Some compress quite small but require wrestling to get them stowed; others fit comfortably into their stuff pocket.

the. When well-designed, you should forget you're wearing it.

All the models we tested are technically waterproof but not all offered the same level of storm protection or resisted "wetting out" in similar amounts of time. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

In the backcountry; a hood that rolls away and stows can be appreciated but is generally a lot less of a big deal.

If you're wearing your jacket around town, having room in the pockets for a pair of gloves and a warm hat or a phone and keys can be nice.

Josh Brewer (in a green Patagonia Torrentshell) and Alex Chew enjoy the fruits of their labor in camp, Jones Island State Park, WA. Fortunately, the Zeta makes up for this by offering exceptional articulation, and it scores well in all of our mobility tests. It's our review team's favorite jacket, thanks to its overall versatility and performance.

The advantage of the Kinetic and other air-permeable materials is the relatively high and steady level of breathability, regardless of user temperature or external environmental factors. ), and Arcteryxs Zeta FL (7.2 oz.). When it is storming hard and you want to batten down the hatches by closing pit-zips and cinching the hood, a breathable fabric is paramount. In particular, we think OR did a great job with the hood design. The other advantage of most air-permeable models is how stretchy they are and the Kinetic offers excellent articulation, an athletic cut, and the stretchiest fabric we have ever seen.

Nine of the top rain jackets, ready for our testing.

But the Bantamweight is ultra-thin, which gives us serious concerns about its longevity, and will set you back an additional $116 at $275 total. Where the Helium gets the edge is protection: the Montbell uses a less weather-ready 2-layer Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper build and super-thin 10-denier nylon face fabric, which translate to considerably less durability and assurance in wet and rowdy conditions.

This means your jacket keeps breathing even after you've cooled off.

Our favorites were the Arc'teryx Zeta SL, Rab Kinetic 2.0 and the REI Drypoint GPX, while the Outdoor Research Foray, Patagonia Storm10, and Patagonia Torrentshell scored not too far behind. Plus, while OR doesnt specifically call it helmet-compatible, Ive been able to fit it over my bike helmets, including the Giro Radix and Smith Forefront 2 (both size medium). We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.

However, we prioritize quantifying the differences to go what you get (if anything) by spending more with the end goal is helping you decide if you'll get the most out of the best of the best or if you'll be happy with a model that will keep your wallet happy.

Outdoor Research has updated its long-standing and very popular ultralight rain shell for 2020. Nine times out of ten, these jackets will keep you dry (or at least drier) all day from a drizzle to a downpour. While any hood can be worn under a helmet, it can be more convenient (and comfortable) if it can be pulled on and off quickly by fitting over the top.

This jacket is designed to be worn in terrible conditions and is ever-so-slightly heavier and bulkier; however, for 3-4 extra ounces, it packs some serious storm protection. rei hooded helium hybrid jacket research outdoor Its also worth noting that at the time of publishing, the prior-generation Helium II is still widely available.

Even on multi-day trips with perfect or less than perfect forecasts, packed size should be high on most outdoor enthusiasts' priority list. In practice, it has held solidly in place in inclement weather with plenty of coverage and no excessive bunching. When poorly designed, you'll face issues like obstructed peripheral vision, discomfort, and a lack of compatibility to different headwear. The 30-denier ripstop face fabric feels surprisingly burly, and weve had zero issues thus far after a couple backpacking trips in Patagonia and subsequent use back home in the PNW while mountain biking.

Well, it's nearly exactly what it sounds like a fabric where air can pass through the material at all times. That said, you can buy a quality 3-layer hardshell for the same price, and we think its simply too much to spend for a jacket that will primarily be used as a backup/emergency layer.

Conversely, because they don't breathe as well once the user has stopped and cooled down, the pressure difference will be lower.

No ventilation designs proved capable of keeping more water out than the let in during heavy rain or even walking up bushy trails after a storm.

For a major bump in comfort and weight savings, hikers and backpackers are now Marmots Minimalist jacket isnt new, but its combination of price and performance keeps it among our favorite rain shells year after year.

