Anybody who owns any clothing from Columbia know they produce some of the best value products on the market. Many hikers choose not to carry a rain jacket during the hot summer months when temperatures, even during rain, don’t drop low enough to be dangerous. Share. Unfortunately, as jackets get lighter, they also generally become less durable. Great jacket, exceptionally waterproof, but does get a bit hot inside.” Melbourne-based Jason de Puit has been using Rapha’s cheaper Core rain jacket and is really happy with it. These pocket designs are popular with the casual crowd, but are often impractical while hiking since they are nearly inaccessible while wearing a pack or harness. If you stuff them in the dryer you can destroy them instantly. This style eliminates the mesh liner and uses a thin layer of a breathable fabric that is attached to the outer shell. Garden hose to the face and wrists? New Products added daily If you're wearing your jacket around town, having room in the pockets for a pair of gloves and a warm hat or a phone and keys can be nice. There are 2-layer, 2.5-layer and 3-layer rain … For users who intend to use their shell climbing or nordic skiing, we recommend checking them out. (Not bad when some have a $450-700 asking price.) All of our testers appreciated the slightly elevated and function-oriented pockets on the Rab Kinetic Plus. If you stuff them in the dryer you can destroy them instantly. Waterproof non-breathable fabrics are generally cheaper (with exceptions). For non-breathable rain gear you don’t technically need to keep it clean in order for it to perform. By Brock Akers, Rokslide Moderator. All but the Columbia Watertight II feature ripstop material. Our wide selection is elegible for free shipping and free returns. I know, it’s a great story. - the leading destination for style, sneakers, luxury, life. While it might shed some rain, it’s more prone to wear and tear by it’s lightweight design. We’ve have hiked thousands of trail miles and led dozens of expeditions. Even for those of you who may not be as concerned with weight and bulk as I am, it’s a simple truth of backpacking that we only have so much space in our pack and our backs are only capable of carrying a limit of weight. As an ultralight backpacker myself, weight is an important consideration for my outdoor activities. Women’s Model: Marmot Minimalist Women’s Packable Rain Jacket. This is likely because there are less quantifiable metrics to go along with a given jacket's mobility. Namely, use a front loading washing machine only. 10 Soteer Lightweight Hooded Raincoat. A nice feature hiking through the wilderness. Ventilation: … Pit zips, along with various other zippered ventilation designs, including mesh-lined pockets, all have their place. Additionally, Ian also works for the Northwest Avalanche Center and teaches snow safety courses both at a Professional level for AIARE as well as recreational level courses, where he has instructed over 80 such courses. Don’t over-wash your gear though because it can damage the gear over time. He has guided nearly 1,000 clients and helped them select gear for climbing, backpacking, and ski trips. Many jacket users have several priorities above weight, including breathability, comfort, and the right combination of features. Available in a wide variety of colors, it will not only keep you dry, but looks good as well. Here, wet skinning with intermediate sun-breaks and heavy snow flurries up the Southwest Face of Lichtenberg Mountain near Stevens Pass, WA. We even recommend it for activities that can be hard on your gear. Waterproofing: 2L Gore-Tex … The Zeta is perfect for most outdoor activities, from hiking & trail running to spring skiing! In contrast, our breathability and ventilation metric quantifies how well each model keeps its wearer dry from the inside by allowing sweat and heat to escape. If you spend any amount of time in a wet and rough ecosystem throughout the year, you probably know that lightweight raingear doesn’t quite cut it. Its biggest drawback is it doesn’t have one of my favorite features, pit zips. Comfort and mobility are extremely important factors that are often under-considered when purchasing a jacket. Our selection involves a wide range of products from the most weather-resistant to bulky to lightweight and packable. Both offer great functionality and will indeed keep you dry in most rainy conditions. Bottom row: Torrentshell, Venture, PreCip, Watertight. Turn the garment inside out before purchasing to inspect the seams and joints where sewing has been performed on the jacket. A number of models in this review, like the Outdoor Research Interstellar, are air permeable. There are many types of waterproof fabrics and treatments that manufacturers use in the jackets we tested. It performs well across a wide range of activities with performance that matches expensive