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. For a rain jacket dedicated specifically to trail and distance running, check out Patagonia's Storm Racer Jacket ($249), which uses an innovative design that allows for access to a running vest worn beneath. Photo by Robert Curzon. Then we took a look at the highest review scores that these two Rain Jackets received. All told, theres still a long ways to go in the industry, but the current trajectory and momentum from many of the key players are encouraging. The name's a little misleading. But weve also enjoyed the greater level of comfort and less crinkly feel for daily wear. Compared to the other jackets in our review, its super breathable and light-- the heavy mens version weighs 12.5 ounces. Finally, we've had consistent issues with the jacket wetting out fairly quickly in heavy rainfall (it's also slow to dry). On the other hand, more feature-rich shells, such as our hiking/daily use options, hit a better sweet spot for the everyday user. Do be sure youre taking good care of your rain shell, as that will extend the life of the jacket, no matter the price. Even as technologies have advanced and full waterproof softshells have become available, they still cant compete with the waterproofing performance of a traditional rain jacket. We also like it when pockets are large enough to store your phone and/or snacks. It's right at the $300 price limit we set in this piece, but is one of our favorite pieces of gear. 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. Performance The Patagonia Torrentshell jacket's 3-layer construction with 50-denier ECONYL recycled nylon ripstop is sturdy and held up well through the testing process. The Marmot has all the more common features youd want in a hiking or backpacking rain jacket, like armpit zips, hand pockets that serve as additional vents, and the ability to stow down into a hand pocket. If you're looking for a more casual look, but don't want to skimp on the waterproofing, the Paclite Jacket from 686 will do the trick. It keeps water out and minimizes moisture buildup from sweating. This especially applies to lower-cost rain jackets, as, in some regards, you get what you pay for. cvs animated witch set the clock in audio nissan qashqai; anime fan grosse bite avec mec petite bite; clausing lathe serial number lookup my bestfriend wants to tell my husband that i cheated on him six years ago; publix ad preview Hood sizes and cinches are a small feature that can make a big difference on a rain jacket. Thatll leave more room for your do. Weight: 6.0 oz (mens) / 6.38 oz (yes, the womens weighs more). Jackets in this category include the Arc'teryx Beta LT, which impressed us with its performance during a wet and slushy winter in the PNW. Patagonia shook up the rain jacket market with the release of its Torrentshell 3L a few years ago. 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. Youll feel damp, clammy, and likely a little peeved at your rain jacket. If youre looking for a starter jacket or a lightweight jacket for just-in-case, the Marmot PreCip Eco will serve you well. Waterproof, wind-resistant, and packable: These features are common in both the Precip and the Torrentshell. People sometimes have a hard time distinguishing between things that are cold and things that are wet. Now I know the Marmot is a GTX PacLite 2.5 which means it's very reliant on its DWR performance. Photo by Robert Curzon. But is the Calcite worth its $299 price tag? 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 are proud to be independent and reader-supported. That half-layer isnt quite as good as a full-out third layer at protecting your second layer membrane. Weve had the Minimalist ranked at or near the top of our list in prior years, but we felt the most recent update was a step backwards in most ways (besides the sustainability improvements mentioned above). REI Rainier - Women's. $100. If you dont need full-on winter protection, however, the Highline is a comfortable and well-designed shell that costs significantly less than the Gore-Tex-equipped alternativesRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's BD Highline Stretch See the Women's BD Highline Stretch. The Outdoor Research Helium rain jacket is the lightest rain jacket that we considered. Arm pit zips allow for extra ventilation for staying cool in warmer weather. Avoid over washing, as that can cause damage, tooyoull want to wash once every several uses. As such, we give the edge to the burlier Beta LT for year-long use (plus, the Beta's larger hood makes it fully functional as a backcountry ski jacket). The Cielo will get the job done in light rain, but in the end its one of the least capable jackets here. (Sensing a trend?) Enter the pit zip. Another potential explanation is that those reviewers simply werent ventilating enoughand the water that they feel is really their own sweat, not rain. Built with alpine climbing in mind, it has an athletic fit . 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 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. Its versatility in a number of conditions--rain, wind, and hanging out--make it a smart choice if you only own one rain jacket. Take these factors into account, and choose wisely. Fitted with pit zips and Gore-Tex Paclite technology, this is a super warm yet breathable jacket that can . face oil for gua sha; The Outdoor Research Helium does not have pit zips. What has it got in its pocketses?! Firstly, Patagonia is more focused on the environment than North Face. (Dont believe us? Marmot Minimalist Jacket ( MEN | WOMEN) The Marmot Minimalist is an affordable and protective rain jacket that is packable, waterproof, windproof, and breathable. 