The Flight Lightriser Futurelight manages running in the rain and wet weather rather effectively. For a list of our top picks, you can check out our in-depth softshell review. In addition, the single side waist adjuster means the jacket feels uneven when pulled tight. We found that the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L managed to earn a rating of 9.2 from divein.com, whereas the Marmot Minimalist Rain Jacket (Men's) got its highest, 10, score from reviewers at OutdoorGearLab. Were neutral on the near-pocketlessness, because while it can be nice to have pockets, adding them to a minimalist jacket can feel extraneous. Credit Cards. Plus, the 2023 version has some of the most inclusive sizing of any rain jacket we considered. From its performance to its features, from its impact to its price, we think the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is the best rain jacket for most people. That half-layer isnt quite as good as a full-out third layer at protecting your second layer membrane. Have a larger hairstyle? Lets talk about sleeves and sleeve cuffs for a sec. But we do appreciate Cotopaxis effort towards sustainably built outerwear, and their rain jacket is undeniably good-looking for a budget piece. 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. Marmot Minimalist: 189: 388: . In addition, you miss out on a chest pocket, and the shell isnt a weight or packed size leader. Weighing just 6.4 ounces, their Versalite rain jacket is a prime example: You get impressive breathability, good comfort, and features like pit zips and hand pockets for around $250. The North Face Resolve 2 Jacket. Called the Hydrostatic Head Pressure test, it measures water permeability for fabrics. One of Patagonia's flagship jackets, the Torrentshell is a hardwearing and 3-layer jacket that is ready for the elements. 4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars (36) $196.42 $ 196. The adjustable cuffs on the new model are half elastic, on the other side of the wrist, and half velcro. This designation includes big sellers like the entry-level Marmot PreCip Eco all the way up to the $400 Arcteryx Beta. The Patagonia Torrentshell is super packable . 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). 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. Category: Daily useWeight: 13 oz.Waterproofing: 2L Omni-TechWhat we like: Great value, lots of color options.What we dont: Cheap construction has a plasticky feel. All told, if youre looking for versatile rain and snow protection but dont want to spring for a full-on Gore-Tex Pro hardshell, the Beta LT is hard to beat Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Arc'teryx Beta LT See the Women's Arc'teryx Beta LT. Category: Daily use/hikingWeight: 13 oz.Waterproofing: 2.5L PeakWhat we like: Great price for a solid all-around design; wide range of colors and sizes.What we dont: Fits very big, so we ended up sizing down. This is an especially great budget option because it is made . That incredible lightness of being comes from a lack of the usual features: the Helium has no armpit zips for ventilation and no hand pockets, though there is a chest pocket that the jacket can pack down into. We get if new runners feel hesitant to spend this much on a rain jacket. Many of todays top hiking pants are made from lightweight nylon For high-output activities, its hard to beat a softshell jacket. 42 $220.00 $220.00. We found that the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L managed to earn a rating of 9.2 from divein.com, whereas . Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. And (no surprise), 2.5-layer jackets are a heckuva lot more lightweight and affordable than most full 3-layer jackets. The North Face states that the Futurelight uses their premium waterproof-breathable technology, and we believe it. This is unheard of at this weight for any other rain jacket, including the Outdoor Research Helium. Photo courtesy Robert Curzon. $59 - $179 (1) Patagonia PowSlayer Jacket Snowsport Jacket / Waterproof $346 - $699 (1) Rab Phantom Waterproof Pull-On . 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). Youll want to have room for a warm layer (such as a light fleece jacket) underneath, but little additional extra room. For how to do that, read our tricks and tips section, or watch this video from Canadian outdoor store Mountain Equipment Co-op (full disclosure: we did not consider any of their jackets). Their breathable and stretchy fabrics offer fantastic performance and a really comfortable fit that moves with you. Yes: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L: $149: 12.5 oz. 2.5L Pertex: Patagonia Torrentshell: 149: 394: 3L H2No: Our tester Jill loved this change, noting that she never worried about the new cuffs being too tight. lct321 . . The Outdoor Helium 2 with its Pertex Shield logo. The Outdoor Research Helium will give you the wind and rain protection you need for just over a quarter of a pound. In fact, the innovative K-MONO Cut reduces seam lines, where all rain jackets are most likely to wet-through. Photo by Robert Curzon. . Photo by Robert Curzon. How well a rain jacket packs down affects how often youll actually carry it, which in turn affects how often youll actually use it. 