The North Face Futurelight is the exception to the trend in rain jackets. But dont just throw it away and buy a new one if its well used and soaking through! After taking into account 14 professional reviews, our list included 80 different rain jackets, as opposed to the 20-or-so models we usually see. MSRP: $179 WEIGHT: 14.1 oz. Having an adjustable hem at the base of your jacket lets you secure it nice and tight so it won't ride up during movement. The ultimate expression of how effective a pit zip can be is the Outdoor Research Foray II. For a reasonable $199, that adds up to a whole lot of jacket. 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. It's made with Gore-Tex PacLite and weighs a mere 15 oz. 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. For outdoor adventurers, access to your phones GPS and mapping apps gives confidence when navigating, especially when weather conditions make finding your way trickier. These rain jackets will keep you protected, though remember to get one that works best for the conditions you most often encounter. 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. My old torrentshell despite maintaining with recommended DWR reapplication; constantly wet through on the shoulders and was stifling in high humidity. The zipper is waterproof, and unlike some waterproof zippers, we werent annoyed trying to zip and unzip this one. Category: Hiking/daily useWeight: 12.5 oz.Waterproofing: 2L Gore-Tex PacliteWhat we like: Great price for a Gore-Tex shell.What we dont: Step down in material quality from OR Foray above. The big news is the stretchy 2.5-layer construction, which offers greater comfort than a standard rain jacket like the REI Rainier above. The Outdoor Research Helium rain jacket is the lightest rain jacket that we considered. Photo by Mike Unger. The treatment is thinner than the sprayed-on coating of a 2.5-layer jacket (more on this below), so we consider the Calcite a 2-layer piece. 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. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. The fabricwhich our tester raved about. We recommend buying the Stormline from REI or another retailer where returns are easy and return shipping is free. Weight: 11.3 oz (mens)/ 9.5 oz (womens), What we liked: mobility, sleek look, ventilation, pockets, packability, What we didn't like: not as waterproof or breathable as other jackets. We're pleased to see that its sizing is among the most inclusive of any brand we testedincluding our overall winner, the Patagonia Torrentshell. By repelling oil and dirt, it also helps keep Layer 2 clean. Compared to the other jackets in our review, its super breathable and light-- the heavy mens version weighs 12.5 ounces. 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. Below are our top trail runners of 2023, from Hardshell jackets are designed for the alpine: theyre highly windproof, waterproof, breathable, and durable. One of Patagonia's flagship jackets, the Torrentshell is a hardwearing and 3-layer jacket that is ready for the elements. Hyper-fancy, high-performance rain jackets can cost close to a months rent, but we think the men's and women's REI Co-op XeroDry GTX offers the performance at about half the price of similar jackets. So what does it mean when your jacket is 2.5-layer? When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission, without costing you an extra cent. Enter the pit zip. Backpacker gave the Black Diamond Stormline Stretch marks for breathability. 460 grams (men), 410 grams (women) 2. Photo courtesy Tiffany Searsdodd. 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. Weve got more to say on that than can fit in this space, so see our full section below. 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. MARMOT. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L. Does this mean you should give up on rain jackets altogether? Arcteryx has traditionally lagged behind here, but some of their recent releases have begun incorporating these best-known practices. Other models charge up to $100 more than the Versalite's sticker price to get the same specs for waterproofing and breathability, as well as pockets, pit zips, and an adjustable hood. 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). It was a little different from many other jackets in the same rain shell category in that it was made from Gore-tex. There are two reasons to clean your rain jacket. Instead, softshells remain a better choice for those looking for a breathable and water resistant outer layer. The Torrentshell 3L tops our list with its impressively balanced design, but for a step up in performance its worth checking out the Calcite here. Sport. At just 6.3 ounces for the heavier mens medium, its essentially half the weight of each of our other winners. 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. Whats not to like with the Beta LT? Jumping to a 3-layer jacket also involves a significant increase in price (one exception is Patagonia's $179 Torrentshell 3L), and most often these are big name designs, like Gore-Tex or eVent. The jacket features a 2.5 layer waterproof design and that actually keeps water out. Weight: 13.7 oz (mens) / 13.7 oz (womens). The Torrentshell 3L is indeed a 3-layer jacket that uses Patagonia's own H2No waterproofing. Marmot Minimalist: REI Co-op XeroDry GTX: Marmot PreCip Eco: Water Resistance (30%) 8.0. It is a great option for hikers and backpackers seeking a lightweight balance of features and minimalist design. That said, the Helium does have one chest pocket to stash snacks or other necessities. 