You may not see Layer 2most jackets on the market are 2.5-layer and feature a thin layer between Layer 2 and your skinbut its there, doing its job. Enter the pit zip. Many of todays top hiking pants are made from lightweight nylon For high-output activities, its hard to beat a softshell jacket. And last we checked, it was out of stock. If youve ever had a lightweight rain jacket stick to your skin while wearing short sleeves, you know that it not only feels kind of gross, but it actually makes you colder. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L ($150) This high quality and breathable 3 layer raincoat limits clamminess and is versatile enough to wear all year long. Marmot Minimalist Jacket ( MEN | WOMEN) The Marmot Minimalist is an affordable and protective rain jacket that is packable, waterproof, windproof, and breathable. The construction is undeniably thinit feels almost paper-like along the interiorand the zippers are fairly stiff and have a cheaper feel to them. Category: HikingWeight: 6.4 oz.Waterproofing: 2L Gore InfiniumWhat we like: Great combination of weight and breathability.What we dont: Compromises in protection and durability, and its not an around-town piece. For a similar concept but with a more durable, around-town-friendly build, check out TNFs Resolve 2Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's The North Face Venture 2 See the Women's The North Face Venture 2. Photo by Robert Curzon. When looking for a rain jacket, youre essentially asking for a jacket that will keep out rain but let out your sweat. Photo courtesy Robert Curzon. One thing that threw us off is The North Face doesn't run the usual Hydrostatic Test for waterproofing. Priced at $75 and often available for a discount at Amazon, the Columbia Watertight II is a leading budget rain jacket. Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. But dont just throw it away and buy a new one if its well used and soaking through! You may notice a waterproof rating listed on some outdoor gear websites, represented by a number from 0 to 20,000mm or more. In creating a waterproof jacket specifically designed to keep moisture out, there are natural restrictions on the air being held inside. To show you only the most rave-reviewed rain jackets for your outdoor adventures, we compared reviews from Adventure Alan, Adventure Junkies, The Big Outside, Greenbelly, Clever Hiker, Gear Patrol, Outdoor Gear Lab (two separate guides), Outside Online, REI, Section Hiker, The Strategist (two separate guides), and Switchback Travel (see Sources). Marmot Minimalist vs. Precip - Differences + Pros&Cons (2023) 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. In testing, material quality has been a common theme: Everything from the thick-toothed main zipper to the pit zips and three-way adjustable hood have a solid and reliable feel. Rain jacket layer technology works by using thermal gradients to move warm moisture vapor from inside your jacket to cooler air outside your jacket. Since we were evaluating lightweight rain jackets in this gear review, pretty much everything was best packable rain jackets. 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. Does this mean you should give up on rain jackets altogether? They are more eco-friendly and donate a higher percentage of their sales to environmental groups. To top it off, the StormLine is aggressively priced at $170. One drawback of the jacket, again, might be the price. That said, the Helium does have one chest pocket to stash snacks or other necessities. Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket. We loved the men's and women's Marmot Minimalist in earlier rain jacket reviews and our own years' of testing make us think this is still a great jacket. REI.COM: Up to 40% Off Clearance REI Co-op Brand Winter Clothing.Shop and Save! He says, "In mild, humid conditions at higher intensities, its hard to avoid minor moisture buildup, but the Futurelight jacket liner kept things comfortable and not clammy like other running-specific rain jackets. Marmot Minimalist. Everything about this jacket is windproof and waterproof, from the adjustable hood to the drawcord at the hem. Weve tested a number of Outdoor Researchs AscentShell models over years, and the Motive is their lightest and most affordable to date. There are several criteria worth considering when getting a rain jacket, mostly to do with the features of that jacket. Your jacket isn't as waterproof or breathable as it should be. Our favorite from their collection is the Downpour Plus 2.0, which offers a strong dose of performance at a very reasonable price point. All of the jackets in our review have fully-lined pockets with the exception of the Marmot PreCip Eco, which features mesh-lined pockets. When the wind is blowing, you want a hood that conforms to your head, while retaining enough structure around the sides and the bill that you can still see out. 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. 7.0. . It's worth noting that nearly all premium performance jackets to make our list have a 3-layer construction. Photo by Trey French. 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. Marmot gave the PreCip a light revamp fairly recently. So what does it mean when your jacket is 2.5-layer? Of note: OR also offers the 3-layer Helium AscentShell ($399), which combines the Heliums durable fabric with a more breathable AscentShell membrane Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Outdoor Research Helium Rain See the Women's OR Helium Rain. The expected outside ambient air temperature is one of the biggest factors to consider when buying a rain jacket. For outdoor adventurers, access to your phones GPS and mapping apps gives confidence when navigating, especially when weather conditions make finding your way trickier. 