And while we didnt see any issues about ventilation, it doesn't have pit zips either. But thru-hikers know they'll be living in their rain jacket at some point or another on their journey, so will appreciate choosing the Versalite. 8.0. 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. How does the Watertight II compare with REIs budget-friendly Rainier above? It reminds us of similar Gore Tex jackets that are twice-the-price, such ArcTeryx jackets we tested. Best Performance Balance: Marmot Minimalist Rain Jacket. Make sure you think about whats best for you before you buy. Everyday users took that last point to its logical conclusion, saying that it felt too heavy for warmer weather - but they also loved this jacket overall. But the Marmot PreCip is holding its own with a lower price point and great weather protection. 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. You wont often see add-ons like helmet-compatible hoods or exposed, water-resistant zippers in this category, and daily use jackets dont prioritize weight-savings or packability (in fact, theyre often quite thick and durable). Weve tested a number of Outdoor Researchs AscentShell models over years, and the Motive is their lightest and most affordable to date. .Top 5 Patagonia Jackets.\"\" .TOP 10 BEST WATERPROOF JACKETS FOR MEN 2020.Patagonia Women's Torrentshell Jacket.Best PACKABLE Rain Jacket Patagonia Torrentshell Review Men's Waterproof As always, if you can try it on before you buy, youll likely be happier. Finally, the Beta does not feature a helmet-compatible hood, although most hikers will appreciate the more close-fitting design. A longtime ultralight favorite, Outdoor Researchs Helium Rain Jacket, was overhauled a few seasons back. 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. Generally speaking, the more you spend the more breathable the jacket will be. That said, its important to manage your expectations when it comes to a rain jackets breathability and ventilation options. The big news is the stretchy 2.5-layer construction, which offers greater comfort than a standard rain jacket like the REI Rainier above. With any luck, youll have sunny weather for most of your fun outside. These rain jackets will keep you protected, though remember to get one that works best for the conditions you most often encounter. 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. One exception is ultralight jackets, which cost more than cheap lightweight models but ventilate approximately the same in most cases. The Cielo will get the job done in light rain, but in the end its one of the least capable jackets here. Weve had the Minimalist ranked at or near the top of our list in prior years, but we felt the most recent update was a step backwards in most ways (besides the sustainability improvements mentioned above). 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. It is one the easiest ways to get outdoors for people of all experience levels, and simply put, any time spent on the trail has a way of soothing the Arcteryxs new Beta Jacket slots into the brands expansive collection as a premium hiking shell. While Naomi was a little disappointed with the newest model's pocketstheyve moved further down the jacket, and will sit under a hip belt if youre wearing oneshe loved the changes to both the hood and the pit zips. Having pit zips or pockets whose backs are made of mesh can vent some of your excess heat in warm weather. The adjustable cuffs on the new model are half elastic, on the other side of the wrist, and half velcro. Prime Try Before You Buy. Black Diamond took the plunge into the rain shell market with their StormLine. 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. As one of the most eco-conscious and waterproof jackets in our review, its a fantastic full-featured jacket for trail or town at the mid-range price of $150. 9.0. Lets start with layers, what they do, and why they matter. Men's Glennaker Sherpa Lined Rain Jacket, Waterproof. (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.). 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. In fact, the innovative K-MONO Cut reduces seam lines, where all rain jackets are most likely to wet-through. The REI XeroDry GTX comes in at 28,000+ mm and is rated for multiple days of rain. The MARMOT NanoPro waterproofness is at 10,000 mm and breathability at 17,000 gm. Heavy downpours can overwhelm the thin build, causing the fabric to absorb moisture and feel wet against your skin. This lightweight and quality jacket has proven time and again why it remains at the top of the list. Like the Marmot PreCip Eco and REI Co-op Rainier above, the TNF features a 2.5-layer construction (in this case, their in-house DryVent design), pit zips for ventilation, and an adjustable hood. First off, the relatively thin, 30-denier shell wont withstand wear and tear as well as jackets like the Torrentshell (50D) or Beta LT (40D) above. This coating is applied to the exterior of most rain jackets to prevent moisture from absorbing into the face fabric by beading up the droplets. BACKCOUNTRY.COM: New Customers - Take 15% Off One Full Price Item. It may be tempting to go with the super-budget ultralight rain jacket: men's and women's Frogg Toggs rain gear. Finally, Marmot upped their sustainability game with the most recent model, and the Minimalist now features a 100% recycled shell fabric and PFC-free DWR coating. The ultimate expression of how effective a pit zip can be is the Outdoor Research Foray II. Women's Torrentshell 3L Jacket Color: Evening Mauve (EVMA) Size: | $179.00 Checkout (0) Reviews. 