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. Pit Zips, Side Zips, and Core Vents But the way pockets on gear are designed havent caught up to the way phones are designed. What changed? And everyone wants to have their phone in easy reach to get a photo when that rainbow pops out of the clouds. Photo by Robert Curzon. Generally for emergency use or for situations where youre able to get to safety quickly. Still, the PreCip Eco isnt bad for a Budget Pick. And it still doesn't have pit zips. Our tester, Treeline editor Naomi Hudetz, tested both versions. 48. Seriously, a nod to the fashion conscious. It may be tempting to go with the super-budget ultralight rain jacket: men's and women's Frogg Toggs rain gear. 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. Constant downpours in the forecast for the seven days of your trip? 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. This measurement tests both general water repellency as well as performance under pressure. Cons: Only two length options. Prime Try Before You Buy. We also like it when pockets are large enough to store your phone and/or snacks. The 3L design has also improved the jacket's breathability compared to previous . You might also like: The Best Rain Jackets Under $50 Material and Other Details. Men's and women's The North Face Lightriser is our winner for Best Waterproof Running Jacket for its excellent balance of weather protection and breathability. Patagonia ranch jacket vs barn coat. If you value comfort and stretchiness in a rain jacket, its pretty ideal. Price - $149. Patagonia 3L Torrentshell. The Flight Futurelight also has more limited sizing than other jackets we consideredXS to XL. It balances frontcountry and backcountry usefulness. With a substantial 5.8-ounce savings, the Storm10 is a performance rain jacket at its finest: Its impressively waterproof, decently breathable despite the lack of pit zips (the thin 20D shell fabric helps), and packs down very small into its chest pocket. The latest rain jacket from the Patagonia brand sports a 3-layer construction, giving it a big boost in performance. By opening up the jacket under the arms, you can release a lot of air without sacrificing the jackets waterproof design. Rab is best known for their technical hardshell and insulating jacketstheyre a climbing company at their corebut theyve been making consistent strides in the rain jacket market of late. Both jackets have large fits (sizing down is recommended unless you want room for layering), stuff away into a pocket, and weigh about the same (the REI is 1.2 oz. Many ultralight and trail running jackets forego pockets to cut down on weight, while other models sport them in abundance. ALTRA-RUNNING.COM: FREE Three-day shipping | FREE Returns | 30-day Trial Run or Your Money Back! But it serves the same purpose as Layer 3: protecting that layer-2 membrane from oil, dirt, and other junk. The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is the newest version of Patagonia's mega-popular and value-focused line of Torrentshell jackets. 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. A hood should fit well over your head, with room for your hair, hats, and helmets you may wear. MARMOT NanoPro. As we trek to higher ground, we open the underarm vents to keep our microclimate calm, while the hood's laminated visor diverts the sky's steady stream away from our eyes. In this gear review, you'll find recommendations for all kinds of rainy conditions. Instead, it protects Layer 2 (aka the waterproof-breathable membrane) from the dirt, sweat, oil, and abrasion that causes it to degrade over time. Youll feel damp, clammy, and likely a little peeved at your rain jacket. Layer 2 is the real waterproof layer. In general, a stretchy rain jacket will cost more than a standard shell (for example, the BD StormLine is $170 compared with the $100 Marmot PreCip Eco), but its a nice upgrade that comes with plenty of tangible benefits. This lightweight and quality jacket has proven time and again why it remains at the top of the list. Its a membrane, which is coated or laminated and layered under the face fabric. Rain jacket layer technology works by using thermal gradients to move warm moisture vapor from inside your jacket to cooler air outside your jacket. We are proud to be independent and reader-supported. (Dont believe us? But Patagonia upped their game with the Torrentshell 3L (see review above ), a more-adjustable helmet-compatible hood, top-of-the-line waterproofing, higher eco-standards, and a price . It is a great jacket to have if you are going to be in persistent wind or rain. It also doesn't have a women's version. The zippers are waterproof and all of them have storm flaps that protect them from the weather. By lining some of their designs' handwarmer pockets with airy mesh, they double as vents when unzipped. Weight - 13.6 oz (mens medium) Material - Synthetic Blend. 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. This jacket is protective, well made, and has the zealous flair for aesthetic style that makes Patagonia more than just an outdoor brand. Thatll leave more room for your do. 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.). Credit Cards. One thing to note about Montbell is that sizing can run small. Wash your rain jacket according to the manufacturers instructionsmost prefer it if you avoid using detergent, though something like NikWax Tech Wash helps to restore the fabric. of reviewers. Reasonable weather protection for drier climates. Thats a hybrid of a 2-layer and 3-layer construction. 