Photo by Tiffany Searsdodd. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Shop All Men's Multi-Sport Rain Jackets. For how to do that, read our tricks and tips section, or watch this video from Canadian outdoor store Mountain Equipment Co-op (full disclosure: we did not consider any of their jackets). . (Dont believe us? Comparison in pocket placement and torso length between the Patagonia Torrentshell 2019 (left) and Torrentshell 3L (right). Whats not to like with the Beta LT? This designation includes big sellers like the entry-level Marmot PreCip Eco all the way up to the $400 Arcteryx Beta. Weight: 6.3 oz (mens) / 5.8 oz (yes, the womens weighs more), Waterproof Material: 2 L Gore Te Infinium Windstopper, What we liked: weight, price, waterproof rating, breathability, What we didn't like: sizing, not many in-person retail locations to try it on. All our recommended jackets will excel for hiking and backpacking, but if you're bike commuting, we'd recommend something by a dedicated bike brand like Showers Pass. Its just not as natural a landing spot for your hands. With its 50D ripstop nylon shell, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is one of the more robust budget-friendly models. I used the Torrentshell 3L on my Blue Mountains Trail thru-hike in September, Naomi mentioned. Enter the pit zip. Take time out of your adventures to adequately dry your rain jacket after it gets wet, when you can. Photo courtesy Robert Curzon. This is the outer layer you turn to for ultimate protection while backcountry and resort Seattle-based Outdoor Research is no stranger to creating quality rain jackets that can fend off the elements, and we like what they've come up with in the Foray. Then we took a look at the highest review scores that these two Rain Jackets received. Instead, softshells remain a better choice for those looking for a breathable and water resistant outer layer. 4. One of Patagonia's flagship jackets, the Torrentshell is a hardwearing and 3-layer jacket that is ready for the elements. For the occasional chance rainstorm encounter. Theyre not very breathable and the mesh adds bulk, making 2-layer jackets best for casual use. Overlay - 3 Column; Overlay - 4 Column; Default - 2 Column It can be difficult to tell which of these jackets one should purchase without having a closer look. It does come with what REI calls Core Ventilation, which is essentially the same mesh pockets you'll find in most 2.5 L rain jackets. What we don't: A bit crinkly and stiff; no chest pocket. 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. Our Patagonia Men's Torrentshell 3L Jacket has a trusted reputation for providing exceptional waterproof/breathable performance, comfort and durability. Also of note, the 3L is less clammy than its 2.5-layer counterpart. But the Versalite is a great deal for what you're getting. The seam-sealed DryVent 2.5L fabric is rugged . Its a minor quibble, but if youre looking for easy packability, this one might not be for you. This is an especially great budget option because it is made . Photo by Robert Curzon. Its versatility in a number of conditions--rain, wind, and hanging out--make it a smart choice if you only own one rain jacket. CNN also identifed a solid, less-expensive option in the REI Rainier: . If youre noticing that the jacket isnt beading up water anymore and putting it in the dryer for a short stretch doesnt fix the problem, you may need to reapply some DWR (this is common as the coating diminishes over time). From its performance to its features, from its impact to its price, we think the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is the best rain jacket for most people. (Plus, drying it keeps away the mildew.). The construction is undeniably thinit feels almost paper-like along the interiorand the zippers are fairly stiff and have a cheaper feel to them. And for those who 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. The best estimates we could find are external lab tests measuring it up against other brands of waterproof-breathable material at 16190 mm/24 hours. Our tester in the Outdoor Research Helium II rain jacket. But if youre looking for ways to make running in the rain more comfortableand live some place where it rains a lot this might be the jacket for you. Comparing the Marmot Precip vs Patagonia Torrentshell is a must.These are 2 of the best rain jackets for the money. We mentioned that the XeroDry is a great value, and for reference, the next-most-affordable Paclite models are Marmot's Minimalist at $199 and ORs Foray II above at $225. This layer actually doesnt prevent water from getting through. 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. The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is the only 3-layer jacket in our review. 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. Performance & security by Cloudflare. When comparing the Marmot vs Patagonia rain jacket models, the fit is the same. 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. A 2.5-layer jacket attaches a very thin interior fabric to the waterproof/breathable laminate or coating. The Patagonia Storm10 gives the Arcteryx Beta LT above a run for its money as our top performance pick, but in the end, the two jackets have slightly different intentions. 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. While Naomi was a little disappointed with the newest model's pocketstheyve moved further down the jacket, and will sit under a hip belt if youre wearing oneshe loved the changes to both the hood and the pit zips. What has it got in its pocketses?! We're pleased to see that its sizing is among the most inclusive of any brand we testedincluding our overall winner, the Patagonia Torrentshell. Category: PerformanceWeight: 12.7 oz.Waterproofing: 3L BD.dryWhat we like: A stretchy and light performance shell at a good price.What we dont: Less bombproof and versatile than a Gore-Tex design. As we trek to higher ground, we open the underarm vents to keep our microclimate calm, while the hood's laminated visor diverts the sky's steady stream away from our eyes. Key measures include recycled materials, PFC-free DWR coatings (traditional coatings use perfluorocarbons, which is a chemical known to be harmful to the environment), bluesign-approved fabrics, and Fair Trade Certification. The Marmot PreCip Eco is rated at 10,000 mm and the Outdoor Research Helium is rated at 15,000 mm. And on the move, the hand pocket vents on the REI arent as effective for dumping heat as the Minimalists and Forays pit zips (plus, opening them up means you can't rely on the pockets for storage). Most ultralight shells go without hand pockets, instead opting for a chest pocket for storage. 