best rain jacket for hiking women's

), along with classic touches like front patch pockets with flap closures, elastic at the back waist, and an oversized placket covering the front zip. But for a tough, outdoor-ready rain shell that wears well every day of the week, the Marmot has proven itself reliable, year after year.See the Women's Marmot Minimalist. First, there are the jackets that stuff into their own pockets, which is great for clipping to a harness or stowing in a tight package for travel. And if youre looking for something a little longer, check out the KHL Jetstream Trench or The North Face City Breeze below.See the Women's Marmot Essential. To top it off, Patagonia claims the Torrentshell 3L never gets old, which speaks both to its classy, clean styling and ultra-durable 50-denier face fabric. These can reach over the top of most climbing helmets for added weather protection. Most significantly, REIs in-house Peak membrane is no match for Gore-Texs Paclite, meaning that the Rainier suffers in terms of breathability and is quicker to wet out in a sustained rain. On the other hand, if you want to be able to move around in your jacket without excess fabric getting in the way (think activities like climbing and skiing), its best to opt for a trim-fitting performance jacket. But the Beta does undeniably offer a number of performance-related benefits and useful extras like a water-resistant front zip and a helmet-compatible hood. First is the shell fabric, which features a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that causes water to bead up and roll off rather than soaking through. In the end, the Beta LTis the more well-rounded pick for most performance-oriented hikers, but the Storm10 is worth a look for those focused more on weight and packability.See the Women's Patagonia Storm10. Traditional softshell jackets are not fully waterproof. Read more about us. Made from recycled fishing nets and featuring a perfluorocarbon (PFC)-free From our campsite, the green valley rises, steepens, and becomes rocky and cold. We also include parka-length jackets in this category, which offer a great combination of style and protection but dont parlay as well into backcountry use. This is a great value for penny pinchers who dont want to sacrifice too much performance, with ample moisture protection and wind resistance via a 2.5-layer Peak membrane and nylon ripstop shell, pit zips to keep air flowing, and nice touches like a packable build and fleece-like liner at the collar. ), while designs that are more feature-rich and durable for crossing over for daily wear often add a bit of weight (including the 12.5-oz. Hood size can be a big consideration when rain jacket shopping. A waterproof jacket without DWR wont protect or breathe as well in heavy rain because the water will pool up and soak into the exterior fabric layer. Second, behind each shell is a waterproof membrane (such as Gore-Tex, BD.dry, and H2No) that is impermeable to water. Some manufacturers succeed better than others at this concept. A quick look at our comparison table above reveals that rain jacket weights correlate closely with their intended use. Waterproof Membrane And from a performance perspective, the hand pocket vents on the REI arent as effective for dumping heat as the Minimalists pit zips (plus, opening them up means you can't rely on the pockets for storage). True to its adventure-ready intentions, the StormLine Stretch also comes well-equipped with two hand pockets, a coated front zipper, a helmet-compatible hood, and adjustable cuffs and hem. With a decidedly "less is more" mentality, the barebones design includes just one Napoleon chest pocket (no hand pockets), a single-pull hood adjustment, and simple elastic cuffs. The City Breeze features a slightly longer cut (35.75 in. Weight: 15.2 oz.Category: Daily useWaterproofing: 2L Gore-Tex PacliteWhat we like: Urban style with few sacrifices in performance.What we dont: Not versatile and fairly short for a parka-style jacket. But if you plan to wear your shell while on the move, it's worth investing in a higher-end, breathable design. I pull the hood of my down jacket tight REI Co-op has assembled an impressive in-house lineup of high-quality gear and clothing that doesnt break the bank, and their XeroDry GTX rain jacket carries the torch. It is one the easiest ways to get outdoors for people of all experience levels, and simply put, any time spent on the trail has a way of soothing the As impressively warm and cozy insulators, down jackets are one of our favorite pieces of outdoor gear. Lets face it: it rains, and sometimes it pours. Daily Use Built to withstand heavy driving rain and wind, the jackets are heavier and bulkier, and often feature more durable 3-layer construction. Constructed with Gore-Tex Paclite, we brought REIs lightweight shell along on an Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Review, Patagonia Granite Crest Rain Jacket Review, See the Women's Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, See the Women's Black Diamond StormLine Stretch, See the Women's Outdoor Research Aspire II, The North Face City Breeze Rain Parka II ($179), See the Women's The North Face City Breeze II, Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket ($159), See the Women's Outdoor Research Helium Rain, Hardshells vs. To start, it has our least favorite hood design among its competitors with less coverage at the top of the head due to its flimsy bill. These 2-layer jackets comprise the bulk of the rain jacket market, and range from clammy, budget-oriented models like the Columbia Arcadia II ($60) all the way up to the premium Patagonia Calcite($249). 