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. Finally, it doesnt excel for true performance usethe lining is prone to getting slippery and clammy and there are no pit zips to dump heat. 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. After analyzing more than a dozen outdoor magazine gear reviews and hundreds of customer reviews, we purchased the most promising rain jackets. When saving weight is critical to your mission, choose the Marmot Minimalist jacket. The North Face Lightriser Futurelight is a running jacket is the most breathable running rain jacket we found. . Its a close call between the two, but as long as you can get a good fit, we think the REIs modest improvements in comfort and durability give it the edge.See the Men's REI Co-op Rainier See the Women's REI Co-op Rainier. The Minimalist and the Foray utilize polyester face fabrics with a much longer-lasting Gore-Tex Paclite membrane. 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. 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 OR Helium also doesn't have as good of a waterproofing or breathability rating as the Versalite. This is an especially great budget option because it is made . It's right at the $300 price limit we set in this piece, but is one of our favorite pieces of gear. A fabric rated 20k for waterproofness resists approximately 66 feet of liquid stacked up in that 1-inch square tube before any seepage begins over 24-hours. But the overall formula remains the same, which were happy to see: The venting system is functional for a number of outdoor activities, and with a relatively light weight, the jacket feels fairly nimble and multi-sport-ready. (Dont believe us? 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. And rain gear, with its breathable fabric and waterproof membrane technology, doesnt always come cheap. Thats the bonus of DWRnot only does it prevent soaking through, it also keeps Layer 2 clean enough to breathe. Be sure to bring your hands to shoulder height to test how far the sleeves ride up while youre moving. The downsides our tester shared were pretty technical. One downside is that the interior fabric isn't as soft to the touch as a true 3-layer (some consider it slippery or plasticky), but we've seen improvements with recent models. If you value comfort and stretchiness in a rain jacket, its pretty ideal. Gear Patrol adds to the list of quality features, saying it repels water on par with more expensive jackets.. Offering more protection than a rain jacket but a step below a full-on winter hardshell, the light and packable Beta hits a sweet spot for three-season Patagonias Torrentshell 3L rain jacket is about as popular and well liked as it gets in the outdoor apparel space. burger . Its easy to layer a puffy underneath, but the jacket was much too long and roomy for us when wearing it over a thin baselayer. Price - $149. What makes the Minimalist a top choice for rain jackets is its performance and affordability. A true 3-layer construction incorporates three separate pieces of fabric, with the actual waterproof and breathable membrane in the middle and a more substantial fabric on the interior. DWR repels oil, grease, water, dirt, and whatever else you encounter on your adventure. In the end, if you want a high-performance piece for serious outdoor use, you may want to up your budget to an alternative like the Arcteryx Beta LT below. The Torrentshell 3L is indeed a 3-layer jacket that uses Patagonia's own H2No waterproofing. Another potential explanation is that those reviewers simply werent ventilating enoughand the water that they feel is really their own sweat, not rain. At just 6.3 ounces for the heavier mens medium, its essentially half the weight of each of our other winners. Breathability as well as compressibility increases and weight decreases with the design, making this the most popular option for hikers, backpackers, and climbers. A jackets ability to keep you cool is greatly enhanced with the inclusion of pit zips, which we discuss further below. Patagonia shook up the rain jacket market with the release of its Torrentshell 3L a few years ago. 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 tag thats cheaper by $40. Weight: 13.9 oz. The North Face Resolve 2 Jacket. 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). A longtime ultralight favorite, Outdoor Researchs Helium Rain Jacket, was overhauled a few seasons back. Our tester in the Outdoor Research Helium II rain jacket. Their fabrics are also much less prone to being soaked through under sustained rainfall. Instead, it protects Layer 2 (aka the waterproof-breathable membrane) from the dirt, sweat, oil, and abrasion that causes it to degrade over time. Category: Daily useWeight: 16 oz.Waterproofing: 2.5LWhat we like: Fun styling and sustainable materials.What we dont: Will not hold up to heavy rain; more expensive than other budget designs. Men's Minimalist Jacket. Warranty Related Issues: 1-888-311-2900, Mon-Fri, 12PM - 4PM EST A packable rain jacket also keeps the waterproofing clean of dirt and oils, keeping your handy it nice and breathable. Category: Hiking/daily useWeight: 11.3 oz.Waterproofing: 2.5L BD.dryWhat we like: Stretchy, loaded with features, and affordable.What we dont: Large fit doesnt match its performance intent. Marmot Minimalist. In addition, you miss out on a chest pocket, and the shell isnt a weight or packed size leader. Do be sure youre taking good care of your rain shell, as that will extend the life of the jacket, no matter the price. For washing, its always best to start by checking the label on your jacket as the specific instructions will vary. Youll see one side cinch on ultralights when the manufacturer is trying to cut some weight. 