Category: Daily use/hikingWeight: 11.6 oz.Waterproofing: 2.5L DryVentWhat we like: Another versatile rain jacket for under $100.What we dont: Falls a little short in hood design and zipper quality. Sign up with your email address to be the first to know when we release new gear reviews! face oil for gua sha; . Hood sizes and cinches are a small feature that can make a big difference on a rain jacket. Heavy downpours can overwhelm the thin build, causing the fabric to absorb moisture and feel wet against your skin. Even so, the Marmot Minimalist is a good fit for budget-conscious travellers. These rain jackets will keep you protected, though remember to get one that works best for the conditions you most often encounter. MARMOT. Treeline writer Felicia Hermosillo in the Frogg Toggs rain jacket in the Sierra. We're thrilled that for 2023, there was competition for this category (such as the Outdoor Research Heliumwhich is a good option if you want something less expensive). $169.00. Marmot Minimalist Jacket. Theyre not very breathable and the mesh adds bulk, making 2-layer jackets best for casual use. Still, the PreCip Eco isnt bad for a Budget Pick. See our weather section for more info on this. 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. Marmot gave the PreCip a light revamp fairly recently. What We Don't: Price. If youve ever had a lightweight rain jacket stick to your skin while wearing short sleeves, you know that it not only feels kind of gross, but it actually makes you colder. Other factors like seam taping play a major role in waterproofness, so the number doesnt truly determine how dry you will stay in a downpour. Category: Hiking/performanceWeight: 13.2 oz.Waterproofing: 2.5-layer Pertex ShieldWhat we like: Hardwearing Pertex Shield and weather-resistant zippers at a low price point.What we dont: No chest pocket; left-hand zipper takes some getting used to. So how do I know how waterproof a rain jacket is? 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. 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. Men's Climbing. To show you only the most rave-reviewed rain jackets for your outdoor adventures, we compared reviews from Adventure Alan, Adventure Junkies, The Big Outside, Greenbelly, Clever Hiker, Gear Patrol, Outdoor Gear Lab (two separate guides), Outside Online, REI, Section Hiker, The Strategist (two separate guides), and Switchback Travel (see Sources). Patagonia Torrentshell 3L. 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. Its not perfectopening your pockets to vent means that anything stored inside could fall out and it doesnt dump heat as quickly as the traditional pit zipbut it does save weight while offering a boost in ventilation.Waist Adjustments The winner, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, was one of the less expensive ones at $149. ", 42F and dumping rain, running alongside the creek and Juniper Pines in the Eastern Sierra in The North Face Lightriser. What changed? 3-Layer If you do a lot of night running or running in low-light conditions, see our Best Reflective Running Gear List for accessories that can augment the reflective details of any of the running jackets we recommend. Waterproofing: 3L H2No Performance Standard What we like: 3-layer performance, quality materials, and good looks at an excellent price. Your IP: The latest rain jacket from the Patagonia brand sports a 3-layer construction, giving it a big boost in performance. But thru-hikers know they'll be living in their rain jacket at some point or another on their journey, so will appreciate choosing the Versalite. Many of todays top hiking pants are made from lightweight nylon For high-output activities, its hard to beat a softshell jacket. That's probably fine for people who choose the Helium as a lightweight "just in case" rain jacket. 3. Read More: Work from Home like an Outdoor Writer. The cuffs of the Marmot Precip are secured by Velcro to allow for some adjustability. If you want a little more warmth, we found the Futurelight fabric is similar to a softshell, but with better protection against rain. The ultimate expression of how effective a pit zip can be is the Outdoor Research Foray II. Three of our five picks have armpit zips (we decided to split the difference with the name), which are great for keeping you cool in warmer weather. The Patagonia Torrentshell jacket is another pullover option that combines practicality with style. 22 February 2021 by nadia. 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). 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). The hood is roomy and two-way adjustable, it now stows with a simple hook, and it features a fleece-lined neck for added comfort. Many ultralight and trail running jackets forego pockets to cut down on weight, while other models sport them in abundance. In the end, your intended use will dictate your final decision: The Beta is arguably the better hiking design, while the Calcites hardwearing shell and helmet-compatible hood make it a great option for climbers and backcountry skiers (on par with the performance of many 3-layer hardshells)Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Patagonia Calcite See the Women's Patagonia Calcite. Not everyone will be a fan of the full-length side zips, but all things considered, the Foray and Aspire are excellent quiver-of-one rain jackets for the backpacker, spring skier, and daily wearer Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Outdoor Research Foray II See the Women's OR Aspire II. Specs. 