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. 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. 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 half of the professional reviews we read included the Marmot PreCip Eco as a solid pick. But uses and budgets vary, and the ideal A great pair of hiking pants provides comfort, freedom of movement, the versatility to perform well in a range of environments, and durability over the long haul. Best Men's and Women's Rain Jackets and Raincoats It's fully seam taped. The fabricwhich our tester raved about. The Best Waterproof Jackets for 2023 - Trailspace Cotopaxi gives it a 10K waterproof rating, which generally correlates to only light protection against moisture. DWR repels oil, grease, water, dirt, and whatever else you encounter on your adventure. We love what Outdoor Research has done with the Foray (and womens Aspire), a do-it-all rain jacket that can even work as a lightweight shell for spring skiing. Whereas the Beta LT features a burly shell that's purpose-built to handle winter weather and sustained wet conditions, the Storm10 is more suitable for summer alpine environments. Its 3-layer nanospun fabric prevents internal moisture buildup from starting and prevents it from soaking us from the inside. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which means we may receive a small percentage of any purchase you make at no additional cost to you. 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. BACKCOUNTRY.COM: New Customers - Take 15% Off One Full Price Item. Here, the Patagonia Torrentshell is shown zipped up alongside a waterbottle to give perspective. INSIDER Patagonia Calcite Review - Updated in 2022 - The Broke Backpacker Photo by Naomi Hudetz. Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. Photo by Liz Thomas. In truth, these are relatively small complaintsand perhaps magnified because we liked the predecessor so much. What we don't: A bit crinkly and stiff; no chest pocket. But if youre looking for ways to make running in the rain more comfortableand live some place where it rains a lot this might be the jacket for you. Called the Hydrostatic Head Pressure test, it measures water permeability for fabrics. Its made of the same high-end waterproofing as other high performance jackets. Although it has a higher price tag as compared to some of the other jackets in this review, we think its the best bet if you foresee a lot of rain in your future. One notable exception is a jacket like the Patagonia Calcite that uses Gore-Texs Paclite Plus, which has a minimalist, protective treatment on the interior in place of a hanging liner to minimize weight and bulk. 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. 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. The interior is soft to the touch and doesnt have the plasticky feel that you get with most traditional designs, and theres a noticeable amount of give in the shell fabric. 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. For example, the REI XeroDry GTX is a true 2-layer jacket made with Gore-Tex PacLite Plus technology. 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). One drawback of the jacket, again, might be the price. Plus, Marmot makes sure you get a full range of motion without moving the hem above your waistline. Layer 3 also helps water move from the warm inner of your jacket to the cool environment outside through the thermal gradient. Some complain its too large, others that its too small, still others that its just right - so use your discretion when buying. Photo by Mike Unger. In testing the Helium Rain, we found it remains a solid ultralight/emergency piece: The 2.5-layer build and DWR coating can handle light to moderate rainfall, the adjustable hood offers good all-around coverage, and its small packed size is ideal for activities ranging from hiking and backpacking to climbing. Three names, two zippers, one delightful function: keeping you just a little cooler. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket. 4. Velcro adjustable cuffs can be made wider than your wrist, allowing most of that rain to drip onto the ground instead of your hands. 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. 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. Breathing (that moisture movement) technically happens in Layer 2. The Best Rain Jackets of 2022 | GearJunkie Treeline writer Tiffany Searsdodd (on left) takes the Marmot Minimalist on skis. 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. Thank you for supporting us! Many of todays top hiking pants are made from lightweight nylon For high-output activities, its hard to beat a softshell jacket. Theres also an updated fit, although the jacket still has a regular cut thats roomy enough for wearing a lightweight puffy underneath. 100% seam taping, a DWR (Durable Water-Repellent) finish, an attached adjustable hood, and a . milwaukee chainsaw chain tension; ergobaby omni breeze positions. 686 Paclite Jacket. Tornado Mart Ll 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 Robert Curzon. 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. Fabric: 50D ripstop . The beading seems to continue forever. How to Buy a Hiking Rain Jacket - SectionHiker.com The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is the only 3-layer jacket in our review. Marmot Precip vs Patagonia Torrentshell Rain Jacket Comparison [2019] These rain jackets will keep you protected, though remember to get one that works best for the conditions you most often encounter. REI Rainier - Women's. $100. 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.). (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.). The MARMOT NanoPro waterproofness is at 10,000 mm and breathability at 17,000 gm. The Patagonia Torrentshell is one of the most popular jackets out there, and for good reason. 