A jackets ability to keep you cool is greatly enhanced with the inclusion of pit zips, which we discuss further below. Yes, a rain jacket protects you from the wet, but it needs to be dry to effectively do so. It also doesn't have a women's version. Both jackets have large fits (sizing down is recommended unless you want room for layering), stuff away into a pocket, and weigh about the same (the REI is 1.2 oz. 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. Patagonia Calcite Jacket - Weight and Packability. 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. Best 2020 Rain Jackets. 22 February 2021 by nadia. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a27a6cd5b073a7f Most negative consumer reviews we saw for every jacket we reviewed had to do with the reviewer getting wet some way or another. Breathability does suffer compared with the performance shells below and the cheaper jackets won't last as long, but hiking shells are a nice middle ground of price, weight, and protection. 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. Photo by Robert Curzon. Our tester in the Outdoor Research Helium II rain jacket. How does the Watertight II compare with REIs budget-friendly Rainier above? But the way pockets on gear are designed havent caught up to the way phones are designed. 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. Warranty Related Issues: 1-888-311-2900, Mon-Fri, 12PM - 4PM EST People sometimes have a hard time distinguishing between things that are cold and things that are wet. Theyre not very breathable and the mesh adds bulk, making 2-layer jackets best for casual use. Marmot Minimalist Jacket. 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 packable rain jacket also keeps the waterproofing clean of dirt and oils, keeping your handy it nice and breathable. Firstly, Patagonia is more focused on the environment than North Face. Fitted with pit zips and Gore-Tex Paclite technology, this is a super warm yet breathable jacket that can . Its interior is more comfortable and less prone clamminess thanks to a thicker lining. Not just yet. Patagonia ranch jacket vs barn coat. And as long as you dont take them Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket (2023) Review, Outdoor Research Foray II GTX Jacket Review, See the Women's Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, See the Men's Outdoor Research Helium Rain. 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. Patagonia 3L Torrentshell. However, in the light rain shell jacket, $60 to . The other way of looking at packable rain shells is how compressible they truly are. Minimal protection in inclement weather. Specs. 3L jackets are designed to better move excess heat and sweat from the inside of the jacket to the outsidekeeping you more comfortable in the process. Photo by Liz Thomas. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L ($179) Category: Daily use/hiking Weight: 14.1 oz. Pockets give us the option of easy access to snacks as we move towards less rainy conditions. Hiking Photo by Mike Unger. Whats more, the feature set is on par with what we look for in an everyday rain jacket, including taped seams, Velcro cuffs, a hem adjustment, three pockets (two hand and one chest), and a water-resistant front zip. Youll want to have room for a warm layer (such as a light fleece jacket) underneath, but little additional extra room. Admittedly, some customer reviews found that it feels a little insulated. For those who value reflective detail, The North Face made a point to add reflective features on the front and back of the jacket. 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. This is the outer layer you turn to for ultimate protection while backcountry and resort Seattle-based Outdoor Research is no stranger to creating quality rain jackets that can fend off the elements, and we like what they've come up with in the Foray. No matter what your objective, the right jacket will help you stay out and stay dry, longer. The Montbell Versalite is on the more expensive side of rain jackets we considered for this guide (we set the maximum price limit for this piece at $300). 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. Weight: 6.0 oz (mens) / 6.38 oz (yes, the womens weighs more). 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. 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. What changed? 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). Their breathable and stretchy fabrics offer fantastic performance and a really comfortable fit that moves with you. If youre in a place where it hardly rains, but are still looking for a just-in-case jacket, the Marmot PreCip Eco (review above) or the Outdoor Research Helium (review above) will absolutely suit your needs. burger . Most notably, it now has Eco in its name thanks a recycled face fabric and a PFC-free DWR coating. When saving weight is critical to your mission, choose the Marmot Minimalist jacket. Some membrane designs are more vulnerable to getting clogged up and require consistent cleaning (this will vary based on use, but we aim for every few weeks with our eVent direct venting gear). But the Versalite is a great deal for what you're getting. But it serves the same purpose as Layer 3: protecting that layer-2 membrane from oil, dirt, and other junk. Another place the outdoor industry is catching up: some companies, like Arcteryx, dont offer the same range in womens rain jacket models as they do in mens. An affordable women's raincoat: Columbia Women's Arcadia II Rain Jacket. Then we took a look at the highest review scores that these two Rain Jackets received. Frogg Toggs Pilot 2 Jacket. 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. Take time out of your adventures to adequately dry your rain jacket after it gets wet, when you can. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! 