Cons of a rain jacket vs a snow shell 1. The test is a strange one: It doesnt mimic real-world conditions and many manufacturers choose not to list it at all. Weve donned this jacket throughout many a PNW rainstorm and while backpacking in Patagonia, and have come away very impressed with its all-around performance: Its lightweight at 10.6 ounces, super comfortable against the skin with Gores C-Knit backer, and features a trim fit and streamlined hood that look the part both on the trail and in the city. Category: Hiking/performanceWeight: 11.9 oz.Waterproofing: 2L Gore-Tex PacliteWhat we like: Multi-sport functionality; updated design has a great fit and feel.What we dont: TorsoFlo vents are a little polarizing for casual use. Similarly, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is said to start at 20,000 mm-though after their Killer Wash treatment, which simulates what they presume to be years of heavy use, that degrades down to about 10,000 mm. The Patagonia Torrentshell is super packable . This is unheard of at this weight for any other rain jacket, including the Outdoor Research Helium. They share their supplier information with consumers, including the specifics of how and where the Torrentshell is made. What has it got in its pocketses?! In this gear review, you'll find recommendations for all kinds of rainy conditions. 2.5-Layer burger . The OR Helium also doesn't have as good of a waterproofing or breathability rating as the Versalite. The men's rain jacket weighs 10.3 ounces in a Mediumalmost double the weight of the barebones Outdoor Research Helium (see review above). Look for a rain shell with a helmet compatible hood. With its 50D ripstop nylon shell, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is one of the more robust budget-friendly models. While the manufacture of rain jackets, in general, can be harsh on the environment, Patagonia is considered the best in the outdoor industry for its practices and transparency when it comes to labor conditions and environmental responsibility. Waterproof, wind-resistant, and packable: These features are common in both the Precip and the Torrentshell. Itll protect you from the elements better than most competitorsbut youll pay extra for the technology that helps you skip that half-layer. If you want to save some money and be protected in most wet weather conditions, this is a good pick. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Mesh pockets allow for a little extra ventilation and are better for warm weather. The Marmot PreCip Eco is rated at 10,000 mm and the Outdoor Research Helium is rated at 15,000 mm. MARMOT NanoPro. Their fabrics are also much less prone to being soaked through under sustained rainfall. Yes, a rain jacket protects you from the wet, but it needs to be dry to effectively do so. For the 2023 model, the REI XeroDry GTX is now available in a women's model and in sizing up to 3X. A fresh DWR is an impressive thing and can offer excellent protection in light to moderate conditions, although heavy and sustained rainfall will eventually overwhelm the coating (thats where the waterproof membrane comes into play). Other factors like seam taping play a major role in waterproofness, so the number doesnt truly determine how dry you will stay in a downpour. In other words, unless you prioritize price above all else, we think the REI is the better buy Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Columbia Watertight II See the Women's Columbia Arcadia II. Patagonias Storm10 jacket takes the 3-layer H2No Performance Standard membrane of our top-ranked Torrentshell and pares it down for backcountry duty. REI.COM: Up to 40% Off Clearance REI Co-op Brand Winter Clothing.Shop and Save! We loved the mens and womens Marmot Minimalist in earlier rain jacket reviews and our own years of testing make us think this is still a great jacket. 3. $77 - $250 (4) Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody. 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. Waterproofing: 3L H2No Performance Standard What we like: 3-layer performance, quality materials, and good looks at an excellent price. The seam-sealed DryVent 2.5L fabric is rugged . 2.5L Pertex: Patagonia Torrentshell: 149: 394: 3L H2No: Heres the story: This hardshell-like design includes a 3-layer variation of their in-house BD.dry membrane, has a light amount of stretch incorporated into the nylon build, and keeps things pretty light at 12.7 ounces (our mens medium is slightly more at 12.8 oz.). The downsides our tester shared were pretty technical. That comfort meant our tester got double use out of itshe thinks its perfect as a wind shell, too, making it a constant companion on her hikes, no matter the weather. Look to weight as a great indicator of how packable a jacket truly is. 