If you plan to climb in your rain jacket, look for one with a helmet-compatible hood. By repelling oil and dirt, it also helps keep Layer 2 clean. heavier). reasonable 3L jkt with a softer . The fabricwhich our tester raved about. And when youre working hard, it can quickly become a necessity to dump some of that hot air rather quickly. Waterproofing: 2L Gore-Tex with Paclite Plus & 3-layer Gore-Tex with C-Knit. Adjustability of the hood also is key. Marmot Minimalist: REI Co-op XeroDry GTX: Marmot PreCip Eco: Water Resistance (30%) 8.0. Other brands that are competitive in the sustainability realm include REI Co-op, Marmot, and Black Diamond. You'll want an adjustable hood. Fabric: 50D ripstop . Overview. We found that BDs 2-ounce-lighter FineLine jacket has a more athletic cut, but that model gives up valuable features like hand pockets, adjustable cuffs, and pit zips Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Black Diamond StormLine See the Women's BD StormLine. Additionally, they have waterproof taping along the seams on the interior of the jacket. Fully-lined pockets are better for cooler weather, and also wont allow any water to leak through to your torso if your pockets are open. The jacket also is well equipped and competitively lightweight with two hand pockets, a coated front zipper, and an all-in weight of 10 ounces (for our mens medium). If rains a more constant companion, something a little more heavy-duty like the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (review above) would be a better bet for a lightweight rain jacket. So if youre mostly splashing around in warmer rain, then, youll want ventilation rather than breathability (see more below). Our testers love the Stormline Stretch for its comfort. Also of note, the 3L is less clammy than its 2.5-layer counterpart. Lets start with layers, what they do, and why they matter. The nearly-always-on-sale Marmot PreCip Eco will get you through that commute, light rain shower, or brief rain. And youll also see prices skyrocket for these performance pieces thanks to their high-end detailing. Waterproof Material: 3-Layer Futurelight 20D recycled polyester, Waterproof Rating: 100% waterproof (does not use hydrostatic test and has a different rating system), What we liked: Ultralight, packable jacket that strips extraneous features while sticking to the primary function of the jacketkeeping a waterproof jacket comfortable while its raining, What we didnt like: Too minimal for some for its price; some users will prefer a more generously cut jacket, sizes are limited, What we liked: breathability, lightweight, ventilation, What we didn't like: price, slim cut and limited sizing maxes at XL, no pockets or pit zips are not the best design for general use outside of running. The Top 7 Waterproof Jackets in 2023. For years, the PreCip has been a reliable standby hiking rain jacket available in relatively inclusive sizing-and the updated Eco model reflects care for the environment, as its made of recycled materials and uses a PFC-free DWR coating (durable water repellent). It also enjoys the title of being the trailblazer in the US in collaborating with Gore-Tex to manufacture weather-protection products that are lighter in weight but stronger . All told, the REI Rainier above edges it out slightly in comfort and value (it's often found on sale), and those wanting a high-end performance piece thats stretchy and breathable should look elsewhere, but the PreCip remains a classic choice for mixed every day and hiking use Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Marmot PreCip Eco See the Women's Marmot PreCip Eco. Unless youre going fast and light, we like a sleeve with a velcro cuff for most situationsand even the Outdoor Research Helium features part-velcro cuffs these days. . Category: Daily useWeight: 16 oz.Waterproofing: 2.5LWhat we like: Fun styling and sustainable materials.What we dont: Will not hold up to heavy rain; more expensive than other budget designs. 