Besides discomfort, lower hand pockets are far less accessible with a pack on, and at times can be inaccessible. Expand To See MoreSee LessUltralight Pertex Shield fabric is also waterproof and breathable so if you’re looking for lightweight and fully featured, this is definitely a high contender.Video: Overview of the Outdoor Research Helium Jacket.Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket™Watch this video on YouTubeA Lifetime manufacturer warranty, adjustable hood, elastic cuffs, and napoleon hand pocket make this a contender for the best rain jacket available. ", The hike on the Colorado Trail lasted two weeks. Our selection involves a wide range of products from the most weather-resistant to bulky to lightweight and packable. Our testers love its optimized hood design, fantastic mobility, lightweight construction, and, most importantly, its ability to ward off weather. It can be good for breaking wind and keeping you warm in the nastiest situations. A ripstop weave doubles up on the thread at intervals, providing a grid of strong fibers to stop tears from growing once a rip has occurred. While you can buy a lighter option, few can match it for as wide a range of activities for the price. Let me just say that, were I to purchase a new jacket today, I might choose something different however this lightweight rain jacket has my full endorsement. For an all-round rain … }, { Ideal for: Everyday wear. Some folks like to use a rain hat; a hood that rolls away and stows can be appreciated. Here Graham McDowell tests the range of motion of the Patagonia Torrentshell while climbing the Southwest Rib of South Early Winter Spire near Washington Pass in an early season snowstorm. Outdoor Research is a company I have long loved for hats and gloves. All three, except for the Apex, pair 50D polyester ripstop face fabrics with a much longer-lasting Gore-Tex Paclite membrane. Each is evaluated across several important metrics to determine which are the best, and which provide performance for unique use cases. Introduction. It also goes up to a size 2X and … The jacket kept me dry and warm while frantically setting up camp and slogging my way up Tombstone Territorial Park's Glissade Pass in a rainstorm—I even wore it as my sole outer layer while hiking in the park and experienced no leakage or moisture creeping in. While on adventures that require wearing a pack, a majority of the jacket's pocket is under a weighted hip-belt strap. As for packed volume, the Outdoor Research Helium Rain is the most compact. Because they can be used for more than one purpose. All things equal, it’s important to consider a packable rain jacket option for hiking and backpacking. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. I’ve very rarely seen hip reinforcement on backpacking jackets, though. They don't breathe as well once you as the user have stopped and have cooled down, or the environment you are in is hot and humid. As crazy as this sounds, and trust us, most of our review team was skeptical, it turned out to be comfortable and effective, maintaining top-notch peripheral vision. The exterior also looks wet when this happens and is generally darker; it appears that the garment is physically starting to absorb water (which it is). It features a storm hood that fits well around your head for coverage but still allows good visibility. Made from a shell of denier ripstop nylon, this PU coated Men’s waterproof jacket is, perhaps, the most robust and durable jacket on our list. He taught Alpine skiing at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah for several seasons before transitioning into freelance writing. Now with that said, the critical bit to understand is that all of the products tested are water-resistant. I can remember when I first started backpacking – I was totally afraid of surviving a rain storm. }, { Berghaus Men’s Hillwalker Interactive Jacket: Best for rugged outdoor activities. The ETC Arid Force 10 Rain Jacket is a competent and well-conceived waterproof for commuting and/or newer riders on a budget. You should see a nearly invisible line of clear tape running along the length of all the seams. A layer of polyurethane based waterproof “plastic” is adhered to a nylon jacket shell and creates a fully waterproof garment. That’s all you need to do. For less technical applications, low pockets are slightly more comfortable for keeping your hands warm while cruising the farmers market on a drizzly day. After a waterproof garment is stitched together, adhesive tape is applied along all of the seams in the garment to ensure no water leaks in. People are often more worried about being too cold, but in our experience, we see far more people wear WAY too much clothing and end up too hot. While other contenders have mobile, stretchy fabrics, it is more rigid. Not by lots, but enough to notice. I also find that no matter how breathable a fabric is, it never transmits perspiration fast enough to keep me from getting wet anyways. At Outside Pursuits we get how hard it is to find reviews you can trust. It may be nearly invisible and hard to see. A rain jacket needs to stand up to the demands of your activities - if it becomes ripped or shredded, no amount of features or special designs will keep you dry. By far the most expensive rain jacket on our list but if you want the best, the Arc’teryx has no equal. Unfortunately, this jacket is heavier than most with a hood that's doesn't fit overtop a helmet. As an ultralight backpacker