The Arcteryx Zeta SL comes in at 20,000+ mm and is rated for multiple days of rain. The pocket placement on Arcteryx jackets is built with backpacking in mind; they seem a little high for everyday use, but they sit above a hip belt, making them accessible while hiking with a pack. Outdoor Gear Lab was the only professional review we encountered that had separate rain jacket guides for women and men (though Adventure Junkies has one Best Rain Jackets and Best Womens Rain Jackets storymore on that below). Generous hand pockets keep your hands cool on chilly days. Plus, it features the all-important pit zips for ventilation and pockets for hand warmth. So what does it mean when your jacket is 2.5-layer? That incredible lightness of being comes from a lack of the usual features: the Helium has no armpit zips for ventilation and no hand pockets, though there is a chest pocket that the jacket can pack down into. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission, without costing you an extra cent. Take time out of your adventures to adequately dry your rain jacket after it gets wet, when you can. Both the Marmot PreCip Eco and the Outdoor Research Helium are 2.5-layer jackets. You may have heard about rain jackets needing to breathe. Breathability in a rain jacket means your garment takes sweat and moisture vapor from inside your jacket and moves them to the outside of Layer 1, where they ideally can evaporate. On the other side of the price spectrum, the REI Co-op Rainier accommodates those a little more light on the wallet. This especially applies to lower-cost rain jackets, as, in some regards, you get what you pay for. View Mens On Backcountry | View Womens On Backcountry. Whether you prioritize how you look in a jacket or how the jacket actually fits you is entirely arbitrary. Our testers love this jacket and readers write in to tell us how much they have enjoyed it. Outdoor Gear Labs women's rain jacket guide also gives the Marmot Precip Eco their Best Buy award for being the best bang for your buck. The mens and womens Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is an extra-heavy-duty version of one of our former favoritesand it takes home top marks this year. Photo by Robert Curzon, Marmot is well-known for rain jackets, and wed argue the mens and womens Marmot PreCip Eco is the reason why. That comfort meant our tester got double use out of itshe thinks its perfect as a wind shell, too, making it a constant companion on her hikes, no matter the weather. Look for a rain shell with a helmet compatible hood. The point spread on the mens side is from 81 down to 51 out of a possible 100, where the womens side ranges from 69 as the top winner (barely a passing grade) down to 41 out of a possible 100. Additionally, we have a whole section on waterproofing in our Best Mens Ski Jackets guide. Not just yet. After analyzing more than a dozen review sites and hundreds of customer reviews, we researched 80 different lightweight breathable rain jackets for travel or backpacking. Velcro adjustable cuffs can be made wider than your wrist, allowing most of that rain to drip onto the ground instead of your hands. Max DesMarais is the founder of Hiking & Fishing. Waterproof Rating: None stated. We test. Some jackets have optimally placed pockets that let you access them with a backpack on. Many companies dont shell out for the Gore-Tex, but rather offer rain shells built with their own proprietary materials. Breathability and weight are apparently more important for men, whereas comfort and durability are apparently more important for women.). Going back to the ever-reliable Patagonia brand, the Rainshadow is a great alternative to the Torrentshell mentioned above. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. A jackets coating is sandwiched between whats called layers. That said, its important to manage your expectations when it comes to a rain jackets breathability and ventilation options. (Dont believe us? Three names, two zippers, one delightful function: keeping you just a little cooler. The Outdoor Research Helium boasts Pertexs new Diamond Fuse fabric, increasing durability and tear resistance without compromising weight. You can either get one with velcro or drawstrings to fit it close to your body. One criterion that guided us was a commitment to finding a lightweight jacket (as compared to a raincoat) that we felt was on the more affordable end of the gear buying spectrum. A hood should fit well over your head, with room for your hair, hats, and helmets you may wear. Here, the Patagonia Torrentshell is shown zipped up alongside a waterbottle to give perspective. See our weather section for more info on this. See if the jacket you are considering has airflow features. If rains a more constant companion, something a little more heavy-duty like the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (review above) would be a better bet for a lightweight rain jacket. Read More: Work from Home like an Outdoor Writer. Weve written an article on this in greater detail, so we encourage you to check that one out for more insight on what constitutes a waterproof jacket. However, staying warm and dry in these conditions is important if you want a good hiking experience. Yes, a rain jacket protects you from the wet, but it needs to be dry to effectively do so. The cut of the jacket is the same as the one