3-Layer FREE delivery Wed, Mar 8 . Hardshell jackets, in contrast to the hiking rain jackets weve listed above, are made for truly extreme conditions. Wash your rain jacket according to the manufacturers instructionsmost prefer it if you avoid using detergent, though something like NikWax Tech Wash helps to restore the fabric. Having a more breathable rain jacket in cool weather can help keep sweat to a minimumso in cooler scenarios, youll likely want a 3-layer rain jacket. Waterproofing measures waterproofing and soak-through over a 24-hour period. Tack on REIs excellent warranty and a wide range of colorways and available sizes, and you get a quality rain shell for anything from city commutes to summer hiking and backpacking trips. Hiking-focused shells vie with those in our daily use category for the most common type of lightweight rain jacket. Photo by Robert Curzon. Readers write in to tell us how much they have enjoyed it over the years that we've recommended it as a winner. Category: Daily use/hikingWeight: 10.6 oz.Waterproofing: 2.5L NanoProWhat we like: Proven performance for a great price.What we dont: Feels more plasticky than many of the more modern jackets here. They are more eco-friendly and donate a higher percentage of their sales to environmental groups. Its versatility in a number of conditions--rain, wind, and hanging out--make it a smart choice if you only own one rain jacket. The benefit of this interior finish is that the mesh found in 2-layer jackets is no longer necessary. Of note: OR also offers the 3-layer Helium AscentShell ($399), which combines the Heliums durable fabric with a more breathable AscentShell membrane Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Outdoor Research Helium Rain See the Women's OR Helium Rain. This sizing great if youre layering mid layers underneath your jacket for cooler days. To top it off, the StormLine is aggressively priced at $170. Breathability as well as compressibility increases and weight decreases with the design, making this the most popular option for hikers, backpackers, and climbers. Photo by Liz Thomas. On hikes, we stayed safe from the wind and fully dry. Then we tested them in in Pacific Northwest such as the Oregon Coast Trail all the way to the Appalachian Trail, and in conditions from drizzly daily commutes to mountaintop downpours. Hood size can be a big consideration when rain jacket shopping. In the end, the Beta LT is the more well-rounded pick for most mountain-goers, but the Storm10 is worth a look for those focused more on weight and packability Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Patagonia Storm10 See the Women's Patagonia Storm10. Itll protect you from the elements better than most competitorsbut youll pay extra for the technology that helps you skip that half-layer. A true 3-layer construction incorporates three separate pieces of fabric, with the actual waterproof and breathable membrane in the middle and a more substantial fabric on the interior. Just turn the pocket inside out, smoosh the jacket in, and zip it shut. Take time out of your adventures to adequately dry your rain jacket after it gets wet, when you can. As always, if you can try it on before you buy, youll likely be happier. As a result of the tough builds, youll see these hardshells being used for anything from mountaineering to backcountry skiing. A standard expression of waterproofing measures the amount of liquid (water, snow, rain, sleet) in millimeters (mm/24 hours) that can be suspended on the fabric in a one-inch square tube before liquid starts to soak through over a 24-hour period. For more background information, see our rain jacket comparison table and buying advice below the picks. Of note: This article includes picks for both men and women, but weve also written a dedicated round-up on the best womens rain jackets. As with many Montbell products, where the Versalite comes up short is everyday wear. The one complaint we have about the REI XeroDry GTX is while it has two hand pockets, it doesnt pack down into either of them. But it does prevent some dirt, oil, and abrasion from degrading the efficacy of your jacket. Men's Climbing Jackets & Vests. Traditional softshell jackets are not fully waterproof. Finally, we've had consistent issues with the jacket wetting out fairly quickly in heavy rainfall (it's also slow to dry). Patagonia jacket is a high-performance insulated jacket that is not only comfortable to wear but is also protective of both you and the environment.. Now I know the Marmot is a GTX PacLite 2.5 which means it's very reliant on its DWR performance. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission, without costing you an extra cent. If youre in a place where it hardly rains, but are still looking for a just-in-case jacket, the Marmot PreCip Eco (review above) or the Outdoor Research Helium (review above) will absolutely suit your needs. Breathing (that moisture movement) technically happens in Layer 2. Its a 20D 81 g/m face fabric, fully recycled polyester with a soft, tacky feel unlike most slick and swishy rain jacket fabrics. Need to go fast and light? Another place the outdoor industry is catching up: some companies, like Arcteryx, dont offer the same range in womens rain jacket models as they do in mens. Diagonal reflective stripes now adorn the sleeves for better visibility in the dark. Photo by Naomi Hudetz. The