If you're thru-hiking 2,650 miles, climbing technical terrain, or riding your bicycle from coast to coast, weight may (and should) be one of your primary concerns.

Air-permeable fabrics are a cool new trend in the outdoor industry, and they offer a static level of breathability, regardless of user output and external environments. While one pound might be a benchmark, the average weight in our review is closer to 12-14 ounces, with some models dipping down to an impressive 6-7 ounces an unfathomable weight even just five years ago.

Consider whether you would like to use your rain jacket with a climbing or bike helmet.

Between the two, a fabric's breathability is far more important than its ventilation. In addition to staying up to date on the latest and greatest innovations in weather protection, Ian spent over 20 hours meticulously inspecting and considering over 80 contenders before selecting the best products for our review.

We love slightly elevated pockets that remain accessible under a pack. You've likely asked yourself something along the lines of "is this piece of gear really the extra money over that piece of gear?

The Arc'teryx Zeta SL, Marmot Minimalist, and REI Stormbolt GTX offer our group's most robust weather resistance. One common misconception is that because a given model might be air-permeable, people assume it must be more breathable than a non-air permeable jacket (such as Gore-Tex or eVent, or other proprietary waterproof fabrics), but the truth is that this isn't always the case. For users who intend to use their shell climbing or nordic skiing, we recommend checking them out.

This weight puts it squarely in the ultralight category, easily undercutting popular lightweight choices like the Marmot PreCip Eco (10.1 oz.)

While minimal weight and respectable storm protection are why you buy this model, durability and true all-around versatility aren't.

Check. Set yourself up for success and wear the minimum layers you can get away with to minimize overheating unnecessarily.

Here, Tester Ian Nicholson tends a backcountry breakfast on a stormy morning.

Likely wider than any other product there is an enormous price range of rain jacket options on the market today.

Even the most breathable models have a limit on the amount of moisture they are able to pass through. Both offer great functionality and will keep you dry in most rainy conditions.

The Patagonia Torrentshell has large pit zips with easy-to-use pull strings on the zippers.

As mentioned above, it cinches in the back with a single drawcord but secures around both the side of the head and face (many simple hood designs dont also secure around the face).

Our selection involves a wide range of products, from the most storm-worthy to the most budget-friendly, while also selecting some of the best models geared for specific applications or with specific attributes like being the most lightweight and packable or facilitating the greatest freedom of movement. In addition to the mens Helium tested here, Outdoor Research also makes the jacket in a womens-specific version for the same price.

Low pockets are slightly more comfortable for keeping your hands warm while cruising the farmer's market on a drizzly day for less technical applications.

These two fabrics were a cut above the rest when we were out on a rainy winter hike, where they were able to pass an impressive amount of moisture at an astounding rate. In terms of storage, the Outdoor Research Helium features only a single chest pocket, which is standard fare among many minimalist shells and windbreakers. This does mean that air-permeable jackets, on a micro-level, aren't technically windproof.

Bottom row: Torrentshell, Venture, PreCip, Watertight.

This model does have a few downsides, though these downsides are only when directly compared to more expensive models, most of which feature Gore-Tex rather than a more price-oriented, proprietary 2.5-layer coated-membrane option.

These pocket designs are popular with the casual crowd, but are often impractical while hiking since they are nearly inaccessible while wearing a pack or harness.

The answer is rarely crystal clear, as so much of it depends on the user and their intended use of the product.

We looked at the technical states of the volume of water each fabric can pass and performed a series of side-by-side stationary bike and 10-minute Stairmaster tests (thanks, Vertical World Seattle) to better compare and analyze breathability.

The Helium is a true ultralight shell at a very reasonable price (most of the UL competition is at least $100 more expensive). We love the Foray.

The jackets we evaluated that do not stuff into one of their pockets can be rolled into their hood as shown here.

They will perform for example, if you are hiking uphill, and it's cold and rainy outside because there will be a big temperature difference.

Slayin' some pow on Tye Peak in the Arc'teryx Zeta SL.