on the Helium IIso its not long enough to cover some puffy coatsand youll likely need to size up if you want to wear a warm layer (like a fleece jacket) underneath. So how do I know how waterproof a rain shell is? After washing, follow the manufacturers drying instructions, whether youre on that air dry or tumble dry low train. Elastic cuffs arent ideal: when the rain runs down your arms, it gets wicked directly onto your hands, regardless of the length of your sleeves. You can read all about waterproof ratings here. Weight: 6.0 oz (mens) / 6.38 oz (yes, the womens weighs more). But it serves the same purpose as Layer 3: protecting that layer-2 membrane from oil, dirt, and other junk. The PreCip Eco is study, lightweight, and uses waterproof materials. Weight: 13.7 oz (mens) / 13.7 oz (womens). So if youre mostly splashing around in warmer rain, then, youll want ventilation rather than breathability (see more below). The Gore-Tex PacLite Plus 2-layer fabric is some of the most breathable and waterproof fabric on the market. One bright side is that most reviewers report that the Eco feels more durable than the original PreCip, with Switchback Travel suggesting the thin interior of its 2.5-layer construction may deteriorate after extended use (often after many years) as compared to the one- or two-season life of the PreCip. Marmot continues to provide affordable yet versatile products with the Minimalist. Photo by Naomi Hudetz. Hood sizes and cinches are a small feature that can make a big difference on a rain jacket. Photo courtesy Tiffany Searsdodd. A 2.5-layer lightweight jacket with pit zips and mesh lining in the pockets like the Marmot PreCip Eco (review above) will provide good ventilation (more below in our primer on layers). But Patagonia upped their game with the Torrentshell 3L (see review above), a more-adjustable helmet-compatible hood, top-of-the-line waterproofing, higher eco-standards, and a price tag thats cheaper by $40. Expect cold and wet weather? In addition to the materials, many jackets are made with zippers or velcro that can allow for more airflow. That doesnt mean that the Rainier is lacking in quality, however, as its layer construction holds up well against long drizzles and the pit zips keep you cool throughout the day. Lets start with layers, what they do, and why they matter. We also like it when pockets are large enough to store your phone and/or snacks. Still, if you wear a mens jacket or can make the sizes work for you, this breathable 3-layer waterproof jacket is a great pick, especially for colder rainstorms when you don't quite want a softshell jacket. (Plus, drying it keeps away the mildew.). Youll often hear the word shell used to describe rain jacket materials. Other features include a hood that can just fit a helmet, a drop hem to keep your lower back dry, velcro-adjustable cuffs to minimize water wicking on your hands, and two fully enclosed hand pockets. There are several criteria worth considering when getting a rain jacket, mostly to do with the features of that jacket. You also dont want your jacket to weigh you down as soon as the rain picks up or the wind starts blowing during your hike. The Marmot Precip rain jacket features a brim along its hood. View Mens On Amazon | View Womens On Amazon | View Mens On Backcountry | View Womens On Backcountry | View Womens On REI. Lets talk about sleeves and sleeve cuffs for a sec. When its wet and cold outside, were also less likely to stop to pull snacks out of our backpacks-but those conditions are precisely when we need extra calories the most. A packable rain jacket also keeps the waterproofing clean of dirt and oils, keeping your handy it nice and breathable. While this model hasnt been around long enough to really put the Eco to the test, if true, its a welcome change. At the lowest end, you can get a rain jacket and rain pants combo for $40but dont expect them to hold up to frequent use or bushwack-y conditions. Other jackets will be designed for ski helmets, or are designed to cover a portion of your face for protection. Photo by John Carr. If you want a rain jacket thats been properly tested in the field and has many, if not all of the qualities were going to outline in this section, then understand that youll likely be paying a higher price. At Treeline, we want you to buy right the first time. Thats why we suggest a jacket with ventilation for warm weather. Most rain jackets fold down into their zippered hand warming pocket. Both the Marmot PreCip Eco and the Outdoor Research Helium are 2.5-layer jackets. Unfortunately, its the getting it thats the hard part. Thatll leave more room for your do. Your conditions, the expected weather, and temperatures will influence your decision on which rain jacket to choose. This layer actually doesnt prevent water from getting through. The hood on the mens Outdoor Research Helium 2. Choosing layering comes down to your specific needs and budget. Weight: 13.9 oz (mens), 12.5 oz (womens). Photo by Liz Thomas. Similarly, water resistant jackets are also wind resistant, and wont offer much protection against heavy winds but will be perfectly fine during shorter trips. On a warm day, the lack of that thermal gradient means your jacket will not be able to tell that the outside air is cooler, so it wont move that moisture. But dont just throw it away and buy a new one if its well used and soaking through! Most noticeably, it causes water droplets to bead up and roll off. But the way pockets on gear are designed havent caught up to the way phones are designed. Soft shells are similarly water resistant, and have insulating layers. It's normally just above where we set our price limit. Its lightweight, has all the features you need, and is relatively affordable. All that said, we have a hard time believing that these jackets perform that differently for women and menor that women should get excited about a lower-performing range of options. 