Patagonia Torrentshell is one of the most popular jackets out there, and for good reason. Marmot Precip Eco: 10.1 oz : NanoPro Eco: Yes: 2 zippered pocket: $100: Frogg Toggs: 4.8 oz : . BACKCOUNTRY.COM: New Customers - Take 15% Off One Full Price Item. (Plus, drying it keeps away the mildew.). In testing the Rainier, we were struck with how many features it shares with Marmots PreCip Eco below. Its a minor quibble, but if youre looking for easy packability, this one might not be for you. MENU MENU. Our tester Jill loved this change, noting that she never worried about the new cuffs being too tight. That said, velcro adjustable cuffs weigh more, so its worth thinking about what youre using the jacket for. Due to the minimal design, there are no pockets on this jacket other than the jacket-stowable mesh one on the inner back. But despite the nitpicks, the Beta is a versatile, high-performance rain shell from one of the best brands in the business Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Arc'teryx Beta Jacket See the Women's Arc'teryx Beta Jacket. Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. One criterion that guided us was a commitment to finding a lightweight jacket (as compared to a raincoat) that we felt was on the more affordable end of the gear buying spectrum. Generous hand pockets keep your hands cool on chilly days. We recommend sleeves that are slightly longer than youd try to get for a normal shirt, to give some weather protection to your hands. Men's Torrentshell 3L Jacket Color: Sedge Green (SEGN) Size: | $179.00 Checkout (0) Reviews. On the other hand, weve seen what can happen to rain jackets after a few hard seasons of mechanical wear from scrunching. And it still doesn't have pit zips. If you do a lot of night running or running in low-light conditions, see our Best Reflective Running Gear List for accessories that can augment the reflective details of any of the running jackets we recommend. And on the move, the hand pocket vents on the REI arent as effective for dumping heat as the Minimalists and Forays pit zips (plus, opening them up means you can't rely on the pockets for storage). Over the past few years, there have been a growing number of waterproof rain jackets featuring built-in stretch. My old torrentshell despite maintaining with recommended DWR reapplication; constantly wet through on the shoulders and was stifling in high humidity. In the end, if you want a high-performance piece for serious outdoor use, you may want to up your budget to an alternative like the Arcteryx Beta LT below. Built with Patagonia's highest level of waterproofing, the Torrentshell 3L Jacket gives us bomber protection against the mountain's torrential downpours. milwaukee chainsaw chain tension; ergobaby omni breeze positions. A quick look at our comparison table above reveals that rain jacket weights correlate closely with their intended use(s). Weight - 13.6 oz (mens medium) Material - Synthetic Blend. $148 AT TENTREE.COM. PROS: Affordable, durable, high-quality construction, pockets, pit-zips CONS: A bit heavy/bulky for backcountry trips BOTTOM LINE: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (men's / women's) is one of our all-time favorite rain jackets because it's affordable, durable, and has a great fit.While it's not as lightweight and compressible as some . It reminds us of similar Gore Tex jackets that are twice-the-price, such ArcTeryx jackets we tested. I used the Torrentshell 3L on my Blue Mountains Trail thru-hike in September, Naomi mentioned. A hood should fit well over your head, with room for your hair, hats, and helmets you may wear. Category: Hiking/daily useWeight: 10.9 oz.Waterproofing: 3L AscentShellWhat we like: Lightweight, breathable, and a good price.What we dont: Missing some useful features like wrist cinches and hipbelt-friendly pockets. OStill, this is a budget hiking jacket for a reason: everyday reviewers across Amazon, Backcountry, and REI said that the Marmot PreCip Eco isnt a jacket for downpourswith some reviewers pointing the finger at the new DWR coating. To create a waterproof rain jacket that resists moisture from entering yet also lets sweat and hot air vent out requires a combination of fabric layers. In addition to the waterproof membrane, another key piece of a rain jackets protection is its durable water repellent finish (commonly referred to as DWR). And rain gear, with its breathable fabric and waterproof membrane technology, doesnt always come cheap. How Waterproofing and Breathability Ratings Work. Plus, the 2023 version has some of the most inclusive sizing of any rain jacket we considered. