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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. In the world of rain jackets, Marmot just seems to get it, delivering good fit and performance at reasonable price points. The Forays truly unique feature is the full-length side zips that extend from the armpit all the way to the bottom hem. Second, the main zipper has a coil design that lacks the smooth, confidence-inspiring action of the Marmot and REI. Hiking-focused shells vie with those in our daily use category for the most common type of lightweight rain jacket. Arcteryx has traditionally lagged behind here, but some of their recent releases have begun incorporating these best-known practices. 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. Full unzipped, the jacket becomes a poncho. Pocket placement is another consideration. How does the Watertight II compare with the REI Groundbreaker above? In creating a waterproof jacket specifically designed to keep moisture out, there are natural restrictions on the air being held inside. Hiking In that respect, the lightweight Arc'teryx Beta would still be considered quite packable, despite lacking a stuff pocket. Finally, as weve come to expect from the brand, all of the Beta LTs details are nicely sorted, with premium seam taping, streamlined seams, and a fit that is reasonably trim but roomy enough for layering. Its true that the Minimalist isnt perfect as an all-around piece. What are the compromises in choosing the Helium Rain? Youll see this referenced in every performance-oriented rain jacket on the market, typically seen as: 2L, 2.5L or 3L. 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. 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. First, there are the jackets that can stuff into their own pockets. One downside is that the interior fabric isn't as soft to the touch as a true 3-layer (some consider it slippery or plasticky), but we've seen improvements with recent models. Outdoor Research has updated its long-standing and very popular ultralight rain shell for 2020. 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. A quick look at our comparison table above reveals that rain jacket weights correlate closely with their intended use(s). Most ultralight shells go without hand pockets, instead opting for a chest pocket for storage. 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. The most notable update was the inclusion of Pertexs Diamond Fuse fabric, which boosts durability and tear resistance without a weight penalty (in fact, weight went down by 0.1 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 eVent and AscentShell by Outdoor Research. Price does increase with these upgrades, although daily usability is nearly on par with the hiking/daily use category above. What you gain in convenience with the hipbelt (or climbing harness), you then lose in daily usability. Theyre not very breathable and the mesh adds bulk, making 2-layer jackets best for casual use. Why do we have The North Face Venture 2 ranked here? 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. We break down the pros and cons of each below:2-Layer You often get two hand pockets and a chest pocket (either on the inside or outside of the shell), all the better for the little things you need to carry around on a daily basis like a phone or wallet. heavier). Everything from the REIs hood design to pocket layout and even smaller touches like mesh pockets and the Velcro covering the center zipper reminded us of the Marmot shell. 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. And a note on sizing: The Rab has a fairly trim, technical fit, so it might be worth sizing up for more room or if you plan to wear the jacket as an everyday pieceRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Rab Kinetic Alpine See the Women's Rab Kinetic Alpine. The primary compromise is pocket placement as some hand pockets sit high to accommodate a climbing harness or backpack hipbelt. Many of todays top hiking pants are made from lightweight nylon For high-output activities, its hard to beat a softshell jacket. 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. But while it offers all the performance most hikers need, its simplified design does make a few sacrifices. Over the past few years, there have been a growing number of waterproof rain jackets featuring built-in stretch. 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. You can just roll it up into its own hood to protect the thinner fabric in your pack. Patagonia shook up the rain jacket market with the release of its Torrentshell 3L in spring 2020. However, for just $50 more, you can bump up to the Arcteryx Beta, which features 3-layer Gore-Tex and drops almost 4 ounces off the build of the Calcite. Breathability as well as compressibility increases and weight decreases with the design, making this the most popular option for hikers, backpackers, and climbers. While this is great, its doesnt necessarily mean the jacket is that packable. And when youre working hard, it can quickly become a necessity to dump some of that hot air rather quickly. Heavier rain jackets have cinches on each side for a more even fit. For a bump in features, check out the Beta LT belowRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Arc'teryx Beta Jacket See the Women's Arc'teryx Beta Jacket. You may notice a waterproof rating listed on some outdoor gear websites, represented by a number from 0 to 20,000mm or more. We found that BDs 2-ounce-lighter FineLine jacket has a more athletic cut, but that model gives up valuable features like hand pockets, adjustable cuffs, and pit zips Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Black Diamond StormLine See the Women's BD StormLine. Weve tested a number of Outdoor Researchs AscentShell models over years, and the Motive is their lightest and most affordable to date. Serious shells, such as those offered by Arcteryx, often place the hand pockets higher up on the torso to avoid interfering with your packs hipbelt. On the other hand, more feature-rich shells, such as our hiking/daily use options, hit a better sweet spot for the everyday user. Better yet, trail running is an immensely easy sport to get into. By opening up the jacket under the arms, you can release a lot of air without sacrificing the jackets waterproof design. If you live in a wet climate like the Pacific Northwest or New England, a rain jacket is an indispensable part of your everyday wardrobe. 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. 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. Cotopaxi gives it a 10K waterproof rating, which generally correlates to only light protection against moisture. 