In fact, its packed size is only a little bigger than my non-waterproof Patagonia Houdini, which is truly a big accomplishment. Related: How to Choose the Right Rain Jacket.

A ripstop weave doubles up on the thread at intervals, providing a grid of strong fibers to stop tears from growing once a rip has occurred.

Chris Simrell crossing the upper Elwah River in the Olympic Mountains, WA. We loaned these jackets out to our friends to get more opinions on less objective tests like comfort and fit; however, Ian personally tested each jacket in our review in the Cascade Mountains and temperate rainforests of Western Washington and while milling around Seattle, with a coffee in hand.

With its 50D ripstop polyester shell, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is one of the more robust budget-friendly models.

There is also a heap of laboratory testing that has been done to quantify precisely how waterproof each of these specific coated or laminated materials are.

We also considered the ease of use of each feature, comparing cinch cords for the hood and how easy to access and adjust they were.

You can get better protection for a similar weight with Arcteryxs Gore-Tex-equipped Zeta FL, but youll need to double your budget to do so.

Black Diamonds FineLine is an interesting alternative with its stretchy construction that undercuts it slightly in price at $135. All perform surprising well given their minimalist builds, but what sets the Helium apart is its price, as those competitors all cost at least $100 more.

The Stormbolt GTX's cut is less bulky than the previous Drypoint, but it is still boxer than many cuts in our review.

Graham Zimmerman wearing the lightest and most compressible jacket in our review, the Outdoor Research Helium Rain.

This one is rigid and provides no stretch; while we never felt it inhibited our movement, we are big believers that stretchy materials provide more comfort and better performance. If youre thinking about buying gear that weve reviewed on Switchback Travel, you can help support us in the process.

This shell also uses 2.5-layer Pertex for its waterproofing, but the minimalist build manages to trim weight down to an even 6 ounces while retaining features like hand pockets and an adjustable hood. However, whether crawling over a downed tree, setting up a tarp at camp, or climbing the most epic peak of your life, you'll repeatedly utilize the maximum mobility of your jacket.

For many, light is right, and weight is a crucial factor for any piece of gear used on human-powered adventures.

Got feedback?

This means air can pass through the fabric itself, and on a micro-level, these models aren't technically windproof and don't require as much internal heat build-up as more traditional fabrics. Further, with cutouts under the arms, the Marmot offers superior breathability (again, the Helium has no venting options other than the front zip). A vent might be well-designed at dumping heat, but it isn't doing its user much good if it lets more rain in than moisture out.

Our review team conducted our tests several times, comparing models with lots of ventilation options and compared and contrasted performance keeping vents completely closed, partially open, and completely open to best get a sense of how each model performed. If you're warm before you start and you're taking part in any time of aerobic activity, you'll likely produce far more sweat than your jacket can handle and soak yourself.

between mens mediums on our scale), and while it packs into its own pocket, its double the size of our Helium. It's just easier to forget about until you need it. Or some people might simply think, "I'm just hiking, I'm not climbing."

In every aspect, from the hood to its storm protection, to its low weight and top-tier breathability. While these two fabrics scored the best overall, there were several proprietary air-permeable models and fabrics, like the Rab Kinetic using Proflex and Outdoor Research MicroGravity using Ascentshell, which allows for exceptional breathability and were nearly as breathable.

However, even in this newly crowded sector of the market, the stretchiest of the stretchy Rab Kinetic 2.0 still manages to stand out.

While you can buy a nicer, lighter, or more stormworthy rain shell, it will be tough to buy one for less money.

By prioritizing real-world venting functionality, our review team noticed some of the more significant differences between models and ventilation designs.

This is in both abrasion and cut resistance but also in overall longevity.

As you can see, we take testing seriously, both in the field and in our home labs, to help produce the best reviews possible. You might have even assumed that most materials breathed at a fairly static level but the truth is that just isn't the case.

As we mentioned all models we reviewed here allow moisture to pass through them; however, none allow an infinite amount of moisture to pass, and even the most breathable models have their limitations.

All the fabrics are plenty waterproof to keep you dry out in the rain.

