Or maybe its a cheap and cheerful rain jacket that makes a ton of noise when you make the slightest movement in it, and youve just had enough of it. It is something to consider, for sure; look for the denier of the fabric being used the higher it is, the thicker it is, and the more durable it is going to be. Obviously, something you will want to consider if you are looking for a new rain jacket is the price of it. Another thing to consider: Do you actually NEED to fork out all that cash for the best, top of the range, most expensive rain jacket out there? Gore-Tex, employed in many of their (and other companys) jackets, maximize the breathability of any given jacket. Theyre often warmer too. The synthetic insulation of this rain jacket also has eco credentials its made from 92% recycled polyester fibers. Or do you have to hand scrub it? Stay dry guys! There are zipper pockets to keep your things from falling out of them, and can keep your hands warm if you need to. The last thing you want out of a rain jacket, especially for hiking, is for it to be more like a duvet or tarpaulin than you know, a jacket. It includes pits zips, a three-way adjustable hood, hook and loop wrist cuffs, and zippered side pockets, which are highly desirable on rain jackets intended for hikers and backpackers. Having an adjustable hem is better than one that doesnt, as youll be able to untighten it if you need to cool down. Check the latest price at: REI | Backcountry | Amazon, Check the latest price at: Columbia | Amazon, Check the latest price at: Sea-to-Summit | Campsaver. All Rights Reserved. A multi use piece of equipment. These things are easy to overlook, but understanding the care and cleaning conditions of the rain jacket youre interested in could mean the difference between convenience and a headache. Its bright orange color means that you will be easily spotted when out on trails among rocks and trees, and there is also a reflective strip on the front for added visibility (and safety) as well. For when you need affordable protection from wet weather, the Mountain Hardwear Exposure 2 Gore-Tex Paclite Stretch Jacket steps in, steps up, and saves your bacon (or soyrizo). When the skies open up in the mountains, you want to be prepared. When it comes to the specs of this rain jacket, it is made out of 2.5-layer Gore-Tex which means it is breathable (and durable) while also being light and compact. The material it is constructed out of is 88% nylon and 12% elastine, with waterproof breathable laminate. If you go on the occasional hike, but not that often, then you probably dont need a top of the range hiking jacket with all the bells and whistles anyway. In fact, this is a good option for not only a hiking jacket, but one dedicated to rock-climbing, too. Weve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Coming in eight colors, from earthy tones to vibrant popping shades, you can choose one to choose one that will suit your personal hiking style. . Ill add that I also need something thats lower profile than a poncho (doesnt get snagged on every branch). document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); If now is the time that you have chosen to invest in a new rain jacket for hiking, then we think you are probably now more than amply equipped for the task! There are also mesh lined pockets, which work as vents, further adding to the breathability of the jacket; theres also an adjustable hood with built in visor for extra rainproofing credentials. Its one of the reasons Arcteryx are up there with the best jacket brands on the market. If staying perspiration-free in the rain is important to you while youre hiking down a trail carrying a loaded backpackmaybe you should pick another sport. The level of waterproofing you want actually may vary, too. Quick Answer: These are the Best Rain Jackets for Hiking of 2022, #3 Best Rain Jacket for Hiking for Women, #4 Best Lightweight Rain Jacket for Hiking, More of the Best Rain Jackets for Hiking (Mens), More of the Best Rain Jackets for Hiking (Womens), Buyers Guide How to Choose the Best Rain Jacket for Hiking, FAQ about the Best Rain Jackets for Hiking, Final Thoughts on the Best Rain Jackets for Hiking, Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell, Mountain Hardwear Exposure 2 Gore-Tex Paclite Stretch Jacket, Outdoor Research Helium II Rain Jacket Womens, Outdoor Research Interstellar Rain Jacket. Many of the lightweight options pack down to a very small size indeed like, apple-sized little packages. You should also consider other things, such as high durability buckles, poppers and buttons, as well as opting for YKK zippers over something no-brand. Two way-front zipper:If you pull the bottom half up, you can dump a lot of excess torso heat, poncho-style. There is a handy pocket placed above where the harness would be, so that you can still get access to it when youre out climbing. In most instances, a product is only as strong as the seams that bind it together, so opting for something with covered seams is a good idea if you want something that will stand the test of time. Pit zips and active venting trump breathability claims any day. What are the most important features to look