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. 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. The interior is soft to the touch and doesnt have the plasticky feel that you get with most traditional designs, and theres a noticeable amount of give in the shell fabric. By qbcore server for sale. What We Don't: Price. We create reader-supported, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. The underarm zippers extend all the way down to the hems on either side. MENU MENU. We're thrilled that for 2023, there was competition for this category (such as the Outdoor Research Heliumwhich is a good option if you want something less expensive). It has all of the features most-often sought after in a rain jacket - including armpit zips, fully-lined hand pockets, and the ability to pack down into a pocket. It's right at the $300 price limit we set in this piece, but is one of our favorite pieces of gear. This Marmot jacket might be called Minimalist, but its features are anything but that. * We note any discounts we see on our Deals page, which is updated daily. From months of daily drizzle to heavy downpour in the mountains, were acutely aware of the benefits of a quality waterproof and breathable shell. 686 Paclite Jacket. The DWRs job is to keep Layer 1 from getting saturated with water. Yes, a rain jacket protects you from the wet, but it needs to be dry to effectively do so. Hand pockets are a convenient place to warm your hands up when rain mittens are out of the question. The beading seems to continue forever. CNN also identifed a solid, less-expensive option in the REI Rainier: . 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. Even so, the Marmot Minimalist is a good fit for budget-conscious travellers. Thats a hybrid of a 2-layer and 3-layer construction. That said, the Helium does have one chest pocket to stash snacks or other necessities. Its a minor quibble, but if youre looking for easy packability, this one might not be for you. The test is a strange one: It doesnt mimic real-world conditions and many manufacturers choose not to list it at all. In testing the Rainier, we were struck with how many features it shares with Marmots PreCip Eco below. A longstanding favorite in the rain shell market, Marmots Minimalist balances classy looks with solid Gore-Tex protection. You often get two hand pockets and a chest pocket (either on the inside or outside of the shell), all the better for the little things you need to carry around on a daily basis like a phone or wallet. These can reach over the top of most climbing helmets for added weather protection. . Depending on what your jacket is made of and the care you put into its maintenance, it can last for years. It may be tempting to go with the super-budget ultralight rain jacket: men's and women's Frogg Toggs rain gear. A couple final notes: Rab products come with a left-hand zip (which might take some getting used to), and the Downpour lacks a chest pocket. 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 primary compromise is pocket placement as some hand pockets sit high to accommodate a climbing harness or backpack hipbelt. The jackets extremely thin 10-denier face fabric (for reference, the ultralight Outdoor Research Helium Rain above uses far tougher 30D) will require extra care to avoid tears and punctures. Thats why we suggest a jacket with ventilation for warm weather. Then we took a look at the highest review scores that these two Rain Jackets received. The fabricwhich our tester raved about. . Marmot Precip Eco: 10.1 oz : NanoPro Eco: Yes: 2 zippered pocket: $100: Frogg Toggs: 4.8 oz : . If youre looking for a starter jacket or a lightweight jacket for just-in-case, the Marmot PreCip Eco will serve you well. Weight - 13.6 oz (mens medium) Material - Synthetic Blend. 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). reasonable 3L jkt with a softer . Performance & security by Cloudflare. The men's and women's Black Diamond Stormline Stretch is our winner for Best Stretchy Rain Jacket. The Torrentshell 3L is indeed a 3-layer jacket that uses Patagonia's own H2No waterproofing. Pockets give us the option of easy access to snacks as we move towards less rainy conditions. But if youre looking for ways to make running in the rain more comfortableand live some place where it rains a lot this might be the jacket for you. Reasonably priced at $199, the Motive has a whole lot going for it. It can be tempting to think of a rain jacket as a rugged piece of gear-it gets you through a lot of rugged weather, after all-but even rugged gear needs love and care. Established more than a decade before Arc'teryx, in 1974, Marmot is one of the leading brands in the US, catering to the market of outdoor clothing and gear enthusiasts. Sign up with your email address to be the first to know when we release new gear reviews! When your jacket advertises it has Gore-Tex or eVent, its always in Layer 2. Marmot Minimalist. Think about measurements, for example: will that rain jacket chest pocket be practical for a woman with a larger bust measurement? Despite claims of being waterproof and breathable, many rain jackets are just plain stuffy. Offered in a wide range of colors and backed by the brands impressive warranty, the Venture 2 is worth having on your radar. 