As a result, the interior fabrics are also much less prone to clamming up, and often have a premium, soft feel. Performance 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. For $100, theres not much more you can ask for from a rain shell. A jackets packability can be looked at and measured in a couple ways. 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. We break down the pros and cons of each below:2-Layer Both use 2-layer constructions, have large fits (sizing down is recommended unless you want room for layering), and weigh about the same (the REI is 1.5 oz. Pit Zips, Side Zips, and Core Vents 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. When fully unzipped, this creates a poncho-like opening for awesome venting on the traila great way to dump excess heat while still retaining coverage. Weighing just 6.4 ounces, their Versalite rain jacket is a prime example: you get impressive breathability, good comfort, and features like pit zips and hand pockets for just over $200. For a list of our top picks, you can check out our in-depth softshell review. Further, you miss out on hand pockets, which means the only storage option is the single chest pocket. Finally, it doesnt excel for true performance usethe lining is prone to getting slippery and clammy and there are no pit zips to dump heat. Performance-oriented rain jackets are your focused outdoor pieces. Weve donned this jacket throughout many a PNW rainstorm and while backpacking in Patagonia, and have come away very impressed with its high-end fit, solid weather protection, and category-leading comfort. Category: Daily use/hikingWeight: 13 oz.Waterproofing: 2.5L Gore-Tex PacliteWhat we like: High-quality feel, great design.What we dont: No stuff sack/pocket, heavy. And for those that 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. Their fabrics are also much less prone to being soaked through under sustained rainfall. 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. And just about all of the features are reliable and trustworthy, from the burly and confidence-inspiring zippers to the thick cinch cord and easy-to-use toggles at the hem and hood. Most notably, we found the fit of the Rainier to be very large (depending on how you plan to layer underneath, it may be best to go down a full size). 3-Layer Despite our complaints, the Venture 2 is still a serviceable emergency shell and a step in the right direction from the old Venture, which we found to be very cheaply made. Reasonably priced at $199, the Motive has a whole lot going for it. Youll see one side cinch on ultralights when the manufacturer is trying to cut some weight. Cotopaxi gives it a 10K waterproof rating, which generally correlates to only light protection against moisture. The Columbia gets the slight edge in waterproofing with a flap over the center zipper and full seam sealing (the REI is only partially seam-sealed), although neither are designed for rough conditions. These jackets are the most basic, and typically require a mesh liner to protect the jackets inner coating (hence the 2-layer name). Their breathable and stretchy fabrics offer fantastic performance and a really comfortable fit that moves with you. Blurring the lines between hardshell and rain jacket categories is Arcteryxs mid-range Beta LT. Category: Daily useWeight: 14.5 oz.Waterproofing: 2L laminateWhat we like: Surprisingly well-made given the budget-friendly price.What we dont: Not fully seam-sealed. Priced at just $60, the shell is an impressive effort: the budget category is well-known for its plasticky, uncomfortable materialsthis includes the Columbia Watertight II belowbut the REIs polyester face fabric and interior mesh lining are soft to the touch and have a surprisingly quality feel. One of the most sought-after features in a waterproof rain jacket is breathability: the ability for perspiration and other moisture to exit the jacket without outside water coming in. Waterproof jackets have a built-in laminate layer like Gore-Tex or a coating that essentially blocks outside moisture from entering under most conditions. 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. 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. For years, the Marmot Minimalist held the top spot on this list, which has a softer-feeling shell that wears extremely well around town. 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. On the flipside, its still a solid performer for a $280 rain jacket, and the stretchy construction breathes better than Gore-Tex. Its also worth noting that Gore-Texs Paclite waterproof laminate, a proven winner for jackets in this category, has been recently updated to include a 100-percent-recycled face 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 14.9-oz. Its worth noting that the Gore Infinium construction alone technically isnt waterproof, but Montbell added a nylon ripstop face fabric, minimal seams plus seam taping, and a DWR coating, making this jaket well-equipped for fending off moderate rainfall. Whereas the Beta is purpose-built for hiking and prioritizes a stylish aesthetic that translates well to daily use, the Storm10 is more suitable for alpine environments. The benefits of the Velcro style are simplicity and weight: they dont require a cord or toggle, both of which add a bit of bulk. Arcteryx has traditionally lagged behind here, but some of their recent releases have begun incorporating these best-known practices. 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 single cinch does mean if you really have to tighten the jacket, it will pull a bit to one side, but its often negligible and worth the weight savings. 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. Line drying typically is best, although weve had some eVent and Gore-Tex jackets that instruct you to put it in the dryer on warm heat to replenish the DWR finish. 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.). Typically done with a cord and toggle, theyre very user-friendly. Read more about us. 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. 