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. The Marmot Essential is one of the most well-loved parka-style raincoats around, and for good reason. Performance-oriented rain jackets are your focused outdoor pieces. And as expected, price increases with these upgradesjackets in our performance category are among the most expensive here. A versatile rain jacket at a great price, the Marmot Minimalist has hovered near the top of our list for years. As well discuss below, the quality of these features will determine how well your jacket protects against rain. As a result, we wouldnt recommend the City Breeze for anything more than casual walks around the block, nor is it a great choice for rainy days in warmer climates like Hawaii or the south. We mentioned that the XeroDry is a great value, and for reference, the next-most-affordable Paclite model is Marmot's Minimalist above at $189. What you gain in convenience for outdoor performance use, you lose in daily function, especially if you like to stand with your hands in your pockets. Weve divided our picks into three categoriesdaily use, hiking, and performancebut regardless of their end use, all of these rain jackets have what it takes to perform well in a rainstorm: waterproof membranes, seam sealing and DWR coatings, and secure hoods. Technologies like Black Diamonds BD.dry, Outdoor Researchs AscentShell, and Patagonias H2No Performance Standard have also held up well in our testing. Second, the main zipper has a coil design that lacks the smooth, confidence-inspiring action of the Marmot and REI. Like the Marmot PreCip Eco and REI Co-op Rainier above, the TNF features a 2.5-layer construction (in this case, their in-house DryVent technology), pit zips for ventilation, and an adjustable hood. All told, the high-value Jetstream offers a great combination of both style and protection for daily use.See the Women's KHL JetstreamTrench. 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. And if you want more coverage, check out the Rainier Long Line ($119), which features below-the-butt coverage and fun accents like an adjustable waist cinch and snap vents at the hem.See the Women's REI Co-op Rainier. See the Women's The North Face Venture 2. By all measures, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L stands out among the crowd. This is a much-loved parka-length design from a respected outdoor brand, merging performance and protection with everyday appeal. Like the Marmot Minimalist above, it features a Gore-Tex Paclite membrane, offering the clean feel of a 3-layer jacket (read: no hanging liner) in a thinner and more supple 2-layer design. For example, the aforementioned OR Helium's tiny stuff pocket is about the size of a few energy bars, while the bulky Columbia Arcadia resembles a small loaf of bread. KHL also nailed the fashion part of the formula with the Jetstream, which features an elegant drop-tail hem, cinchable waist, and 34-inch length that falls just above the knee. For some, this lack of breathability is a fine tradeoff for cost savingsand pit zips can help some to offset the lack of ventilation. Fabric Layers: 2L, 2.5L, 3L Unless were counting ounces or need to stay highly mobile, we love the extra protection for walking in the rain, sitting down on wet surfaces, and pairing with clothing like bulky sweaters, blazers, and dresses. Additionally, the lack of pit zips or vents and 2.5-layer construction mean the Helium can get clammy in a hurry. Most of the rain jackets here fit into more than one category, which can be good news for those looking for a versatile shell. For everyday activities like commuting, running errands, or walking the dog, youll likely want to prioritize a casual fit (better for layering over bulky sweaters or blazers) and useful features like hand pockets and Velcro wrist cinches. You dont get a ton of room for layering (we can fit a thin midlayer or insulated jacket underneath, but not much more), the 20-denier shell isn't built for everyday use, and the sticky interior places function first and comfort second. But the market has improved significantly of late, with a healthy number of leggings, joggers Black Diamond has assembled a solidlineup of quality hardshells and rain jackets over the last few years, and the StormLine is yet another standout. But we wouldnt recommend either jacket for heavy, sustained rain, and its hard to argue with the Columbias price (at the time of publishing, it can be found on Amazon for $35).See the Women's Columbia Arcadia II. Waterproof jackets feature 2-layer, 2.5-layer, and 3-layer builds. Finally, its worth noting that the Minimalist now features a 100-percent-recycled polyester face fabric and PFC-free DWR, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing a sustainable design. This jacket checks the boxes for casual users, including high marks for both style and performance. Most jackets have a cinch at each hip for an even fit, but some ultralight models use just one adjustment in an effort to cut weight. Finally, pocket placement can be too high for daily use, but perfect while wearing a climbing harness or backpack. 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). On one hand, the Torrentshell is clearly intended for everyday use with a reasonable $149 price tag, roomy fit, and feature set that doesnt skimp on convenience. To give the best seal possible, most rain jackets that we recommend here have some sort of cinch system at the hem. But for wet and cold commutes, errands, and dog walks, its all the protection most people need in a stylish, easy-going design.See the Women's The North Face City Breeze II. Weight: 10.6 oz.Category: Daily use/hikingWaterproofing: 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. Youll also see prices skyrocket for these technical pieces, thanks to their high-end detailing and premium materials. Jackets in our hiking category vie with those in our daily use category for the most common type of lightweight rain jacket. Rain Jackets: How to Choose. Performance Adjustability of the hood also is key. Why do we have The North Face Venture 2 ranked here? As we mentioned above, a