2. 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. Be sure to bring your hands to shoulder height to test how far the sleeves ride up while youre moving. 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. Keep that in mind, and youre likely to be happier with any rain jacket you purchase. Women's Torrentshell 3L Jacket Color: Evening Mauve (EVMA) Size: | $179.00 Checkout (0) Reviews. 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. It's worth noting that nearly all premium performance jackets to make our list have a 3-layer construction. 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. Most notably, it now has Eco in its name thanks a recycled face fabric and a PFC-free DWR coating. It strikes a great balance - between price, weight, stretchiness, and features. 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 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). If zippers go out, check out our How to Fix Zippers on Outdoor Gear guide. On the other hand, weve seen what can happen to rain jackets after a few hard seasons of mechanical wear from scrunching. We are proud to be independent and reader-supported. (And yes, they switched the name from the Helium II back to the Helium, so while its hard to get an original, keep that in mind when youre bargain-hunting.) They share their supplier information with consumers, including the specifics of how and where the Torrentshell is made. My Account; Shopping Cart; Checkout; Contact; Pages. The Venture 2 Hooded Jacket is one of The North Face's most popular waterproof jackets, for good reason. Thatll leave more room for your do. (Sensing a trend?) Marmot Minimalist. Weve placed the latest AscentShell jacket toward the bottom of our list, however, because its finer details are somewhat disappointing. There are two reasons to clean your rain jacket. How does the Watertight II compare with REIs budget-friendly Rainier above? 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). Youll feel damp, clammy, and likely a little peeved at your rain jacket. Your camp mates insist on hiking downwind of you. The chest pockets shape has changed from rectangular to curvierand it will no longer fit larger phone models. Patagonia ranch jacket vs barn coat. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L ($150) This high quality and breathable 3 layer raincoat limits clamminess and is versatile enough to wear all year long. This jacket was one of the more breathable jackets we tested, but its pockets like many others weren't . 48. 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. Most rain jackets fold down into their zippered hand warming pocket. $148 AT TENTREE.COM. A men's commuter raincoat: Helly Hansen Moss Rain Coat. Built with alpine climbing in mind, it has an athletic fit . The Helium skips the pit zips to save on weight, and its the lightest jacket in our review at a scant 6.3 oz. Category: Daily use/hikingWeight: 11.6 oz.Waterproofing: 2.5L DryVentWhat we like: Another versatile rain jacket for under $100.What we dont: Falls a little short in hood design and zipper quality. (Dont believe us? Adjustability of the hood also is key. The elastic shock cord and tensioning piece are minimal but not finicky; they stay out of the way when needing to cinch the hood tightly over your face for maximum weather protection. Generally, we recommend renewing your DWR at least once a yearat the beginning or end of a season is a great time! BLACK-DIAMOND: Extra 20% off Outlet with coupon code "OUTLET20". How to Clean Your Rain Jacket. Avoid over washing, as that can cause damage, tooyoull want to wash once every several uses. Treeline writer Felicia Hermosillo in the Frogg Toggs rain jacket in the Sierra. Its a membrane, which is coated or laminated and layered under the face fabric. Many companies dont shell out for the Gore-Tex, but rather offer rain shells built with their own proprietary materials. 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. Back Length. (Plus, drying it keeps away the mildew.). 22 February 2021 by nadia. 