Of the highest value options on

2021/05/21

Of the highest value options on the market today, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L and REI Co-op XeroDry GTX are two of the best. Here, Tester Ian Nicholson tends a backcountry breakfast on a stormy morning. This model does have a few downsides, though these downsides are only when directly compared to more expensive models, most of which feature Gore-Tex rather than a more price-oriented, proprietary 2.5-layer coated-membrane option. There are three distinct types of jackets here, and one will meet your needs best. All of these jackets do a good job keeping you dry in your average rainstorm. The Stormbolt GTX's cut is less bulky than the previous Drypoint, but it is still boxer than many cuts in our review. This means they continue to breathe better in warmer conditions or once their user has cooled off. Set yourself up for success and wear the minimum layers you can get away with to minimize overheating unnecessarily. Our review team loves its athletic cut and stretchy material, which provides good freedom of movement. When comparing different ventilation options compared to a given model's overall breathability, it is essential to remember that these two design aspects, while related, are not equally important. I do know of people that can wear the Helium for stretches of time while trail running in bad weather, but it runs far too hot for me. International shipping availability and rates vary by seller. Our final competitor also comes from Arcteryx: their Norvan SL. Here, tester Ian Nicholson with The North Face Dryzzle's under-the-helmet hood on a very wet day. Air-permeable is a new buzzword (and a technical term) in the outdoor world that is a design characteristic of a number of the new wave of stretchy, mostly proprietary waterproof-breathable jackets that have recently surged onto the market. While these jackets weren't designed with sea kayaking in mind, that didn't stop our review team from utilizing a trip to the West Coast of Vancouver Island to put them to the test. A rain jacket needs to stand up to the demands of your activities - if it becomes ripped or shredded, no amount of features or special designs will keep you dry. In the backcountry; a hood that rolls away and stows can be appreciated but is generally a lot less of a big deal. The primary differences in our water resistance metric come from individual fabric characteristics and to a slightly less extent each model's respective hood's design, cuffs, pocket closures, and the longevity of a model's DWR. Unfortunately, as jackets get lighter, they also generally become less durable. It boasts raised, pack-friendly handwarmer pockets, a helmet-compatible hood, large pit zips, and a layering-friendly cut, making it ideal for folks who end up heading out regardless of the forecast. I cant fit anything thicker without it feeling overly tight, but this is right in line with the jackets summer/shoulder-season intentions. rei hooded helium hybrid jacket research outdoor