2.5-Layer Rain jackets dont offer as much variation in features as some other types of outdoor gear, but there are notable differences between models. Category: Daily use/hikingWeight: 14.1 oz.Waterproofing: 3L H2No Performance StandardWhat we like: 3-layer performance, quality materials, and good looks at an excellent price.What we dont: A bit crinkly and stiff; no chest pocket. This serves to protect the jacket from dirt when you are not using it. Overview. The nearly-always-on-sale Marmot PreCip Eco will get you through that commute, light rain shower, or brief rain. Lets talk about sleeves and sleeve cuffs for a sec. Fitted with pit zips and Gore-Tex Paclite technology, this is a super warm yet breathable jacket that can . But we think the vast majority of folks will find the Torrentshell to be a near-perfect match for everyday and light backcountry use. Popular applications include backcountry skiing and trekking in mild weather. Bluesign works at each step in the textile supply chain to approve chemicals, processes, materials, and products that are safe for the environment, safe for workers and safe for the end customers.. We're big fans of the men's and women's Montbell Versalite and think it's the Best Ultralight Rain Jacket for Thru-hiking. The North Face Antora - Women's. $89. Instead, softshells remain a better choice for those looking for a breathable and water resistant outer layer. In theory, we agree with them, but in practice, that might be a different story. Sufficient weather protection in heavy rain in a variety of climates. 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.. We get if new runners feel hesitant to spend this much on a rain jacket. The downsides our tester shared were pretty technical. You also get useful backcountry features like pit zips and a stuff pocket, and its adjustable hood provides full coverage in a rainstorm. 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. Specs. Weight - 13.6 oz (mens medium) Material - Synthetic Blend. Your jacket isn't as waterproof or breathable as it should be. There are several criteria worth considering when getting a rain jacket, mostly to do with the features of that jacket. Youll see this referenced in every performance-oriented rain jacket on the market, typically seen as: 2L, 2.5L or 3L. 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. . 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. What we don't: A bit crinkly and stiff; no chest pocket. To top it off, the StormLine is aggressively priced at $170. 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. For $100, theres not much more you can ask for from a rain shell. First, we focused on sources that tested and rated both of them, like OutdoorGearLab, and learned that they all showed a preference for the Marmot Minimalist. For comparison's sake, our top-ranked Patagonia Torrentshell 3L weighs 12.4 ounces and is about 1.5 times the size of the Norrna when packed into its pocket. They share their supplier information with consumers, including the specifics of how and where the Torrentshell is made. This is the outer layer you turn to for ultimate protection while backcountry and resort Seattle-based Outdoor Research is no stranger to creating quality rain jackets that can fend off the elements, and we like what they've come up with in the Foray. Comparing the Marmot Precip vs Patagonia Torrentshell is a must.These are 2 of the best rain jackets for the money. 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. While our personal experiences are mostly backpacking experiences, were confident that these rain jackets will weather wet weather, whether youre hiking, traveling, mountain biking, trail running, fishing, or commuting. And for those who dabble in climbing or mountain sports, the shell is well equipped thanks to a helmet-compatible hood, hand pockets that are accessible over a harness or hipbelt, and a slim fit. It also doesn't have a women's version. If zippers go out, check out our How to Fix Zippers on Outdoor Gear guide. We expect every pocket (at least on the outside) to be a zippered pocket so rain cant find its way in. Marmot Minimalist Jacket. I used the Torrentshell 3L on my Blue Mountains Trail thru-hike in September, Naomi mentioned. 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). A utilitarian men's rain jacket: Columbia Men's . For casual wear, these complaints may not be deal breakers, but we think there are better crossover everyday/backcountry options.See the Men's Outdoor Research Motive See the Women's OR Motive. Ventilation is less important in cooler temps, which is one of the reasons 3-layer jackets often dont have pit zips. Thats the bonus of DWRnot only does it prevent soaking through, it also keeps Layer 2 clean enough to breathe. After washing, follow the manufacturers drying instructions, whether youre on that air dry or tumble dry low train. That's one reason why you'll see the Versalite listed in our PCT Gear List, JMT Gear List, and numerous other thru-hiking gear lists. 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. That said, velcro adjustable cuffs weigh more, so its worth thinking about what youre using the jacket for. Marmot Minimalist. (Not bad when some have a $450-700 asking price.) Whats not to like with the Beta LT? Photo by Robert Curzon. Professional reviewers raved about the REI XeroDry GTX. How Waterproofing and Breathability Ratings Work. BLACK-DIAMOND: Extra 20% off Outlet with coupon code "OUTLET20". 