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.. Weight: 10.3 oz (mens), 8.7 oz (womens), What we liked: fits into pocket, budget-friendly, good "just-in-case" rain jacket to always have in your car or day hiking pack, inclusive sizing, The Marmot Precip is a classic rain jacket. Whats not to like with the Beta LT? Have a larger hairstyle? In testing, material quality has been a common theme: Everything from the thick-toothed main zipper to the pit zips and three-way adjustable hood have a solid and reliable feel. 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. These are the criteria we looked at when making our decision: There are two things to look at when it comes to staying dry: the layers of the jacket, and the waterproof/breathability rating a jacket has (more on the science of that below). The Montbell Versalite is on the more expensive side of rain jackets we considered for this guide (we set the maximum price limit for this piece at $300). The Arc'teryx Norvan SL was even lighter at 4.4 oz, but has been discontinued. The 2.5-layer fabric compares similarly to Patagonia H2NO and North Face HyVent. REI Rainier - Women's. $100. Take time out of your adventures to adequately dry your rain jacket after it gets wet, when you can. Columbia Arcadia II - Women's. . This compromised performance makes the $145 price tag a bit hard to swallow, especially when Columbias Watertight above costs about half as much. Photo by Robert Curzon. Waterproofing measures waterproofing and soak-through over a 24-hour period. We also dont like the new center flap over the main zipper, which no longer has a button to secure it in place, is relatively small and flimsy, and is prone to folding open. . The jacket features a 2.5 layer waterproof design and that actually keeps water out. (Of course, you can always put it in a stuffsack or ziplock bag to get a similar effect). 1. The Top 7 Waterproof Jackets in 2023. Torrentshell is made of 100% Ripstop Nylon, which is highly resistant against water and wind.The H2No 2.5L Performance Standard shell is what actually gives this jacket its extended weather-protection qualities and also slightly helps with breathability.. If you plan to climb in your rain jacket, look for one with a helmet-compatible hood. CNN has a fairly detailed article on many rain jackets it tested recently. No matter what your objective, the right jacket will help you stay out and stay dry, longer. The jackets hardshell-like 3-layer construction (hence the 3L in the name) is highly protective and durable, plus the interiors soft-touch tricot lining boosts comfort and limits the clammy feeling thats typical among sub-$200 rain jackets. 42 $220.00 $220.00. Yes: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L: $149: 12.5 oz. Minimal protection in inclement weather. Ventilation is less important in cooler temps, which is one of the reasons 3-layer jackets often dont have pit zips. In addition, theyve covered the basics for mixed daily wear and hiking uses with a reasonable 11.6-ounce weight, stuff pocket, and layering-friendly fit. Weight: 12.5 oz (men's), 10.6 oz (women's), Waterproof Material: Gore tex Paclite Plus, Breathability Rating: 15,000 g/m2/24 hours, What we liked: value for price, waterproofing rating, sizing availability. Called the Hydrostatic Head Pressure test, it measures water permeability for fabrics. The primary compromise is pocket placement as some hand pockets sit high to accommodate a climbing harness or backpack hipbelt. 100% seam taping, a DWR (Durable Water-Repellent) finish, an attached adjustable hood, and a . Pockets are often way too small for most phones, which is one reason why many adventurers prefer smaller phones. Most notably, we found the fit of the Rainier to be very large (depending on how you plan to layer underneath, it may be best to go down a full size). Think about measurements, for example: will that rain jacket chest pocket be practical for a woman with a larger bust measurement? To start, the cuffs sit awkwardly around your hands: Theyre too loose to create a good seal and would benefit from a Velcro cinch. The 10-denier fabric of the Versalite means this jacket won't be the one you turn to outside of thru-hiking or ultralight backpacking. To give the best seal possible, every rain jacket that we recommend here has some sort of cinch system at the hem. But the overall formula remains the same, which were happy to see: The venting system is functional for a number of outdoor activities, and with a relatively light weight, the jacket feels fairly nimble and multi-sport-ready. Photo by Trey French. Considering a deluge, or planning long hours out in the rain? 2. See our guide to the Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets for some extra warmth to layer under your rain gear or our Best Rugged and Waterproof Cameras to document it. Released last year, the Arcteryx Beta offers a nice middle ground for those who want the premium weather protection of the Beta LT above alongside a more casual feature set. The North Face Venture 2 Hooded Jacket. Overall Performance In fact, the packable rain jacket was originally created to keep the jacket clean and the membrane free from oils and dirt that reduce breathability. The Phantom Pull-On ($200) is Rab's latest uber-packable shell for fast-and . 