for on a hiking and backpacking rain jacket? But there are places I go that my poncho would likely get destroyed and there are weather conditions in which the airiness would be a disadvantage. Its pretty versatile, which is why weve chosen it as our top best rain jacket for daily use. Arcteryx makes very reliable and durable rain jackets. Rain jacket,tarp, pack cover. Then pop your email address in below and well send you a FREE copy of How to Travel the World on $10 a Day! make travel your LIFE. Its simple cut means that this Arcteryx jacket is streamlined and appropriate for a range of different activities from long distance hiking to scrambling over rocks providing you protection from the wind and rain along the way. It even comes in a variety of colors so you can pick one that suits your style and personality; theres also a reflective hood trim to keep you safe when on the road in the dark. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice. I have had this jacket with me on more than 4,000 miles of train and in 20+ countries. Its made from three layer Gore-Tex Pro, which gives you protection from those heavy storms without being too bulky. Close, https://www.facebook.com/freebornaidenblog, https://www.instagram.com/freeborn_aiden/. Its the kind of jacket you can keep to throw on just if youre heading out to the grocery store or on a day hike. This is a huge element when thinking about the right rain jacket for hiking. Clearly, a poncho is what works best for you. This provides an all round protective environmental shelter in the more high performance designs; this is good for a diverse amount of activities and conditions. New Customer Discount. For inexpensive rain jackets, the best you can hope for is 10,000 (g/m^2/d) MVTR (movable water vapor transmission rate), which is pretty lackluster. Maybe youve already got a rain jacket but its just not THAT waterproof! It is made from incredibly light and soft Montem Drac-Tech Performance fabric, this execution provides outstanding protection, breathability, and packability. The main purpose of a rain jacket is to keep you warm when its raining or the wind is blowing hard when used in combination with a mid or base layer. (I rarely use it or a rain jacket. Why are we wasting time on this subject.? It is good to think about how you will using your rain jacket before you opt for something with a hood that you cant take off, for instance. The key to doing this involves venting excess warmth by removing or venting layers. When choosing a rain jacket make sure the hood is NOT helmet-compatible, unless you have a huge Godzilla-sized head. You could choose something from a tried and true brand like Patagonia or Columbia, or go a bit more under the radar and opt for something from REI or Outdoor Research. If youre unlucky enough to get caught out in persistent rain on a really long hike, this bad boy will keep you completely dry. Your email address will not be published. Weve drawn on years of experience and thru-hiking miles when carefully choosing the best rain jackets for hiking. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. Find the pack that suits YOU. This jacket will keep you dry on a rainy day, plus if its chilly, theres enough room underneath it all for layering. If seen, please avoid as he has been known to bite. Coming in three colors nuclear (green), golden yellow (more orangey), and black cherry (purple) you also have the choice of picking a color that suits you, rather than opting for the standard regular black or khaki colors so prevelant in the outdoor clothing space. If you are currently in possession of an awesome rain jacket, and its not on our list tell us in the comments! It might seem like a good idea to opt for a lower price jacket, but actually these sometimes dont offer quite as high end materials and in the long run may not be as durable as an investment piece. One feature that often in jackets are those armpit zippers, which this Black Diamond offering features great for cooling down if youve worked up a sweat en route. Equally, on warmer rainy days (like in the topics), you wont have to worry about getting sweaty, as its fine mesh polyester is breathable, meaning heat can escape to a degree. A tip would be to get a size up, so that you can wear a thicker mid layer. The styles of hoods can vary wildly, too. Perspiring is inevitable. Hem drawcord: Cinch it closed to keep the wind from blowing up between your legs and robbing your torso heat. But being so thin, you may think it then skimps on durability not so. Glad you asked cause weve got the answers! Poncho = great in a field or at Disney. Were a big site with a big team and this job isnt always easy. Another offering from Outdoor Research, the Interstallar is another great option for a womens rain jacket for hiking that is built to withstand harsh conditions. A good poncho is the best option. These have, of course, been designed for men and make for a much better option if you are looking for something that has been specifically designed, rather than settling for a unisex option. I have used it from the mountains of Pakistan to the jungles of Bali and it is hands down the best rain jacket I have ever tested.