rain jackets waterproofing relies on a combination of factors: the durable water repellent (DWR) coating that beads up water, the waterproof membrane, and the fabric layers on either side of the membrane. And as weve come to expect from the brand, all of the Betas details are nicely sorted, with premium seam taping and a fit that is reasonably trim but roomy enough for layering. Notably, the line between hardshell and rain jacket is growing grayer by the minutethe Beta LT above is on the thinner side for a hardshell (more akin to a rain jacket), while Patagonias Torrentshell has a hardshell-like 3L build but lacks the categorys technical feature set. One of the most sought after features in a waterproof rain jacket is breathability: the ability for perspiration and other moisture to exit the jacket without outside water coming in. As a result, we see a range of offerings, in terms of both performance and price. 3-layer designs incorporate a more substantial liner fabric, which adds a bit of bulk over a 2.5-layer, but increases durability and further improves moisture wicking and next-to-skin feel. Whats more, its 2-layer build helps keep weight in check at 10.6 ounces without compromising on useful features like two hand pockets and a chest pocket, adjustable cuffs, and a climbing helmet-compatible hood. And of course, make sure to check your garments labels as this could vary based on the fabrics and technology. Finally, the aptly named PreCip Eco now features a 100-percent recycled nylon shell and a PFC-free DWR finish. Most significantly, the price: At $400, its the most expensive rain jacket here and arguably overkill for many summer backpacking scenarios. For normal hiking and backpacking, its often prudent to avoid a helmet-compatible hood as it can be unruly, not great for visibility, and require a lot of cinching down (read: bunched fabrics). Its hard to knock the premium feel of 3-layer Gore-Tex, but its decidedly overkill for most casual uses, and you can save a lot of money by going with a 2 or 2.5-layer design like the Jetstream or City Breeze above. Hood The styling of the Essential is top-notch, with a trendy mid-thigh cut (33-in. Featuring a high-end, 3-layer Gore-Tex construction, the Beta LT delivers trustworthy all-around protection for 4-season backcountry exploration. The most protective rain jackets (and all of our picks here) employ two main lines of defense against moisture. A 2.5-layer jacket attaches a very thin coating or interior fabric to the waterproof laminate, which serves both as a protective layer (guarding the membrane from your bodys oils or abrasion from your midlayer) and can help a bit with venting, too. Finally, somebut not alljackets add a third next-to-skin layer for comfort, breathability, moisture wicking, and durability. Durable Water Repellent (DWR) This translates to compromised weather protection and breathability, although most casual users will find the Jetstream to be fully sufficient for running errands or commuting in the rain. And despite their casual intentions, many parka-style jackets dont sacrifice much in the way of performance, with fully waterproof constructions and high-quality finishes. If youre shopping for a rain shell to wear around town, we recommend looking for a regular fit that can accommodate bulky sweaters, scarves, blazers, and more. Our favorite daily use jacket is the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, which crosses over nicely into the hiking as well. Eventually it turns to glacier and then vast, snow-blanketed mountain. Most of the time, these feature premium patterning like articulated elbows and gusseted underarms to help with freedom of movement, and their streamlined designs are great for layering over a midlayer (such as a lightweight synthetic insulated jacket), but not much more. We would prefer a water-resistant main zipper at this price (you even get one with the $159 StormLine Stretch), and the Minimalists fit is much more similar to the Rainier above (read: boxy and loose) than most trim, modern designs. But without a way for air to escape, a jacket can grow clammy in a hurry (this is our experience with ultralight models like OR's Helium). Whether youre planning for a summer backpacking trip, looking to replace your daily driver, or intrigued by the weight-savings you can get by stepping down from a hardshell, there's a variety of rain jackets well suited for the job. Of the more budget-friendly options, we like the hood design of the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, which has toggles at the back and front for quick and easy adjustments. Further, while the Rainier has a clean interior that slides smoothly over layers, the Arcadias hanging mesh liner has a distinctly budget feel and is more prone to snagging. Weight: 9.5 oz.Category: Hiking/daily useWaterproofing: 2.5L BD.dryWhat we like: Stretchy build offers great comfort and mobility.What we dont: BD.dry is not as breathable as Gore-Tex. Weight: 10.9 oz.Category: Daily useWaterproofing: 2L DryVentWhat we like: An inexpensive yet stylish parka for casual use.What we dont: Poor breathability and too warm for mild climates. With a 2.5-layer construction, taped seams, and a DWR finish, you get ample protection from steady rain, and features like a two-way zipper and split hem offer great mobility whether youre sitting, standing, or riding a bike. Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. Weight: 10.6 oz.Category: Daily useWaterproofing: 2.5-layer laminateWhat we like: A great value and fun styling.What we dont: Kuhls in-house membrane isnt super premium. While the outer fabric typically has a DWR coating, letting light showers bead up and roll off, the seams usually arent taped and the fabric will eventually let water seep through. A jackets packability can be looked at and measured in a couple ways.

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