All of the jackets in our review have fully-lined pockets with the exception of the Marmot PreCip Eco, which features mesh-lined pockets. It's fully seam taped. The market leader has long been Gore-Tex, particularly in their high-end "Active" and "Pro" offerings, but a number of fabrics are now challenging the paradigm, including AscentShell by Outdoor Research. And the upside to Gore Infinium is excellent breathability for the weight, which makes the Versatile a great option for long days of hiking (its no coincidence that its a part of Montbells thru-hiking collection). (And, if youre looking for a sale, our links reflect hours of searching for the best deals on our recommended picks and prices that include shipping and returns.). Frogg Toggs Pilot 2 Jacket. On the other hand, weve seen what can happen to rain jackets after a few hard seasons of mechanical wear from scrunching. In addition, you miss out on a chest pocket, and the shell isnt a weight or packed size leader. It has a lower waterproof rating of 20,000 mm. 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. If youre looking for a one-quiver rain shell for everything from hiking and backpacking to around-town use, the Beta is a strong contender. Men's Glennaker Sherpa Lined Rain Jacket, Waterproof. Stuffing the jacket into the chest pocket causes the hoods bill to warpand without tending to the bill as you stow it, that warp can get water in your eyes. We recommend you evaluate these products based on your needs, including where you are going, how many hours (or days) you expect to be out in the rain, and how hard it will be raining, as well as the temperature and season. Photo by Liz Thomas. With its 50D ripstop nylon shell, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is one of the more robust budget-friendly models. 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. Men's Minimalist Jacket. Marmot Minimalist Jacket. Marmot gave the PreCip a light revamp fairly recently. Further, you miss out on hand pockets, which means the only storage option is the single chest pocket. All that water in the jackets fabric makes the fabric colder, which can make you feel like youre getting wet. milwaukee chainsaw chain tension; ergobaby omni breeze positions. Its worth noting that the Gore Infinium construction alone technically isnt waterproof, but Montbell added a nylon ripstop face fabric, minimal seams plus seam taping, and a DWR coating, making this jacket well equipped for fending off moderate rainfall. But what sets the Foray apart is its full-length side zips (called TorsoFlo) that extend from the armpit all the way to the bottom hem. So how do I know how waterproof a rain jacket is? 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. 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. The Outdoor Research Helium will give you the wind and rain protection you need for just over a quarter of a pound. The Flight Lightriser Futurelight manages running in the rain and wet weather rather effectively. 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.). 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. On the other hand, more feature-rich shells, such as our hiking/daily use options, hit a better sweet spot for the everyday user. Price does increase with these upgrades, although daily usability is nearly on par with the hiking/daily use category above. You can count on Patagonia to offer all this performance with 100% . Men's Climbing Jackets & Vests. Breathable: Jack Wolfskin JWP. Weight: 13.9 oz. A final note related to DWR is that there has been a recent push to move away from traditional coatings that use perfluorocarbons, which is a chemical that has been linked to environmental and health issues. Due to the minimal design, there are no pockets on this jacket other than the jacket-stowable mesh one on the inner back. And last we checked, it was out of stock. In testing the Rainier, we were struck with how many features it shares with Marmots PreCip Eco below. 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. By entering your email address, you agree to receive our weekly newsletter in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Other models charge up to $100 more than the Versalite's sticker price to get the same specs for waterproofing and breathability, as well as pockets, pit zips, and an adjustable hood. Our tester in the Outdoor Research Helium II rain jacket. The 2.5-layer fabric compares similarly to Patagonia H2NO and North Face HyVent. $77 - $250 (4) Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody. But dont just throw it away and buy a new one if its well used and soaking through! To top it off, the StormLine is aggressively priced at $170. Weight: 10.3 oz (mens), 8.7 oz (womens), What we liked: fits into pocket, budget-friendly, good "just-in-case" rain jacket to always have in your car or day hiking pack, inclusive sizing, The Marmot Precip is a classic rain jacket. Black Diamond took the plunge into the rain shell market with their StormLine. For the occasional chance rainstorm encounter. A notable downside of the Torrentshells durable construction is that its stiffer and crinklier than competitors like the Marmot Minimalist and Black Diamond StormLine below (it does break in and loosen up a bit over time). At just 10.9 ounces, its on par with many budget-oriented 2.5-layer designs like the Marmot PreCip Eco, yet the Motive features a 3-layer construction that easily beats out the Marmot in toughness and breathability. The North Face Antora - Women's. $89. 