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. A lightweight jacket will better serve you in multiple situations from hiking through an autumn storm to tossing in a suitcase to travel. Check out the Marmot Men's Minimalist Jacket at Enwild: https://www.enwild.com/marmot-mens-minimalist-jacket-2022.html?utm_source=youtube.com&utm_medium=desc. It keeps water out and minimizes moisture buildup from sweating. Its a minor quibble, but if youre looking for easy packability, this one might not be for you. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. 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. While this is great, its doesnt necessarily mean the jacket is that packable. The Zeta SL is likewise meant to be superlight, but youre unlikely to miss the pit zips: its made of Gore-Tex PACLITE Plus fabric, some of the most breathable waterproof fabric money can buy. 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. Do womens models have a long enough torso for tall women or a wide enough size range for plus-size women? One of our favorites is the Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket (click here for best deal).The Torrentshell is a very simple-looking jacket but it has some very cool features that make . . We wish we lived in a world where money was no object, but alas. The Best Mens Lightweight Waterproof Jackets: Gear Guide - Ze Wandering 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. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Compared to the other jackets in our review, its super breathable and light-- the heavy mens version weighs 12.5 ounces. Read More: Work from Home like an Outdoor Writer. 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. As a result of the tough builds, youll see these hardshells being used for anything from mountaineering to backcountry skiing. Outdoor Research Dryline Rain Jacket - Men's. (0) $126.73. Building on the success of the StormLine above, Black Diamond took that expertise upmarket with the Highline Stretch. Designs like Outdoor Researchs Motive and Black Diamonds StormLine and FineLine incorporate fabrics and a waterproof internal membrane that flex surprisingly easily. There is a microfleece lining on the neck, which provides . Best Rain Jackets For Hiking [And Your Guide For Choosing] A longtime ultralight favorite, Outdoor Researchs Helium Rain Jacket, was overhauled a few seasons back. Both of these rain jackets have a regular fit, which means they are a bit loose, hanging . 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. One of Patagonia's flagship jackets, the Torrentshell is a hardwearing and 3-layer jacket that is ready for the elements. The test is a strange one: It doesnt mimic real-world conditions and many manufacturers choose not to list it at all. 3.5 / 5 Rating: 3.5 / 5 Based on 4 Reviews Size & Fit. Further, you miss out on hand pockets, which means the only storage option is the single chest pocket. 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. 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. Look to weight as a great indicator of how packable a jacket truly is. My Account; Shopping Cart; Checkout; Contact; Pages. The hood on the womens Outdoor Research Helium 2. Copyright 2023 Treeline Review LLC. Marmot Minimalist vs. Precip - Differences + Pros&Cons (2023) When your jacket advertises it has Gore-Tex or eVent, its always in Layer 2. (Taped seams and a waterproof zipper also help you stay completely dry.) 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. Patagonia Calcite Waterproof Jacket: gear review | Escapism For the occasional chance rainstorm encounter. It can be difficult to tell which of these jackets one should purchase without having a closer look. The big news is the stretchy 2.5-layer construction, which offers greater comfort than a standard rain jacket like the REI Rainier above. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L. CNN Tested Rain Jackets and the Winner was Patagonia's Torrentshell 3L Reasonably priced at $199, the Motive has a whole lot going for it. The technology in your jacket will know to move that warm water vapor from inside the jacket to the outside of the jacket. Marmot Minimalist: 189: 388: . The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L jacket is an iconic waterproof and breathable hardshell jacket. What makes the Minimalist a top choice for rain jackets is its performance and affordability. That incredible lightness of being comes from a lack of the usual features: the Helium has no armpit zips for ventilation and no hand pockets, though there is a chest pocket that the jacket can pack down into. Marmot gave the PreCip a light revamp fairly recently. When comparing the Marmot vs Patagonia rain jacket models, the fit is the same. Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket. Photo by Robert Curzon. In that respect, the lightweight Arc'teryx Beta would still be considered quite packable," despite lacking a stuff pocket. In addition, theyve covered the basics for mixed daily wear and hiking uses with a reasonable 11.6-ounce weight, stuff pocket, and layering-friendly fit. Columbia Arcadia II - Women's. . Back Length. The Patagonia Torrentshell was updated to 3L this year (2020) so the 2020 version should be an improvement over the previous 2.5L models. Its not quite as durable as the Torrentshell, but the Downpour is the sleeker and more packable design and more fine-tuned for performance use. Photo by Mike Unger. Like the Marmot PreCip Eco and REI Co-op Rainier above, the TNF features a 2.5-layer construction (in this case, their in-house DryVent design), pit zips for ventilation, and an adjustable hood. CNN also identifed a solid, less-expensive option in the REI Rainier: . Youll see one side cinch on ultralights when the manufacturer is trying to cut some weight. 