At some point, you can't shed any more layers under your rain shell while hiking with a heavy pack uphill and you're going to sweat no matter the outside temperature. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Neither are as high quality as our top-scoring models, but both are roughly half the price of higher-end products without a massive drop in performance. The REI Co-op Stormbolt GTX is a stormworthy jacket geared toward outdoor enthusiasts. All trademarks property of their respective owners If you are getting into more burly weather, you might consider a hardshell jacket. We tested the revamped Helium in Patagonia and early spring conditions in the Pacific Northwest, and below we break down our experiences with the jacket. After extensive testing, we found the REI Stormbolt GTX and the Arc'teryx Zeta SL, both constructed with thinner materials and Gore-Tex and Gore-tex PacLite Plus laminates, proved to breathe the best; for those interested, the Zeta SL offers little in the way of ventilation. pants helium research outdoor rei rain In addition to the mens Helium tested here, Outdoor Research also makes the jacket in a womens-specific version for the same price.

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.

Read review: The North Face Flight Lightriser FUTURELIGHT. Not surprisingly, this is one of the least durable models in our review, as it uses the thinnest fabrics and the tiniest zippers, meaning you need to exercise a little more care with it depending on the terrain you are traveling in.

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. It's just easier to forget about until you need it. The model with the best range of motion was the ultra-stretchy Rab Kinetic 2.0. The advantage of the Kinetic and other air-permeable materials is the relatively high and steady level of breathability, regardless of user temperature or external environmental factors. I really like the fit of the latest Helium: Im 59 and 155 pounds and the medium has a nice, trim cut. While one pound might be a benchmark, the average weight in our review is closer to 12-14 ounces, with some models dipping down to an impressive 6-7 ounces an unfathomable weight even just five years ago. The reason being, if it's rain, but particularly if it's raining hard you'll likely batten down the hatches by closing the pit zips and cinching up the hood to keep the rain out, even if it means trapping some of your body-made moisture in. 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. Lastly, we evaluate the basic but essential bit about how each model felt as a whole. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Nine times out of ten, these jackets will keep you dry (or at least drier) all day from a drizzle to a downpour. Depending on the seller, most products ship free in the United States on orders of $50 or more. From months of daily drizzle to heavy downpour in the mountains, were acutely aware of the benefits of a quality waterproof and breathable shell. Fortunately, the Zeta makes up for this by offering exceptional articulation, and it scores well in all of our mobility tests. You've likely asked yourself something along the lines of "is this piece of gear really the extra money over that piece of gear? How can we improve GearLab? helium Besides examining how effectively each model's ventilation options could dump heat and moisture, we also evaluated how much the vents could actually be left open in a downpour. A rain jacket needs to stand up to the demands its user places on it. Theres also a fabric loop along the stuff pocket for attaching to a climbing harness. Secondly, we examined and studied how well each model's ventilation features performed.

L-R top row: Helium and Minimus, Essence, Resolve, Minimalist. The insanely light and compact The North Face Flight Lightriser FUTURELIGHT practically disappears in your pack.

These higher-end laminates are more expensive to produce, and when looking at Name Brand materials, you are not only paying for the "name" but also the years of engineering that went into it. As mentioned above, it cinches in the back with a single drawcord but secures around both the side of the head and face (many simple hood designs dont also secure around the face).

Its compact enough to easily hold in one hand and can be compressed even more for stowing in small hydration or mountain bike packs.

Obviously, the waterproof material itself is important, but with nearly all manufacturers offering a material that is more than adequate, those jackets with features that kept the rain out and move moisture scored the best. In this photo, lead tester paddled over 20 miles in the Broken Islands in non-stop rain. We also examined how easily each model lets us accomplish these tasks. 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. In short, the Helium packs down small enough to make it easy to justify bringing along on those just-in-case kind of days. For burlier adventures, soggy backpacking trips, expedition-type mountaineering trips, or even for daily use, you'll want to consider durability along with storm worthiness just as much as weight. 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. Here we test a Patagonia Torrentshell on the 18-pitch Serpentine Arete on Dragontail Peak between intermittent rain showers. The only thing that kept it from being more compact is its' mesh pocket didn't do quite as good of a job compressing it. Here, Mark M pushes the breathability to the max on a Marmot PreCip Jacket on a wet approach to Mt. While minimal weight and respectable storm protection are why you buy this model, durability and true all-around versatility aren't.