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. Category: HikingWeight: 6.3 oz.Waterproofing: 2.5L Pertex Shield Diamond FuseWhat we like: Ultralight yet reasonably tough.What we dont: Too streamlined for around-town use; doesnt breathe very well. After reviewing 80 lightweight breathable rain jackets, we tested the most promising from the rainy Pacific Northwest to the Appalachian Trail to find the best lightweight rain jackets for most hikers, runners, travelers, and commuters. Photo by Liz Thomas. 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. 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). Weve got more to say on that than can fit in this space, so see our full section below. Photo by Trey French. There are two types of hand pockets: mesh pockets and fully-lined pockets. This compromised performance makes the $145 price tag a bit hard to swallow, especially when Columbias Watertight above costs about half as much. Despite claims of being waterproof and breathable, many rain jackets are just plain stuffy. Look to weight as a great indicator of how packable a jacket truly is. The North Face Resolve 2 Jacket. If you want a little more warmth, we found the Futurelight fabric is similar to a softshell, but with better protection against rain. In addition, you miss out on a chest pocket, and the shell isnt a weight or packed size leader. 3. The Patagonia Torrentshell jacket offers top-quality performance. In fact, the packable rain jacket was originally created to keep the jacket clean and the membrane free from oils and dirt that reduce breathability. The North Face Futurelight is the exception to the trend in rain jackets. Breathing (that moisture movement) technically happens in Layer 2. How Waterproofing and Breathability Ratings Work. 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. Typically done with a cord and toggle, theyre very user-friendly. Men's Climbing Jackets. Frogg Toggs Pilot 2 Jacket. Marmot Minimalist $220 at Marmot. Specs. Our tester in the Outdoor Research Helium II rain jacket. We found that BDs 2-ounce-lighter FineLine jacket has a more athletic cut, but that model gives up valuable features like hand pockets, adjustable cuffs, and pit zips Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Black Diamond StormLine See the Women's BD StormLine. The climbing community loves Montbell and for good reason: The company offers well-thought-out technical pieces that come in cheaper than brands like Arcteryx and Patagonia. All rights reserved. It can be difficult to tell which of these jackets one should purchase without having a closer look. At $185, the Downpour Plus 2.0 slides in between popular rain jackets like the Patagonia Torrentshell above and Marmot Minimalist below. You dont get a ton of room for layering (we can fit a thin midlayer underneath, but not much more), and the low weight and streamlined feature set makes it one of our favorite emergency layers. 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. heavier). Pocket placement is another consideration. It is a great jacket to have if you are going to be in persistent wind or rain. Offered in a wide range of colors and backed by the brands impressive warranty, the Venture 2 is worth having on your radar. Look for a rain shell with a helmet compatible hood. Alternatively, for $100 more, you can bump up to the Arcteryx Beta, which features 3-layer Gore-Tex and drops almost 4 ounces off the build of the Calcite. The ultimate expression of how effective a pit zip can be is the Outdoor Research Foray II. A utilitarian men's rain jacket: Columbia Men's . Especially if you're wearing a pack, you want to make sure that your rain jacket stays down and doesn't allow water to sneak down your pants or rain pants. 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. Plus, a zipped pocket is an extra guarantee against losing your phone or snacks. Also, a softshell is a bit thicker than a rain jacket, and offers a negligible amount of warmth as a result. Patagonia's Torrentshell 3L rain jacket is about as popular and well liked as it gets in the outdoor apparel space. Their fabrics are also much less prone to being soaked through under sustained rainfall. These rain jackets will keep you protected, though remember to get one that works best for the conditions you most often encounter. Comparison of expert ratings. The helmet-compatible hood fits a climbing or bike helmetor those of us with larger hairstylesand stows away when you dont need it. For those looking to carry their rain jacket in a running belt or running vest, and potentially racing with them, the FutureLight Rain jacket is also tailored to balance packability and weight while keeping you dry. While the weight penalty is minimal, the 3-layer H2No technology in the 100% recycled fabric offers enough additional weather resistance to impress. 