There are many waterproof jackets available. Here are some lighter weight rain protection options. I am not an expert in this space but the trade-offs for wet weather include the effectiveness of water repellence vs comfort – especially regarding sweating.

The more expensive items have a breathable membrane such as Goretex or the more modern and highly regarded Event fabric. If you are going to a cold location in particular, then I would recommend that erring on the heavier – longer style of protection. You do not want to be cold and wet.

This is probably one piece of gear wear outright weight should not be your main consideration.Hopefully you won’t need to wear it because of its intended purpose. You can however make your rain jacket part of your cold weather prep and combined with a light weight fleece will be a great investment.

I have chosen a Rab Latok for a multi-day walk in Tasmania.  I hate being cold.

Waterproofing information: Durable waterproof repellant (DRW) article at Wikipedia

AntiGravityGear_Poncho_VillaAntiGravity Gear Poncho Villa
Dimensions: 64″ x 64″
Diagonal Length: 90 in
Weight: 5.7 oz/163 g
Material: 1.1 oz Sil-nylon
Packed Size: 5″ x 9″
AntiGravityGear_Ultralight_Rain_JacketAntiGravity Gear Ultralight Rain Jacket
Weight: 4.6 oz/130 g (Size Med)
arc'teryx_beta_sl

 

ARCTERYX Beta SL

The hip length ARCTERYX Beta SL is an excellent all-around GORE-TEX® PACLITE® jacket that is ideal for hikers, bikers, or those who require lightweight and packable storm protection without all of our Ascent specific features. With a trim fitting Drop Hood™ and lowered hand-warmer pockets, this piece is a great choice if climbing helmets and harnesses aren’t in the backpack

Fit: Athletic, Waist length
Materials: 340NR 2-layer GORE-TEX® PACLITE®
Weight: 314 g / 11 oz (M)

equinox_gazelle_anorakEquinox Gazelle Anorak

Weight: 6.7 ounces (190 g)
Shell: 1.1oz ripstop with silicone

golite_virgaGo Lite Virga

The 8oz 2 layer, waterproof-breathable, full-zip Virga jacket offers what you need and nothing you don’t. Super packable and very durable, the featherweight Virga offers less fuss and more fun with an elasticized hood and hand pockets. It’s the ultimate in ultra-lite storm protection for all your fast-packing trips and ultra-lite travels.

Med size weighs 258 grams / 9.2 ozs

integral_designs_eventIntegral Designs Event

Designed to provide protection from rain and wind, the Integral Designs eVENT Rain Jacket is a lightweight, fully waterproof unisex shell that is comfortable to wear all day long.

Small – 34-36 in (chest); 8.5 oz (242 g)
Medium – 38-40 in (chest); 8.9 oz (251 g)
Large – 42-44 in (chest); 9.5 oz (270 g)

kathmandu_packaway_anorakKathmandu Packaway Anorak

Lightweight and waterproof with low bulk for travel. The Packaway Anorak is fully seam sealed and features a long front zip with rain guard for extra protection, hood with drawcord adjustment, water resistant zips and drawcord hem.

100% Nylon with DWR

Weight Mens Size L 320g

macpac_prophetMacpac Prophet XPD Jacket eVent

3 layer event

820g – Size medium

Marmot_Aegis_JacketMarmot Aegis

Weight: 14oz (397g)

The_North_Face_Mountai_ The wind and shower-proof Montane Lite-Speed is superlight

Weight: 175 g

 

montbell_particle_jacketMontbell Particle

3-layer SUPER HYDRO BREEZE™ technology
40-denier Ballistic® rip-stop nylon
Waterproofness: 20,000 mm
Breathability: 15,000 g/m2/24 hrs
Size: XS/ S/ M/ L/ XL/ XXL
Color: BK/GM(Black / Gunmetal)/ BK/RB(Black/Royal Blue)

Weight: 11.8 oz. (335g) (stuff sack included)

mountain_designs_photonMountain Designs – Photon – with integrated hood.

2.5 layer fabric with Inner Surface Technology to enhance against-the-skin comfort
External chest pocket
Underarm pit zips customise ventilation
Two large front pockets sit clear of pack hipbelts
Elasticised drawcord hem to seal in the warmth

Fabric: Repel™ Storm fabric 2.5L

It is not ultralite at 444 g  but is relatively robust.

Mountain HardwearMountain Hardwear Exposure/2™ Gore-Tex Paclite® Plus Jacket

Gore-Tex PACLITE® Plus 2.5L

9.07oz/ 257 G Size Medium

 

outdoor_researhch_helium_jacketOutdoor Research Helium Jacket

Very light compressible storm shell.

Avg. Weight (oz./g): 6.8 / 193g (size large)

This jacket reviews very highly.

Patagonia_Rain_Shadow_JacketPatagonia Rain Shadow Jacket

Stretch 3-layer waterproof/breathable H2No® Performance Standard shell provides unrestricted mobility, the highest levels of comfort and performance, and long-term waterproof durability

Two-way-adjustable hood with a laminated visorWeight: 397 g

Rab_latokRab Latok

3 Layer Event jacket

Weight: 520g / 18oz

 

This is my current rain jacket. It is so breathable and warm. It is not super light – but have worn it in sideways sleet in Tasmania and it kept me try. I love this jacket. When you are thinking about warm gear know that you can add your rain jacket over the top of a fleece and you can be bullet proof.

seatosummit_tarpponchoSea to Summit all in one tarp-poncho shelter

Ultra-sil is 3 times lighter than standard fabrics
Seam sealed
Siliconised Cordura® Fabric
Slippery finish for easy packing
Double stitching for extra strength
Easily converts from rainwear to shelter
Guy points on sides and corners
325 grams
Packed size 12 x 10cm
145cm x 280cm extended tarp shelter size

The_North_Face_Mountai_ The North Face Mountain Light Jacket

Average Weight: 742 g (26.2 oz)
Centerback: 30″
Fabric: abrasion: 70D 134 g/m² (3.95 oz/yd²) 100% nylon plain weave Gore-Tex® Performance Shell 2L
Fabric: body: 50D 94 g/m² (2.77 oz/yd²) 100% nylon ripstop 2L Gore Performance