The Phantom Pull-On ($200) is Rab's latest uber-packable shell for fast-and . The mens and womens Outdoor Research Helium is our winner for Best Packable Rain Jacket. When the forecast isn't optimal but you're still ready to get out there, wear the lightweight, compressible Men's Minimalist Jacket. Why do we have The North Face Venture 2 ranked here? Of all the jackets the Patagonia Torrentshell is the best performer in the rain. Waterproofing: 3L H2No Performance Standard What we like: 3-layer performance, quality materials, and good looks at an excellent price. Best Performance Balance: Marmot Minimalist Rain Jacket. Patagonia jacket is a high-performance insulated jacket that is not only comfortable to wear but is also protective of both you and the environment.. Youll feel damp, clammy, and likely a little peeved at your rain jacket. The Top 7 Waterproof Jackets in 2023. 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. 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. Waterproofing: 2L Gore-Tex with Paclite Plus & 3-layer Gore-Tex with C-Knit. For those looking to carry their rain jacket in a running belt or running vest, and potentially racing with them, the FutureLight Rain jacket is also tailored to balance packability and weight while keeping you dry. Built with Patagonia's highest level of waterproofing, the Torrentshell 3L Jacket gives us bomber protection against the mountain's torrential downpours. All told, the XeroDry is a nice option for anything from daily commuting to extended hiking trips. 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). Over half of the professional reviews we read included the Marmot PreCip Eco as a solid pick. Layer 1 is the shell (aka face fabric), usually made of nylon or polyester. The Marmot has all the more common features youd want in a hiking or backpacking rain jacket, like armpit zips, hand pockets that serve as additional vents, and the ability to stow down into a hand pocket. Marmot vs Patagonia: Outdoor Brands Compared - Tackle Village For $100, theres not much more you can ask for from a rain shell. All told, theres still a long ways to go in the industry, but the current trajectory and momentum from many of the key players are encouraging. Photo by Mike Unger. best stylish rain jacket for men - business.siliconstreets.com CNN Tested Rain Jackets and the Winner was Patagonia's Torrentshell 3L 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. How to Buy a Hiking Rain Jacket - SectionHiker.com Backpacker gave the Black Diamond Stormline Stretch marks for breathability. Both of these rain jackets have a regular fit, which means they are a bit loose, hanging . Finally, we've had consistent issues with the jacket wetting out fairly quickly in heavy rainfall (it's also slow to dry). 80 degrees and raining on a humid East Coast hike in July will require a very different rain jacket than is useful when its 35 degrees and raining in the Canadian Rockies. 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. Finally, Marmot upped their sustainability game with the most recent model, and the Minimalist now features a 100% recycled shell fabric and PFC-free DWR coating. While Switchback Travel complains about how large it is, suggesting its too large for the backcountry, user reviews suggest the sizing isnt as straightforward as all that. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Youll see one side cinch on ultralights when the manufacturer is trying to cut some weight. This designation includes big sellers like the entry-level Marmot PreCip Eco all the way up to the $400 Arcteryx Beta. The Portland-based brand does value-oriented gear better than most, and the Watertight and womens-specific Arcadia include a number of features you dont often find at this price point: zippered hand pockets, Velcro wrist cinches, and an adjustable hood. 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. Our testers love the Stormline Stretch for its comfort. The Best Mens Lightweight Waterproof Jackets: Gear Guide - Ze Wandering Outdoor Research Dryline Rain Jacket - Men's. (0) $126.73. do magnetic sheets stick to each other; rent formal dress for wedding; bloomfield hotel rates Moreover, the tall hand pockets and exposed zippers lack the refinement and sleek styling that you get from an Arcteryx product. The Beta below will save you over 3 ounces and $50, and many users will appreciate the more simplified feature set. Look for a rain shell with a helmet compatible hood. Of note: This article includes picks for both men and women, but weve also written a dedicated round-up on the best womens rain jackets. 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. Theyre part of a rain jackets ventilation system, and a jackets either got em, or it doesnt. 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. Weve tested a number of Outdoor Researchs AscentShell models over years, and the Motive is their lightest and most affordable to date. 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. In theory, we agree with them, but in practice, that might be a different story. Culling all these rain jackets down to the best few models was difficult, and not just because our sources rarely agreed. 