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. Offering more protection than a rain jacket but a step below a full-on winter hardshell, the light and packable Beta hits a sweet spot for three-season Patagonias Torrentshell 3L rain jacket is about as popular and well liked as it gets in the outdoor apparel space. FREE delivery Wed, Mar 8 . First, we focused on sources that tested and rated both of them, like OutdoorGearLab, and learned that they all showed a preference for the Marmot Minimalist. Generally for emergency use or for situations where youre able to get to safety quickly. MSRP: $179 WEIGHT: 14.1 oz. But it does prevent some dirt, oil, and abrasion from degrading the efficacy of your jacket. The interior is soft to the touch and doesnt have the plasticky feel that you get with most traditional designs, and theres a noticeable amount of give in the shell fabric. Avoid over washing, as that can cause damage, tooyoull want to wash once every several uses. If you value comfort and stretchiness in a rain jacket, its pretty ideal. Managing rain is difficult when running since running produces a lot of body heat. In creating a waterproof jacket specifically designed to keep moisture out, there are natural restrictions on the air being held inside. Category: Daily use/hikingWeight: 13 oz.Waterproofing: 2L Gore-Tex PacliteWhat we like: Good-looking and solid Gore-Tex protection at a great price.What we dont: Current version feels cheaper than predecessors. Expect cold and wet weather? Category: Hiking/performanceWeight: 11.9 oz.Waterproofing: 2L Gore-Tex PacliteWhat we like: Multi-sport functionality; updated design has a great fit and feel.What we dont: TorsoFlo vents are a little polarizing for casual use. A fabric rated 20k for waterproofness resists approximately 66 feet of liquid stacked up in that 1-inch square tube before any seepage begins over 24-hours. Perfect for your next rainy outdoor adventure, it features GORE-TEX Paclite technology, which offers a wind-blocking hydrophobic membrane and weight-minimizing comfort. So if youre mostly splashing around in warmer rain, then, youll want ventilation rather than breathability (see more below). Moreover, the tall hand pockets and exposed zippers lack the refinement and sleek styling that you get from an Arcteryx product. Because adding pit zips to a jacket inevitably results in a slight weight increase, some manufacturers like REI, Rab, and Outdoor Research have come up with a creative solution: core vents. Premium: Columbia Watertight II. So we simply noted if a jacket packed down into a pocket for easy storage. Layer 3, if a jacket has it, is the interior protection. Tack on sleek Patagonia styling, wide variety of available colorways, new-for-2023 PFC-free DWR coating (to go along with the 100%-recycled face fabric), and excellent $179 price tag, and the versatile Torrentshell 3L currently is our favorite overall rain jacket. But we do appreciate Cotopaxis effort towards sustainably built outerwear, and their rain jacket is undeniably good-looking for a budget piece. See our guide to the Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets for some extra warmth to layer under your rain gear or our Best Rugged and Waterproof Cameras to document it. It balances frontcountry and backcountry usefulness. Men's Minimalist Jacket. 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. Its versatility in a number of conditions--rain, wind, and hanging out--make it a smart choice if you only own one rain jacket. Your camp mates insist on hiking downwind of you. 2.5L Pertex: Patagonia Torrentshell: 149: 394: 3L H2No: For fast-and-light alpine trips when the forecast looks favorable, the Highline certainly can do the trick. At over 300 grams, the Marmot Minimalist is neither the most lightweight nor minimalist. And we gotta say, it looks sleek too - yet another reason it landed as our winner. 4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars (36) $196.42 $ 196. Plus, Marmot makes sure you get a full range of motion without moving the hem above your waistline. What we don't: A bit crinkly and stiff; no chest pocket. The cord wraps around the sides of your head and pins the fabric down in a uniform way when cinched, which keeps the hood on your head even in really windy conditions. Its a 20D 81 g/m face fabric, fully recycled polyester with a soft, tacky feel unlike most slick and swishy rain jacket fabrics. Second, the main zipper has a coil design that lacks the smooth, confidence-inspiring action of the Marmot and REI. The Arc'teryx Norvan SL was even lighter at 4.4 oz, but has been discontinued. Look to weight as a great indicator of how packable a jacket truly is. Culling all these rain jackets down to the best few models was difficult, and not just because our sources rarely