While the number of stretch models continues to grow, the Kinetic is truly the stretchiest shell we have ever seen and offers nearly restriction-free movement.

This review features 15 of the market's top contenders.

While some folks might not care about spending more or sacrificing some features or storm worthiness for just a few ounces; for the most weight-conscious of users, or those who own a quiver of jackets; these lightest of light jackets are impressively light and might allow you to get away with bringing a slightly smaller pack or to bring one when you otherwise might forgo a rain shell altogether.

One interesting alternative is Black Diamonds FineLine. Purpose-built for trail running in cold weather, we put the Norvan to the test during a wet and soggy season in British Dont undo your bootlaces until you have seen the river. While polyester is generally more durable than Nylon, thickness matters more.

With a 2.5-layer Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse build and thin materials used throughout, the jackets face fabric will get overwhelmed in a strong downpour and start to absorb moisture and press against your shoulders and forearms (this is particularly noticeable if youre wearing short sleeves). Air-permeable is a new buzzword (and a technical term) in the outdoor world that is a design characteristic of a number of the new wave of stretchy, mostly proprietary waterproof-breathable jackets that have recently surged onto the market.

A good hood design will keep the water out while moving with you and allowing you to hang on to a good amount of your peripheral vision.

As a result, weve found it to be more comfortable for active pursuits like hiking, and its lining is less prone to feeling clammy (its still not a standout breather, however). For mountain biking, I only can tolerate wearing the Helium on the descents. Those who might want to add more than one thin layer underneath should consider sizing up.

Of the highest value options on the market today, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L and REI Co-op XeroDry GTX are two of the best. A jacket's ability to keep its wearer dry also has a lot to do with the make-up and construction of its waterproof insert (more frequently called a membrane) and the longevity of DWR and its' subsequent ability to resist wetting out after extended periods that can be hours or weeks of use.

This is likely because there are less quantifiable metrics to go along with a given jacket's mobility.

The most durable models in our review are the Marmot Minimalist, The North Face Apex, Arc'teryx Zeta SL, and Outdoor Research Foray. Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. Ian estimates he has worn a rain jacket over 800 days over the last two decades because he guides AND lives in the rainy and wet Pacific Northwest.

And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves.

Remember that nearly everyone can drench even a t-shirt if they're working hard enough.

Our team focuses on each product's face fabric when assessing its overall durability, as this is the layer that has the most impact on a given product's tear and abrasion resistance, as well as how well its DWR might hold up. Again it isn't that the Kinectic doesn't offer solid weather resistance; there are just a handful of burlier models that perform even better for straight-up hanging out in the rain.

Ultralight rain shells arent typically intended for serious alpine conditions or day-long deluges, and this holds true for the Outdoor Research Helium.

The Outdoor Research Heliums combination of $159 price tag, 6-ounce weight, and full waterproofing put it in a unique spot in the marketmost of its rain jacket competitors are either more expensive or quite a bit heavier. Clearly, the SL is a specialized piece, but for the right user (such as our gear testers that do plenty of wet-weather running in the mountains of British Columbia), it can be almost perfect. On my scale, a mens medium weighs in at 6.1 ounces, undercutting the listed weight of 6.3 ounces.

Let us know!

The Xerodry vastly outperforms all less expensive options while offering very comparable performance to a number of the more expensive ones. The REI Co-Op XeroDry GTX is a nicely-designed model featuring Gore-Tex at an unbelievable price.

The primary differences in our water resistance metric come from individual fabric characteristics and to a slightly less extent each model's respective hood's design, cuffs, pocket closures, and the longevity of a model's DWR. Pit zips, side zips, core vents, or other various zippered ventilation designs all have their place.

A rain jacket needs to stand up to the demands its user places on it. ), but the Montbell manages to pack in additional features like two hand pockets, pit zips, a three-way adjustable hood (the Helium has one point of adjustability), and Velcro at the cuffs.

While on adventures that require wearing a pack, a majority of the jacket's pocket is under a weighted hip-belt strap and is frequently uncomfortable due to the zippers being pinched under the waistbelt (or harness) and the pockets themselves unusable.



Sitemap 31