7. Photo by Liz Thomas. Building on the success of the StormLine above, Black Diamond took that expertise upmarket with the Highline Stretch. First, there are the jackets that can stuff into their own pockets. Shop All Men's Multi-Sport Rain Jackets. Additionally, we have a whole section on waterproofing in our Best Mens Ski Jackets and Best Women's Ski Jackets guide. Men's Climbing. What else is new in this model? Our Patagonia Women's Torrentshell 3L Jacket has a trusted reputation for providing exceptional waterproof/breathable performance, comfort and durability. That half-layer isnt quite as good as a full-out third layer at protecting your second layer membrane. Hiking-focused shells vie with those in our daily use category for the most common type of lightweight rain jacket. 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. It's right at the $300 price limit we set in this piece, but is one of our favorite pieces of gear. 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. Established more than a decade before Arc'teryx, in 1974, Marmot is one of the leading brands in the US, catering to the market of outdoor clothing and gear enthusiasts. Thats a hybrid of a 2-layer and 3-layer construction. Hardshell jackets, in contrast to the hiking rain jackets weve listed above, are made for truly extreme conditions. But thru-hikers know they'll be living in their rain jacket at some point or another on their journey, so will appreciate choosing the Versalite. You can either get one with velcro or drawstrings to fit it close to your body. When saving weight is critical to your mission, choose the Marmot Minimalist jacket. The 10-denier fabric of the Versalite means this jacket won't be the one you turn to outside of thru-hiking or ultralight backpacking. Velcro adjustable cuffs can be made wider than your wrist, allowing most of that rain to drip onto the ground instead of your hands. . best stylish rain jacket for men. 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). All told, if youre looking for versatile rain and snow protection but dont want to spring for a full-on Gore-Tex Pro hardshell, the Beta LT is hard to beat Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Arc'teryx Beta LT See the Women's Arc'teryx Beta LT. Category: Daily use/hikingWeight: 13 oz.Waterproofing: 2.5L PeakWhat we like: Great price for a solid all-around design; wide range of colors and sizes.What we dont: Fits very big, so we ended up sizing down. 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. Photo by Naomi Hudetz. Marmot is well-known for rain jackets, and wed argue the mens and womens Marmot PreCip Eco is the reason why. Arcteryx is known for top-of-the-line quality and prices to match, and the British Columbia-based brand has long been our go-to for premium weather protection. Think about measurements, for example: will that rain jacket chest pocket be practical for a woman with a larger bust measurement? Price does increase with these upgrades, although daily usability is nearly on par with the hiking/daily use category above. Instead, it protects Layer 2 (aka the waterproof-breathable membrane) from the dirt, sweat, oil, and abrasion that causes it to degrade over time. 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 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. Now I know the Marmot is a GTX PacLite 2.5 which means it's very reliant on its DWR performance. First, we focused on sources that tested and rated both of them, like OutdoorGearLab, and learned that they all showed a preference for the Marmot Minimalist. Photo by Jill Duncan. That said, the Helium does have one chest pocket to stash snacks or other necessities. One thing that threw us off is The North Face doesn't run the usual Hydrostatic Test for waterproofing. Best Rain Jackets for Men: Reviews + Buyer's Guide - Treksplorer The Outdoor Research Helium will give you the wind and rain protection you need for just over a quarter of a pound. To give the best seal possible, every rain jacket that we recommend here has some sort of cinch system at the hem. He says, "In mild, humid conditions at higher intensities, its hard to avoid minor moisture buildup, but the Futurelight jacket liner kept things comfortable and not clammy like other running-specific rain jackets. burger . For those who want a well-rounded option, weve found the 9- to 16-ounce range is typically the sweet spot. Category: Daily use/hikingWeight: 13 oz.Waterproofing: 2L Gore-Tex PacliteWhat we like: Good-looking and solid Gore-Tex protection at a great price.What we dont: Current version feels cheaper than predecessors. Its still a developing technology and key brands like Patagonia havent made the full switch yet (for more, heres Patagonias breakdown of the process), but PFC-free options are becoming more prevalent on the market. Other models charge up to $100 more than the Versalite's sticker price to get the same specs for waterproofing and breathability, as well as pockets, pit zips, and an adjustable hood. MARMOT. From months of daily drizzle to heavy downpour in the mountains, were acutely aware of the benefits of a quality waterproof and breathable shell. Photo courtesy Tiffany Searsdodd. 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. Rain jacket layer technology works by using thermal gradients to move warm moisture vapor from inside your jacket to cooler air outside your jacket. 