The answer is rarely crystal clear, as so much of it depends on the user and their intended use of the product. Even though both nylon and polyester are hydrophobic, if they aren't treated with a DWR (or after the treatment wears off), they will "wet out"or become covered with a thin but continuous film of water and will frequently appear wet, hence the term wetting out. You can get better protection for a similar weight with Arcteryxs Gore-Tex-equipped Zeta FL, but youll need to double your budget to do so. Given the jackets low weight, it comes as no surprise that packability is also impressive. All but the Columbia Watertight II feature ripstop material. As crazy as this sounds, and trust us, most of our review team was skeptical, it turned out to be comfortable and effective, maintaining top-notch peripheral vision. Shuksan, with Phil Wadlow shown on the summit. The womens Helium sports an identical feature set, including the single chest pocket that doubles as a stuff sack and 2.5-layer Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse build, although its lighter at 5.6 ounces and comes in different colorways. Each is evaluated across several important metrics to determine which models are the best overall and which are best at specific applications or for specific user types. Some models offered ventilation designs that were far better than others at allowing sweat to escape or keeping rain from getting in. Price: $159Weight: 6.1 oz. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. ), Marmot Bantamweight (6 oz. The Helium is a true ultralight shell at a very reasonable price (most of the UL competition is at least $100 more expensive). But at 8.1 ounces, it cant match the ORs feathery build. Outdoor Research has updated its long-standing and very popular ultralight rain shell for 2020. This is particularly true among the lightest models, which are exponentially less durable than products weighing three to five ounces more. It is just one of many new models that are part of the fresh new wave of stretchier, waterproof shells. I really like the fit of the latest Helium: Im 59 and 155 pounds and the medium has a nice, trim cut. As a result, Ive found myself grabbing my windbreaker jacket instead (the Patagonia Houdini) in all but the worst conditions. That said, its about 2 ounces heavier (exactly 2 oz. With a 2.5-layer Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse build and thin materials used throughout, the jackets face fabric will get overwhelmed in a strong downpour and start to absorb moisture and press against your shoulders and forearms (this is particularly noticeable if youre wearing short sleeves). We measured how much each one pulled back from our wrists and if the hem of the jacket pulled up around our waists. You might have even assumed that most materials breathed at a fairly static level but the truth is that just isn't the case. Those seeking the lightest fully featured model should check out the Patagonia Storm 10, which unlike the two previous models listed actually has front pockets that offer superior storm protection and weighs a cool 8.5 ounces. If you're warm before you start and you're taking part in any time of aerobic activity, you'll likely produce far more sweat than your jacket can handle and soak yourself. The Outdoor Research Heliums combination of $159 price tag, 6-ounce weight, and full waterproofing put it in a unique spot in the marketmost of its rain jacket competitors are either more expensive or quite a bit heavier. Some folks don't like to use hoods in a more urban setting and consider an umbrella for truly wet days. We loaned these jackets out to our friends to get more opinions on less objective tests like comfort and fit; however, Ian personally tested each jacket in our review in the Cascade Mountains and temperate rainforests of Western Washington and while milling around Seattle, with a coffee in hand. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. When well-designed, you should forget you're wearing it. A number of high-end materials like Gore-Tex Paclite, normal Gore-Tex, or eVent all have a fluctuating level of breathability. Ian estimates he has worn a rain jacket over 800 days over the last two decades because he guides AND lives in the rainy and wet Pacific Northwest. This doesn't mean they all perform at the same level, but they are all weather-resistant enough to be called waterproof. The only thing worth noting about this model is its ultra-slim fit aimed toward more technical pursuits. Our water resistance metric measures and compares how well each contender kept its wearer dry from the outside; in contrast, our breathability and ventilation metric quantifies how well each model kept its wearer dry from the inside by allowing sweat, moisture, and heat to escape. This model is packed full of outdoor-centric features, offering some of the best overall weather protection and breathability in our review. However, whether crawling over a downed tree, setting up a tarp at camp, or climbing the most epic peak of your life, you'll repeatedly utilize the maximum mobility of your jacket. We've taken them skiing, backpacking, and even mountaineering.

For a major bump in comfort and weight savings, hikers and backpackers are now Marmots Minimalist jacket isnt new, but its combination of price and performance keeps it among our favorite rain shells year after year. We tested each model's overall freedom of movement for general applications, as well as a handful of specific activities like climbing and ski touring. The zipper pinching-induced pain only compounds itself the longer the trip, so if you're planning on using your rain jacket for activities like day hiking, backpacking, or mountaineering, steer clear of models with low front handwarmer pockets. All told, for most sub-alpine summer adventuring, the Helium is plenty of jacket. We also examined how easily each model lets us accomplish these tasks.