agreed. With a reasonable price of around $200, this jacket is at a solid value. Similarly, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is said to start at 20,000 mm-though after their Killer Wash treatment, which simulates what they presume to be years of heavy use, that degrades down to about 10,000 mm. While Switchback Travel complains about how large it is, suggesting its too large for the backcountry, user reviews suggest the sizing isnt as straightforward as all that. Weve previously reviewed the 2.5-layer version of this jacket, and what you get with the added half layer is nothing to sneeze at. Heavier rain jackets have cinches on each side for a more even fit. One of our favorites is the Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket (click here for best deal).The Torrentshell is a very simple-looking jacket but it has some very cool features that make . Check out the Marmot Men's Minimalist Jacket at Enwild: https://www.enwild.com/marmot-mens-minimalist-jacket-2022.html?utm_source=youtube.com&utm_medium=desc. Designs like Outdoor Researchs Motive and Black Diamonds StormLine and FineLine incorporate fabrics and a waterproof internal membrane that flex surprisingly easily. We also ran customer reviews through Fakespot, a service that analyzes and judges the veracity of reviews. Also, a softshell is a bit thicker than a rain jacket, and offers a negligible amount of warmth as a result. It keeps water out and minimizes moisture buildup from sweating. You can take note of the number when its available, as it will often correlate with other characteristics like fabric thickness and durability, but dont base your buying decision on that alone. In that respect, the lightweight Arc'teryx Beta would still be considered quite packable," despite lacking a stuff pocket. A jackets packability can be looked at and measured in a couple ways. Youll want to have room for a warm layer (such as a light fleece jacket) underneath, but little additional extra room. All told, theres still a long ways to go in the industry, but the current trajectory and momentum from many of the key players are encouraging. Still, it seemed to work well enough in conjunction with the superior breathability of the Gore Tex Paclite over proprietary waterproofing materials. If you plan to climb in your rain jacket, look for one with a helmet-compatible hood. 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. OStill, this is a budget hiking jacket for a reason: everyday reviewers across Amazon, Backcountry, and REI said that the Marmot PreCip Eco isnt a jacket for downpourswith some reviewers pointing the finger at the new DWR coating. The elastic shock cord and tensioning piece are minimal but not finicky; they stay out of the way when needing to cinch the hood tightly over your face for maximum weather protection. As with most of their offerings, Cotopaxi did something a little different with the Cielo, and we really like the result. Performance 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. Photo by Trey French. Compared to the other jackets in our review, its super breathable and light-- the heavy mens version weighs 12.5 ounces. You also get pit zips for dumping heat and a higher-quality hood with better adjustability, which are worthwhile upgrades for most hikers. Were neutral on the near-pocketlessness, because while it can be nice to have pockets, adding them to a minimalist jacket can feel extraneous. Their breathable and stretchy fabrics offer fantastic performance and a really comfortable fit that moves with you. It is a great option for hikers and backpackers seeking a lightweight balance of features and minimalist design. Best 2020 Rain Jackets. Whereas the Beta LT features a burly shell that's purpose-built to handle winter weather and sustained wet conditions, the Storm10 is more suitable for summer alpine environments. Best Environmentally-Friendly Rain Jacket. Marmot is well-known for rain jackets, and wed argue the mens and womens Marmot PreCip Eco is the reason why. So what does it mean when your jacket is 2.5-layer? This is an especially great budget option because it is made . Admittedly, some customer reviews found that it feels a little insulated. (Sensing a trend?) These are made from a special spandex & nylon fabric that features a 4-way stretch, and, as such, provides wearers with increased freedom of movement. This measurement tests both general water repellency as well as performance under pressure. 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. Light yet durable, packable yet solidly water-repellent, the Patagonia Calcite Jacket - part of the US brand's recycled Shell, Yeah! 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). You wont often see add-ons like helmet-compatible hoods or exposed, water-resistant zippers in this category, and daily use jackets dont prioritize weight-savings or packability (in fact, theyre often quite thick and durable). Arm pit zips allow for extra ventilation for staying cool in warmer weather. The Montbell Versalite is made of 2-layer Gore-Tex Infinum Windstopper with an added 10-denier nylon ripstop face fabric and Durable Water Resistance (DWR) coating. Comparison of expert ratings. For a reasonable $199, that adds up to a whole lot of jacket. Hiking But the Versalite is a great deal for what you're getting. When comparing the Marmot vs Patagonia rain jacket models, the fit is the same. 