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. 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. 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). The Flight Futurelight also has more limited sizing than other jackets we consideredXS to XL. To start, the cuffs sit awkwardly around your hands: Theyre too loose to create a good seal and would benefit from a Velcro cinch. Patagonia Torrentshell vs Marmot PreCip Jacket: A Comparison first black dc superhero If rains a more constant companion, something a little more heavy-duty like the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (review above) would be a better bet for a lightweight rain jacket. And among true ultralight designs, the Falketind is particularly well rounded: The Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket weighs just 6.3 ounces, but it lacks the Norrna's premium . Editor's Note: "Packable" indicates the jacket has a stuff pocket. Its versatility in a number of conditions--rain, wind, and hanging out--make it a smart choice if you only own one rain jacket. After washing, follow the manufacturers drying instructions, whether youre on that air dry or tumble dry low train. All told, the REI Rainier above edges it out slightly in comfort and value (it's often found on sale), and those wanting a high-end performance piece thats stretchy and breathable should look elsewhere, but the PreCip remains a classic choice for mixed every day and hiking use Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Marmot PreCip Eco See the Women's Marmot PreCip Eco. We tested the Frogg Toggs UL on a thru-hike of the Sierra High Route. 9.0. As a result, the interior fabrics are also much less prone to clamming up, and often have a premium, soft feel. But is the Calcite worth its $299 price tag? Does this mean you should give up on rain jackets altogether? $59 - $179 (1) Patagonia PowSlayer Jacket Snowsport Jacket / Waterproof $346 - $699 (1) Rab Phantom Waterproof Pull-On . Credit Cards. At over 300 grams, the Marmot Minimalist is neither the most lightweight nor minimalist. This jacket provides a robust defense against mother nature, pairing Gore-Texs 2.5-layer Paclite Plus with a durable 75-denier plain-weave polyester. In creating a waterproof jacket specifically designed to keep moisture out, there are natural restrictions on the air being held inside. Weight - 13.6 oz (mens medium) Material - Synthetic Blend. If youre in the market for a casual shell for light drizzles or quick dashes between the car and the climbing gym, the Cielo fits the part.See the Men's Cotopaxi Cielo See the Women's Cotopaxi Cielo. 4. On the other hand, weve seen what can happen to rain jackets after a few hard seasons of mechanical wear from scrunching. It also doesn't have a women's version. But Layer 2 cant do its job if Layer 1 is junked up with oil and other nasties. Similarly, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is said to start at 20,000 mm-though after their Killer Wash treatment, which simulates what they presume to be years of heavy use, that degrades down to about 10,000 mm. 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. 7.0. . Both the Marmot PreCip Eco and the Outdoor Research Helium are 2.5-layer jackets. 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). Three of our five picks have armpit zips (we decided to split the difference with the name), which are great for keeping you cool in warmer weather. Weve donned this jacket throughout many a PNW rainstorm and while backpacking in Patagonia, and have come away very impressed with its all-around performance: Its lightweight at 10.6 ounces, super comfortable against the skin with Gores C-Knit backer, and features a trim fit and streamlined hood that look the part both on the trail and in the city. 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. It has better waterproofing. Now I know the Marmot is a GTX PacLite 2.5 which means it's very reliant on its DWR performance. The 5 Best Rain Jackets for Men | Tested by GearLab People sometimes have a hard time distinguishing between things that are cold and things that are wet. Treeline editor Naomi Hudetz hiking the Elk Crest Trail section of her Blue Mountains Trail thru-hike in the Torrentshell. A notable downside of the Torrentshells durable construction is that its stiffer and crinklier than competitors like the Marmot Minimalist and Black Diamond StormLine below (it does break in and loosen up a bit over time). 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. The ultimate expression of how effective a pit zip can be is the Outdoor Research Foray II. 21 Best Waterproof Jackets of 2023 | What is Waterproof? - DIVEIN Were neutral on the near-pocketlessness, because while it can be nice to have pockets, adding them to a minimalist jacket can feel extraneous. So how do I know how waterproof a rain jacket is? 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). And once your jacket is nice and clean again, you can further refresh the DWR with sprays meant for the purpose. 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 name's a little misleading. 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. Our tester Jill loved this change, noting that she never worried about the new cuffs being too tight. 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. A utilitarian men's rain jacket: Columbia Men's . But while it offers all the performance most hikers need, its simplified design does make a few sacrifices. 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. 5. Cons of a rain jacket vs a snow shell 1. The jacket features a 2.5 layer waterproof design and that actually keeps water out. 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.