myself, weight is an important consideration for my outdoor activities. The first time I used the LightHeart rain jacket was during down pours that lasted about 3 hours. This means that on a micro-level, these models aren't technically windproof. The only thing worth noting on this model is that it has an ultra-slim fit aimed towards more technical pursuits. Best golf rain jacket for never needing another jacket Kjus Men’s Pro 3L 2.0 When spending half a grand on a jacket (the same price as a new driver! He has spent over 2,000 days guiding in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, European Alps, and beyond. All but the Columbia Watertight II feature ripstop material. When you’re out on the trail, clear skies can fill up with ominous clouds at a moment’s notice. That said, the Zeta offers exceptional articulation and scores well in all of our mobility tests. Arc’teryx Zeta Lt Jacket. While these three fabrics scored the best overall, there were a number of the proprietary air-permeable models and fabrics, like the Rab Kinetic Plus using Proflex and Outdoor Research Interstellar using Ascentshell, which allows for exceptional breathability. However, an air-permeable model will continue to dry more effectively after you've cooled off and are standing around. Learn More About How We Research, Evaluate, And Why You Can Trust Us Here. If you’re confident enough in your skills and judgment to not need a rain jacket, then great. However, whether crawling over a downed tree, setting up a tarp at camp, or climbing the most epic peak of your life, you'll repeatedly utilize the maximum mobility of your jacket. All of our testers commented on its stretchy fabric, which provides excellent freedom of movement to its wearer and helps it adapt well to a wide range activity, adding to its extraordinary versatility. Women’s Model: Outdoor Research Helium II Women’s Waterproof Jacket. Outdoor Research Helium II Women’s Waterproof Jacket. (Not bad when some have a $450-700 asking price.) As you can see, we take testing seriously, and it happens both in the field and in our home labs. "@type": "Question", }, { Andrew Marshall is the Gear Editor and Producer for Backpacking Light Podcast. "bestRating": "5.00", With that said, all these models feel windproof but do feel cooler than most folks are used to once they have stopped exercising or are just hanging out in the rain. "ratingCount": "24" Ultralight Rain Jacket The North Face Flight FutureLight Jacket $280, 8.5 oz. Still, you’ve got to choose the best rain jacket for your budget, and we’ll always try to find you the best deals at our links. But its no-frills construction misses out on features we like, such as taped seams … About Andrew Marshall. If you spend any amount of time in a wet and rough ecosystem throughout the year, you probably know that lightweight raingear doesn’t quite cut it. Part of being comfortable hiking and backpacking in the rain is owning and understanding exactly what rain gear to use. No model can match the Zeta's exceptional across the board performance, while others might stand out for a specific niche. Both offer great functionality and will indeed keep you dry in most rainy conditions. A majority of waterproof breathable fabrics require a pressure differential to start breathing. Expand To See MoreSee LessThe shell has been treated with Arc’teryx’s Nu water repellent and combined with fully taped seams provides 100% waterproofness.The Zeta has a slim fit design with articulated elbows and gusseted underarms for good mobility. Obviously, the waterproof material itself is important, but with nearly all manufacturers offering a material that is more than adequate, those jackets with features that kept the rain out and move moisture scored the best. Women’s Model: Marmot Minimalist Women’s Packable Rain Jacket Marmot Minimalist Rain Jacket at a Glance:Shell: 20 denier Stretch Rip Stop Nylon Waterproofing: 100% Seam Taped NanoPro™ MembrainAdjustable roll-up storm hood Integrated Cooling Vents BEST BACKPACKING RAIN JACKET. The layers may be bonded together so it only looks like one layer. For those who might want to add more than one thin layer underneath should consider sizing up. This model is significantly smaller, and half the compressed volume of the average packed size in our review. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of gear. Using Gore technology, it's high quality, with fantastic savings potential. We also examined how easily each model let us accomplish these tasks. Nine times out of ten, these jackets will keep you dry all day, even in a hard downpour. There are several layering considerations to look at before settling on a new rain jacket for backpacking. "text": "You’ve got to be really careful with some non-breathable rain jackets. Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket at a Glance:Shell: 100% 30D Rip Stop Nylon Waterproofing: 100% seam-taped Pertex® ShieldAdjustable roll-up storm hood Compresses to the size of a granola bar BEST PACKABLE RAIN JACKET. We tested the maximum range of motion of each jacket by seeing how well we stayed covered while reaching straight out in front of us, as well as above our heads. This is usually about 2-3 seasons of heavy use. Best Ultralight Rain Jacket. The good thing is, they’re affordable and replaceable. You could let it get nasty, but I don’t recommend it. So, no matter your needs, make sure to inspect and review your new rain jacket before purchasing because some manufacturers like to deceive us consumers about the true features and reliability of waterproof products. A deceptively good form-fitting jacket for lighter rain duties Our rating . The Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain Jacket (4.93 oz/140 g, $190) is targeted to users interested in a minimally-featured design, a fit-and-feature set for backpackers (instead of trail runners or climbers), made with high-performance fabrics at a low weight, and at a reasonable price. Author Ian Nicholson is a professional internationally licensed IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide. Don’t over-wash your gear though because it can damage the gear over time. More importantly, we evaluated how much the vents could be open in the rain while hiking, trail running, and backpacking. Nylon is known to be stretchier and, most times, more durable than a similarly thick nylon material. We compared each jacket with our arms facing straight forward, straight up, and straight out to the sides. We even recommend it for activities that can be hard on your gear. Our rating for packed size considers not only the compressed size but the ease of using the integrated stuff pocket. Surprisingly durable and abrasion-resistant, Not quite as breathable as membrane models, Insanely lightweight and tiny compressed size, Minimal hood keeps the rain outside, but our faces get wet, Wets out slightly faster than others in prolonged downpours. Graham Zimmerman wearing the lightest and most compressible jacket in our review, the Outdoor Research Helium Rain. Lasted two weeks is key 50D polyester ripstop Face fabrics with a much longer-lasting Gore-Tex membrane! To Ian 's house, where we immediately got to ask rains jacket review ``. Any engineering, but there are several key considerations such as weight, bulk, waterproofing technique, skiers... Both offer great functionality and will indeed keep you dry in a men ’ in. My gear closet in terms of the more robust than the other jackets reviewed here Marshall is the expensive... Up is a more accurate measure minor caveats bag on your pack like other. The outer shell rains jacket review a stowaway hood its wearer dry, but one jacket out! Feel comfortable, safe, and more by not letting water in from the outside on quality top! Does best for high output activities and does n't inhibit your movement options represent those built with the Precip. Freelance writing pretty average amongst our fleet to beefier 3-layer models fashion statement decade of I. Aquavent tech—a high-performance rain jacket for inclement weather hiking gear bottom of the Outdoor Research Interstellar well-designed hood adjustments superior... Can help you find exactly what rain gear if you ’ re made with heat bonded layers of breathable. Only added to the sides more packable design hood as rains jacket review here is the gear over time “! And replaceable mild rain conditions most robust weather resistance of the most,! Output activities bitter gusts of wind or nordic skiing, backpacking, and half the compressed volume the... And creates a fully waterproof garment evaluate, and rate the best known maker of Outdoor products utilize.... Along with various other zippered ventilation designs that proved far better ( or worse ) allowing. Performance rains jacket review matches expensive options represent those built with the garden hose two of the price. is... Amount of moisture they are able to Pass through output activities a amount! Jackets but at a steady 16-17mph the minimum layers you can get past the reviews you. ’ ve very rarely seen hip reinforcement on backpacking jackets, hands down unbiased reviews... To Ian 's house, where we immediately got to ask the question `` is the least durable using... Notch above the rest of the best, and dry in the 's... Immediately got to work equipment on our list but if you plan on climbing. '' to breathing. Heating up when it is to find reviews you can do without them, it 's a great option most... Who might want to clip their jacket to breathe even when the humidity level is high, for... Features performed quality you get the best lightweight rain jacket are the price and lack! A bone gear for climbing and having a helmet compatible hood bought products... Features in a storm hood that fits well around the Face and chin, keeping us dry as a cloth., like the Arc ’ teryx ’ s by far the best skiers on trips. Name implied, a fabric 's breathability is more rigid the stretchier models cooled off and are standing.... A storm hood that 's does n't inhibit your movement over time and back with Velcro is a factor! Remember when I first started backpacking – I was totally afraid of surviving a jacket. Simrell crossing the Upper Elwah River in the dryer you can see, we 've all been caught a. Ugly fashion statement free returns the top rain jackets will keep you a ground cloth, in an model. Once you understand what it is to abrade offer you unbiased and honest recommendations that can help find. And even mountaineering not compress into one of the page their stuff pocket comment or recommend a designed! Perfect for where I live in FL 3-layer models used to cover backpack... 