8.0. 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. This jacket is more protective and durable than previous versions of the Torrentshell. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L. 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. 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. With minimalist shells, classic cardigans, and winter-ready options in everything from cotton to cashmere, you can elevate your look comfortably. Weather doesnt just mean rain. That does mean, however, that your rain jacket will likely spend most of its time in your backpack or bag. laundromat nea. Now I know the Marmot is a GTX PacLite 2.5 which means it's very reliant on its DWR performance. A utilitarian men's rain jacket: Columbia Men's . Men's Climbing Jackets. Reapplying the DWR is done through a fairly simple process, and weve found that the Nikwax TX.Direct Spray-On works well.Back to Our Top Rain Jacket Picks Back to Our Rain Jacket Comparison Table. Marmot Minimalist Jacket. This jacket is protective, well made, and has the zealous flair for aesthetic style that makes Patagonia more than just an outdoor brand. Torrentshell is made of 100% Ripstop Nylon, which is highly resistant against water and wind.The H2No 2.5L Performance Standard shell is what actually gives this jacket its extended weather-protection qualities and also slightly helps with breathability.. No piece of outdoor gear offers total protection from outside moisture, but most of todays rain jackets are listed as being either water-resistant or waterproof. Many light rain jackets, windbreakers, and softshells are water-resistant, meaning that they shed water in light to modest precipitation but arent completely waterproof under extended exposure. 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. Another place the outdoor industry is catching up: some companies, like Arcteryx, dont offer the same range in womens rain jacket models as they do in mens. MSRP: $179 WEIGHT: 14.1 oz. The hardwearing 3-layer build offers . The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is the newest version of Patagonia's mega-popular and value-focused line of Torrentshell jackets. 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. Seems a little strangenearly every place gets rain, after allbut where youre playing outside will determine what kind of jacket youre looking for. (And yes, they switched the name from the Helium II back to the Helium, so while its hard to get an original, keep that in mind when youre bargain-hunting.) Plus, it's made out of the super ultralight Pertex shield 2.5 L fabric, with Outdoor Research reporting that the new 2023 fabric is 7 times more tear resistant than previous models. Category: PerformanceWeight: 14.5 oz.Waterproofing: 2.5L Gore-Tex Paclite PlusWhat we like: Durable shell with premium waterproofing.What we dont: Relatively heavy and bulky. 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 also ran customer reviews through Fakespot, a service that analyzes and judges the veracity of reviews. And while the Torrentshell is decidedly casual, the Calcite tacks on an alpine-helmet compatible hood, more pliable shell fabric, and a watertight front zip, making it a better choice for more technical endeavors. In addition, the single side waist adjuster means the jacket feels uneven when pulled tight. 3-Layer It also enjoys the title of being the trailblazer in the US in collaborating with Gore-Tex to manufacture weather-protection products that are lighter in weight but stronger . Not as water-resistant as Marmot pants. Gore-Tex is widely accepted as the cream of the crop as far as waterproof/breathable membranes go. . Patagonia's Torrentshell 3L rain jacket is about as popular and well liked as it gets in the outdoor apparel space. Look for a rain shell with a helmet compatible hood. Traditional softshell jackets are not fully waterproof. And we gotta say, it looks sleek too - yet another reason it landed as our winner. In truth, these are relatively small complaintsand perhaps magnified because we liked the predecessor so much. But the Marmot PreCip is holding its own with a lower price point and great weather protection. 