5. As with most of their offerings, Cotopaxi did something a little different with the Cielo, and we really like the result. Thats the bonus of DWRnot only does it prevent soaking through, it also keeps Layer 2 clean enough to breathe. Below we break down the best rain jackets of 2023, from entry-level models for hiking and daily use to performance pieces for backpacking and climbing. Theyre part of a rain jackets ventilation system, and a jackets either got em, or it doesnt. The fabric is bluesign approved, which is considered the highest standard in the industry to use methods and materials that minimize the impact on people and the environment. Home; Shop. The winner, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, was one of the less expensive ones at $149. The Outdoor Research Helium does not have pit zips. Best Ultralight Rain Jacket: Rab Phantom Pull-On Men's & Women's. Hey, ounce-counters Rab has you covered. You can either get one with velcro or drawstrings to fit it close to your body. Your conditions, the expected weather, and temperatures will influence your decision on which rain jacket to choose. 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. One thing to note about Montbell is that sizing can run small. The name's a little misleading. 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). Patagonia shook up the rain jacket market with the release of its Torrentshell 3L a few years ago. 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. But what sets the Foray apart is its full-length side zips (called TorsoFlo) that extend from the armpit all the way to the bottom hem. The mens and womens Outdoor Research Helium is our winner for Best Packable Rain Jacket. To create a waterproof rain jacket that resists moisture from entering yet also lets sweat and hot air vent out requires a combination of fabric layers. For washing, its always best to start by checking the label on your jacket as the specific instructions will vary. 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. The hood on the Flight Futurelight is running-specific, on the smaller side compared to some jackets, so dont count on it fitting comfortably over a helmet or bigger hairstyles. The Torrentshell 3L is indeed a 3-layer jacket that uses Patagonia's own H2No waterproofing. 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. Pockets are often way too small for most phones, which is one reason why many adventurers prefer smaller phones. 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. 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. Category: Performance/hikingWeight: 8.3 oz.Waterproofing: 3L H2No Performance StandardWhat we like: Strong 3-layer performance in a minimalist package.What we dont: Not great for daily use and less of an all-rounder than the Beta above. We tested the Frogg Toggs UL on a thru-hike of the Sierra High Route. Breathable: Jack Wolfskin JWP. Waterproof jackets have a built-in laminate layer like Gore-Tex or a coating that essentially blocks outside moisture from entering under most conditions. This adds a bit of bulk than a comparable 2.5 layer, but increases durability and further improves moisture wicking and next-to-skin feel. All of our rain jackets have hand pockets save one: the Outdoor Research Helium, again, likely to save on weight. Comparing the Marmot Precip vs Patagonia Torrentshell is a must.These are 2 of the best rain jackets for the money. Its a membrane, which is coated or laminated and layered under the face fabric. Marmot Precip Eco: 10.1 oz : NanoPro Eco: Yes: 2 zippered pocket: $100: Frogg Toggs: 4.8 oz : . Hyper-fancy, high-performance rain jackets can cost close to a months rent, but we think the men's and women's REI Co-op XeroDry GTX offers the performance at about half the price of similar jackets. 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. Compared to the other jackets in our review, its super breathable and light-- the heavy mens version weighs 12.5 ounces. Stuffing the jacket into the chest pocket causes the hoods bill to warpand without tending to the bill as you stow it, that warp can get water in your eyes. BACKCOUNTRY.COM: New Customers - Take 15% Off One Full Price Item. 42 $220.00 $220.00. Some cheaper rain jackets are barely breathable at all, but almost all of the fabrics used in todays models are at least somewhat breathable and promoted as such. 3-Layer And youll also see prices skyrocket for these performance pieces thanks to their high-end detailing. With a reasonable price of around $200, this jacket is at a solid value. This waterproof jacket goes up to size XXL, with tall sizes and womens plus sizes available as well. With a recent reconfiguration of their lineup, theyve moved their rain shells away from the Zeta collection into the versatile Beta series. The Minimalist and the Foray utilize polyester face fabrics with a much longer-lasting Gore-Tex Paclite membrane. The Black Diamond Stormline Stretch does just thatit stretches with movement. Black Diamond took the plunge into the rain shell market with their StormLine. Offered in a wide range of colors and backed by the brands impressive warranty, the Venture 2 is worth having on your radar. Patagonia offers jackets starting from $100, while most of Marmot's jacket collection falls under the price range of $100 - $300. And once your jacket is nice and clean again, you can further refresh the DWR with sprays meant for the purpose. Most significant is the price: At a whopping $450, its the most expensive rain jacket here and arguably overkill for summer backpacking or around-town use. In testing, material quality has been a common theme: Everything from the thick-toothed main zipper to the pit zips and three-way adjustable hood have a solid and reliable feel. 