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. How do they differ? . lct321 . One of Patagonia's flagship jackets, the Torrentshell is a hardwearing and 3-layer jacket that is ready for the elements. The DWR coating on the outside of the jacket is stellar and holds up better than most of the other jackets in this price range. 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. So for folks looking to upgrade from a Marmot Minimalist, we recommend if sizing options allow, that you look no further than the Torrentshell 3L. 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. It uses a weather resistant Aqua-Text Zipper and has a 3-way adjustable hood that rolls up to prevent flapping in the wind. A lightweight jacket will better serve you in multiple situations from hiking through an autumn storm to tossing in a suitcase to travel. 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. A dirty rain jacket is less waterproof, not to mention stinkier. The men's and women's Black Diamond Stormline Stretch is our winner for Best Stretchy Rain Jacket. The DWRs job is to keep Layer 1 from getting saturated with water. The Co-ops in-house offerings are often great values, and the XeroDry is no exception, boasting a well-regarded Gore-Tex Paclite construction for just $169. One bright side is that most reviewers report that the Eco feels more durable than the original PreCip, with Switchback Travel suggesting the thin interior of its 2.5-layer construction may deteriorate after extended use (often after many years) as compared to the one- or two-season life of the PreCip. Outdoor Research Dryline Rain Jacket - Men's. (0) $126.73. OStill, this is a budget hiking jacket for a reason: everyday reviewers across Amazon, Backcountry, and REI said that the Marmot PreCip Eco isnt a jacket for downpourswith some reviewers pointing the finger at the new DWR coating. 4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars (36) $196.42 $ 196. Climbing. Category: Daily use/hikingWeight: 10.6 oz.Waterproofing: 2.5L NanoProWhat we like: Proven performance for a great price.What we dont: Feels more plasticky than many of the more modern jackets here. With minimalist shells, classic cardigans, and winter-ready options in everything from cotton to cashmere, you can elevate your look comfortably. As a result, the interior fabrics are also much less prone to clamming up, and often have a premium, soft feel. You can take note of the number when its available, as it will often correlate with other characteristics like fabric thickness and durability, but dont base your buying decision on that alone. 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. Patagonia has also added another zipper to their pit zips, meaning more customizable ventilation and easier zipping and unzipping. Category: Daily use/hikingWeight: 14.1 oz.Waterproofing: 3L H2No Performance StandardWhat we like: 3-layer performance, quality materials, and good looks at an excellent price.What we dont: A bit crinkly and stiff; no chest pocket. The cord wraps around the sides of your head and pins the fabric down in a uniform way when cinched, which keeps the hood on your head even in really windy conditions. After washing, follow the manufacturers drying instructions, whether youre on that air dry or tumble dry low train. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a27a6cd5b073a7f Built to withstand heavy driving rain and wind, the jackets are heavier and bulkier. 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. Sign up with your email address to be the first to know when we release new gear reviews! 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). Tentree Nimbus Short Rain Jacket. Lower breathability . 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. Here, the Patagonia Torrentshell is shown zipped up alongside a waterbottle to give perspective. Additionally, they have waterproof taping along the seams on the interior of the jacket. Minimal protection in inclement weather. And once your jacket is nice and clean again, you can further refresh the DWR with sprays meant for the purpose. And we gotta say, it looks sleek too - yet another reason it landed as our winner. 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. 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. Performance-oriented rain jackets are your focused outdoor pieces. The test is a strange one: It doesnt mimic real-world conditions and many manufacturers choose not to list it at all. It also enjoys the title of being the trailblazer in the US in collaborating with Gore-Tex to manufacture weather-protection products that are lighter in weight but stronger . Photo by John Carr. That's one reason why you'll see the Versalite listed in our PCT Gear List, JMT Gear List, and numerous other thru-hiking gear lists. When comparing the Marmot vs Patagonia rain jacket models, the fit is the same. (Of course, you can always put it in a stuffsack or ziplock bag to get a similar effect). Patagonia Torrentshell 3L. A 2.5-layer lightweight jacket with pit zips and mesh lining in the pockets like the Marmot PreCip Eco (review above) will provide good ventilation (more below in our primer on layers). They also can be used to store snacks and your phone. To top it off, the StormLine is aggressively priced at $170. Hiking Photo by Robert Curzon. The OR Helium also doesn't have as good of a waterproofing or breathability rating as the Versalite. Both of these rain jackets have a regular fit, which means they are a bit loose, hanging . Professional reviewers raved about the REI XeroDry GTX. For those who want a well-rounded option, weve found the 9- to 16-ounce range is typically the sweet spot. 