Got feedback? Even the most breathable models have a limit on the amount of moisture they are able to pass through. between mens mediums on our scale), and while it packs into its own pocket, its double the size of our Helium. For example, a 50D nylon jacket is likely to be more robust than a 30D polyester one even though Polyester is "generally" tougher. Trips like this only added to the testing of each model's versatility. Between the two, a fabric's breathability is far more important than its ventilation. Lastly, we evaluate the basic but essential bit about how each model felt as a whole. We weighed all the models in our review on a postal scale. The major difference is the lack of Diamond Fuse technology (it uses standard Pertex Shield), which results is less durability and protection. How long they last, how well they keep water out, and overall design have a major impact on their ability to keep you dry. A number of models in this review, like the Outdoor Research Microgravity, are air permeable. Breathability and ventilation are both significant factors in keeping the wearer dry, minimizing how wet they get from their own sweat. Hood offers great coverage both at the sides of the head and the face. In practice, it has held solidly in place in inclement weather with plenty of coverage and no excessive bunching. Consider whether you would like to use your rain jacket with a climbing or bike helmet. Finally, this wont come as a surprise given the focus on minimalism, but there are no venting options other than opening the front zipper. However, an air-permeable model will continue to dry more effectively after you've cooled off and are standing around. We compared each jacket with our arms facing straight forward, straight up, and straight out to the sides. As we mentioned all models we reviewed here allow moisture to pass through them; however, none allow an infinite amount of moisture to pass, and even the most breathable models have their limitations. Some of the testings included a four-minute shower and a spray down with the garden hose. For several of our testers whose pockets that are too low; too close to our hips can be a dealbreaker. However, we prioritize quantifying the differences to go what you get (if anything) by spending more with the end goal is helping you decide if you'll get the most out of the best of the best or if you'll be happy with a model that will keep your wallet happy. While the number of stretch models continues to grow, the Kinetic is truly the stretchiest shell we have ever seen and offers nearly restriction-free movement. While some may not always feel like it all of these multi-layered fabrics are all breathable (to varying extents), meaning they all allow water vapor to be wicked through the material from the inside to the outside, where it can subsequently evaporate. Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. Breathability is an important factor when considering shells. But the chest pocket is a decent size for fitting an average-sized phone (its too small for the large iPhone 11), energy bars, and your keys (theres a plastic clip inside for securing them). Over the last 10 years, we've tested over 50 of the best rain jackets. A well designed hood is one of the most important factors influencing how dry a rain jacket is going to keep you. One of the standout features of the latest Helium shell is its combination of weight and durability. As discussed in the weather resistance section, models with laminated membranes, whether name brand ones like Gore-Tex or proprietary ones, far outlasted products with coated membranes. This result of a jacket wetting out significantly reduces breathability in that area that is wet. People are often more worried about being too cold, but in our experience, we see far more people wear way too much clothing and end up too hot even when it's "cold out". That said, you can buy a quality 3-layer hardshell for the same price, and we think its simply too much to spend for a jacket that will primarily be used as a backup/emergency layer. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We tested rain jackets from Arc'teryx, REI, Outdoor Research, Patagonia, The North Face and more to find the very best. If you're thru-hiking 2,650 miles, climbing technical terrain, or riding your bicycle from coast to coast, weight may (and should) be one of your primary concerns. This one is rigid and provides no stretch; while we never felt it inhibited our movement, we are big believers that stretchy materials provide more comfort and better performance. In short, the Helium packs down small enough to make it easy to justify bringing along on those just-in-case kind of days. This is generally accomplished by your body generating a fair amount of heat, thus warming the inside of your jacket. The REI Co-Op XeroDry GTX is a nicely-designed model featuring Gore-Tex at an unbelievable price.

This is something to keep in mind as you might need to pack gloves for hand protection and a little warmth for times when youd otherwise be stuffing them into the hand pockets. Pit zips generally allow more moisture to escape than core vents, which is a fairly generic term for mesh-lined pockets that you can leave open to let a little moisture out. We considered over 90 different rain jackets before choosing the best in our review. It isn't that more basic coated materials don't have any engineering behind them; they are just generally less expensive and easier to produce. Often times, it's a "just in case" layer, brought along in the event of an afternoon thunderstorm, strong winds, or a drizzle that is not in the forecast. This review features 15 of the market's top contenders. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Except for the Apex, all three pair 50D polyester ripstop face fabrics with a much longer-lasting Gore-Tex Paclite membrane. Its also worth noting that at the time of publishing, the prior-generation Helium II is still widely available. Range of motion is an advantage possessed by many of the stretchier models. Impressively tough given its relatively thin (30D) construction. Quite close in weight is the The North Face Flight Lightriser at seven ounces which while around half an ounce heavier is more breathable and stretchier while providing very comparable weather protection. For the most part, the lighter the face fabric is, the easier it tears, or the faster it is to abrade. The Zeta offers excellent articulation and maintains itself as one of the better models when it comes to the range of motion and freedom of movement; however, more models are starting to offer materials that are stretchier and less cumbersome feeling. If we could only choose one rain jacket for a wide range of activities, from backpacking to mountaineering or simply strolling through the farmers market on a rainy Sunday, the Arc'teryx Zeta SL would be it. With its 50D ripstop polyester shell, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is one of the more robust budget-friendly models. We also considered the ease of use of each feature, comparing cinch cords for the hood and how easy to access and adjust they were. This amounts to a 0.1-ounce drop from the prior model while retaining important features like an adjustable hood, hem, and chest pocket.