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. As with most of their offerings, Cotopaxi did something a little different with the Cielo, and we really like the result. Fully-lined pockets are better for cooler weather, and also wont allow any water to leak through to your torso if your pockets are open. In addition, the single side waist adjuster means the jacket feels uneven when pulled tight. 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). In the world of rain jackets, Marmot just seems to get it, delivering good fit and performance at reasonable price points. While Naomi was a little disappointed with the newest model's pocketstheyve moved further down the jacket, and will sit under a hip belt if youre wearing oneshe loved the changes to both the hood and the pit zips. The Patagonia Storm10 gives the Arcteryx Beta LT above a run for its money as our top performance pick, but in the end, the two jackets have slightly different intentions. Then we took a look at the highest review scores that these two Rain Jackets received. Patagonia Calcite Jacket - Weight and Packability. Credit Cards. The Janji Rainrunner rain jacket is the most breathable jacket on the market while also being waterproof and durable for thru hiking and backpacking the pct. Premium: Columbia Watertight II. 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. That is not to say that there aren't many rain jackets made with Gore-tex, there are of course many of them. 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. Marmot Minimalist - Women's. $199. We create reader-supported, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. 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. Unless youre going fast and light, we like a sleeve with a velcro cuff for most situationsand even the Outdoor Research Helium features part-velcro cuffs these days. In choosing the right backpacking tent, you have a wide range of options from minimalist ultralight shelters to inexpensive and heavier entry-level models. Heavy downpours can overwhelm the thin build, causing the fabric to absorb moisture and feel wet against your skin. Daily use/hiking: 3L H2No: 50D: Yes: Patagonia Calcite: $249: . For years, the formula has stayed largely the same: proven 2.5-layer waterproof construction that does well in light to moderate conditions, seam taping, and reasonable weight. 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. (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.) This sizing great if youre layering mid layers underneath your jacket for cooler days. More on this in waterproofing below. If you do a lot of night running or running in low-light conditions, see our Best Reflective Running Gear List for accessories that can augment the reflective details of any of the running jackets we recommend. While the outer fabric typically has a DWR coating, letting light showers bead up and roll off, the seams arent taped and the fabric will eventually let water seep through. Your conditions, the expected weather, and temperatures will influence your decision on which rain jacket to choose. So the jacket that you soaked through, is not the same jacket OP is looking at. And while the Torrentshell is decidedly casual, the Calcite tacks on an alpine-helmet compatible hood, more pliable shell fabric, and a watertight front zip, making it a better choice for more technical endeavors. 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). Women's Torrentshell 3L Jacket Color: Evening Mauve (EVMA) Size: | $179.00 Checkout (0) Reviews. The construction is undeniably thinit feels almost paper-like along the interiorand the zippers are fairly stiff and have a cheaper feel to them. When the forecast isn't optimal but you're still ready to get out there, wear the lightweight, compressible Men's Minimalist Jacket. Despite these changes, its still very budget-friendly, retailing for $100 at mostthough it can nearly always be found on sale. So perhaps it will be more breathable however it will wet out much faster than the Torrentshell 3L. 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. Just a light sprinkle, a fine mist, or intermittent rain? A standard expression of waterproofing measures the amount of liquid (water, snow, rain, sleet) in millimeters (mm/24 hours) that can be suspended on the fabric in a one-inch square tube before liquid starts to soak through over a 24-hour period. 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. So we simply noted if a jacket packed down into a pocket for easy storage. 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. In our testing, we found the Black Diamond Stormline Stretch to be a packable jacket that is lightweight (11.3 oz for the heavier mens), stretchy, comfortable, and has an adjustable hood that fits a bike or climbing helmet. 100% ripstop nylon: Like so many other waterproof jackets, the Marmot Precip is made of 100% ripstop nylon. Overlay - 3 Column; Overlay - 4 Column; Default - 2 Column And while she loved the waterproof zippers, she did share that it was a bit of a fight to unzip them sometimes. But we think the vast majority of folks will find the Torrentshell to be a near-perfect match for everyday and light backcountry use. The mens and womens Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is an extra-heavy-duty version of one of our former favoritesand it takes home top marks this year. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Most notably, it now has Eco in its name thanks a recycled face fabric and a PFC-free DWR coating. 