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. At just 10.9 ounces, its on par with many budget-oriented 2.5-layer designs like the Marmot PreCip Eco, yet the Motive features a 3-layer construction that easily beats out the Marmot in toughness and breathability. Other brands that are competitive in the sustainability realm include REI Co-op, Marmot, and Black Diamond. For years, the Marmot Minimalist held the top spot on this list, which has a softer-feeling shell that wears extremely well around town. 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. In addition, the single side waist adjuster means the jacket feels uneven when pulled tight. Daily Use In addition, the REI has a slightly more substantial face fabric and improved comfort with a fleece-like lining covering the collar (weight goes up a bit as a result). REIs in-house line of rain shells continues to impress us when it comes to bang for your buck, and the popular Rainier is no exception. 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. Typically done with a cord and toggle, theyre very user-friendly. 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. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. 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. 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). Designs like Outdoor Researchs Motive and Black Diamonds StormLine and FineLine incorporate fabrics and a waterproof internal membrane that flex surprisingly easily. We think REI did a pretty good job balancing price and features with the Groundbreaker, but there are a couple notable downsides. 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. Weve placed the latest AscentShell jacket toward the bottom of our list, however, because its finer details are somewhat disappointing. To start, it has our least favorite hood design among its competitors with less coverage at the top of the head due to its flimsy bill. 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. 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. Traditional softshell jackets are not fully waterproof. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. 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. 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. 2.5-Layer To give the best seal possible, every rain jacket that we recommend here has some sort of cinch system at the hem. 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. 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. 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. 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). Priced at around $70, and often available for a discount at Amazon, the Columbia Watertight II is a leading budget rain jacket. 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. 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. Also, a softshell is a bit thicker than a rain jacket, and offers a negligible amount of warmth as a result. But weve also enjoyed the greater level of comfort and less crinkly feel for daily wear. The benefit of this interior finish is that the mesh found in 2-layer jackets is no longer necessary. But what sets the Groundbreaker apart for us is its higher-quality construction: its shell and interior are noticeably softer to the touch and the REIs hood provides better coverage and is more comfortable. Their fabrics are also much less prone to being soaked through under sustained rainfall. Reasonably priced at $199, the Motive has a whole lot going for it. 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. 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. Like many hybrid soft/hardshell pieces, one of the primary compromises with the Rab is outright weather protection. One notable exception is a jacket like the Patagonia Calcite that uses Gore-Texs new Paclite Plus, which has a minimalist, protective treatment on the interior in place of a hanging liner to minimize weight and bulk. To start, the cuffs sit awkwardly around your hands: theyre too loose to create a good seal and would benefit from a Velcro cinch. Most significant is the price: At nearly $400, its the most expensive rain jacket here and arguably overkill for summer backpacking or around-town use. The shell has a premium look and feel that immediately sets it apart from entry-level designs. The jackets extremely thin 10-denier face fabric (for reference, the ultralight Outdoor Research Helium Rain above uses far tougher 30D) will require extra care to avoid tears and punctures. Look to weight as a great indicator of how packable a jacket truly is. As with most of their offerings, Cotopaxi did something a little different with the Cielo, and we really like the result. Overall, we think BDs Highline does a nice job balancing price, weight, and protection for 3-season use, but it cant compete with the Gore-Tex-equipped Beta LT above in terms of outright protection and refinement. The Foray was lightly updated for spring 2022, and the II features a lighter weight, modernized design and colorways, and availability in a wider range of sizes (S to XXXL). 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. Editor's Note: "Packable" indicates the jacket has a stuff pocket. In general, a stretchy rain jacket will cost more than a standard shell (for example, the BD StormLine is $159 compared with the $100 Marmot PreCip Eco), but its a nice upgrade that comes with plenty of tangible benefits. The hood is nice and thick and comes with a substantial bill that can withstand heavy rain and wind. The Patagonia Storm10 gives the Arcteryx Beta above a run for its money as our top performance pick, but in the end, the two jackets have slightly different intentions. Popular applications include backcountry skiing and trekking in mild weather. At 13 ounces its on the heavier end of the spectrum, the fabrics are relatively thick, and you dont get a stuff pocket for easy packability. 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. Waterproof jackets have a built-in laminate layer like Gore-Tex or a coating that essentially blocks outside moisture from entering under most conditions. A few rain jackets on this list cross into the lighter end of the hardshell category, including the Outdoor Research Motive, Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0, and Arc'teryx Beta LT. A rain jackets waterproofing relies on a combination of factors: durable water repellent (DWR) coating that beads up water, and clean fabric layers on either side of the waterproof and breathable membrane to allow air vapor to pass through.