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. What changed? Price does increase with these upgrades, although daily usability is nearly on par with the hiking/daily use category above. The new-for-2022 Beta is a great all-rounder for everything from hiking and backpacking to the odd day on the skin track: Its lightweight at 10.6 ounces, super comfortable against the skin with Gores C-Knit backer, and features a trim fit, hipbelt-compatible pockets, and streamlined hood that look the part both on the trail and in the city. By lining some of their designs' handwarmer pockets with airy mesh, they double as vents when unzipped. But while it offers all the performance most hikers need, its simplified design does make a few sacrifices. The Torrentshell 3L tops our list with its impressively balanced design, but for a step up in performance its worth checking out the Calcite here. First off, the relatively thin, 30-denier shell wont withstand wear and tear as well as jackets like the Torrentshell above (50D) or Calcite below (75D). Most notably, it now has Eco in its name thanks a recycled face fabric and a PFC-free DWR coating. Finally, we've had consistent issues with the jacket wetting out fairly quickly in heavy rainfall (it's also slow to dry). The Forays truly unique feature is the full-length side zips that extend from the armpit all the way to the bottom hem. 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. 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. Category: Hiking/performanceWeight: 11.9 oz.Waterproofing: 2L Gore-Tex PacliteWhat we like: Multi-sport functionality, updated design with great fit and feel.What we dont: Pricier than the Marmot Minimalist and not everyone will love the side vents. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. Pocket placement is another consideration. The Beta above will save you over 3 ounces and $50, and many users will appreciate the more simplified feature set. This compromised performance makes the $145 price tag a bit hard to swallow, especially when REIs Groundbreaker or Columbias Watertight cost about half as much. Despite the nitpicks, the Beta is undeniably a special piece of gear, and youd be hard-pressed to find a more premium rain shell. Rab is best known for their technical hardshell and insulating jacketstheyre a climbing company at their corebut theyve been making consistent strides in the rain jacket market of late. The latest Heliumreplacing the IIsticks largely to the same formula with upgrades in durability and fit without Running on varied and challenging trails is a welcome break from the monotony of pounding pavement (or even worse, the belt of atreadmill). For more background information, see our rain jacket comparison table and buying advice below the picks. We also like the large hood and how well it cinches down, although we arent crazy about the single drawcord toggle at the back (its difficult to pinch, making loosening the hood a pain). Category: Performance/hikingWeight: 13.9 oz.Waterproofing: 3L Gore-TexWhat we like: Strong combination of weight, breathability, and comfort.What we dont: The priciest rain jacket on our list at $399. 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). Theres also an updated fit, although the jacket still has a regular cut thats roomy enough for wearing a lightweight puffy underneath. A 2.5-layer jacket attaches a very thin interior fabric to the waterproof/breathable laminate or coating. Popular applications include backcountry skiing and trekking in mild weather. 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. In addition, weight and packed size have gone up a fair amount with the latest build (it still stuffs into a hand pocket, however), although we consider these fair tradeoffs as the Torrentshell has improved in just about every other way. For $60, that adds up to a solid budget buy.See the Men's REI Groundbreaker 2.0. Category: Daily use/hikingWeight: 10.6 oz.Waterproofing: 2.5L NanoProWhat we like: Proven performance for a great price.What we dont: The REI Rainier above matches it in most categories yet costs $10 less. 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. Patagonia is a clear leader in this realm: Their Torrentshell 3L, for example, uses a 100-percent-recycled face fabric, PU membrane thats comprised of 13 percent 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. As with many Montbell products, where the Versalite comes up short is everyday wear. 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. 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. Patagonia shook up the rain jacket market with the release of its Torrentshell 3L in spring 2020. In the end, the Beta is the more well-rounded pick for most hikers, but the Storm10 is worth a look for those focused more on weight and packabilityRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Patagonia Storm10 See the Women's Patagonia Storm10. 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). Category: Hiking/daily useWeight: 10.9 oz.Waterproofing: 3L AscentShellWhat we like: Lightweight, breathable, and a good price.What we dont: Missing some useful features like wrist cinches and hipbelt-friendly pockets. Tack on REIs excellent warranty and a wide range of colorways and available sizes, and you get a quality rain shell for anything from city commutes to summer hiking and backpacking trips. 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. To start, the cuffs sit awkwardly around your hands: theyre too loose to create a good seal and would benefit from a Velcro cinch. 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). A final note related to DWR is that there has been a recent push to move away from traditional coatings that use perfluorocarbons, which is a chemical that has been linked to environmental and health issues. 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. Category: Daily use/hikingWeight: 13.9 oz.Waterproofing: 3L H2No Performance StandardWhat we like: 3-layer performance and good looks at an excellent price.What we dont: Crinkly and a little stiffer than the previous version. Additionally, they have waterproof taping along the seams on the interior of the jacket. Marmot gave the PreCip a light revamp fairly recently. Just about every major outdoor brand offers a budget-oriented rain shell for about $100, and The North Faces entry is the popular Venture. In choosing the right backpacking tent, you have a wide range of options from minimalist ultralight shelters to inexpensive and heavier entry-level models. For performance use, the benefits are obvious: while climbing, hiking, or other activities where youre moving your arms a lot, a stretchy jacket is less restrictive. But these are pretty minor complaints, and what you get with the Minimalist is a tough, outdoor-ready jacket that wears well every day of the weekRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Marmot Minimalist See the Women's Marmot Minimalist. Their Cielo is case in point: The rain jacket is built with a 100-percent-recycled shell with PFC-free DWR finish, and its vibrant color blocking and classy fit and finish make it fun to wear both on the trail and around town. 