballooning the jacket. It’s not insulated, but paired with a mid-layer hoodie it handled cold rain without issue.

Breathability and comfort

This is a coated polyester shell, not a high-end membrane. That’s important—coated fabrics resist water getting in but don’t breathe as well as true membranes. DeWalt mitigates that with underarm vents and a full mesh liner. The mesh keeps the fabric off your skin so you don’t get that clammy plastic feel, and the vents actually move air when you’re walking or working with your arms up.

On brisk, damp days the balance felt right. During heavier exertion—loading, climbing ladders—I still built up heat and some interior moisture, which is expected for this class. If you need all-day breathability under sustained effort, look to a dedicated breathable membrane shell and expect to pay more. For getting between tasks, moving tools, or short outdoor stints, this jacket’s comfort holds up fine.

Fit and adjustability

The cut is “regular” and unisex. I wore a 2XL over a midweight hoodie and had room to move without swimming in fabric. The sleeves are long enough for overhead work, and the shoulders don’t bind when you’re reaching. The hem sits at a standard length—enough coverage without bunching over a tool belt.

The hood fits well over a cap or beanie, and the extended visor is actually useful; it knocks rain off safety glasses better than a simple rounded panel. The back tab helps take up a bit of volume, though I’d love a more precise rear cinch. The cuff and hem adjustments are quick and secure. If you’re between sizes, the regular cut and generous adjustability give you some leeway; I’d size for wearing it over a hoodie.

Packability and storage

You can stuff the jacket into either the hood or the lower front zip pocket. Both methods work; I preferred the pocket stuff—it makes a tidy bundle that’s easy to toss in a tool bag or glove box. The zippers feel sturdy enough that I wasn’t worried about tugging them closed around the bundled fabric.

Storage is minimal: two zippered hand pockets. They’re roomy and secure, but there’s no chest pocket or internal stash pocket. If you like keeping a phone high and dry under a shell, you won’t find that here. For quick trips and basic carry, it’s adequate.

Visibility and compliance

The reflective tape placement is smart. It’s segmented, so it moves with you, and the hood strip adds a bit of visibility when you’re looking down into a bin or truck bed. This jacket is ANSI/ISEA 107 Type O Class 1. Translation: it’s appropriate for off-road or closed work environments where vehicle speeds are low and traffic is controlled—think warehouses, yards, or job sites without public roadway exposure. It’s black, not fluorescent, so it’s not the right choice if you need roadway-compliant high-visibility gear (Class 2 or 3). As a general-purpose shell with useful reflectivity, it’s spot on.

Durability

Ripstop polyester is a good match for a lightweight work shell. I dragged it against a few rough pallets and door frames and didn’t snag the face fabric. The heat-transfer reflective tape has stayed flexible with no peeling. Stitching is tidy, and the seam tape remains flat—no lifting at the edges so far. I can’t speak to multi-year abuse yet, but nothing here looks fragile, and the trim choices are jobsite appropriate.

Care is straightforward: shake it off, wipe down grime, and let it dry fully before stuffing it. Doing that kept water beading consistently.

What I’d change

• More pockets. A single zip chest pocket or an internal stash would make everyday carry more practical.
• Better hood adjustment. The visor is great, and the back tab helps, but a rear drawcord would dial in fit, especially in wind.
• Breathability under high effort is limited. The vents help, yet this remains a coated shell; expectations should match the category.
• Warranty length. A 90-day limited warranty is common at this price tier, but I’d like to see six months on workwear that gets frequent field use.

Where it makes sense

• Tradespeople and techs who move between indoor work and quick outdoor trips (truck to door, loading, site checks).
• Anyone who wants a packable layer to stash in a tool bag or vehicle for pop-up weather.
• Warehouse and yard settings where light reflectivity is valuable but full high-vis isn’t mandated.

It’s less ideal for road-side crews requiring ANSI Class 2/3, all-day storm duty in driving rain, or high-exertion work where breathability trumps everything.

The bottom line

This DeWalt rain jacket does the essentials right: credible waterproofing with taped seams, a useful storm flap, a hood that actually shields your face, and enough adjustability to seal out drafts. The mesh liner and underarm vents keep it comfortable for the kind of on-and-off outdoor time many of us have during a typical day. It packs neatly into its own pocket, the reflective tape is flexible and effective, and the ripstop shell has held up well against the kinds of scrapes that chew up lighter fabrics.

You give up some niceties—additional pockets, a more dialed hood adjustment, and the breathability of a premium membrane—but in exchange you get a light, packable, work-ready shell that’s easy to keep on hand and quick to trust when the sky opens.

Recommendation: I recommend this jacket for trades and jobsite use as a dependable, packable rain layer for light to moderate weather. It’s a practical tool for staying dry between tasks and during short outdoor stretches, with smart visibility and solid build quality. If you need roadway-compliant high visibility or membrane-level breathability for all-day exertion, look elsewhere; for everyday work in variable conditions, this is a straightforward, effective choice.