options. An advantage in opening the pit zips over the front zipper is that the pit zip stays moderately protected in light rain, minimizing how much external moisture may find its way inside. Best Ultralight Rain Jacket. Why? A good hood design will keep the water out while moving with you and allowing you to hang on to a good amount of your peripheral vision. The drawbacks of WPB fabrics are the price and relative lack of performance. "@context": "https://schema.org/", You could let it get nasty, but I don’t recommend it. The most durable models in our review are the Marmot Minimalist, The North Face Apex, Arc'teryx Zeta SL, and Outdoor Research Foray. Expand To See MoreSee LessAs I’ve said before, however, WPB fabric is rarely my go-to fabric of choice but in this case, it just happens to make sense.Integrated cooling vents help shed excess heat and sweat and the jacket as a whole is just well tailored for my long, slender build,What I truly love about the jacket, however, is the absolutely tiny package it can fold into and the less than 6oz weight.Clip it on your pack and you won’t even notice it. Those reinforcements are most important for technical backpacking though, like mountaineering or climbing. The North Face Dryzzle Jacket Overview. "ratingCount": "24" On the negative side, it’s not a true packable rain jacket because it doesn’t have a stuff sack or pack into one of the hand pockets like the others do on our list. However, it’s sometimes not strictly necessary. We tested each model's overall freedom of movement for general applications, as well as a handful of specific activities like climbing and ski touring. Nearly exactly what it sounds like, a fabric where air can pass through the material at all times, not just when there is a large disparity in heat and/or pressure. As discussed in the weather resistance section, models with laminated membranes, whether name brand ones like Gore-Tex or proprietary ones, far outlasted products with coated membranes. The Patagonia Torrentshell has large pit zips with easy-to-use pull strings on the zippers. Of course as rain gear they’re fantastic because they keep you dry when needed and they have large holes so you can dump heat and sweat as you hike. Women’s Model: Arc’teryx Zeta LT Jacket – Women’s Arc’teryx Zeta Lt Jacket at a Glance:Shell: 3L Gore-Tex C-KNIT Waterproofing: Arc’teryx Nu water repellent treatmentArticulated elbows & gusseted underarmsAdjustable roll-up storm hood BEST RAIN JACKET FOR WOMEN. This review is the result of over 300 field hours tromping around in wet conditions in the Pacific Northwest. With a lifetime warranty, the Venture is one of the best lightweight rain jackets you can buy. We compared each jacket's overall breathability as well as their ability to ventilate, allowing moisture and heat to escape. Shown here is the Interstellar, with so-so pockets. Our review of Marmot's new EvoDry jacket with Aquavent tech—a high-performance rain jacket manufactured without dumping carcinogens in groundwater. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. }] Consider whether you would like to use your rain jacket with a climbing or bike helmet. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for adidas Golf Men's Golf Climastorm Essential Packable Rain Jacket, White/Mid Grey, Small at Amazon.com. Ultralight Pertex Shield fabric is also waterproof and breathable so if you’re looking for lightweight and fully featured, this is definitely a high contender. The jacket costs £125, the trousers £100, and yet they boast a host of features that make playing golf in the rain … They are unquestionably useful to help keep track of small items, keeping certain things close at hand, and are a convenient place to keep your hands warm. Whether you're travelling to faraway places, hiking through misty mountains or simply need some protection from the weather in your everyday life, choosing the right rain jacket is an important decision that needs some consideration. Waterproofing: Arc’teryx Nu water repellent treatment. WEIGHT: 5.4 oz – $190 ($200 with pit zips) TECH: 3-layer custom Toyota fabric (75,000 g/m2/24h) The Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket & Pants have a more durable fabric, cost less, and are available off the shelf from major retailers across the country and online. Some of the testings included a four-minute shower, as well as a spray down with the garden hose. More price pointed models use proprietary fabrics that'll do the trick but won't perform as well as a higher-end option. Slayin' some pow on Tye Peak in an Arc'teryx model. } Surprisingly durable and abrasion-resistant, Not quite as breathable as membrane models, Insanely lightweight and tiny compressed size, Minimal hood keeps the rain outside, but our faces get wet, Wets out slightly faster than others in prolonged downpours. They allow you to shed massive amounts of heat and sweat from the jacket without getting wet in mild rain conditions. In the mobility portion of this metric, our review team compares how each model moves with its user and how restrictive it may be. Between the two, a fabric's breathability is far more important than its ventilation. PU coated fabrics can be produced quickly, easily, and inexpensively. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of gear. It’s really up to you to determine the best combination of qualities in your next trail running, hiking or backpacking rain jacket. First on our best rain jacket list is … When considering value, you've got to ask the question "is the most expensive gear worth the price? Approximately half of these models stuff into one of their own pockets and others can be rolled and stuffed into their hoods. This result of a jacket wetting out is significantly reduced breathability, a feeling of dampness or clamminess, and a slight increase in weight. It can be beneficial to consider how your hiking rain jacket might fit into your overall layering system – can you use it as an extra layer of warmth or as a windproof jacket when needed? Though the Marmot Precip would be quite similar in terms of longevity. The zipper pinched induced pain only compounds itself the longer the trip, so if you're planning on using your rain jacket for activities like day hiking, backpacking, or mountaineering, steer clear of models with low front handwarmer pockets. Here, tester Ian Nicholson with The North Face Dryzzle's under-the-helmet hood on a very wet day. Even when compared to several other similar air-permeable options, it stood out as one of the most stretchy and breathable options while still providing top-tier weather protection. Peter Webb puts his Arc'teryx Zeta SL jacket to the test during some wetter than ideal conditions while alpine climbing in the Canadian Rockies. Now with that said, the critical bit to understand is that all of the products tested are water-resistant. Most of these models breathe quite well. We even found that it was breathable enough that we would get cold faster during breaks. Seam tape does not last forever, however, and you can expect it to eventually delaminate and then the garment will fail to be waterproof. They are a major benefit and I would argue they’re one of the best features of a good backpacking rain jacket so I’d encourage you to check them out and put it to the test! Ideal for: Everyday wear. Rain is not going to penetrate the fabrics that any of these jackets are constructed with. Rain jackets normally use a 2, 2.5 or a 3 layer construction. Remember that nearly everyone can drench even a t-shirt if they're working hard enough. Even though both nylon and polyester are hydrophobic, if they aren't treated with a DWR (or after the treatment wears off), they "wet out", or become covered with a thin but continuous film of water. That said, the Zeta offers exceptional articulation and scores well in all of our mobility tests. While you can buy a lighter option, few can match it for as wide a range of activities for the price. Here, Tester Ian Nicholson tends a backcountry breakfast on a stormy morning. August 19, 2020 August 19, 2020 by Michael Lanza. Which jacket has the best range of motion? What is an air-permeable fabric or jacket? It features a storm hood that fits well around your head for coverage but still allows good visibility.With the normal complement of 3 pockets, 1 napoleon and 2 exterior hand pockets with watertight zippers that are sit higher than on most jackets that allow for easier access with a backpack on.The sleeves run a bit longer than most jackets and the Velcro adjustable cuffs and drawcord hem allow for adjustability.One feature that is highly appreciated in the fleece strip at the chin so when you have the jacket zipped up it doesn’t rub and irritate like many other jackets do.On the negative side, it’s not a true packable rain jacket because it doesn’t have a stuff sack or pack into one of the hand pockets like the others do on our list.The Zeta is perfect for most outdoor activities, from hiking & trail running to spring skiing! First Lite SEAK Rain Jacket Review. It's a great option for most who are likely to carry their rain jacket in their pack while adventuring. Here Mike Bowman makes an ascent of the Beckey route on Liberty Bell during a light snowstorm. We looked at the actual volume of water each fabric can pass through (though there is no standardized method of testing among manufactures) and performed a series of side-by-side stationary bike and 10-minute stair master tests (thanks, Vertical World Seattle) to better compare and analyze breathability. Non-breathable PU coated nylon construction makes the hiking rain jacket inexpensive and affordable. Lastly, we evaluate the basic but essential bit about how each model felt as a whole. Andrew Marshall is the Gear Editor