3-layer designs provide the maximum amount of protection and durability, and are the most expensive out of the three. All of the jackets in our review have fully-lined pockets with the exception of the Marmot PreCip Eco, which features mesh-lined pockets. In terms of sleeve cuffs, youll generally find two types: an elastic cuff, which isnt adjustable, and a velcro cuff, which you can adjust as you need to. The cuffs of the Marmot Precip are secured by Velcro to allow for some adjustability. (Not bad when some have a $450-700 asking price.) A 4-inch brim on the hood keeps the water out of your eyes, and the drawcord on the back of the hood keeps it comfortably in place. Your jacket will stop being able to breatheand all that moisture next to your skin is there to stay. Some jackets also have hoods that zip off or roll and can be stuffed in the collar. Breathing (that moisture movement) technically happens in Layer 2. Photo by Robert Curzon. Learn more. Photo by Robert Curzon. Most negative consumer reviews we saw for every jacket we reviewed had to do with the reviewer getting wet some way or another. Pockets are often way too small for most phones, which is one reason why many adventurers prefer smaller phones. That half-layer isnt quite as good as a full-out third layer at protecting your second layer membrane. The half layer is printed onto the second layer, sometimes appearing as a cool pattern along the inside of your jacket. Wash your rain jacket according to the manufacturers instructionsmost prefer it if you avoid using detergent, though something like NikWax Tech Wash helps to restore the fabric. Also, were still concerned about the precedence fashion takes in their womens guide. Thats right. A killer jacket if you can get it on saleand Mountain Hardwear has done some decent sales in 2021. If youre only going to get one rain jacket, its pretty ideal. Photo by Mike Unger. How Waterproofing and Breathability Ratings Work. In cool weather, ventilation is less necessary for moisture management. Whether youre winter backpacking in the desert or traversing the Pacific Northwest, the SL has you covered. Our tester Jill loved this change, noting that she never worried about the new cuffs being too tight. This serves to protect the jacket from dirt when you are not using it. Arm pit zips allow for extra ventilation for staying cool in warmer weather. Since last we updated this article, things at Adventure Junkies have bifurcated, too. Rubberized coating or a storm flap prevents water from damaging your zippers. Spurning labels, youll want to choose the jacket that works best for your body: this author, for example, owns a mens rain jacket to fit her apparently-broad-for-a-woman shoulders. Safety is always paramount when it comes to outdoor activities, and investing in the right rain jacket will keep hikers protected from the elements. Youll also come across brands that offer warranties. Ventilation is less important in cooler temps, which is one of the reasons 3-layer jackets often dont have pit zips. Its interior is more comfortable and less prone clamminess thanks to a thicker lining. A 2-layer provides good breathability and are generally pretty waterproof. The cheaper rain jackets are going to be less sturdy and probably have less features, but there are still quality products you can find within a lower price range. Copyright 2022 Treeline Review LLC. Our tester in the Outdoor Research Helium II rain jacket. The interior is soft and gives a smooth texture even while youre doing more strenuous activities. Depending on what your jacket is made of and the care you put into its maintenance, it can last for years. Sign up with your email address to be the first to know when we release new gear reviews! The Zeta SL is likewise meant to be superlight, but youre unlikely to miss the pit zips: its made of Gore-Tex PACLITE Plus fabric, some of the most breathable waterproof fabric money can buy. Any jacket thats waterproof is also windproof, as its usually made out of shells that are thick enough to withstand harsh winds. And (no surprise), 2.5-layer jackets are a heckuva lot more lightweight and affordable than most full 3-layer jackets. The good: OGLs Rating Categories are mostly the same for both womens and mens rain jacketsthe womens Comfort category is the mens Comfort and Mobility, and the womens Breathability is the mens Breathability & Venting. Weight and Packability on the womens side has been split into two categories for the mens, Weight and Packed Size. But each of these criteria is weighted differently between each guide. But if backcountry weight is a factor for you, and youre looking for a versatile jacket that lives in your hiking pack, the Outdoor Research Helium is your best bet among the rain jackets in our guide. Rain jacket layer technology works by