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. Due to the minimal design, there are no pockets on this jacket other than the jacket-stowable mesh one on the inner back. 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. On a budget? Warranty Related Issues: 1-888-311-2900, Mon-Fri, 12PM - 4PM EST The popular design features a Gore-Tex Paclite waterproof laminate, smooth and comfortable interior, and tough 50-denier shell thats both durable and highly weather-resistant. Category: Hiking/performanceWeight: 13.2 oz.Waterproofing: 2.5-layer Pertex ShieldWhat we like: Hardwearing Pertex Shield and weather-resistant zippers at a low price point.What we dont: No chest pocket; left-hand zipper takes some getting used to. Keep that in mind, and youre likely to be happier with any rain jacket you purchase. 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. However, in saving some money, you give up some in material qualitywe found the XeroDrys shell cheaper-feeling and faster to absorb moisture in heavy rainfall. A lightweight jacket will better serve you in multiple situations from hiking through an autumn storm to tossing in a suitcase to travel. The Outdoor Research Helium will give you the wind and rain protection you need for just over a quarter of a pound. Over half of the professional reviews we read included the Marmot PreCip Eco as a solid pick. 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. Think about measurements, for example: will that rain jacket chest pocket be practical for a woman with a larger bust measurement? Marmot Minimalist: 102g / 3.6oz/yd: Gore-Tex $$ Montane Ultra Tour: 437g / 15.4oz: Pertex Shield $$$ Patagonia Torrentshell Pullover: 289 g / 10.2 oz: H2No Performance Standard $ . But while it offers all the performance most hikers need, its simplified design does make a few sacrifices. Called the Hydrostatic Head Pressure test, it measures water permeability for fabrics. Category: Hiking/performanceWeight: 10.6 oz.Waterproofing: 3L Gore-TexWhat we like: Premium weather protection alongside a casual feature set.What we dont: Relatively thin, no pit zips or helmet-compatible hood. As a result, the interior fabrics are also much less prone to clamming up, and often have a premium, soft feel. the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, was one of the less expensive ones at $149. 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.). Menu sonoma county district attorney election 2022. halal skincare products; cisco asa vti ikev2 bgp; qoheleth pronunciation; new restaurants downtown st augustine The Highline sticks to BDs roots with a climbing helmet-compatible hood (its too small for a standard ski helmet) and includes useful features like pit zips, hand pockets, and a tall collar. How do they differ? 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. . Of all the jackets the Patagonia Torrentshell is the best performer in the rain. (Plus, drying it keeps away the mildew.). For the occasional chance rainstorm encounter. Weve previously reviewed the 2.5-layer version of this jacket, and what you get with the added half layer is nothing to sneeze at. Most negative consumer reviews we saw for every jacket we reviewed had to do with the reviewer getting wet some way or another. 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. $77 - $250 (4) Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody. Arc'teryx Beta LT). Weve placed the latest AscentShell jacket toward the bottom of our list, however, because its finer details are somewhat disappointing. After washing, follow the manufacturers drying instructions, whether youre on that air dry or tumble dry low train. This jacket is more protective and durable than previous versions of the Torrentshell. 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). For example, we often rely on customer reviews to understand how these jackets fit a diversity of bodies beyond the body type of our own testers. 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). 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. The hardwearing 3-layer build offers . You'll want an adjustable hood. Outdoor Research Dryline Rain Jacket - Men's. (0) $126.73. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission, without costing you an extra cent. 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. Then we tested them in in Pacific Northwest such as the Oregon Coast Trail all the way to the Appalachian Trail, and in conditions from drizzly daily commutes to mountaintop downpours. 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. I used the Torrentshell 3L on my Blue Mountains Trail thru-hike in September, Naomi mentioned. 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. If you listen to consumer reviews, nearly every rain jacket fails out of the box for some people. A dirty rain jacket is less waterproof, not to mention stinkier. 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). Almost all rain jackets have hoods included, but some are cut big enough to fit over a bike or climbing helmet and the style of the cinch varies significantly. 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. The DWRs job is to keep Layer 1 from getting saturated with water. Price: $425. But if backcountry weight is a factor for you, and youre looking for a versatile jacket that lives in your hiking pack, the Outdoor Research Helium is your best bet among the rain jackets in our guide.