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. On the other hand, weve seen what can happen to rain jackets after a few hard seasons of mechanical wear from scrunching. . Layer 1 is the shell (aka face fabric), usually made of nylon or polyester. The newest version has a 3L construction, which provides a step up from the previous 2L and 2.5L models . But weve also enjoyed the greater level of comfort and less crinkly feel for daily wear. All told, theres still a long ways to go in the industry, but the current trajectory and momentum from many of the key players are encouraging. It keeps water out and minimizes moisture buildup from sweating. broyhill autumn cove swivel glider assembly instructions. The adjustable cuffs on the new model are half elastic, on the other side of the wrist, and half velcro. This jacket provides a robust defense against mother nature, pairing Gore-Texs 2.5-layer Paclite Plus with a durable 75-denier plain-weave polyester. But for normal hiking and backpacking, its often prudent to avoid this feature as the large hood will require a lot of cinching down, causing the fabrics to bunch up. In our testing, we found the Black Diamond Stormline Stretch to be a packable jacket that is lightweight (11.3 oz for the heavier mens), stretchy, comfortable, and has an adjustable hood that fits a bike or climbing helmet. For $100, theres not much more you can ask for from a rain shell. Your jacket will stop being able to breatheand all that moisture next to your skin is there to stay. The mens and womens Outdoor Research Helium is our winner for Best Packable Rain Jacket. The Montbell Versalite is similarly rated for 30,000+ mm/24 hours, but comes at a premium. 100% ripstop nylon: Like so many other waterproof jackets, the Marmot Precip is made of 100% ripstop nylon. The Helium packs into its own chest pocket with a carabiner loop for easy transport for "just-in-case-it-rains" days on hikes or for keeping in a car for emergencies. Photo by Liz Thomas. For example, the REI XeroDry GTX is a true 2-layer jacket made with Gore-Tex PacLite Plus technology. 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. To start, it has our least favorite hood design among its competitors with less coverage at the top of the head due to its flimsy bill. When Layer 1 is saturated with water, its called wetting out or soaking through. Youll know your jacket has wetted out when the face fabric is so wet that it clings to your skin. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L. Diagonal reflective stripes now adorn the sleeves for better visibility in the dark. I used the Torrentshell 3L on my Blue Mountains Trail thru-hike in September, Naomi mentioned. One downside is that the interior fabric isn't as soft to the touch as a true 3-layer (some consider it slippery or plasticky), but we've seen improvements with recent models. You can just roll it up into its own hood to protect the thinner fabric in your pack. Photo by Liz Thomas. The popular design features a Gore-Tex Paclite waterproof laminate, smooth and comfortable interior, and tough 50-denier shell thats both durable and highly weather-resistant. What makes the Minimalist a top choice for rain jackets is its performance and affordability. Photo by John Carr. The North Face says the lab tests they commissioned from UL, an independent lab, rates it at 100% waterproof and included dumping 200 gallons of water per hour on the material. See our weather section for more info on this. The Patagonia Torrentshell jacket's 3-layer construction with 50-denier ECONYL recycled nylon ripstop is sturdy and held up well through the testing process. Photo by Naomi Hudetz. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. In truth, these are relatively small complaintsand perhaps magnified because we liked the predecessor so much. Moreover, Outdoor Research updated the fit to a trimmer cut, and the jacket now stuffs into its exterior chest pocket. (66 feet is ~20k mm.) Most noticeably, it causes water droplets to bead up and roll off. 3-Layer Now I know the Marmot is a GTX PacLite 2.5 which means it's very reliant on its DWR performance. We're pleased to see that its sizing is among the most inclusive of any brand we testedincluding our overall winner, the Patagonia Torrentshell. On the outside of Layer 1 is a Durable Water Repellent coating (DWR)literally water repellent that is durable, so you dont have to reapply it every time you go outand unless youve got an ultralight jacket made directly of waterproof fabric, youve got durable water repellent on the shell. 