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a27a6cd5b073a7f A dirty rain jacket is less waterproof, not to mention stinkier. Some cheaper rain jackets are barely breathable at all, but almost all of the fabrics used in todays models are at least somewhat breathable and promoted as such. How does the Watertight II compare with REIs budget-friendly Rainier above? The mens and womens Outdoor Research Helium is our winner for Best Packable Rain Jacket. 42 $220.00 $220.00. There are two types of hand pockets: mesh pockets and fully-lined pockets. For $100, theres not much more you can ask for from a rain shell. burger . The benefits of the Velcro style are simplicity and weight: They dont require a cord or toggle, both of which add a bit of bulk. Their Cielo is case in point: The rain jacket is built with a 100%-recycled shell with PFC-free DWR finish, and its vibrant color blocking and classy fit and finish make it fun to wear both on the trail and around town. We also like it when pockets are large enough to store your phone and/or snacks. These jackets are the most basic, and typically require a mesh liner to protect the jackets inner coating (hence the 2-layer name). The men's and women's Arc'teryx Norvan LT (6 oz) is made of the esteemable Gore-Tex Shakedry. The Marmot Precip rain jacket features a brim along its hood. Some complain its too large, others that its too small, still others that its just right - so use your discretion when buying. Photo by Mike Unger. Weighing in at 411 Grams and coated with 2.5 layers of heavy-duty Gore-Tex, weight and packability aren't the Calcite's biggest strength. From months of daily drizzle to heavy downpour in the mountains, were acutely aware of the benefits of a quality waterproof and breathable shell. Rain jacket layer technology works by using thermal gradients to move warm moisture vapor from inside your jacket to cooler air outside your jacket. That said, the Versalite checks a lot of boxes from a performance standpoint and deserves consideration from ultralight backpackers and minimalist summer-time adventurers.See the Men's Montbell Versalite See the Women's Montbell Versalite. Avoid over washing, as that can cause damage, tooyoull want to wash once every several uses. The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L jacket is an iconic waterproof and breathable hardshell jacket. One of our favorites is the Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket (click here for best deal).The Torrentshell is a very simple-looking jacket but it has some very cool features that make . . It's fully seam taped. Generally, companies split outdoor apparel lines into womens models and mens models-and while that doesnt quite mesh with our understanding of gender diversity, the outdoor industry hasnt quite yet caught up with reality. Finally, it doesnt excel for true performance usethe lining is prone to getting slippery and clammy and there are no pit zips to dump heat. . 3. best stylish rain jacket for men. The Outdoor Research Helium will give you the wind and rain protection you need for just over a quarter of a pound. Here, the Patagonia Torrentshell is shown zipped up alongside a waterbottle to give perspective. The downsides our tester shared were pretty technical. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. Best Performance Balance: Marmot Minimalist Rain Jacket. The chest pockets shape has changed from rectangular to curvierand it will no longer fit larger phone models. If youre looking for a starter jacket or a lightweight jacket for just-in-case, the Marmot PreCip Eco will serve you well. And everyone wants to have their phone in easy reach to get a photo when that rainbow pops out of the clouds. To give the best seal possible, every rain jacket that we recommend here has some sort of cinch system at the hem. Learn more. Photo by Trey French. Category: Performance/hikingWeight: 13.9 oz.Waterproofing: 3L Gore-TexWhat we like: Strong combination of weight-savings, protection, and performance-oriented features.What we dont: The priciest rain jacket on our list at $450. This measurement tests both general water repellency as well as performance under pressure. The expected outside ambient air temperature is one of the biggest factors to consider when buying a rain jacket. What we don't: A bit crinkly and stiff; no chest pocket. It can be difficult to tell which of these jackets one should purchase without having a closer look. Its easy to layer a puffy underneath, but the jacket was much too long and roomy for us when wearing it over a thin baselayer. Other models charge up to $100 more than the Versalite's sticker price to get the same specs for waterproofing and breathability, as well as pockets, pit zips, and an adjustable