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. It may be tempting to go with the super-budget ultralight rain jacket: men's and women's Frogg Toggs rain gear. MARMOT. The outdoor apparel world has seen a sizable uptick in the use of sustainable practices over the past several years, and rain jackets are no exception. $77 - $250 (4) Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody. Photo by John Carr. 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 Patagonia Torrentshell is super packable . 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. 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. But despite the nitpicks, the Beta is a versatile, high-performance rain shell from one of the best brands in the business Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Arc'teryx Beta Jacket See the Women's Arc'teryx Beta Jacket. 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.). 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. In theory, we agree with them, but in practice, that might be a different story. Having pit zips or pockets whose backs are made of mesh can vent some of your excess heat in warm weather. Whats more, its 2-layer build helps keep weight in check at 12.5 ounces without compromising on useful features like two hand pockets and a chest pocket, adjustable cuffs, and a climbing helmet-compatible hood. And if you need an even more affordable rain jacket, see our recommendation below. 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 $ . Copyright 2023 Treeline Review LLC. 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. For the occasional chance rainstorm encounter. Additionally, they have waterproof taping along the seams on the interior of the jacket. When its wet and cold outside, were also less likely to stop to pull snacks out of our backpacks-but those conditions are precisely when we need extra calories the most. Photo by Jill Duncan. Daily use/hiking: 2.5L Gore-Tex: Unavail. Instead, it protects Layer 2 (aka the waterproof-breathable membrane) from the dirt, sweat, oil, and abrasion that causes it to degrade over time. That final point wasnt a deal breaker for us but is a downside for everyday wear.See the Men's Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 See the Women's Rab Downpour Plus 2.0. Men's Climbing Jackets. It balances frontcountry and backcountry usefulness. The 3L design has also improved the jacket's breathability compared to previous . Performance Patagonia is a clear leader in this realm: Their Torrentshell 3L, for example, uses a 100%-recycled face fabric, PFC-free DWR coating, PU membrane thats comprised of 13% biobased content, and is both bluesign-approved and Fair Trade Certified, indicating that the materials are safe for consumers and the environment and that workers are treated fairly. Credit Cards. 2.5L Pertex: Patagonia Torrentshell: 149: 394: 3L H2No: Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket. 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. How well a rain jacket packs down affects how often youll actually carry it, which in turn affects how often youll actually use it. The North Face Venture 2 Hooded Jacket. By opening up the jacket under the arms, you can release a lot of air without sacrificing the jackets waterproof design. Of all the jackets the Patagonia Torrentshell is the best performer in the rain. One step down from a full-on hardshell jacket, they're made to withstand extreme conditions: The shell fabrics are tougher, the waterproof membranes are better breathers, and the hoods are more substantial. Heavy downpours can overwhelm the thin build, causing the fabric to absorb moisture and feel wet against your skin. That's probably fine for people who choose the Helium as a lightweight "just in case" rain jacket. So the jacket that you soaked through, is not the same jacket OP is looking at. Weight: 6.3 oz (mens) / 5.6 oz (womens). Cotopaxi gives it a 10K waterproof rating, which generally correlates to only light protection against moisture. But the overall formula remains the same, which were happy to see: The venting system is functional for a number of outdoor activities, and with a relatively light weight, the jacket feels fairly nimble and multi-sport-ready. Category: Performance/hikingWeight: 13.9 oz.Waterproofing: 3L Gore-TexWhat we like: Strong combination of weight-savings, protection, and performance-oriented features.What we dont: The priciest rain jacket on our list at $450. 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. Click to reveal Torrentshell is made of 100% Ripstop Nylon, which is highly resistant against water and wind.The H2No 2.5L Performance Standard shell is what actually gives this jacket its extended weather-protection qualities and also slightly helps with breathability.. The beading seems to continue forever. A couple final notes: Rab products come with a left-hand zip (which might take some getting used to), and the Downpour lacks a chest pocket. On a budget? 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. The Stormline Stretch is good not only for a downpour, but for wind as well - and its soft and comfortable to boot. You can just roll it up into its own hood to protect the thinner fabric in your pack. We looked for rain jackets with a secure adjustable hood, solid waterproof seams, and good durable water repellent (DWR) coatings. The North Face states that the Futurelight uses their premium waterproof-breathable technology, and we believe it. Even our sweatiest tester says he didn't feel clammy. For fast-and-light alpine trips when the forecast looks favorable, the Highline certainly can do the trick. What makes the Minimalist a top choice for rain jackets is its performance and affordability. Marmot Minimalist $220 at Marmot. The Patagonia Torrentshell jacket offers top-quality performance. Travel Rewards Credit Cards; . Cons of a rain jacket vs a