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. Jumping to a 3-layer jacket also involves a significant increase in price (one exception is Patagonia's $179 Torrentshell 3L), and most often these are big name designs, like Gore-Tex or eVent. Price: $425. Heavy downpours can overwhelm the thin build, causing the fabric to absorb moisture and feel wet against your skin. 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. But it does prevent some dirt, oil, and abrasion from degrading the efficacy of your jacket. 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. Theres also a new drawcord at the hem, though folks with larger hips might not need it. Once any jackets face fabric wets out, it doesnt matter how fancy the rest of the layers in the rain jacket sandwich are. The best estimates we could find are external lab tests measuring it up against other brands of waterproof-breathable material at 16190 mm/24 hours. Weight: 13.9 oz. Can You Snowboard with a Rain Jacket? - Riding Boards Professional reviewers raved about the REI XeroDry GTX. Waterproof Material: 3-Layer Futurelight 20D recycled polyester, Waterproof Rating: 100% waterproof (does not use hydrostatic test and has a different rating system), What we liked: Ultralight, packable jacket that strips extraneous features while sticking to the primary function of the jacketkeeping a waterproof jacket comfortable while its raining, What we didnt like: Too minimal for some for its price; some users will prefer a more generously cut jacket, sizes are limited, What we liked: breathability, lightweight, ventilation, What we didn't like: price, slim cut and limited sizing maxes at XL, no pockets or pit zips are not the best design for general use outside of running. Each proves to be able to handle anything we could hope a backpacking-oriented rain jacket could take. 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. 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. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission, without costing you an extra cent. Category: Daily use/hikingWeight: 11.6 oz.Waterproofing: 2.5L DryVentWhat we like: Another versatile rain jacket for under $100.What we dont: Falls a little short in hood design and zipper quality. of reviewers. Another thing to keep in mind is in our testing, sizing ran big and sleeves ran long (though they come with adjustable cuffs). (66 feet is ~20k mm.) We also ran customer reviews through Fakespot, a service that analyzes and judges the veracity of reviews. Readers write in to tell us how much they have enjoyed it over the years that we've recommended it as a winner. The chest pockets shape has changed from rectangular to curvierand it will no longer fit larger phone models. But if backcountry weight is a factor for you, and youre looking for a versatile jacket that lives in your hiking pack, the Outdoor Research Helium is your best bet among the rain jackets in our guide. One criterion that guided us was a commitment to finding a lightweight jacket (as compared to a raincoat) that we felt was on the more affordable end of the gear buying spectrum. While this is great, its doesnt necessarily mean the jacket is that packable. burger . That said, velcro adjustable cuffs weigh more, so its worth thinking about what youre using the jacket for. Tack on sleek Patagonia styling, wide variety of available colorways, new-for-2023 PFC-free DWR coating (to go along with the 100%-recycled face fabric), and excellent $179 price tag, and the versatile Torrentshell 3L currently is our favorite overall rain jacket. (Of course, you can always put it in a stuffsack or ziplock bag to get a similar effect). 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. In testing the Rainier, we were struck with how many features it shares with Marmots PreCip Eco below. 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. Itll protect you from the elements better than most competitorsbut youll pay extra for the technology that helps you skip that half-layer. Photo by Robert Curzon. Patagonia's answer to Marmot's PreCip Eco pants is called Causey Pike Pants. Other factors like seam taping play a major role in waterproofness, so the number doesnt truly determine how dry you will stay in a downpour. We wish we lived in a world where money was no object, but alas. 460 grams (men), 410 grams (women) 2. The climbing community loves Montbell and for good reason: The company offers well-thought-out technical pieces that come in cheaper than brands like Arcteryx and Patagonia. Marmot Men's Minimalist GoreTex Waterproof Rain Jacket With rain jackets, most reviews we saw generally defaulted to mens models and presumed that the womens models of the same jacket were essentially the same. Layer 3, if a jacket has it, is the interior protection. Ventilation is less important in cooler temps, which is one of the reasons 3-layer jackets often dont have pit zips. And while, sure, some fabrics and some jacket builds do better than others, its important to know that if youre exerting a lotparticularly in warm weatheryoure likely going to sweat at least a little bit. Best Lightweight Rain Jackets of 2023 Treeline Review The 16 Best Rain Jackets to Keep You Dry - Gear Patrol Photo by Robert Curzon. Marmot Precip vs Patagonia Torrentshell: Which is a Better Rain Jacket But weve also enjoyed the greater level of comfort and less crinkly feel for daily wear.