hood. Plus, Marmot makes sure you get a full range of motion without moving the hem above your waistline. Photo by Robert Curzon. You can read more about how waterproofing and breathability ratings work here. Since we were evaluating lightweight rain jackets in this gear review, pretty much everything was best packable rain jackets. Cons of a rain jacket vs a snow shell 1. Both the Marmot PreCip Eco and the Outdoor Research Helium are 2.5-layer jackets. Its worth noting that the Gore Infinium construction alone technically isnt waterproof, but Montbell added a nylon ripstop face fabric, minimal seams plus seam taping, and a DWR coating, making this jacket well equipped for fending off moderate rainfall. By opening up the jacket under the arms, you can release a lot of air without sacrificing the jackets waterproof design. At Treeline, we want you to buy right the first time. Their breathable and stretchy fabrics offer fantastic performance and a really comfortable fit that moves with you. (And, if youre looking for a sale, our links reflect hours of searching for the best deals on our recommended picks and prices that include shipping and returns.). A few rain jackets on this list cross into the lighter end of the hardshell category, including the Outdoor Research Motive, Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0, and Arc'teryx Beta LT. A rain jackets waterproofing relies on a combination of factors: durable water repellent (DWR) coating that beads up water, and clean fabric layers on either side of the waterproof and breathable membrane to allow air vapor to pass through. Key measures include recycled materials, PFC-free DWR coatings (traditional coatings use perfluorocarbons, which is a chemical known to be harmful to the environment), bluesign-approved fabrics, and Fair Trade Certification. That's a reason why even though this is a higher-end rain jacket, we'd give it the award for Best Plus Size Rain Jacket. We get down into the step-by-step of caring for waterproof shells in our article on How to Clean and Repair Gore-Tex and Other Shells. On a budget? As we trek to higher ground, we open the underarm vents to keep our microclimate calm, while the hood's laminated visor diverts the sky's steady stream away from our eyes. Overall, we think BDs Highline does a nice job balancing price, weight, and protection for 3-season use, but it cant compete with the Gore-Tex-equipped Beta LT above in terms of outright protection and refinement. 8.0. Your jacket will stop being able to breatheand all that moisture next to your skin is there to stay. The Black Diamond Stormline Stretch does just thatit stretches with movement. In cool to cold weather, you want the breathability afforded by a 3-layer jacket (see more below in our primer on layers). The Outdoor Research Helium does not have pit zips. Waterproof jackets have a built-in laminate layer like Gore-Tex or a coating that essentially blocks outside moisture from entering under most conditions. of reviewers. The North Face Lightriser Futurelight is a running jacket is the most breathable running rain jacket we found. But it's $400 MSRPwell above our price limit for this piece. If youre noticing that the jacket isnt beading up water anymore and putting it in the dryer for a short stretch doesnt fix the problem, you may need to reapply some DWR (this is common as the coating diminishes over time). The outdoor apparel world has seen a sizable uptick in the use of sustainable practices over the past several years, and rain jackets are no exception. The fabric is bluesign approved, which is considered the highest standard in the industry to use methods and materials that minimize the impact on people and the environment. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket. Black Diamond makes another model, the men's and women's Highline Stretch, that is a little bit heavier because it's a 3-layer jacket. Casual users appreciate a couple of hand pockets, and thats one of the most notable omissions in using an ultralight shell for daily use. Do womens models have a long enough torso for tall women or a wide enough size range for plus-size women? Over time, the DWR finish will wear down, although you can keep it fresh by staying on top of maintenance (more on this in our Care section below). Misha at Saks Fifth Avenue. Think about measurements, for example: will that rain jacket chest pocket be practical for a woman with a larger bust measurement? A men's commuter raincoat: Helly Hansen Moss Rain Coat. Weight: 6.3 oz (mens) / 5.6 oz (womens). Plus, a zipped pocket is an extra guarantee against losing your phone or snacks. These can reach over the top of most climbing helmets