Danish brand Rains designed this rain jacket for an active lifestyle. This means it will wear well and can be strained and flexed without losing its shape, Frey said. While this is still an extremely lightweight option, that doesnt quite match the 100g Montane Podium or Rab Phantom. Heres our full Montane Podium Pull-On review. Its popularity additionally rests on its ability to be lightweight and thats thanks to its density, which is generally less than other fibers, Brady told us. The Kinetic Plusis a very interesting waterproof jacket from Rab. This is a two layer system involving a membrane thats glued to a light outer fabric. The Omni-Tech waterproof technology on the outer layer kept me dry from rain and waterfalls during a winter trip to Portland, Oregonand when I zipped it with the Omni-Heat inner layer, kept me cozy during a snowy January trip to Quebec City. 
Mens S-XXL, womens XS-XL / Gore-Tex Paclite Plus waterproof shell / 3-way adjustable hood with a laminated and reinforced peak / water-resistant zips / zippered chest pocket elasticated cuffs / reflective details. For toddlers who really like to make a big splash, the Rainwell line also includes a head-to-toe rainsuit. 
Venturing out on a rainy bike ride? The weight is starting to creep up slightly compared to others in this test, but it still feels very lightweight and packable for storing in your pack on spring and summer days. It features elastic details on the hood, hem and cuffs for a more secure fit theres even a center front hook that keeps the jacket closed when unzipped. 
The two zipped external pockets have a mesh lining for increased airflow, the hood and hem have adjustable drawcords, and the cuffs can be tailored to your wrists with adjustable Velcro tabs. Both types typically have a durable water repellency finish, or DWR for short, on the outermost fabric which will offer a line of defense to stop water from saturating the jacket and maintaining breathability, explained Mike Kreis, a sales specialist at outdoor gear company REI. Weight: 320g All the jackets are guaranteed 100% waterproof but come with a variety of options in terms of hoods, materials, pockets and stuff-sacks. 
These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The two-way waterproof zipper ensures all-around wind and rain protection, while the cap and adjustable hood and hem offer flexibility to cater to any condition. At about four ouncesroughly the weight of four regular-sized lettersArcteryx has merged all of its best design features into its unbelievably lightweight rain jacket, the Norvan SL hoodie. 
With a hydrostatic head of 10,000mm it cant compete with purely dedicated waterproof jackets for being completely impervious to rain, but its not far behind. When youve packed it all away, the result is a minuscule bundle the size of a fist. CimAlp have made use of a magnet that holds this hood down to avoid it flapping about whilst running and thumb loops have been used to keep the cuffs around the wrists. 2022 SELECT | All rights reserved. 
But, for the summer, these might not be the best option. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. For rainy day hikes when you know you're going to sweat, but still need coverage from the elements, Merrell's Whisper jacket is a great pick. While they might seem synonymous, they actually arent. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Plus the jacketavailable in black, pumice, and stone bluewas sewn in a Fair Trade Certified program. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Its used in waterproof jackets and is designed to be breathable, almost all the experts we spoke to said. IE 11 is not supported. Hook the interior straps to the handlebars to keep it in place. It uses a lightweight three-layer Ultrashell membrane that CimAlp claim offers 20,000g/m2 waterproofing along with 80,000g/m2 breathability if thats true, its crazy stuff. So, depending on how much protection you need, one might be better over the other. Shells largely fall into two camps hard shell and soft shell. The secret is that in ShakeDry, the membrane is switched to the outside of the jacket and the shell fabric, which you normally find on waterproof jackets, is removed altogether, therefore meaning theres nothing to become saturated. Best for: Hiking and hillwalking Nylon is a great material for coats because it is tough and resilient. Key attributes: Ultralight, breathable, doesnt wet out. Weve chosen lightweight jackets from the top brands using a variety of fabrics top names including Gore-Tex plus leading own-brand fabrics. For more information on choosing the right waterproof jacket, its worth checking out our waterproof jackets buyers guide. The cropped jacket includes a cinchable hem and hood. When it comes to rain jackets, youll find the same fabrics used over and over again and you can separate them into two broad categories: synthetic (including nylon and polyester) and natural materials (like cotton). It weighs a remarkable 90g, and no, that isnt a typo. An excellent hiking jacket. Ad Choices. A slim-fitting hood adds to the athletic design as well. The jacket has also been built with a loose fit to accommodate this, so theres no need to size up. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The jacket is completely made from nylon and fully packable with its own bag inside the left chest pocket. When I saw there was possible rain in the forecast and barely any space in my bag, I tossed an old windbreaker in without much thought. It's made with a breathable, stretchy material that's soft against your skin and doesn't swoosh as you walk, and the hood has a built-in visor to give it more shape, keeping water off your face. 