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. (Sensing a trend?) And youll also see prices skyrocket for these performance pieces thanks to their high-end detailing. Its versatility in a number of conditions--rain, wind, and hanging out--make it a smart choice if you only own one rain jacket. And (no surprise), 2.5-layer jackets are a heckuva lot more lightweight and affordable than most full 3-layer jackets. Gore-Tex is widely accepted as the cream of the crop as far as waterproof/breathable membranes go. Secondly, Patagonia products usually cost a little bit more than North Face products. The Outdoor Research Helium does not have pit zips. Plus, the proprietary BD.Dry fabric has some stretch to it, giving an already roomy jacket a little more give. Frogg Toggs Pilot 2 Jacket. Treeline Review editor Liz Thomas tests the REI Xero Dry GTX on a hike outside Bisbee, Arizona right after winter storm warning. Reasonable weather protection for drier climates. On the outside of Layer 1 is a Durable Water Repellent coating (DWR)literally water repellent that is durable, so you dont have to reapply it every time you go outand unless youve got an ultralight jacket made directly of waterproof fabric, youve got durable water repellent on the shell. The construction is undeniably thinit feels almost paper-like along the interiorand the zippers are fairly stiff and have a cheaper feel to them. How Waterproofing and Breathability Ratings Work. Still, it seemed to work well enough in conjunction with the superior breathability of the Gore Tex Paclite over proprietary waterproofing materials. It's fully seam taped. Weight: 6.0 oz (mens) / 6.38 oz (yes, the womens weighs more). The hood fits a bike or climbing helmet, and the sleeves offer a full range of motion for ease of climbing. One standout is Arcteryxs StormHood (as seen on the Beta LT): With a single pull at the back of the hood, you adjust evenly around the sides and back of the head. Itll protect you from the elements better than most competitorsbut youll pay extra for the technology that helps you skip that half-layer. What changed? Why do we have The North Face Venture 2 ranked here? Photo by Trey French. 8.0. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. And as weve come to expect from the brand, all of the Beta LTs details are nicely sorted, with premium seam taping, streamlined seams, and a fit that is reasonably trim but roomy enough for layering. 2.5-Layer Considering a deluge, or planning long hours out in the rain? When looking for a rain jacket, youre essentially asking for a jacket that will keep out rain but let out your sweat. Since we were evaluating lightweight rain jackets in this gear review, pretty much everything was best packable rain jackets. So how do I know how waterproof a rain jacket is? Category: Daily useWeight: 13 oz.Waterproofing: 2L Omni-TechWhat we like: Great value, lots of color options.What we dont: Cheap construction has a plasticky feel. Thats why ventilation and breathability are clutch when it comes to a rain jackets performance. By repelling oil and dirt, it also helps keep Layer 2 clean. While those California mountains can be sunny during the summer (and were for most our trip), you'll want to only carry this jacket in the warmest of rain. Some complain its too large, others that its too small, still others that its just right - so use your discretion when buying. 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. 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. 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. However, in the light rain shell jacket, $60 to . The Beta below will save you over 3 ounces and $50, and many users will appreciate the more simplified feature set. The market leader has long been Gore-Tex, particularly in their high-end "Active" and "Pro" offerings, but a number of fabrics are now challenging the paradigm, including AscentShell by Outdoor Research. 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. Photo by Robert Curzon. Weight: 12.5 oz (men's), 10.6 oz (women's), Waterproof Material: Gore tex Paclite Plus, Breathability Rating: 15,000 g/m2/24 hours, What we liked: value for price, waterproofing rating, sizing availability. Marmot Minimalist Jacket. For a list of our top picks, you can check out our in-depth softshell review. 