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. Your conditions, the expected weather, and temperatures will influence your decision on which rain jacket to choose. The Best Rain Jackets for Men of the Wild in 2023 4. Building on the success of the StormLine above, Black Diamond took that expertise upmarket with the Highline Stretch. The helmet-compatible hood fits a climbing or bike helmetor those of us with larger hairstylesand stows away when you dont need it. Layer 3 also helps water move from the warm inner of your jacket to the cool environment outside through the thermal gradient. To create a waterproof rain jacket that resists moisture from entering yet also lets sweat and hot air vent out requires a combination of fabric layers. The Beta is one of the only jackets on this list to feature 3-layer Gore-Tex waterproofing, which is about as premium as it gets for a rain shell. And the upside to Gore Infinium is excellent breathability for the weight, which makes the Versatile a great option for long days of hiking (its no coincidence that its a part of Montbells thru-hiking collection). The primary compromise is pocket placement as some hand pockets sit high to accommodate a climbing harness or backpack hipbelt. Knowing which situation youre likely to encounter most often will help you find the best waterproof rain jacket for you. Over the past few years, there have been a growing number of waterproof rain jackets featuring built-in stretch. The cut of the jacket is the same as the one on the Helium IIso its not long enough to cover some puffy coatsand youll likely need to size up if you want to wear a warm layer (like a fleece jacket) underneath. Its still a developing technology and key brands like Patagonia havent made the full switch yet (for more, heres Patagonias breakdown of the process), but PFC-free options are becoming more prevalent on the market. Marmot Precip vs Patagonia Torrentshell: Which is a Better Rain Jacket 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. 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). Specs. Offered in a wide range of colors and backed by the brands impressive warranty, the Venture 2 is worth having on your radar. 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. A few rain jackets on this list cross into the lighter end of the hardshell category, including the Outdoor Research Motive, Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0, and Arc'teryx Beta LT. A rain jackets waterproofing relies on a combination of factors: durable water repellent (DWR) coating that beads up water, and clean fabric layers on either side of the waterproof and breathable membrane to allow air vapor to pass through. The jacket also is well equipped and competitively lightweight with two hand pockets, a coated front zipper, and an all-in weight of 10 ounces (for our mens medium). Hardshell jackets, in contrast to the hiking rain jackets weve listed above, are made for truly extreme conditions. ALTRA-RUNNING.COM: FREE Three-day shipping | FREE Returns | 30-day Trial Run or Your Money Back! You'll want an adjustable hood. Its worth noting that the Gore Infinium construction alone technically isnt waterproof, but Montbell added a nylon ripstop face fabric, minimal seams plus seam taping, and a DWR coating, making this jacket well equipped for fending off moderate rainfall. Marmot vs Patagonia: Outdoor Brands Compared - Tackle Village Misha at Saks Fifth Avenue. CNN also identifed a solid, less-expensive option in the REI Rainier: . For daily uses like commuting, running errands, or walking the dog, youll likely prioritize a casual fit (which will accommodate a wide variety of layers underneath) and useful features like handwarmer pockets and Velcro wrist cinches. The beading seems to continue forever. Patagonia Torrentshell vs. Marmot PreCip: A Detailed Comparison There are two reasons to clean your rain jacket. Best Men's and Women's Rain Jackets and Raincoats While the weight penalty is minimal, the 3-layer H2No technology in the 100% recycled fabric offers enough additional weather resistance to impress. This sizing great if youre layering mid layers underneath your jacket for cooler days. $77 - $250 (4) Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody. It can be difficult to tell which of these jackets one should purchase without having a closer look. The Top 7 Waterproof Jackets in 2023. When its wet and cold outside, were also less likely to stop to pull snacks out of our backpacks-but those conditions are precisely when we need extra calories the most. 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. Its just not as natural a landing spot for your hands. The 2-layer Paclite build resembles Outdoor Researchs Foray above, but with a smooth and clean exteriorincluding fabric flaps over the center zipper and hand pockets and a nice array of subdued colorwaysthe Minimalist is fully at home around town. Just turn the pocket inside out, smoosh the jacket in, and zip it shut. Yes, there are lighter ultralight jackets out there. 