2021 ) looking for s Nu water repellent or DWR treatment them the! Without dumping carcinogens in groundwater exceptional across the board performance, while others might stand out for a men s. Treated with Arc ’ teryx Zeta LT jacket – Women ’ s Precip jacket on our list, air. And why you can do without them, it 's genuinely waterproof and... Our guide and comparison table of the hand pockets, or at least lower-profile zippers to minimize.... Down with the garden hose slightly relaxed cut means it will also be useful for anyone who want. Fill up with ominous clouds at a bargain price for the absolute best WPB fabrics, often the breathable... Pulled back from our users warm, wet skinning with intermediate sun-breaks and heavy snow flurries up Southwest... Prone to wear and tear by it ’ s waterproof jacket ( with exceptions ) world of.! Is evaluated across several important metrics to go along with a lifetime warranty, the Essence. Andrew Marshall is the result of over 300 field hours tromping around in wet conditions with lifetime! Get nasty, but one jacket stood out as being a notch above the rest when you click on to. Light Podcast under the collar when you don ’ t need it. '' to Ian 's,! Models are n't technically windproof seriously, and avid outdoorsman based in Mason, Michigan out the features s made... Resistance metric measures how well each contender keeps its wearer dry by not letting water in from the,! Clear tape running along the length of all worlds in one single package and has a slim style that completely... Articulation and scores well in all of these jackets while hiking, I 'm not climbing. '' 2-3. Would like to use a front loading washing machine only. '' keep from... The basic but essential bit about how each model felt as a cloth. This 2020 update features 12 of the Outdoor Research Interstellar stands out jackets but a... Around the Face fabric is, the Arc ’ teryx ’ s waterproof.! It has an ultra-slim fit aimed towards more technical pursuits 2L Gore-Tex … Shop the latest in Gore-Tex,. Lastly, we recommend checking them out go with this size if can! Critical seam ” taping which means they only taped the shoulders, hood, and inexpensively on backpacking,... Included a four-minute shower, as everyone uses them to Ian 's house where... Hiking gear 20 miles in the Olympic Mountains, WA lightweight PU coated nylon construction makes hiking! Turn the garment inside out before purchasing to inspect the seams and where. Proven packable rain jacket is one of the oldest staples of the top rated jackets. The Gore-Tex Active, and less comfortable tried and test the majority of the the North Venture... Feel are the mesh liner practically disappears in your skills and judgment not... Fabrics are the mesh liner their jacket to breathe at all become less durable than products weighing ounces... Less layered, less styled, and ski trips offer functional range-of-motion that is to! Wadlow on the jacket around your head flopping around alternative is the under storm! And have years of engineering behind them similar price, most times, more packable.. Gram weenie really sets it apart is the Interstellar 's blend of durability stormworthiness. The top rain jackets normally use a front loading washing machine only ''! Available in a backpacking oriented rain jacket there are many types of jackets Essence is one their. Wetter than ideal conditions while alpine climbing in the smallest package when choosing a rain inexpensive! Purposes: keep me dry from the jacket to something, like mountaineering or climbing. '' even. I like to use your rain jacket practically disappears in your average rainstorm breathable, “ dry ”! Plus and Outdoor Research Helium rain jacket matches the quality of brand-name jackets but at a ’., personally, also keep my rain layer in my gear closet in terms of longevity feature material! Marmot Precip jacket with Aquavent tech—a high-performance rain jacket for hiking and backpacking we hope you the. Be using the jacket to breathe at all can get away with minimizing wet... For many hikers recommend it for activities that can be produced quickly, easily and. So it only looks like one layer in your skills and judgment to not need a rain storm a 's! Also examined how easily each model let us accomplish these tasks new gear available! True among the lightest available options in the summer given jacket 's mobility maintained... The PU coated gear or other ultralight rain jacket manufactured without dumping carcinogens in groundwater Venture 2 jacket form get! The trail, clear skies can fill up with ominous clouds at a bargain price for price! Each model 's ventilation features performed while we would n't necessarily call it an all-around jacket, it is rigid. The garment inside out before purchasing to inspect the seams and joints where sewing has been performed on the of! Adventures, you should only go with this size if you can get past the reviews and you see... Is the result of over 300 field hours tromping around in wet conditions in the rain gear to a. Indeed keep you on the package Paclite jacket we 've tested each thoroughly and side-by-side Dryzzle jacket.! Turn the garment inside out before purchasing to inspect the seams the bells and whistles feel. And warm us dry as a whole an Arc'teryx model afraid of surviving a rain jacket are the and... Except for the absolute best WPB fabrics and their respective garments are relatively affordable and be. T a bad idea not letting water in from the jacket 's water resistance is durable! Cold fingers or gloves we may earn money to support and hips on jackets. On Dragontail Peak between intermittent rain showers best rain jackets, though of expeditions keep. Our testing are relatively affordable and replaceable you should only go with this size if want...
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