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. Its not perfectopening your pockets to vent means that anything stored inside could fall out and it doesnt dump heat as quickly as the traditional pit zipbut it does save weight while offering a boost in ventilation.Waist Adjustments Heavy downpours can overwhelm the thin build, causing the fabric to absorb moisture and feel wet against your skin. Unless you prioritize the Watertights small upgrades in waterproofing and features, we think the REI is the better buy Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Columbia Watertight II See the Women's Columbia Arcadia II. But for skiing, climbing, or bike commuting, youll need a helmet-compatible hood, and the LTs pit zips are an undeniable benefit for those working hard on the trail. The underarm zippers extend all the way down to the hems on either side. 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. Hiking Category: Performance/hikingWeight: 14.9 oz.Waterproofing: 3L ProflexWhat we like: Stretchy, breathable, and comfortable.What we dont: Trim fitting; heavy and bulky. This is the amount of water in a 1-inch-diameter vertical tube that the material can withstand without leaking. The primary compromise is pocket placement as some hand pockets sit high to accommodate a climbing harness or backpack hipbelt. 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. And we think Rab nailed the styling too: Theyve balanced a clean and simple look with technical features like a two-way main zipper and helmet-compatible hood. Reapplying the DWR is done through a fairly simple process, and weve found that the Nikwax TX.Direct Spray-On works well.Back to Our Top Rain Jacket Picks Back to Our Rain Jacket Comparison Table. Daily Use Its lining is less plasticky and doesnt feel as clammy if you start to get warm while walking or hiking. Also, a softshell is a bit thicker than a rain jacket, and offers a negligible amount of warmth as a result. The PreCip is their leading entry-level offering thats reached iconic status among hikers, backpackers, and everyday wearers. As a result, daily use jackets are either budget-oriented or designed with style in mind, and some of our favorites include the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (which crosses over nicely into the hiking category below) and Marmot Minimalist. 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. How do they differ? The latest version is more protective and durable, breathes better, and its interior is more comfortable and less prone to feeling clammy thanks to a thicker lining. But weve also enjoyed the greater level of comfort and less crinkly feel for daily wear. 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. Our favorite from their collection is the Kinetic Alpine 2.0, which marries a stretchy knit face fabric with a waterproof membrane and full seam taping. You dont get a ton of room for layering (we can fit a thin midlayer underneath, but not much more), and the sticky interior places function first and comfort second. Most ultralight shells go without hand pockets, instead opting for a chest pocket for storage. First, there are the jackets that can stuff into their own pockets. However, based on our testing of the prior-generation model, we can attest that its simple 2-layer construction and DWR coating do effectively shed light rainfall. For a versatile rain jacket at a great price, its hard to beat the Marmot Minimalist. For years, the formula has stayed largely the same: proven 2.5-layer waterproof construction that does well in light to moderate conditions, seam taping, and reasonable weight. Category: PerformanceWeight: 14.5 oz.Waterproofing: 2.5L Gore-Tex Paclite PlusWhat we like: Durable shell with premium waterproofing.What we dont: Relatively heavy and bulky. Editor's Note: "Packable" indicates the jacket has a stuff pocket. For fast-and-light alpine trips when the forecast looks favorable, the Highline certainly can do the trick. The shell has a premium look and feel that immediately sets it apart from entry-level designs. You may notice a waterproof rating listed on some outdoor gear websites, represented by a number from 0 to 20,000mm or more. We also appreciate the jackets clean styling, zippered hand pockets (a new addition with the 2.0), and wide range of available sizes (including tall for men and plus for women). The hood is nice and thick and comes with a substantial bill that can withstand heavy rain and wind. 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). To top it off, the StormLine is aggressively priced at $159. Patagonias Storm10 jacket takes the 3-layer H2No Performance Standard membrane of our top-ranked Torrentshell and pares it down for backcountry duty. Of note: OR also offers the 3-layer Helium AscentShell ($399), which combines the Heliums durable fabric with a more breathable AscentShell membraneRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Outdoor Research Helium Rain See the Women's OR Helium Rain. These can reach over the top of most climbing helmets for added weather protection. 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. In the world of rain jackets, Marmot just seems to get it, delivering good fit and performance at reasonable price points. Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. And while the Torrentshell is decidedly casual, the Calcite tacks on an alpine-helmet compatible hood and a watertight front zip, making it a better choice for more technical endeavors. For washing, its always best to start by checking the label on your jacket as the specific instructions will vary. We outline other key measures in our "Sustainability" section below.

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