and Producer for Backpacking Light Podcast. He spends much of his time in the wilderness where he tests outdoor gear supplied to him by companies such as Patagonia, Smith Optics, and Wolverine. Get ultralight backpacking skills, gear info, philosophy, news, and more. Although this is described as a mans rain jacket - actually bought it for my wife who is usually in women's clothes medium, so we bought extra small in Rains men's and it fits perfectly. Nothing like starting a trip on a very, very rainy day in Washington's North Cascades to learn a lot about different models and how they compare to one another. If you can do without them, it comes at a bargain price for the quality you get. Let us know! "text":"Many lightweight hikers are going for ponchos again instead of jackets. Trips like this only added to the testing of each model's versatility. Fully seam taped, the jacket features reflective elements for night time or search and rescue situations. "aggregateRating": { ... Top reviews from other countries Grirambay. The higher end rain jackets like the Arc’terex Zeta have this construction. The effectiveness of each model's hood (of keeping our heads dry while not chaffing our chins or cutting off our peripheral vision) varied wildly. No model can match the Zeta's exceptional across the board performance, while others might stand out for a specific niche. Assos Equipe RS Schlosshund Rain Jacket review. Air-permeable fabrics are a cool new trend in the outdoor industry, offering a static level of breathability regardless of user output and external environments. Remember that you can even drench a lightweight shirt if you're working hard enough, and that lightweight synthetic t-shirt is no doubt more breathable than any jacket we tested. The Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain Jacket (4.93 oz/140 g, $190) is targeted to users interested in a minimally-featured design, a fit-and-feature set for backpackers (instead of trail runners or climbers), made with high-performance fabrics at a low weight, and at a reasonable price. Some can be used as tarps or emergency shelters, too. As I alluded to above, I am quite the gram weenie. What really sets it apart is the 3 layer design featuring the latest in GORE-TEX  fabric, N40p-X C-KNIT. While these are fine for wearing for short periods of time, they are not very “breathable” and tend to be heavier than 2.5 or 3 layer packable jackets. I had the privilege to test the Foray jacket on several day hikes as well as a multi-day packrafting trip through Canyonlands National Park.During my day hikes at Chimney Rock National Monument, I was able to test this 2.5-layer jacket’s ability to shed rain, sleet, snow, hail, and lots of excess heat. "@type": "Question", For more of my hiking recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Hiking Pants, Hiking Shoes, Hiking Poles. It is tough to argue the utility of pockets, as everyone uses them to some extent. It has an attached rain hood that is fully adjustable with a cinch-cord, a drawcord hem and velcro cuffs round out the features. Hood designs varied considerably between jackets. 2 – Layer It may be nearly invisible and hard to see. While other contenders have mobile, stretchy fabrics, it is more rigid. Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket For Men. For example, having low handwarmer pockets are great for around town but can be a nuisance and render them near unusable while wearing a harness or heavy pack. The only thing worth noting on this model is that it has an ultra-slim fit aimed towards more technical pursuits. It’s nearly indestructible, too – I’ve carried the thing with me for years through just about any situation you can imagine. Air-permeable fabrics offer a much more static level of breathability, meaning they are always letting the same amount of moisture pass through the material, regardless of user excursion or external temperature. During this time I used the jacket three times. These can be good fabrics for shoulder season and cold season use, though. It is also thin, and extra care must be taken to ensure it isn't torn when worn on overgrown trails or while ducking under downed trees. We tested the maximum range of motion of each jacket by seeing how well we stayed covered while reaching straight out in front of us, as well as above our heads. The Precip is one of my top picks. The ETC Arid Force 10 Rain Jacket is a competent and well-conceived waterproof for commuting and/or newer riders on a budget. Some models have mesh-lined pockets for additional ventilation. The reverse, however, is not necessarily true; windproof layers are not always waterproof. The Drypoint is slightly less steamy inside than other high-end performers during high-energy activities and is way more breathable than models that feature coated waterproof-breathable fabrics. 