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). With the lack of pockets and pit zips, this isnt necessarily the best choice for commuting or going out on the town in the wet. No matter what your objective, the right jacket will help you stay out and stay dry, longer. Compared to the other jackets in our review, its super breathable and light-- the heavy mens version weighs 12.5 ounces. As such, we give the edge to the burlier Beta LT for year-long use (plus, the Beta's larger hood makes it fully functional as a backcountry ski jacket). You can either get one with velcro or drawstrings to fit it close to your body. But the Versalite is a great deal for what you're getting. No piece of outdoor gear offers total protection from outside moisture, but most of todays rain jackets are listed as being either water-resistant or waterproof. Many light rain jackets, windbreakers, and softshells are water-resistant, meaning that they shed water in light to modest precipitation but arent completely waterproof under extended exposure. the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, was one of the less expensive ones at $149. 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. 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. Your IP: We looked for rain jackets with a secure adjustable hood, solid waterproof seams, and good durable water repellent (DWR) coatings. Theyre part of a rain jackets ventilation system, and a jackets either got em, or it doesnt. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L ($179) Category: Daily use/hiking Weight: 14.1 oz. A hood should fit well over your head, with room for your hair, hats, and helmets you may wear. You can take note of the number when its available, as it will often correlate with other characteristics like fabric thickness and durability, but dont base your buying decision on that alone. At the lowest end, you can get a rain jacket and rain pants combo for $40but dont expect them to hold up to frequent use or bushwack-y conditions. The Columbia will save you around $25, but the Rainier's 2.5-layer design is more breathable, and theshell and interior are noticeably softer to the touch. But it serves the same purpose as Layer 3: protecting that layer-2 membrane from oil, dirt, and other junk. Most noticeably, it causes water droplets to bead up and roll off. Knowing which situation youre likely to encounter most often will help you find the best waterproof rain jacket for you. You may notice a waterproof rating listed on some outdoor gear websites, represented by a number from 0 to 20,000mm or more. Alternatively, for $100 more, you can bump up to the Arcteryx Beta, which features 3-layer Gore-Tex and drops almost 4 ounces off the build of the Calcite. Photo by Naomi Hudetz. Offered in a wide range of colors and backed by the brands impressive warranty, the Venture 2 is worth having on your radar. In cool to cold weather, you want the breathability afforded by a 3-layer jacket (see more below in our primer on layers). Pretty sure youre not going to run into rain? The hood is roomy and two-way adjustable, it now stows with a simple hook, and it features a fleece-lined neck for added comfort. 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. Photo by Trey French. We love what Outdoor Research has done with the Foray (and womens Aspire), a do-it-all rain jacket that can even work as a lightweight shell for spring skiing. This jacket is more protective and durable than previous versions of the Torrentshell. As a result, daily use jackets are either budget-oriented or designed with style in mind, and some of our favorites include the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (which crosses over nicely into the hiking category below) and Marmot Minimalist. 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). Patagonia Torrentshell 3L. 42 $220.00 $220.00. You also get pit zips for dumping heat and a higher-quality hood with better adjustability, which are worthwhile upgrades for most hikers. As a result of the tough builds, youll see these hardshells being used for anything from mountaineering to backcountry skiing. The jacket features a 2.5 layer waterproof design and that actually keeps water out. Three names, two zippers, one delightful function: keeping you just a little cooler. Enter the pit zip. Its 3-layer nanospun fabric prevents internal moisture buildup from starting and prevents it from soaking us from the inside. Some rain jackets offer pit zips and/or full side vents, while basic models do not (as well as taped seams on more expensive rain jackets for extra protection from the elements). It might sound pretty science-y for the uncontrolled conditions youll be in, but we promise itll give you a good idea of how well a rain jacket will protect you from the elements. Tack on sleek Patagonia styling, wide variety of available colorways, new-for-2023 PFC-free DWR coating (to go along with the 100%-recycled face fabric), and excellent $179 price tag, and the versatile Torrentshell 3L currently is our favorite overall rain jacket. Waterproofing: 2L Gore-Tex with Paclite Plus & 3-layer Gore-Tex with C-Knit. (Sensing a trend?) The mens and womens Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is an extra-heavy-duty version of one of our former favoritesand it takes home top marks this year. Youll see one side cinch on ultralights when the manufacturer is trying to cut some weight. And when youre working hard, it can quickly become a necessity to dump some of that hot air rather quickly. The fabricwhich our tester raved about. Of all the jackets the Patagonia Torrentshell is the best performer in the rain. The OR Helium, in contrast, uses a 30 denier to achieve a jacket of the same weight (but again, no pockets or pit zips). Instead, it protects Layer 2 (aka the waterproof-breathable