using thermal gradients to move warm moisture vapor from inside your jacket to cooler air outside your jacket. Despite its affordability, the shell is made of durable material, and its lining allows the wearer to feel comfortable during hikes. Patagonia has also added another zipper to their pit zips, meaning more customizable ventilation and easier zipping and unzipping. We are proud to be independent. (Sensing a trend?) Its not that any of these features is a dealbreaker, but rather, you have to decide what you must haveand what you could do withoutbefore going hunting for a jacket. Called the Hydrostatic Head Pressure test, it measures water permeability for fabrics. So we simply noted if a jacket packed down into a pocket for easy storage. Considering a deluge, or planning long hours out in the rain? On the outside of Layer 1 is a DWR coatingliterally water repellent that is durable, so you dont have to reapply it every time you go outand unless youve got an ultralight jacket made directly of waterproof fabric, youve got durable water repellent on the shell. When youre buying a rain jacket for your next hiking trip, you shouldnt just go to your nearest retailer and find the first one you see. But it does prevent some dirt, oil, and abrasion from degrading the efficacy of your jacket. Reasonable weather protection for drier climates. We expect every pocket (at least on the outside) to be a zippered pocket so rain cant find its way in. Generally for emergency use or for situations where youre able to get to safety quickly. That said, this new model introduces some features that add to the jackets versatility. That same North Face ranks #7 (out of 10) in the womens; likewise, the Outdoor Research Helium II (see review above) ranks #8 in the general but #3 in the womens. Photo by Robert Curzon. Layer 3, if a jacket has it, is the interior protection. Make sure you think about whats best for you before you buy. A lightweight jacket will better serve you in multiple situations from hiking through an autumn storm to tossing in a suitcase to travel. When youre out hiking in the woods or up a mountain, the weather is always going to be a concern. Depending on where youre hiking, you might experience frequent precipitation. Rain jackets come with waterproof ratings, and the higher the rating is, the longer you can remain dry from precipitation. 3L jackets are designed to better move excess heat and sweat from the inside of the jacket to the outsidekeeping you more comfortable in the process. Theres also a new drawcord at the hem, though folks with larger hips might not need it. Its 2.5-layer construction offers greater comfort than most other rain jackets. The only thing its missing compared to the Minimalist is a chest pocket and the Minimalist offers womens plus size options, whereas Patagonia has yet to do so. The Best Rain Jacket Picks | How To Choose The Best For You. The biggest differences? This is why youll notice that a 3-layer jacket with a hydrophilic (aka, sweat absorbing) mesh lining is better than a 2-layer or 2.5-layer at breathability." Youll feel damp, clammy, and likely a little peeved at your rain jacket. You'll want an adjustable hood. We dont necessarily recommend going for expensive items, but you should definitely check for a warranty because often times it can be worth spending a touch more for a reputable brand and warranty. We create reader-supported, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. Its also possible that customer reviews show that women generally care more about fashion than men. Its shell can withstand a lot of use and abuse. By repelling oil and dirt, it also helps keep Layer 2 clean. If youre thinking about your environmental impact, the Torrentshell 3L is one of the best jackets you can buy. The StormLine Stretch is perfect for those that like to move around while hiking. Diagonal reflective stripes now adorn the sleeves for better visibility in the dark. View Mens On Backcountry | View Womens On Backcountry | View Mens On Patagonia | View Womens On Patagonia. All rights reserved. While theyve cleaned up their individual reviews since this guide was first written, one category of jackets in the womens guide is Best for Functional Fashion, which (shocker) isnt a part of the mens guide. What makes the Zeta SL so expensive? Youll only find it at secondary retailers, and its unclear whether or not Black Diamond plans to make a new model thats as affordable. Simply consider your use case for the type of hood design that fits you best. Generally, companies split outdoor apparel lines into womens models and mens models-and while that doesnt quite mesh with our understanding of gender diversity, the outdoor industry hasnt quite yet caught up with reality. Breathability is basically a simpler way of describing moisture vapor transfer. So for folks looking to upgrade from a Marmot Minimalist, we recommend if sizing options allow, that you look no further than the Torrentshell 3L. We wish we lived in a world where money was no object, but alas. DWR repels oil, grease, water, dirt, and whatever else you encounter on your adventure. This jacket is so breathable that Arcteryx decided it didnt need armpit zipsand most reviewers agree with that decision. At 10.9 oz for a mens medium, the Zeta SL is about half as heavy as the Outdoor Research Helium, and sizes range from XS-XXL. Over