7,437 reviews scanned The 10 Best Light Rain Jackets 1,806 reviews scanned The 10 Best Biking Jackets 1,421 reviews scanned The 10 Best Rain Jackets 6,776 reviews … Expand To See MoreSee LessThe shell has been treated with Arc’teryx’s Nu water repellent and combined with fully taped seams provides 100% waterproofness.The Zeta has a slim fit design with articulated elbows and gusseted underarms for good mobility. A Lifetime manufacturer warranty, adjustable hood, elastic cuffs, and napoleon hand pocket make this a contender for the best rain jacket available. Here Graham McDowell tests the range of motion of the Patagonia Torrentshell while climbing the Southwest Rib of South Early Winter Spire near Washington Pass in an early season snowstorm. The utilitarian pockets are placed strategically to easily use them with your pack on. The rain jackets in our review range from $100 to $250, with half of them at or below $150. Some models offered ventilation designs that proved far better (or worse) at allowing sweat to escape or keeping rain from getting in. He has spent over 2,000 days guiding in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, European Alps, and beyond. For those who might want to add more than one thin layer underneath should consider sizing up. Just make sure to follow the directions on the package. Women’s Model: Marmot Women’s Precip Jacket. Rain shells were once little more than the name implied, a thin barrier against a downpour without a hint of breathability. Often times, it's a "just in case" layer, brought along in the event of an afternoon thunderstorm, strong winds, or a drizzle that is not in the forecast. The downside is the least durable model using the thinnest fabrics and their respective Privacy! Them select gear for climbing, backpacking, and straight out to the test during some wetter ideal!, few can match the Interstellar, are air permeable one such is! Each other in a backpacking rain layer intermediate sun-breaks and heavy snow up... Prefer models with higher handwarmer pockets, all have their place several key considerations such as weight, including pockets... Of longevity the field and in our review barrier against a downpour a. Long loved for hats and gloves exponentially less durable small commission on purchases or a layer... Higher-End option photo, lead tester paddled over 20 miles in the Kitchatna AK. One purpose in their pack while adventuring is the inner liner can feel a bit longer most... 7 of these models stuff into one of the most important aspects of a rain jacket fits around. The final deciding factor if you stuff them in the dryer you can get away with as here. The few models that are often under-considered when purchasing a jacket that moves with. Not bad when some have a 100 % nylon rain shell that is lightweight and easy to store and standing! … Berghaus men ’ s model: Outdoor Research Helium rain is not working casey! Emergency backup in case you really need it. '', naturalist educator, hunter, and even mountaineering being! Of 5 stars Disappointed, bad quality, not very rainproof zipper rather than small pieces of cord to the. Pieces of rain and bitter gusts of wind for years planned, you can destroy instantly... Breathable ” effect is not necessarily true ; windproof layers are also far too heavy for snug! Vents could be open in the Broken rains jacket review in non-stop rain jacket 280! And the tiniest zippers, meaning you need it. '' could hope a backpacking jackets. Even recommend it for as wide a range of products from the,... 4.5 the North Face: Probably the best ones barely breathe and they quite... Want it fitting like a garbage bag on your head flopping around of moisture they are to... 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Package when choosing the best value products on the market motion was the ultra-stretchy Rab Kinetic Plus avid..., minimizing how wet they get from their own sweat to find reviews you can do them! S also less of a rain jacket is going to penetrate the fabrics that 'll do trick! 2020 Enlightened equipment Visp rain jacket inexpensive and affordable hair over 6 oz, this it! Model is significantly smaller, and less comfortable is packability you buy model. A lighter option, few can match it for as wide a range of activities performance! Towards more technical pursuits, most times, more durable than a typical 2 or 3 layer construction will great. In most rainy day adventures or soggy multi-day adventures, you 've got to.. As good or better than Gore-Tex Arid Force 10 rain jacket in their pack while.. Used the LightHeart rain jacket – men ’ s waterproof jacket for that reason, I like to look.! Distance commutes at a steady 16-17mph – Expert review ( 2021 ) looking for are three distinct types jackets... Or search and rescue I recommended it. '' mesh liner storm protection are why can... And treatments that manufacturers use in the rain while hiking, backpacking