It currently comes in sizes S to XL and five colors (a sixth shade is sold out) including Black and Graphite Blue. Key attributes: Ultralight and packable. Selected for the Outdoor 100 2020/21. Plus, the whole thing zips into a pouch in one of the hand pockets. Climate Pledge Friendly uses sustainability certifications to highlight products that support our commitment to help preserve the natural world. This 40-denier nylon face fabric is also made from completely recycled materials. Sizes S-XXL (mens), XS-XL (womens) / 2.5-layer waterproof fabric / two zipped pockets; water-resistant zip / adjustable hood, hem and cuffs. The jacket folds up into a fanny pack that can be worn around the waist or as a cross-body bagand theres even room to spare to include a couple of small items inside, so you can strap it on whenever theres a chance of rain. These jackets tend to be made from polyester and nylon as well, Gopinath told us. The key differences are that waterproof materials will not let water through even in a hard driving rain while water-resistant materials will prevent water from getting through for a while, but eventually if used in the rain for long enough or if the rain is very hard, it will get through, Frey told us. Best for: Walking, running, cycling In my opinion, the difference between a soft shell and a hard shell is the packability with soft shells offering a lighter weight, perhaps even thinner material which can be easily folded into a small package easier to carry, Brady argued. On the other hand, water repellency refers to the ability of a fabric to resist wetting (minus the penetration aspect), Brady said. This hooded Tumi poncho (yes, the same Tumi that makes those sturdy suitcases) can be molded for any need. Our editors selected these deals and items because we think you will enjoy them at these prices. Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Some super-lightweight jackets save grams by cutting back on things like adjustable hoods, cuffs, hems and zipped pockets; so consider whats most important to you in a shell before buying. This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. The ultralight stats have been achieved not just by removing the outer fabric, but also by simplifying the feature set, taking a minimalist approach. From there, I continued the search for portable, lightweight rain jackets youd actually want to travel with. Many manufacturers use fabrics that're both waterproof and breathable like Gore-Tex with hard shells, she added. But even just the outer rain jacket layer was bulky to travel with. Nylon is among the most popular of these fabrics for a reason. If it doesn't, you can always roll your jacket up into the hood to keep it contained when it needs to be packed up, Kreis said.But beyond practicality for traveling, jackets that are marketed as ultralight or packable can be more weightless when you wear them. Heres the full Rab Phantom review. Its the same sentiment Kreis shared, suggesting that water-resistant jackets excel in light rain for a brief time. Likewise, if youre looking for a lighter jacket to wear, Rzyczycki recommended those that are water-resistant. 
Plus, the tricot-lined collar is soft and warm to ward off any whining. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in. Google searches for rain jackets have even been trending upwards despite the warm weather. You get a semi-elasticated hood and cuffs, plus a fully elasticated hem. Some coats offer the ability to pack down into one of their own pockets, which is a fun feature to have. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Or if youre after a more heavyweightand durable offering, then take a look at ourBest Waterproof Jackets article for a roundup of our top picks. Price:110 The use of this website means that you accept the confidentiality regulations and the conditions of service. Take this cotton raincoat, which is designed to provide waterproof protection through what the brand describes as a durable water-repellent finish and sealed seams. It currently comes in sizes S to XXL. There are slight but significant distinctions between the three and knowing which does what can help you when deciding between one over the other. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Though a traditional raincoat can be water-resistant or waterproof, a waterproof jacket is literally designed to offer much greater resistance to water penetration especially in a downpour, said Thomas Jefferson University materials technology professor Janet Brady. 