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. But Layer 2 cant do its job if Layer 1 is junked up with oil and other nasties. Over the past few years, there have been a growing number of waterproof rain jackets featuring built-in stretch. Theres also an updated fit, although the jacket still has a regular cut thats roomy enough for wearing a lightweight puffy underneath. Category: Hiking/daily useWeight: 10.9 oz.Waterproofing: 3L AscentShellWhat we like: Lightweight, breathable, and a good price.What we dont: Missing some useful features like wrist cinches and hipbelt-friendly pockets. Women's Torrentshell 3L Jacket Color: Evening Mauve (EVMA) Size: | $179.00 Checkout (0) Reviews. Depending on what your jacket is made of and the care you put into its maintenance, it can last for years. So the jacket that you soaked through, is not the same jacket OP is looking at. Most negative consumer reviews we saw for every jacket we reviewed had to do with the reviewer getting wet some way or another. They share their supplier information with consumers, including the specifics of how and where the Torrentshell is made. People sometimes have a hard time distinguishing between things that are cold and things that are wet. Patagonia Calcite Jacket - Weight and Packability. The primary compromise is pocket placement as some hand pockets sit high to accommodate a climbing harness or backpack hipbelt. Our tester, Treeline editor Naomi Hudetz, tested both versions. The treatment is thinner than the sprayed-on coating of a 2.5-layer jacket (more on this below), so we consider the Calcite a 2-layer piece. 7.0. . Another thing to keep in mind is in our testing, sizing ran big and sleeves ran long (though they come with adjustable cuffs). Overview. Price does increase with these upgrades, although daily usability is nearly on par with the hiking/daily use category above. First, there are the jackets that can stuff into their own pockets. Dinesh Kumar. Seems a little strangenearly every place gets rain, after allbut where youre playing outside will determine what kind of jacket youre looking for. 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. The jackets hardshell-like 3-layer construction (hence the 3L in the name) is highly protective and durable, plus the interiors soft-touch tricot lining boosts comfort and limits the clammy feeling thats typical among sub-$200 rain jackets. And once your jacket is nice and clean again, you can further refresh the DWR with sprays meant for the purpose. 8.0. We only want the same thing as youthe best gear at the best price. The big news is the stretchy 2.5-layer construction, which offers greater comfort than a standard rain jacket like the REI Rainier above. Some complain its too large, others that its too small, still others that its just right - so use your discretion when buying. So how do I know how waterproof a rain shell is? 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. When fully unzipped, this creates a poncho-like opening for awesome venting on the traila great way to dump excess heat while still retaining coverage. DWR repels oil, grease, water, dirt, and whatever else you encounter on your adventure. The interior is also quite comfortable for a rain shell, and we found it wasnt prone to feeling clammy even when working up a sweat in Washingtons Hoh Rainforest. Established more than a decade before Arc'teryx, in 1974, Marmot is one of the leading brands in the US, catering to the market of outdoor clothing and gear enthusiasts. Men's Climbing Jackets & Vests. I used the Torrentshell 3L on my Blue Mountains Trail thru-hike in September, Naomi mentioned. Layer 1 is the shell (aka face fabric), usually made of nylon or polyester. As such, we give the edge to the burlier Beta LT for year-long use (plus, the Beta's larger hood makes it fully functional as a backcountry ski jacket). Youll feel damp, clammy, and likely a little peeved at your rain jacket. the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, was one of the less expensive ones at $149. On a budget? Then we tested them in in Pacific Northwest such as the Oregon Coast Trail all the way to the Appalachian Trail, and in conditions from drizzly daily commutes to mountaintop downpours. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a27a6cd5b073a7f Thatll leave more room for your do. Other brands that are competitive in the sustainability realm include REI Co-op, Marmot, and Black Diamond. 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). Based in Salt Lake City, Cotopaxi is a relatively new brand that has quickly risen to popularity in the outdoor world, thanks to their sustainable business practices, positive community presence, andof coursehard-to-miss colorways. Heres the story: This hardshell-like design includes a 3-layer variation of their in-house BD.dry membrane, has a light amount of stretch incorporated into the nylon build, and keeps things pretty light at 12.7 ounces (our mens medium is slightly more at 12.8 oz.). More on this in waterproofing below. 