4. The ultimate expression of how effective a pit zip can be is the Outdoor Research Foray II. Home; Shop. Treeline editor Naomi Hudetz hiking the Elk Crest Trail section of her Blue Mountains Trail thru-hike in the Torrentshell. Additionally, we have a whole section on waterproofing in our Best Mens Ski Jackets and Best Women's Ski Jackets guide. Spurning labels, youll want to choose the jacket that works best for your body: this author, for example, owns a mens rain jacket to fit her apparently-broad-for-a-woman shoulders. But while it offers all the performance most hikers need, its simplified design does make a few sacrifices. Generally speaking, the more you spend the more breathable the jacket will be. And among true ultralight designs, the Falketind is particularly well rounded: The Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket weighs just 6.3 ounces, but it lacks the Norrna's premium . If youre looking for a great all-around waterproof rain jacket, we like the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L as a high-performing, durable option at a mid-range price. 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. These jackets are the most basic, and typically require a mesh liner to protect the jackets inner coating (hence the 2-layer name). Photo by John Carr. Range - is a 2.5-layer Gore-Tex shell designed to keep you dry in everything from sudden torrential downpours to full-winter conditions at altitude. Top it off with pit zips, raised hand pockets that are hipbelt-friendly, and an adjustable, helmet-compatible hood, and the Rab is a great choice for those who want a technically savvy rain shellgreat for everything from hiking and backpacking to bike commutingthat wont break the bank. Overview. 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. There are several criteria worth considering when getting a rain jacket, mostly to do with the features of that jacket. 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. It balances frontcountry and backcountry usefulness. Marmot Minimalist $220 at Marmot. 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. What you gain in convenience with the hipbelt (or climbing harness), you then lose in daily usability. A final note related to DWR is that there has been a recent push to move away from traditional coatings that use perfluorocarbons, which is a chemical that has been linked to environmental and health issues. 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. A utilitarian men's rain jacket: Columbia Men's . We at Switchback Travel dont feel the waterproof ratings are very helpful in the buying process and have chosen not to list them with our specs. Our tester in the Outdoor Research Helium II rain jacket. Make sure you think about whats best for you before you buy. Layer 2 also cant do its job if Layer 1 is saturated with water. It is lightweight, but that does not stop the jacket from performing well. Arc'teryx Beta LT). Each proves to be able to handle anything we could hope a backpacking-oriented rain jacket could take. In this gear review, you'll find recommendations for all kinds of rainy conditions. My old torrentshell despite maintaining with recommended DWR reapplication; constantly wet through on the shoulders and was stifling in high humidity. Pockets are often way too small for most phones, which is one reason why many adventurers prefer smaller phones. Premium: Columbia Watertight II. There is a microfleece lining on the neck, which provides . The newest version has a 3L construction, which provides a step up from the previous 2L and 2.5L models . 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. And as long as you dont take them Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket (2023) Review, Outdoor Research Foray II GTX Jacket Review, See the Women's Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, See the Men's Outdoor Research Helium Rain. Treeline writer Tiffany Searsdodd wearing the Marmot Minimalist rain jacket (also shown is the Mountain Hardwear) during a storm on the John Muir Trail. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a27a6cd5b073a7f In addition, the REI has a slightly more substantial face fabric and improved comfort with a fleece-like lining covering the collar (weight goes up a bit as a result). This adds a bit of bulk than a comparable 2.5 layer, but increases durability and further improves moisture wicking and next-to-skin feel. Thats the bonus of DWRnot only does it prevent soaking through, it also keeps Layer 2 clean enough to breathe. The benefit of this interior finish is that the mesh found in 2-layer jackets is no longer necessary. Knowing which situation youre likely to encounter most often will help you find the best waterproof rain jacket for you. Comparison in pocket placement and torso length between the Patagonia Torrentshell 2019 (left) and Torrentshell 3L (right). Rain jacket layer technology works by using thermal gradients to move warm moisture vapor from inside your jacket to cooler air outside your jacket. And once your jacket is nice and clean again, you can further refresh the DWR with sprays meant for the purpose. We only want the same thing as youthe best gear at the best price. Hiking You'll want an adjustable hood. Marmot Minimalist - Women's. $199. However, there are a few key differences in the two companies.
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