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. The North Face says the lab tests they commissioned from UL, an independent lab, rates it at 100% waterproof and included dumping 200 gallons of water per hour on the material. In the end, the Beta LT is the more well-rounded pick for most mountain-goers, but the Storm10 is worth a look for those focused more on weight and packability Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Patagonia Storm10 See the Women's Patagonia Storm10. The Stormline Stretch is good not only for a downpour, but for wind as well - and its soft and comfortable to boot. Waterproofing: 2L Gore-Tex with Paclite Plus & 3-layer Gore-Tex with C-Knit. $159 - $160 . The Flight Lightriser Futurelight manages running in the rain and wet weather rather effectively. 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. The big news is the stretchy 2.5-layer construction, which offers greater comfort than a standard rain jacket like the REI Rainier above. .Top 5 Patagonia Jackets.\"\" .TOP 10 BEST WATERPROOF JACKETS FOR MEN 2020.Patagonia Women's Torrentshell Jacket.Best PACKABLE Rain Jacket Patagonia Torrentshell Review Men's Waterproof 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. ", 42F and dumping rain, running alongside the creek and Juniper Pines in the Eastern Sierra in The North Face Lightriser. Generally, we recommend renewing your DWR at least once a yearat the beginning or end of a season is a great time! It may not be quite as light as its namesake, but the mens and womens Outdoor Research Helium ties with the Montbell Versalite for lightest rain jacket on our list. But while it offers all the performance most hikers need, its simplified design does make a few sacrifices. By entering your email address, you agree to receive our weekly newsletter in accordance with our Privacy Policy. People sometimes have a hard time distinguishing between things that are cold and things that are wet. A solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a waterproof lightweight jacket men will appreciate at a moderate price. That half-layer isnt quite as good as a full-out third layer at protecting your second layer membrane. There is a microfleece lining on the neck, which provides . Arc'teryx has used its extensive knowledge in waterproofing technology to create a lightweight and feature-packed rain jacket. More on this in waterproofing below. A waterproof jacket without DWR wont breathe as well in heavy rain because the water will pool up and soak into the exterior fabric layer. 9.0. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. To start, it has our least favorite hood design among its competitors with less coverage at the top of the head due to its flimsy bill. The exception is thru-hikers, who will absolutely pay for the lightest rain jacketespecially with a better waterproofing and breathability rating. These are made from a special spandex & nylon fabric that features a 4-way stretch, and, as such, provides wearers with increased freedom of movement. We recommend buying the Stormline from REI or another retailer where returns are easy and return shipping is free. Pockets give us the option of easy access to snacks as we move towards less rainy conditions. The newest version has a 3L construction, which provides a step up from the previous 2L and 2.5L models . Patagonia Calcite Jacket - Weight and Packability. 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 Look for a rain shell with a helmet compatible hood. Photo by Tiffany Searsdodd. Cons: Only two length options. Some manufacturers succeed better than others at this concept. If you plan to climb in your rain jacket, look for one with a helmet-compatible hood. Price does increase with these upgrades, although daily usability is nearly on par with the hiking/daily use category above. Treeline editor Naomi Hudetz tested the Patagonia Torrentshell on the 500-mile long Blue Mountains Trail thru-hike. The MARMOT NanoPro waterproofness is at 10,000 mm and breathability at 17,000 gm. Instead, softshells remain a better choice for those looking for a breathable and water resistant outer layer. Further, the 3-layer Gore-Tex with C-Knit technology is impressively breathable, but you dont get much in the way of venting (no pit or core vents), which will be apparent on mild or particularly high-output days. Arc'teryx Beta LT). 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. 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. That comfort meant our tester got double use out of itshe thinks its perfect as a wind shell, too, making it a constant companion on her hikes, no matter the weather. Each proves to be able to handle anything we could hope a backpacking-oriented rain jacket could take. Managing rain is difficult when running since running produces a lot of body heat. We'd say many runners are fine with the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) water resistance of a running jacket (see our guide to The Best Women's Running Jackets or Best Men's Running Jackets for more on that). Pocket placement is another consideration. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission, without costing you an extra cent. Their fabrics are also much less prone to being soaked through under sustained rainfall. Men's Glennaker Sherpa Lined Rain Jacket, Waterproof. We test. It keeps water out and minimizes moisture buildup from sweating. For fast-and-light alpine trips when the forecast looks favorable, the Highline certainly can do the trick. Its a minor quibble, but if youre looking for easy packability, this one might not be for you. 