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. While this does not provide the same waterproofing as a Gore-Tex jacket, it is lighter than Gore-Tex and easily stowable. Patagonia 3L Torrentshell. Patagonia is a clear leader in this realm: Their Torrentshell 3L, for example, uses a 100%-recycled face fabric, PFC-free DWR coating, PU membrane thats comprised of 13% biobased content, and is both bluesign-approved and Fair Trade Certified, indicating that the materials are safe for consumers and the environment and that workers are treated fairly. And while we didnt see any issues about ventilation, it doesn't have pit zips either. Marmot Minimalist: 189: 388: . The 2.5-layer fabric compares similarly to Patagonia H2NO and North Face HyVent. The rain jackets in our review range from $100 to $300, with three out of four at or below $160. The expected outside ambient air temperature is one of the biggest factors to consider when buying a rain jacket. No matter what your objective, the right jacket will help you stay out and stay dry, longer. In choosing the right backpacking tent, you have a wide range of options from minimalist ultralight shelters to inexpensive and heavier entry-level models. 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. Weight - 13.6 oz (mens medium) Material - Synthetic Blend. Backpacker gave the Black Diamond Stormline Stretch marks for breathability. Weight: 6.0 oz (mens) / 6.38 oz (yes, the womens weighs more). Finally, we've had consistent issues with the jacket wetting out fairly quickly in heavy rainfall (it's also slow to dry). We at Switchback Travel dont feel the waterproof ratings are very helpful in the buying process and have chosen not to list them with our specs. 48. Category: Daily use/hikingWeight: 10.6 oz.Waterproofing: 2.5L NanoProWhat we like: Proven performance for a great price.What we dont: Feels more plasticky than many of the more modern jackets here. It uses a weather resistant Aqua-Text Zipper and has a 3-way adjustable hood that rolls up to prevent flapping in the wind. However, in saving some money, you give up some in material qualitywe found the XeroDrys shell cheaper-feeling and faster to absorb moisture in heavy rainfall. Pit Zips, Side Zips, and Core Vents . Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Instead, it protects Layer 2 (aka the waterproof-breathable membrane) from the dirt, sweat, oil, and abrasion that causes it to degrade over time. At 13.9 oz, its on the heavier side for jackets in this review, but it comes fully loaded with welted storm flaps over DWR-treated zippers, armpit zips for venting, hand pockets for stowing, and a two-way-adjustable, stowable hood (that doesnt quite fit a helmet). Marmot Minimalist. Credit Cards. Marmot Minimalist. In cool weather, ventilation is less necessary for moisture management. Also of note, the 3L is less clammy than its 2.5-layer counterpart. And (no surprise), 2.5-layer jackets are a heckuva lot more lightweight and affordable than most full 3-layer jackets. By qbcore server for sale. Its one of only a few Gore Tex Pac Lite plus jackets on our list and normally, namebrand waterproofing like Gore Tex costs a premium. We get down into the step-by-step of caring for waterproof shells in our article on How to Clean and Repair Gore-Tex and Other Shells. There is a microfleece lining on the neck, which provides . One downside? How Waterproofing and Breathability Ratings Work. Features like a helmet-compatible hood, stuff pocket, and pit zips give the StormLine a clear performance slant, but the large fit isnt ideal for the backcountry. We create reader-supported, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. 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. These downsides are enough to drop the XeroDry a bit on our list, but we still like its combination of features, Gore-Tex membrane, and price Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's REI XeroDry GTX See the Women's REI XeroDry GTX. By opening up the jacket under the arms, you can release a lot of air without sacrificing the jackets waterproof design. 217.160.129.9 Warranty Related Issues: 1-888-311-2900, Mon-Fri, 12PM - 4PM EST The Minimalist and the Foray utilize polyester face fabrics with a much longer-lasting Gore-Tex Paclite membrane. Copyright 2023 Treeline Review LLC. In particular, weve seen some breakdown of layers. Patagonia has also added another zipper to their pit zips, meaning more customizable ventilation and easier zipping and unzipping. We loved the mens and womens Marmot Minimalist in earlier rain jacket reviews and our own years of testing make us think this is still a great jacket. After taking into account 14 professional reviews, our list included 80 different rain jackets, as opposed to the 20-or-so models we usually see. Editor's Note: "Packable" indicates the jacket has a stuff pocket. Tack on REIs excellent warranty and a wide range of colorways and available sizes, and you get a quality rain shell for anything from city commutes to summer hiking and backpacking trips.