half of the professional reviews we read included the Marmot PreCip Eco as a solid pick. When these professional reviews overlapped, we checked Amazon, REI, and Backcountry customer reviews of those rain jackets, and compared those reviews to our own experiences testing some of these models. Layer 2 also cant do its job if Layer 1 is saturated with water. Fully-lined pockets are better for cooler weather, and also wont allow any water to leak through to your torso if your pockets are open. Photo by Jill Duncan. Whatever the style may be, zipper designs carry their own unique functionality that you should be aware of. All of our rain jackets have hand pockets save one: the Outdoor Research Helium, again, likely to save on weight. Photo by Robert Curzon. Photo by Tiffany Searsdodd. They also can be used to store snacks and your phone. Some, if not most, have a sufficient amount of pockets to keep your phone, compass, and other belongings. Also, itll help if you need, say, a climbing or biking helmet. As one of the most eco-conscious and waterproof jackets in our reviewand still in the middle of the pack after tests simulating years of useits a fantastic jacket for trail or town at the mid-range price of $150. Most jackets are loaded with zippers. I used the Torrentshell 3L on my Blue Mountains Trail thru-hike in September, Naomi mentioned. Avoid over washing, as that can cause damage, tooyoull want to wash once every several uses. It may be tempting to go with the super-budget ultralight rain jacket: Frogg Togg rain gear. While the manufacture of rain jackets, in general, can be harsh on the environment, Patagonia is considered the best in the outdoor industry for its practices and transparency when it comes to labor conditions and environmental responsibility. Not only that, you might come across high winds that can exacerbate the rain, snow, or cold weather. For those looking for affordable rain jackets that dont skimp on the quality, Marmot is a great place to go. Do womens models have a long enough torso for tall women or a wide enough size range for plus-size women? And on top of that, according to Outdoor Gear Lab, the fabric is comfortable enough to wear short sleeves underneath without the jacket feeling clammy. If youre in a place where it hardly rains, but are still looking for a just-in-case jacket, the Marmot PreCip Eco (review above) or the Outdoor Research Helium (review above) will absolutely suit your needs. Also of note, the 3L is less clammy than its 2.5-layer counterpart. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Then we purchased the most promising of the bunch and tested them in locations from the Pacific Northwest to the Appalachian Trail, and in conditions from drizzly daily commutes to mountaintop downpours. Not only will that jacket feel heavy once youve worn it, you have to carry it around in your bag the entire trip. Regardless of whether youre on a hiking trip or a city stroll, the Rainier is suitable for all applications. Weight: 13.5 oz (mens) / 10.5 (womens), Waterproof Material: GORE-TEX Paclite Plus 2.5L, Pockets: 2 zippered chest, 2 zippered hand. This jacket is great looking, features tons of vents for airflow, is extremely waterproof, has some of the best pocket designs out there, and has tons of great features for backcountry skiing, resort skiing, or winter hiking. It also sports a trimmer fit, that can handle light to moderate rainfall. Having an adjustable hem at the base of your jacket lets you secure it nice and tight so it won't ride up during movement. Layer 2 is the real waterproof layer. Treeline writer Tiffany Searsdodd wearing the Marmot Minimalist rain jacket (also shown is the Mountain Hardwear) during a storm on the John Muir Trail. dont agree with the way Outdoor Gear Lab decided to create differences between the womens and mens rain jacket reviews. For this article, its important to know the basic ratings. The ArcTeryx Zeta brand is known for its high quality, and the SL is no exception. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Knowing which situation youre likely to encounter most often will help you find the best waterproof rain jacket for you. Outdoor Gear Lab rated it as the 8th and 10th best womens and mens rain jackets of 2020 (respectively). We looked for rain jackets with a secure adjustable hood, solid waterproof seams, and good durable water repellent (DWR) coatings (more on that below). Photo by John Carr. You can find if others have had this jacket for a long time. More on this in waterproofing below. The more efficient your jacket is at facilitating that transfer, the less clammy and moist youll feel underneath your jacket. The outer layer protects against exterior abrasion, while the inner layer protects against wear-and-tear from the inside. Once any jackets face fabric wets out, it doesnt matter how fancy the rest of the layers in the rain jacket sandwich are. You may not see Layer 2most jackets on the market are 2.5-layer and feature a thin layer between Layer 2 and your skinbut its there, doing its job. Tester Shaun Sexton backcountry ski touring in Talkeetna Range, Alaska. Photo by Liz Thomas, Weight: 11.3 oz (mens)/ 9.5 oz (womens). Sometimes a jacket that keeps you warm is heavier by design, so its important to find one with the optimal weight relative to your needs.
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