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. Misha at Saks Fifth Avenue. For the 2023 model, the REI XeroDry GTX is now available in a women's model and in sizing up to 3X. The Top 7 Waterproof Jackets in 2023. The rain gear field of contenders (which also includes the nebulous terms "rain shell" and "hardshell jacket"), was much broader than other gear categories weve published here at Treeline Review thus far. It reminds us of similar Gore Tex jackets that are twice-the-price, such ArcTeryx jackets we tested. 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. Based in Salt Lake City, Cotopaxi is a relatively new brand that has quickly risen to popularity in the outdoor world, thanks to their sustainable business practices, positive community presence, andof coursehard-to-miss colorways. A longtime ultralight favorite, Outdoor Researchs Helium Rain Jacket, was overhauled a few seasons back. It is a great jacket to have if you are going to be in persistent wind or rain. You wont often see add-ons like helmet-compatible hoods or exposed, water-resistant zippers in this category, and daily use jackets dont prioritize weight-savings or packability (in fact, theyre often quite thick and durable). Combining 3-layer Gore-Tex construction with a host of technical features (including a helmet-compatible hood and pit zips), the Beta LT blurs the line between rain jacket and hardshell and delivers trustworthy performance for four-season hiking and backcountry exploring. Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. While the XeroDry GTX is the most premium rain jacket made by the REI-Coop brand for in both men's and women's models, its still well below $200. Overall, we think theyve put together a solid product: The in-house 2.5-layer construction holds up well in all-day drizzle, pit zips help keep cool you on the go, and the clean styling wears well just about anywhere. Cons of a rain jacket vs a snow shell 1. No piece of outdoor gear offers total protection from outside moisture, but most of todays rain jackets are listed as being either water-resistant or waterproof. Many light rain jackets, windbreakers, and softshells are water-resistant, meaning that they shed water in light to modest precipitation but arent completely waterproof under extended exposure. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. 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. 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. With its 50D ripstop nylon shell, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is one of the more robust budget-friendly models. 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. 3. Photo by Naomi Hudetz. 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). What makes the Minimalist a top choice for rain jackets is its performance and affordability. We get down into the step-by-step of caring for waterproof shells in our article on How to Clean and Repair Gore-Tex and Other Shells. See our guide to the Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets for some extra warmth to layer under your rain gear or our Best Rugged and Waterproof Cameras to document it. Best Women's: Columbia Women's Arcadia II. The Outdoor Research Helium rain jacket is the lightest rain jacket that we considered. The primary compromise is pocket placement as some hand pockets sit high to accommodate a climbing harness or backpack hipbelt. The jacket features a 2.5 layer waterproof design and that actually keeps water out. In terms of sleeve cuffs, youll generally find two types: an elastic cuff, which isnt adjustable, and a velcro cuff, which you can adjust as you need to. 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. On the lightweight end of the spectrum are hiking-ready shells like the Arc'teryx Beta and Outdoor Research Motive (10.6 and 10.9 oz., respectively), while designs that are more feature-rich and durable for crossing over for daily wear often add a bit of weight (including the 14.1-oz. Over the past few years, there have been a growing number of waterproof rain jackets featuring built-in stretch. Like all rain jackets, a running rain jacket will be a 2, 2.5, or 3L jacketbut it will stress breathability and ventilation more than the typical rain jacket. Treeline writer Felicia Hermosillo in the Frogg Toggs rain jacket in the Sierra. Best 2020 Rain Jackets. Three names, two zippers, one delightful function: keeping you just a little cooler. (Just know thats not going to magically stop you from sweating.). burger . But the Marmot PreCip is holding its own with a lower price point and great weather protection. In addition, the REI has a slightly more substantial face fabric and improved comfort with a fleece-like lining covering the collar (weight goes up a bit as a result). 22 February 2021 by nadia. The Patagonia Torrentshell jacket is another pullover option that combines practicality with style. Photo courtesy Tiffany Searsdodd. Women's Torrentshell 3L Jacket Color: Evening Mauve (EVMA) Size: | $179.00 Checkout (0) Reviews. The interior is also quite comfortable for a rain shell, and we found it wasnt prone to feeling clammy even when working up a sweat in Washingtons Hoh Rainforest.