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. A 2.5-layer lightweight jacket with pit zips and mesh lining in the pockets like the Marmot PreCip Eco (review above) will provide good ventilation (more below in our primer on layers). The exception is thru-hikers, who will absolutely pay for the lightest rain jacketespecially with a better waterproofing and breathability rating. $159 - $160 . Adjustability of the hood also is key. One step down from a full-on hardshell jacket, they're made to withstand extreme conditions: The shell fabrics are tougher, the waterproof membranes are better breathers, and the hoods are more substantial. However, in the light rain shell jacket, $60 to . At over 300 grams, the Marmot Minimalist is neither the most lightweight nor minimalist. These jackets are the most basic, and typically require a mesh liner to protect the jackets inner coating (hence the 2-layer name). best stylish rain jacket for men. But the Marmot PreCip is holding its own with a lower price point and great weather protection. Photo by Robert Curzon. Your IP: And when youre working hard, it can quickly become a necessity to dump some of that hot air rather quickly. If zippers go out, check out our How to Fix Zippers on Outdoor Gear guide. By lining some of their designs' handwarmer pockets with airy mesh, they double as vents when unzipped. And the upside to Gore Infinium is excellent breathability for the weight, which makes the Versatile a great option for long days of hiking (its no coincidence that its a part of Montbells thru-hiking collection). Because adding pit zips to a jacket inevitably results in a slight weight increase, some manufacturers like REI, Rab, and Outdoor Research have come up with a creative solution: core vents. Many of the jackets in our review pack down into one of their pockets-and each of them can stow down into their hoods, as shown in this video from Wilderness Supply. BEST RAIN JACKET OVERALL. It can be difficult to tell which of these jackets one should purchase without having a closer look. One thing that threw us off is The North Face doesn't run the usual Hydrostatic Test for waterproofing. To be sure, Gore-Texs Paclite Plus is one of the most premium membranes used in rain jackets, and more durable, comfortable, and breathable than standard Paclite (as seen in jackets like the Marmot Minimalist and OR Foray II above). For daily uses like commuting, running errands, or walking the dog, youll likely prioritize a casual fit (which will accommodate a wide variety of layers underneath) and useful features like handwarmer pockets and Velcro wrist cinches. But it's $400 MSRPwell above our price limit for this piece. Most significant is the price: At a whopping $450, its the most expensive rain jacket here and arguably overkill for summer backpacking or around-town use. Comparison of expert ratings. The Outdoor Research Helium will give you the wind and rain protection you need for just over a quarter of a pound. You can read more about how waterproofing and breathability ratings work here. At just 6.3 ounces for the heavier mens medium, its essentially half the weight of each of our other winners. So on a warm day, your jacket has a harder time breathing, aka moving water vapor. A utilitarian men's rain jacket: Columbia Men's . 217.160.129.9 We tested the Frogg Toggs UL on a thru-hike of the Sierra High Route. We also like it when pockets are large enough to store your phone and/or snacks. Below we break down the best rain jackets of 2023, from entry-level models for hiking and daily use to performance pieces for backpacking and climbing. Generally for emergency use or for situations where youre able to get to safety quickly. This designation includes big sellers like the entry-level Marmot PreCip Eco all the way up to the $400 Arcteryx Beta. (Sensing a trend?) If you want a little more warmth, we found the Futurelight fabric is similar to a softshell, but with better protection against rain. But while it offers all the performance most hikers need, its simplified design does make a few sacrifices. 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. As with many Montbell products, where the Versalite comes up short is everyday wear. Weight: 13.9 oz (mens), 12.5 oz (womens), What we liked: 3-layer waterproof jacket for a reasonable price, eco-friendly, lifetime warranty, well-featured with pockets, pit zips, versatility for town and trail, What we didn't like: heavier than many rain jackets. For a rain jacket dedicated specifically to trail and distance running, check out Patagonia's Storm Racer Jacket ($249), which uses an innovative design that allows for access to a running vest worn beneath. Arcteryx has traditionally lagged behind here, but some of their recent releases have begun incorporating these best-known practices.
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