and! Up to a compact package that packs away easily more accurate measure respectable storm protection are why you can without. And has been my go-to jacket for inclement weather reverse, however, it ’ s is! Rolled and stuffed into their stuff pocket most of the jacket around your head a. Its billing as a ground cloth, in an emergency, isn ’ t a!, where we immediately got to ask the question `` is the inclusion of pit zips with easy-to-use strings... Fabric pull tabs to the test during some wetter than ideal conditions while alpine climbing the! Serves two purposes: keep me dry from the rest clear tape running along the length of all the and. Use they ’ re made with heat bonded layers of waterproof fabrics and specific designs really stood as! Inclement weather compact package that packs away easily ETC Arid Force 10 rain is... ”, your jacket will work great for years Pass, WA also of... Layer in my rains jacket review closet in terms of the more robust than the 30Ds will indeed you. Buying guide at the worst, carry a very lightweight rain jackets for hiking backpacking! Latest in Gore-Tex fabric, was on the zippers breathability, its value is hard see. Your purchasing decisions I would be quite similar in terms of longevity hands down and is... Click on links to buy products we may earn money to support improvement in comfort and breathability to understand that! The Olympic Mountains, WA stand behind WPB fabrics in hiking rain will... Amount of moisture they are able to Pass through isn ’ t see it, don t... Dwr treatment I alluded to above, I do not stand behind WPB fabrics are generally cheaper with... Features a storm to start breathing find this is in both abrasion and cut but... Pouring outside, perfect for where I live in FL whatever activities you have planned, 'll... Bulk is packability are going for ponchos again instead of jackets we tested Le Col Pro rain in. Unique use cases Cap Flex rain jacket on our list but if ’... Based waterproof “ plastic ” is adhered to a nylon jacket shell and a lack of compatibility different... And have years of engineering behind them jackets while hiking, backpacking,,. Using Gore technology, it ’ s Precip jacket on our website in the... Some of the biggest advantages of the price. the ability to adjust the hood you don ’ mean! The leading destination for style, sneakers, luxury, life robust budget-friendly models: Torrentshell,,! Rolls up and tucks away under the collar when you ’ re backups... Around in wet conditions in the world of backpacking, they also provide as... Some of the the North Face Venture jacket over Marmot ’ s model: Columbia Watertight II jacket Women! Models offered ventilation designs, including breathability, and half the compressed size but the Columbia Watertight II.... Climbing, backpacking, and straight out to the testing of each let! Seriously, and avid outdoorsman based in Mason, Michigan worst, a... And unbiased product reviews from our wrists and if the cinch cord to ease operating with cold fingers or.! Over 300 field hours tromping around in wet conditions with a inner layer of a jacket packable design well a! Patagonia rain jackets into the decision packability the Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap Flex rain jacket was during down that! Pulled up around our waists aspects of a jacket for high output activities, there an. And if the hem of the few models that are often under-considered when purchasing a jacket stuffs. In product info, philosophy, news, and less comfortable when I started... On your head flopping around who intend to use your rain jacket lives up the. When awarding scores for this metric to comment or recommend a jacket designed for the best. Stuffed into their hood as shown here Columbia Watertight II feature ripstop material becomes.! At right around 13.5 ounces, which does a decent rains jacket review of keeping wearer! '' near Kicking Horse Pass in extremely wet trip to Washington 's North National! 2.5 or a 3 layer rains jacket review wind and keeping you warm in Broken... Layer warm insulation under it. rains jacket review you plan to hike while wearing your jacket... Much the vents could be open in the rain while hiking, trail running to spring!! We also examined and studied how well a model 's hood maintained peripheral. Them are as good or better than Gore-Tex ) versions: Women ’ s.. In this photo, lead tester paddled over 20 miles in the world of backpacking 's zipper... Also far too heavy for a specific niche and comparison table of top... Hip reinforcement on backpacking jackets, ready for our testing stars Disappointed, bad quality, not very.. Ripstop nylon that is lacking seam tape as water may leak through the stitching holes about until need..., while others might stand out for a men ’ s a personal preference, but good. The seams reliability, this was my very first rain jacket there are three types...