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. Lets start with layers, what they do, and why they matter. . Plus, it features the all-important pit zips for ventilation and pockets for hand warmth. Patagonia shook up the rain jacket market with the release of its Torrentshell 3L a few years ago. $148 AT TENTREE.COM. Theres also a new drawcord at the hem, though folks with larger hips might not need it. For performance use, the benefits are obvious: While climbing, hiking, or other activities where youre moving your arms a lot, a stretchy jacket is less restrictive. It has better waterproofing. These downsides are enough to drop the XeroDry a bit on our list, but we still like its combination of features, Gore-Tex membrane, and price Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's REI XeroDry GTX See the Women's REI XeroDry GTX. With minimalist shells, classic cardigans, and winter-ready options in everything from cotton to cashmere, you can elevate your look comfortably. Designs like Outdoor Researchs Motive and Black Diamonds StormLine and FineLine incorporate fabrics and a waterproof internal membrane that flex surprisingly easily. All three of these jackets check in around 13 to 14 ounces and come with pit zips, but the Rab stands out with its smooth-operating coated zippers (the aforementioned jackets instead feature storm flaps) and trimmer fit. Just a light sprinkle, a fine mist, or intermittent rain? 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. 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. Compared to the other jackets in our review, its super breathable and light-- the heavy mens version weighs 12.5 ounces. That final point wasnt a deal breaker for us but is a downside for everyday wear.See the Men's Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 See the Women's Rab Downpour Plus 2.0. That's probably fine for people who choose the Helium as a lightweight "just in case" rain jacket. 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). 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). But it does prevent some dirt, oil, and abrasion from degrading the efficacy of your jacket. Best Rain Jackets For Hiking [And Your Guide For Choosing] These jackets are the most basic, and typically require a mesh liner to protect the jackets inner coating (hence the 2-layer name). Overlay - 3 Column; Overlay - 4 Column; Default - 2 Column Other brands that are competitive in the sustainability realm include REI Co-op, Marmot, and Black Diamond. Marmot Minimalist: REI Co-op XeroDry GTX: Marmot PreCip Eco: Water Resistance (30%) 8.0. A fresh DWR is an impressive thing and can offer excellent protection in light to moderate conditions, although heavy and sustained rainfall will eventually overwhelm the coating (thats where the waterproof membrane comes into play). Velcro adjustable cuffs can be made wider than your wrist, allowing most of that rain to drip onto the ground instead of your hands. More on this in waterproofing below. So on a warm day, your jacket has a harder time breathing, aka moving water vapor. Its interior is more comfortable and less prone clamminess thanks to a thicker lining. Perfect for your next rainy outdoor adventure, it features GORE-TEX Paclite technology, which offers a wind-blocking hydrophobic membrane and weight-minimizing comfort. Shop All Men's Multi-Sport Rain Jackets. Theres also an updated fit, although the jacket still has a regular cut thats roomy enough for wearing a lightweight puffy underneath. In theory, we agree with them, but in practice, that might be a different story. Heavier rain jackets have cinches on each side for a more even fit. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a27a6cd5b073a7f 3.5 / 5 Rating: 3.5 / 5 Based on 4 Reviews Size & Fit. Youll want to have room for a warm layer (such as a light fleece jacket) underneath, but little additional extra room. MENU MENU. 21 Best Waterproof Jackets of 2023 | What is Waterproof? - DIVEIN CNN Tested Rain Jackets and the Winner was Patagonia's Torrentshell 3L If you want to save some money and be protected in most wet weather conditions, this is a good pick. One downside? Photo by Robert Curzon. (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.). 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. Arm pit zips allow for extra ventilation for staying cool in warmer weather. A 4-inch brim on the hood keeps the water out of your eyes, and the drawcord on the back of the hood keeps it comfortably in place. Can You Snowboard with a Rain Jacket? - Riding Boards If you want a little more warmth, we found the Futurelight fabric is similar to a softshell, but with better protection against rain. But we do appreciate Cotopaxis effort towards sustainably built outerwear, and their rain jacket is undeniably good-looking for a budget piece. That is not to say that there aren't many rain jackets made with Gore-tex, there are of course many of them. By lining some of their designs' handwarmer pockets with airy mesh, they double as vents when unzipped. Because adding pit zips to a jacket inevitably results in a slight weight increase, some manufacturers like REI, Rab, and Outdoor Research have come up with a creative solution: core vents. The Foray was lightly updated last spring, and the II features a lower weight, modernized design and colorways, and availability in a wider range of sizes (S to XXXL). Most notably, it now has Eco in its name thanks a recycled face fabric and a PFC-free DWR coating. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. 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. But we think the vast majority of folks will find the Torrentshell to be a near-perfect match for everyday and light backcountry use. We had days of 35 F with steady rain-and I had no water intrusion at all. She also thought it was great at keeping out cold gusts of wind along the way. While they dont think it quite matches up to breathability of ultra-premium shells, the Stormline Stretch breathes better than other shells around its price.