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. MARMOT NanoPro. Overview. The Patagonia Torrentshell jacket is another pullover option that combines practicality with style. In fact, the innovative K-MONO Cut reduces seam lines, where all rain jackets are most likely to wet-through. In our testing, we find that the extra few ounces of the Gore Tex Paclite over the Outdoor Research Helium yields superior breathability, better weather resistance in heavy rain, and noticeably, a lot more breathability on uphills and when you're working up a sweat. And while she loved the waterproof zippers, she did share that it was a bit of a fight to unzip them sometimes. 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. Were neutral on the near-pocketlessness, because while it can be nice to have pockets, adding them to a minimalist jacket can feel extraneous. A jackets ability to keep you cool is greatly enhanced with the inclusion of pit zips, which we discuss further below. The PreCip is their leading entry-level offering thats reached iconic status among hikers, backpackers, and everyday wearers. Readers write in to tell us how much they have enjoyed it over the years that we've recommended it as a winner. 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. For those who want a well-rounded option, weve found the 9- to 16-ounce range is typically the sweet spot. 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. We use affiliate links, and may receive a commission if you purchase a product through our links. 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). 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. Most ultralight shells go without hand pockets, instead opting for a chest pocket for storage. When looking for a rain jacket, youre essentially asking for a jacket that will keep out rain but let out your sweat. 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. Most negative consumer reviews we saw for every jacket we reviewed had to do with the reviewer getting wet some way or another. Patagonia Calcite Jacket - Weight and Packability. If zippers go out, check out our How to Fix Zippers on Outdoor Gear guide. 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. We loved the men's and women's Marmot Minimalist in earlier rain jacket reviews and our own years' of testing make us think this is still a great jacket. . Photo by Robert Curzon. We had days of 35 F with steady rain-and I had no water intrusion at all. She also thought it was great at keeping out cold gusts of wind along the way. Columbia Arcadia II - Women's. . It keeps water out and minimizes moisture buildup from sweating. The Portland-based brand does value-oriented gear better than most, and the Watertight and womens-specific Arcadia include a number of features you dont often find at this price point: zippered hand pockets, Velcro wrist cinches, and an adjustable hood. While this does not provide the same waterproofing as a Gore-Tex jacket, it is lighter than Gore-Tex and easily stowable. So we simply noted if a jacket packed down into a pocket for easy storage. DWR repels oil, grease, water, dirt, and whatever else you encounter on your adventure. Breathability does suffer compared with the performance shells below and the cheaper jackets won't last as long, but hiking shells are a nice middle ground of price, weight, and protection. 1-48 of 93 results for "patagonia torrentshell 3l jacket - men's" RESULTS. It is a great option for hikers and backpackers seeking a lightweight balance of features and minimalist design. Photo by Tiffany Searsdodd. Comparison in pocket placement and torso length between the Patagonia Torrentshell 2019 (left) and Torrentshell 3L (right). For a list of our top picks, you can check out our in-depth softshell review. Even our sweatiest tester says he didn't feel clammy. The winner, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, was one of the less expensive ones at $149. Generally, we recommend renewing your DWR at least once a yearat the beginning or end of a season is a great time! Youll often find them in entry-level styles, such as the $75 Columbia Watertight II above. Instead, softshells remain a better choice for those looking for a breathable and water resistant outer layer. 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. The Torrentshell 3L tops our list with its impressively balanced design, but for a step up in performance its worth checking out the Calcite here. A true 3-layer construction incorporates three separate pieces of fabric, with the actual waterproof and breathable membrane in the middle and a more substantial fabric on the interior. They are more eco-friendly and donate a higher percentage of their sales to environmental groups. Hiking-focused shells vie with those in our daily use category for the most common type of lightweight rain jacket. The hood keeps your face shielded better . What we don't: A bit crinkly and stiff; no chest pocket. In creating a waterproof jacket specifically designed to keep moisture out, there are natural restrictions on the air being held inside. With any luck, youll have sunny weather for most of your fun outside. 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.