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. Reasonably priced at $199, the Motive has a whole lot going for it. What We Like: Great Features, Lightweight. With a substantial 5.8-ounce savings, the Storm10 is a performance rain jacket at its finest: Its impressively waterproof, decently breathable despite the lack of pit zips (the thin 20D shell fabric helps), and packs down very small into its chest pocket. And while it doesnt stack up as well in performance testing, good seam sealing and a reliable build make it a solid option for daily use or as a just-in-case shell when bad weather isnt in the forecast. Weve tested a number of Outdoor Researchs AscentShell models over years, and the Motive is their lightest and most affordable to date. (Of course, you can always put it in a stuffsack or ziplock bag to get a similar effect). Most significant is the price: At a whopping $450, its the most expensive rain jacket here and arguably overkill for summer backpacking or around-town use. 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). BACKCOUNTRY.COM: New Customers - Take 15% Off One Full Price Item. Specifically, the jacket has lost its high-end feel: Prior models featured premium fabrics and thick and oversized touch points like zipper pulls and toggles, but the latest model feels plasticky and cheap by comparison. 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). lct321 . Youll want to have room for a warm layer (such as a light fleece jacket) underneath, but little additional extra room. (66 feet is ~20k mm.) (Not bad when some have a $450-700 asking price.) 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. Overview. There are many different types of jackets available from Patagonia. For a reasonable $199, that adds up to a whole lot of jacket. Best Ultralight Rain Jacket: Rab Phantom Pull-On Men's & Women's. Hey, ounce-counters Rab has you covered. Treeline writer Tiffany Searsdodd wearing the Marmot Minimalist rain jacket (also shown is the Mountain Hardwear) during a storm on the John Muir Trail. Our tester Jill loved this change, noting that she never worried about the new cuffs being too tight. Pockets give us the option of easy access to snacks as we move towards less rainy conditions. The fabricwhich our tester raved about. The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is the newest version of Patagonia's mega-popular and value-focused line of Torrentshell jackets. 42 $220.00 $220.00. Velcro adjustable cuffs can be made wider than your wrist, allowing most of that rain to drip onto the ground instead of your hands. And rain gear, with its breathable fabric and waterproof membrane technology, doesnt always come cheap. For years, the PreCip has been a reliable standby hiking rain jacket available in relatively inclusive sizing-and the updated Eco model reflects care for the environment, as its made of recycled materials and uses a PFC-free DWR coating (durable water repellent). Marmot Minimalist: REI Co-op XeroDry GTX: Marmot PreCip Eco: Water Resistance (30%) 8.0. That said, this model introduces some features that add to the jackets versatility. Sufficient weather protection in heavy rain in a variety of climates. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Marmot Minimalist Jacket. But despite the nitpicks, the Beta is a versatile, high-performance rain shell from one of the best brands in the business Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Arc'teryx Beta Jacket See the Women's Arc'teryx Beta Jacket. 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. It uses a weather resistant Aqua-Text Zipper and has a 3-way adjustable hood that rolls up to prevent flapping in the wind. Photo by John Carr. The underarm zippers extend all the way down to the hems on either side. Theyre part of a rain jackets ventilation system, and a jackets either got em, or it doesnt. A couple final notes: Rab products come with a left-hand zip (which might take some getting used to), and the Downpour lacks a chest pocket. Your IP: The hood fits a bike or climbing helmet, and the sleeves offer a full range of motion for ease of climbing. Adjustability of the hood also is key. Be sure to bring your hands to shoulder height to test how far the sleeves ride up while youre moving. As a general recommendation, the following works well for us: Wash the jacket in warm water with liquid detergent, and run it through a second rinse cycle to clear out any detergent residue. Dinesh Kumar. Men's Climbing Jackets. And it still doesn't have pit zips. We found that the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L managed to earn a rating of 9.2 from divein.com, whereas . Will the jacket sit shorter in the front than in the back in the womens model, or is it designed with womens bodies in mind? Photo by Trey French. Need to go fast and light? The newest version has a 3L construction, which provides a step up from the previous 2L and 2.5L models . Everyday users took that last point to its logical conclusion, saying that it felt too heavy for warmer weather - but they also loved this jacket overall. The mens and womens Outdoor Research Helium is our winner for Best Packable Rain Jacket. Lets start with layers, what they do, and why they matter. The North Face Futurelight is the exception to the trend in rain jackets. First, there are the jackets that can stuff into their own pockets. It is a great option for hikers and backpackers seeking a lightweight balance of features and minimalist design. This jacket is more protective and durable than previous versions of the Torrentshell. 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. Read more about us. Diagonal reflective stripes now adorn the sleeves for better visibility in the dark. Of note: OR also offers the 3-layer Helium AscentShell ($399), which combines the Heliums durable fabric with a more breathable AscentShell membrane Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Outdoor Research Helium Rain See the Women's OR Helium Rain.