for added weather protection. While those California mountains can be sunny during the summer (and were for most our trip), you'll want to only carry this jacket in the warmest of rain. Keep a close eye on features and try to match them to your intended use and budget.Pockets Compared to the other jackets in our review, its super breathable and light-- the heavy mens version weighs 12.5 ounces. The cord wraps around the sides of your head and pins the fabric down in a uniform way when cinched, which keeps the hood on your head even in really windy conditions. (Just know thats not going to magically stop you from sweating.). Patagonia's Torrentshell 3L rain jacket is about as popular and well liked as it gets in the outdoor apparel space. What changed? Instead, softshells remain a better choice for those looking for a breathable and water resistant outer layer. The zippers are waterproof and all of them have storm flaps that protect them from the weather. A fabric rated 20k for waterproofness resists approximately 66 feet of liquid stacked up in that 1-inch square tube before any seepage begins over 24-hours. And as weve come to expect from the brand, all of the Beta LTs details are nicely sorted, with premium seam taping, streamlined seams, and a fit that is reasonably trim but roomy enough for layering. Performance-oriented rain jackets are your focused outdoor pieces. What We Like: Great Features, Lightweight. Popular applications include backcountry skiing and trekking in mild weather. Were neutral on the near-pocketlessness, because while it can be nice to have pockets, adding them to a minimalist jacket can feel extraneous. He says, "In mild, humid conditions at higher intensities, its hard to avoid minor moisture buildup, but the Futurelight jacket liner kept things comfortable and not clammy like other running-specific rain jackets. However, in saving some money, you give up some in material qualitywe found the XeroDrys shell cheaper-feeling and faster to absorb moisture in heavy rainfall. The Patagonia Torrentshell jacket is another pullover option that combines practicality with style. And while, sure, some fabrics and some jacket builds do better than others, its important to know that if youre exerting a lotparticularly in warm weatheryoure likely going to sweat at least a little bit. The exception is thru-hikers, who will absolutely pay for the lightest rain jacketespecially with a better waterproofing and breathability rating. The rain gear field of contenders (which also includes the nebulous terms "rain shell" and "hardshell jacket"), was much broader than other gear categories weve published here at Treeline Review thus far. Having pit zips or pockets whose backs are made of mesh can vent some of your excess heat in warm weather. 4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars (36) $196.42 $ 196. The Flight Lightriser Futurelight manages running in the rain and wet weather rather effectively. There are two reasons to clean your rain jacket. Ventilation is less important in cooler temps, which is one of the reasons 3-layer jackets often dont have pit zips. The hood on the mens Outdoor Research Helium 2. When its wet and cold outside, were also less likely to stop to pull snacks out of our backpacks-but those conditions are precisely when we need extra calories the most. $59 - $179 (1) Patagonia PowSlayer Jacket Snowsport Jacket / Waterproof $346 - $699 (1) Rab Phantom Waterproof Pull-On . Based in Salt Lake City, Cotopaxi is a relatively new brand that has quickly risen to popularity in the outdoor world, thanks to their sustainable business practices, positive community presence, andof coursehard-to-miss colorways. When fully unzipped, this creates a poncho-like opening for awesome venting on the traila great way to dump excess heat while still retaining coverage. The winner, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, was one of the less expensive ones at $149. My Account; Shopping Cart; Checkout; Contact; Pages. By qbcore server for sale. . A notable downside of the Torrentshells durable construction is that its stiffer and crinklier than competitors like the Marmot Minimalist and Black Diamond StormLine below (it does break in and loosen up a bit over time). Will the jacket sit shorter in the front than in the back in the womens model, or is it designed with womens bodies in mind? MARMOT NanoPro. You may not see Layer 2most jackets on the market are 2.5-layer and feature a thin layer between Layer 2 and your skinbut its there, doing its job. If you want to save some money and be protected in most wet weather conditions, this is a good pick.
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