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. Photo courtesy Robert Curzon. The REI XeroDry GTX comes in at 28,000+ mm and is rated for multiple days of rain. As a general recommendation, the following works well for us: Wash the jacket in warm water with liquid detergent, and run it through a second rinse cycle to clear out any detergent residue. My Account; Shopping Cart; Checkout; Contact; Pages. But the Marmot PreCip is holding its own with a lower price point and great weather protection. But while it offers all the performance most hikers need, its simplified design does make a few sacrifices. That's a reason why even though this is a higher-end rain jacket, we'd give it the award for Best Plus Size Rain Jacket. 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. 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). Generous hand pockets keep your hands cool on chilly days. 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). BACKCOUNTRY.COM: New Customers - Take 15% Off One Full Price Item. The Montbell Versalite is similarly rated for 30,000+ mm/24 hours, but comes at a premium. Your jacket will stop being able to breatheand all that moisture next to your skin is there to stay. Its interior is more comfortable and less prone clamminess thanks to a thicker lining. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket. Second, the main zipper has a coil design that lacks the smooth, confidence-inspiring action of the Marmot and REI. The Helium skips the pit zips to save on weight, and its the lightest jacket in our review at a scant 6.3 oz. Readers write in to tell us how much they have enjoyed it over the years that we've recommended it as a winner. Photo by Naomi Hudetz. All of the jackets in our review have fully-lined pockets with the exception of the Marmot PreCip Eco, which features mesh-lined pockets. But these complaints are to be expected in a sub-7-ounce shell, and the Helium Rains low weight and impressive packability, reasonable price, and surprisingly good toughness make it our top ultralight pick. Just about every major outdoor brand offers a budget-oriented rain shell for about $100, and The North Faces entry is the popular Venture. Weight: 6.3 oz (mens) / 5.8 oz (yes, the womens weighs more), Waterproof Material: 2 L Gore Te Infinium Windstopper, What we liked: weight, price, waterproof rating, breathability, What we didn't like: sizing, not many in-person retail locations to try it on. Treeline editor Naomi Hudetz hiking the Elk Crest Trail section of her Blue Mountains Trail thru-hike in the Torrentshell. CNN also identifed a solid, less-expensive option in the REI Rainier: . Hood One of the most sought-after features in a waterproof rain jacket is breathability: the ability for perspiration and other moisture to exit the jacket without outside water coming in. 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 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. Also of note, the 3L is less clammy than its 2.5-layer counterpart. 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. Despite the sizing complaints, we think the Black Diamond Stormline Stretch is a rain jacket thatll suit most folks for most of their rainy day needs. Both of these rain jackets have a regular fit, which means they are a bit loose, hanging . We wish we lived in a world where money was no object, but alas. With a recent reconfiguration of their lineup, theyve moved their rain shells away from the Zeta collection into the versatile Beta series. Three of our five picks have armpit zips (we decided to split the difference with the name), which are great for keeping you cool in warmer weather. Both the Marmot PreCip Eco and the Outdoor Research Helium are 2.5-layer jackets. Marmot Minimalist: $199: 13 oz. 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. And for a shell thats intended for hiking and backpacking, wed prefer the hand pockets sit a little higher to be accessible when wearing a hipbelt (the interior chest pocket is generously sized, however). Some manufacturers succeed better than others at this concept. Cons of a rain jacket vs a snow shell 1. But it's $400 MSRPwell above our price limit for this piece. The downsides our tester shared were pretty technical. Climbing. Patagonia is a clear leader in this realm: Their Torrentshell 3L, for example, uses a 100%-recycled face fabric, PFC-free DWR coating, PU membrane thats comprised of 13% biobased content, and is both bluesign-approved and Fair Trade Certified, indicating that the materials are safe for consumers and the environment and that workers are treated fairly. 2.5-Layer 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. The name's a little misleading. And while, sure, some fabrics and some jacket builds do better than others, its important to know that if youre exerting a lotparticularly in warm weatheryoure likely going to sweat at least a little bit. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L. Black Diamond took the plunge into the rain shell market with their StormLine. Category: Performance/hikingWeight: 8.3 oz.Waterproofing: 3L H2No Performance StandardWhat we like: Strong 3-layer performance in a minimalist package.What we dont: Not great for daily use and less of an all-rounder than the Beta above. It reminds us of similar Gore Tex jackets that are twice-the-price, such ArcTeryx jackets we tested. 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. Hand pockets are a convenient place to warm your hands up when rain mittens are out of the question. Designs like Outdoor Researchs Motive and Black Diamonds StormLine and FineLine incorporate fabrics and a waterproof internal membrane that flex surprisingly easily.
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