snow shell 1. Another thing to keep in mind is in our testing, sizing ran big and sleeves ran long (though they come with adjustable cuffs). The one complaint we have about the REI XeroDry GTX is while it has two hand pockets, it doesnt pack down into either of them. 100% seam taping, a DWR (Durable Water-Repellent) finish, an attached adjustable hood, and a . This jacket was one of the more breathable jackets we tested, but its pockets like many others weren't . * We note any discounts we see on our Deals page, which is updated daily. Full unzipped, the jacket becomes a poncho. What has it got in its pocketses?! Enter the drawcord hem. And for a shell thats intended for hiking and backpacking, wed prefer the hand pockets sit a little higher to be accessible when wearing a hipbelt (the interior chest pocket is generously sized, however). For $100, theres not much more you can ask for from a rain shell. While our personal experiences are mostly backpacking experiences, were confident that these rain jackets will weather wet weather, whether youre hiking, traveling, mountain biking, trail running, fishing, or commuting. Hood sizes and cinches are a small feature that can make a big difference on a rain jacket. The most notable update was the inclusion of Pertexs Diamond Fuse fabric, which boosts durability and tear resistance without a weight penalty. 1-48 of 93 results for "patagonia torrentshell 3l jacket - men's" RESULTS. How to Clean Your Rain Jacket. The Outdoor Research Helium will give you the wind and rain protection you need for just over a quarter of a pound. Marmot Minimalist - Women's. $199. These rain jackets will keep you protected, though remember to get one that works best for the conditions you most often encounter. One of Patagonia's flagship jackets, the Torrentshell is a hardwearing and 3-layer jacket that is ready for the elements. We only want the same thing as youthe best gear at the best price. While this does not provide the same waterproofing as a Gore-Tex jacket, it is lighter than Gore-Tex and easily stowable. . Below are our top trail runners of 2023, from Hardshell jackets are designed for the alpine: theyre highly windproof, waterproof, breathable, and durable. 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). 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. 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. That said, the Versalite checks a lot of boxes from a performance standpoint and deserves consideration from ultralight backpackers and minimalist summer-time adventurers.See the Men's Montbell Versalite See the Women's Montbell Versalite. For outdoor uses, the jacket is competitively light at 13 ounces, can be rolled into its hood for storage, and features pit zips to keep you comfortable on the move. 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). For commuters, having access to your phone at all timeseven in the rainis important. These are the criteria we looked at when making our decision: There are two things to look at when it comes to staying dry: the layers of the jacket, and the waterproof/breathability rating a jacket has (more on the science of that below). Daily use/hiking: 3L H2No: 50D: Yes: Patagonia Calcite: $249: . The 2.5-layer shell is softer and more pliable than most 3-layer designs here, and Pertex Shield has a long track record for being hardwearing and weather-protective. Enter the pit zip. This is the amount of water in a 1-inch-diameter vertical tube that the material can withstand without leaking. This jacket is protective, well made, and has the zealous flair for aesthetic style that makes Patagonia more than just an outdoor brand. In the world of rain jackets, Marmot just seems to get it, delivering good fit and performance at reasonable price points. . 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. After washing, follow the manufacturers drying instructions, whether youre on that air dry or tumble dry low train. Overall Performance 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. The primary compromise is pocket placement as some hand pockets sit high to accommodate a climbing harness or backpack hipbelt. Whats not to like with the Beta LT? I used the Torrentshell 3L on my Blue Mountains Trail thru-hike in September, Naomi mentioned. This coating is applied to the exterior of most rain jackets to prevent moisture from absorbing into the face fabric by beading up the droplets. Still, it seemed to work well enough in conjunction with the superior breathability of the Gore Tex Paclite over proprietary waterproofing materials. Bergfreunde.eu online Buy Men's jacket Waterproof Patagonia Light Storm Jacket - Travel Switchback Review Jacket Patagonia Storm10 YouTube - Jacket Storm Puff Patagonia Men's Micro Patagonia Storm Jacket naijium.ng Climb Ski Countryside Jacket Patagonia - Storm aveclumiere.com - 49% SAVE Sale, Patagonia Jacket Brown Hot Jacket Waterproof Storm10 Patagonia Men's Alpinetrek.co.uk . At the lowest end, you can get a rain jacket and rain pants combo for $40but dont expect them to hold up to frequent use or bushwack-y conditions. Look for a rain shell with a helmet compatible hood. On the other hand, more feature-rich shells, such as our hiking/daily use options, hit a better sweet spot for the everyday user. To be sure, Gore-Texs Paclite Plus is one of the most premium membranes used in rain jackets, and more durable, comfortable, and breathable than standard Paclite (as seen in jackets like the Marmot Minimalist and OR Foray II above). 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. All of the jackets in our review have fully-lined pockets with the exception of the Marmot PreCip Eco, which features mesh-lined pockets. Itll protect you from the elements better than most competitorsbut youll pay extra for the technology that helps you skip that half-layer.