membrane) from the dirt, sweat, oil, and abrasion that causes it to degrade over time. Price does increase with these upgrades, although daily usability is nearly on par with the hiking/daily use category above. We test. $159 - $160 . Even our sweatiest tester says he didn't feel clammy. The Stormline Stretch is good not only for a downpour, but for wind as well - and its soft and comfortable to boot. 3-Layer It was our previous overall winner, but given the value of the newer 3-layer more-waterproof Patagonia Torrentshell, we think it's a better choice for most folks who are ok living without the additional stretch of this Black Diamond jacket. That half-layer isnt quite as good as a full-out third layer at protecting your second layer membrane. Comparison in pocket placement and torso length between the Patagonia Torrentshell 2019 (left) and Torrentshell 3L (right). It is lightweight, but that does not stop the jacket from performing well. This jacket was one of the more breathable jackets we tested, but its pockets like many others weren't . Cons of a rain jacket vs a snow shell 1. The Marmot Precip rain jacket features a brim along its hood. If youre looking for a one-quiver rain shell for everything from hiking and backpacking to around-town use, the Beta is a strong contender. Many ultralight and trail running jackets forego pockets to cut down on weight, while other models sport them in abundance. 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. 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. The best estimates we could find are external lab tests measuring it up against other brands of waterproof-breathable material at 16190 mm/24 hours. Patagonia's Torrentshell 3L rain jacket is about as popular and well liked as it gets in the outdoor apparel space. At just 10.9 ounces, its on par with many budget-oriented 2.5-layer designs like the Marmot PreCip Eco, yet the Motive features a 3-layer construction that easily beats out the Marmot in toughness and breathability. Our testers love the Stormline Stretch for its comfort. 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). While Switchback Travel complains about how large it is, suggesting its too large for the backcountry, user reviews suggest the sizing isnt as straightforward as all that. Called the Hydrostatic Head Pressure test, it measures water permeability for fabrics. The Montbell Versalite is made of 2-layer Gore-Tex Infinum Windstopper with an added 10-denier nylon ripstop face fabric and Durable Water Resistance (DWR) coating. Hood Category: PerformanceWeight: 12.7 oz.Waterproofing: 3L BD.dryWhat we like: A stretchy and light performance shell at a good price.What we dont: Less bombproof and versatile than a Gore-Tex design. Most notably, it now has Eco in its name thanks a recycled face fabric and a PFC-free DWR coating. Like all rain jackets, a running rain jacket will be a 2, 2.5, or 3L jacketbut it will stress breathability and ventilation more than the typical rain jacket. 7. What We Like: Great Features, Lightweight. If you live in a wet climate like the Pacific Northwest or New England, a rain jacket is an indispensable part of your everyday wardrobe. Some manufacturers succeed better than others at this concept. We tested the Frogg Toggs UL on a thru-hike of the Sierra High Route. In addition, the single side waist adjuster means the jacket feels uneven when pulled tight. Everything from the REIs hood design to pocket layout and even smaller touches like mesh pockets and the Velcro covering the center zipper reminded us of the Marmot shell. Many of todays top hiking pants are made from lightweight nylon For high-output activities, its hard to beat a softshell jacket. This designation includes big sellers like the entry-level Marmot PreCip Eco all the way up to the $400 Arcteryx Beta. Plus, a zipped pocket is an extra guarantee against losing your phone or snacks. When choosing which rain jackets made our top picks list, we made the best choices we could with our own testing and other information available. A waterproof jacket without DWR wont breathe as well in heavy rain because the water will pool up and soak into the exterior fabric layer. Be sure to bring your hands to shoulder height to test how far the sleeves ride up while youre moving. do magnetic sheets stick to each other; rent formal dress for wedding; bloomfield hotel rates Performance-oriented rain jackets are your focused outdoor pieces. 217.160.129.9 Thats why we suggest a jacket with ventilation for warm weather. Yes, a rain jacket protects you from the wet, but it needs to be dry to effectively do so. But for skiing, climbing, or bike commuting, we appreciate the LTs more hardwearing 40-denier shell (the Beta is 30D), and the helmet-compatible hood and pit zips are an undeniable benefit for those really getting after it. However, in the light rain shell jacket, $60 to . 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. Combining 3-layer Gore-Tex construction with a host of technical features (including a helmet-compatible hood and pit zips), the Beta LT blurs the line between rain jacket and hardshell and delivers trustworthy performance for four-season hiking and backcountry exploring. At over 300 grams, the Marmot Minimalist is neither the most lightweight nor minimalist. From months of daily drizzle to heavy downpour in the mountains, were acutely aware of the benefits of a quality waterproof and breathable shell. You dont get a ton of room for layering (we can fit a thin midlayer underneath, but not much more), and the low weight and streamlined feature set makes it one of our favorite emergency layers.