Mens S-XXL, womens XS-XL / Gore-Tex Paclite Plus waterproof shell / 3-way adjustable hood with a laminated and reinforced peak / water-resistant zips / zippered chest pocket elasticated cuffs / reflective details. For toddlers who really like to make a big splash, the Rainwell line also includes a head-to-toe rainsuit. Venturing out on a rainy bike ride? The weight is starting to creep up slightly compared to others in this test, but it still feels very lightweight and packable for storing in your pack on spring and summer days. It features elastic details on the hood, hem and cuffs for a more secure fit theres even a center front hook that keeps the jacket closed when unzipped. The two zipped external pockets have a mesh lining for increased airflow, the hood and hem have adjustable drawcords, and the cuffs can be tailored to your wrists with adjustable Velcro tabs. Both types typically have a durable water repellency finish, or DWR for short, on the outermost fabric which will offer a line of defense to stop water from saturating the jacket and maintaining breathability, explained Mike Kreis, a sales specialist at outdoor gear company REI. Weight: 320g All the jackets are guaranteed 100% waterproof but come with a variety of options in terms of hoods, materials, pockets and stuff-sacks. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The two-way waterproof zipper ensures all-around wind and rain protection, while the cap and adjustable hood and hem offer flexibility to cater to any condition. At about four ouncesroughly the weight of four regular-sized lettersArcteryx has merged all of its best design features into its unbelievably lightweight rain jacket, the Norvan SL hoodie. With a hydrostatic head of 10,000mm it cant compete with purely dedicated waterproof jackets for being completely impervious to rain, but its not far behind. When youve packed it all away, the result is a minuscule bundle the size of a fist. CimAlp have made use of a magnet that holds this hood down to avoid it flapping about whilst running and thumb loops have been used to keep the cuffs around the wrists. 2022 SELECT | All rights reserved. But, for the summer, these might not be the best option. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. For rainy day hikes when you know you're going to sweat, but still need coverage from the elements, Merrell's Whisper jacket is a great pick. While they might seem synonymous, they actually arent. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Plus the jacketavailable in black, pumice, and stone bluewas sewn in a Fair Trade Certified program. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Its used in waterproof jackets and is designed to be breathable, almost all the experts we spoke to said. IE 11 is not supported. Hook the interior straps to the handlebars to keep it in place. It uses a lightweight three-layer Ultrashell membrane that CimAlp claim offers 20,000g/m2 waterproofing along with 80,000g/m2 breathability if thats true, its crazy stuff. So, depending on how much protection you need, one might be better over the other. Shells largely fall into two camps hard shell and soft shell. The secret is that in ShakeDry, the membrane is switched to the outside of the jacket and the shell fabric, which you normally find on waterproof jackets, is removed altogether, therefore meaning theres nothing to become saturated. Best for: Hiking and hillwalking Nylon is a great material for coats because it is tough and resilient. Key attributes: Ultralight, breathable, doesnt wet out. Weve chosen lightweight jackets from the top brands using a variety of fabrics top names including Gore-Tex plus leading own-brand fabrics. For more information on choosing the right waterproof jacket, its worth checking out our waterproof jackets buyers guide. The cropped jacket includes a cinchable hem and hood. When it comes to rain jackets, youll find the same fabrics used over and over again and you can separate them into two broad categories: synthetic (including nylon and polyester) and natural materials (like cotton). It weighs a remarkable 90g, and no, that isnt a typo. An excellent hiking jacket. Ad Choices. A slim-fitting hood adds to the athletic design as well. The jacket has also been built with a loose fit to accommodate this, so theres no need to size up. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The jacket is completely made from nylon and fully packable with its own bag inside the left chest pocket. When I saw there was possible rain in the forecast and barely any space in my bag, I tossed an old windbreaker in without much thought. It's made with a breathable, stretchy material that's soft against your skin and doesn't swoosh as you walk, and the hood has a built-in visor to give it more shape, keeping water off your face. It currently comes in sizes S to XL and five colors (a sixth shade is sold out) including Black and Graphite Blue. Key attributes: Ultralight and packable. Selected for the Outdoor 100 2020/21. Plus, the whole thing zips into a pouch in one of the hand pockets. Climate Pledge Friendly uses sustainability certifications to highlight products that support our commitment to help preserve the natural world. This 40-denier nylon face fabric is also made from completely recycled materials. Sizes S-XXL (mens), XS-XL (womens) / 2.5-layer waterproof fabric / two zipped pockets; water-resistant zip / adjustable hood, hem and cuffs. The jacket folds up into a fanny pack that can be worn around the waist or as a cross-body bagand theres even room to spare to include a couple of small items inside, so you can strap it on whenever theres a chance of rain. These jackets tend to be made from polyester and nylon as well, Gopinath told us. The key differences are that waterproof materials will not let water through even in a hard driving rain while water-resistant materials will prevent water from getting through for a while, but eventually if used in the rain for long enough or if the rain is very hard, it will get through, Frey told us. Best for: Walking, running, cycling In my opinion, the difference between a soft shell and a hard shell is the packability with soft shells offering a lighter weight, perhaps even thinner material which can be easily folded into a small package easier to carry, Brady argued. On the other hand, water repellency refers to the ability of a fabric to resist wetting (minus the penetration aspect), Brady said. This hooded Tumi poncho (yes, the same Tumi that makes those sturdy suitcases) can be molded for any need. Our editors selected these deals and items because we think you will enjoy them at these prices. Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Some super-lightweight jackets save grams by cutting back on things like adjustable hoods, cuffs, hems and zipped pockets; so consider whats most important to you in a shell before buying. This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. The ultralight stats have been achieved not just by removing the outer fabric, but also by simplifying the feature set, taking a minimalist approach. From there, I continued the search for portable, lightweight rain jackets youd actually want to travel with. Many manufacturers use fabrics that're both waterproof and breathable like Gore-Tex with hard shells, she added. But even just the outer rain jacket layer was bulky to travel with. Nylon is among the most popular of these fabrics for a reason. If it doesn't, you can always roll your jacket up into the hood to keep it contained when it needs to be packed up, Kreis said.But beyond practicality for traveling, jackets that are marketed as ultralight or packable can be more weightless when you wear them. Heres the full Rab Phantom review. Its the same sentiment Kreis shared, suggesting that water-resistant jackets excel in light rain for a brief time. Likewise, if youre looking for a lighter jacket to wear, Rzyczycki recommended those that are water-resistant. Plus, the tricot-lined collar is soft and warm to ward off any whining. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in. Google searches for rain jackets have even been trending upwards despite the warm weather. You get a semi-elasticated hood and cuffs, plus a fully elasticated hem. Some coats offer the ability to pack down into one of their own pockets, which is a fun feature to have. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Or if youre after a more heavyweightand durable offering, then take a look at ourBest Waterproof Jackets article for a roundup of our top picks. Price:110 The use of this website means that you accept the confidentiality regulations and the conditions of service. Take this cotton raincoat, which is designed to provide waterproof protection through what the brand describes as a durable water-repellent finish and sealed seams. It currently comes in sizes S to XXL. There are slight but significant distinctions between the three and knowing which does what can help you when deciding between one over the other. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Though a traditional raincoat can be water-resistant or waterproof, a waterproof jacket is literally designed to offer much greater resistance to water penetration especially in a downpour, said Thomas Jefferson University materials technology professor Janet Brady.