This is particularly true among the lightest models, which are exponentially less durable than products weighing three to five ounces more. Likely wider than any other product there is an enormous price range of rain jacket options on the market today. The cost of the product is the same to you but this helps us continue to test and write about outdoor gear. Simply put, the Zeta's design is well thought out and provides an unmatched balance of weight, breathability, and an unmatched ability to ward off weather, even during the stormiest of circumstances. Both offer great functionality and will keep you dry in most rainy conditions. When well-designed, you should forget you're wearing it. Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket Review, Outdoor Research Helium (Men's) Price Comparison, Arcteryx Norvan SL Insulated Hoody Review, https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=e295c418-295a-447c-b265-7, https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=87c51304-5e60-4996-ae79-c, https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=b5770911-39dc-46ac-ba0f-b. If youre thinking about buying gear that weve reviewed on Switchback Travel, you can help support us in the process. Some folks don't like to use hoods in a more urban setting and consider an umbrella for truly wet days. Further, all zippers, seam tape, and cords are functioning flawlessly and dont feel overly thin or compromised. Let us know! 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. The next round of most breathable included several other options featuring Gore-Tex, like the Marmot Minimalist and The North Face Dryzzle, along with our two top-performing air permeable models, the Rab Kinetic 2.0, The North Face Flight Lightriser and Outdoor Research MicroGravity. Our team focuses on each product's face fabric when assessing its overall durability, as this is the layer that has the most impact on a given product's tear and abrasion resistance, as well as how well its DWR might hold up. The temperatures werent very extreme for most of our time in Patagonia, but I found myself needing to ditch the Helium while backpacking even on overcast days with temperatures in the mid 50s Fahrenheit. Those who might want to add more than one thin layer underneath should consider sizing up. It is tough to argue the utility of pockets, as everyone uses them at least some of the time. It is fine for a few hours of wet hiking or ice climbing, snowshoeing, or ski touring in the snow but hanging out in camp on a rainy day we'd rather have something else. Which jacket has the best range of motion? Of the highest value options on the market today, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L and REI Co-op XeroDry GTX are two of the best. This unique 4.2-ounce wunderkind is built primarily for trail running with Gores Shakedry technology that omits a face fabric. The 30-denier ripstop face fabric feels surprisingly burly, and weve had zero issues thus far after a couple backpacking trips in Patagonia and subsequent use back home in the PNW while mountain biking. Some models have mesh-lined pockets for additional ventilation.

The Torrentshell's hand pockets are lined with waterproof fabric. Where the Helium gets the edge is protection: the Montbell uses a less weather-ready 2-layer Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper build and super-thin 10-denier nylon face fabric, which translate to considerably less durability and assurance in wet and rowdy conditions.

We measured how much each one pulled back from our wrists and if the hem of the jacket pulled up around our waists. 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. All perform surprising well given their minimalist builds, but what sets the Helium apart is its price, as those competitors all cost at least $100 more. Some of the testings included a four-minute shower and a spray down with the garden hose. Lastly, after years of experience, we have come to find that jackets with fewer seams in the shoulders hold up better, especially if you plan to carry a pack regularly. Here, tester Ian Nicholson with The North Face Dryzzle's under-the-helmet hood on a very wet day. The Xerodry offers above-average weather protection and breathability at a respectable weight and packed size for a far lower price than its competitors. Weight is nearly identical between the two models (the Versalite clocks in at 6.4 oz. We feature several air-permeable models in our review; the Rab Kinetic and Outdoor Research MicroGravity being two of our favorites. The Kinetic was no different but was in the upper third of air-permeable models. Not all pockets are created equal, and their size and location can have a huge impact on their overall usefulness, depending on the user. Impressively tough given its relatively thin (30D) construction. Breathability is an important factor when considering shells. Price: $159Weight: 6.1 oz. Next in line for the best freedom of movement and mobility are the Patagonia Storm10 Outdoor Research MicroGravity, REI Stormbolt GTX, The North Face Flight Lightriser and the Arc'teryx Zeta SL. Here, Tester Ian Nicholson tends a backcountry breakfast on a stormy morning. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We tested rain jackets from Arc'teryx, REI, Outdoor Research, Patagonia, The North Face and more to find the very best. These fabrics breathe when there is a temperature difference (and temperature differences inherently create a pressure difference) between the inside of the jacket and the outside environment. This is in contrast to most of the waterproof-breathable garment industry, which relies on a disparity in heat and/or pressure to get the moisture to pass through the material. Our final competitor also comes from Arcteryx: their Norvan SL. Well, it's nearly exactly what it sounds like a fabric where air can pass through the material at all times. This is where stretchy fabrics and specific designs really stood out.

This amounts to a 0.1-ounce drop from the prior model while retaining important features like an adjustable hood, hem, and chest pocket.

Except for the Apex, all three pair 50D polyester ripstop face fabrics with a much longer-lasting Gore-Tex Paclite membrane. In every aspect, from the hood to its storm protection, to its low weight and top-tier breathability. 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). As expected, the Helium is light on features but checks the right boxes. One common misconception is that because a given model might be air-permeable, people assume it must be more breathable than a non-air permeable jacket (such as Gore-Tex or eVent, or other proprietary waterproof fabrics), but the truth is that this isn't always the case. It's more versatile than we originally gave it credit for and is an excellent option for folks who will likely carry their jacket in their pack more often than they wear it. I was also testing ORs Microgravity shell on the same trip, and its 3-layer build far outperformed the Helium (however, its double the weight and costs another $90). 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. Range of motion is an advantage possessed by many of the stretchier models. Not a standout breather. Baker, North Cascades, WA. Polyester is known to be stretchier and most times, more durable than a similarly thick nylon material. All the models we tested are technically waterproof but not all offered the same level of storm protection or resisted "wetting out" in similar amounts of time. Nice features include a microfleece-lined zipper and good fitting cuffs. Black Diamonds FineLine is an interesting alternative with its stretchy construction that undercuts it slightly in price at $135. This model, The North Face Lightriser (in green) is shown next to some of the other more packable models in our review. The US military has a 25 PSI standard that most companies use as a guideline. It's worth noting that with these air-permeable jackets, we noticed ourselves becoming colder during breaks than with the non-air-permeable ones. As a result, Ive found myself grabbing my windbreaker jacket instead (the Patagonia Houdini) in all but the worst conditions.

We compared each jacket's overall breathability as well as their ability to ventilate, allowing moisture and heat to escape. We tested each jacket by spraying them with hoses, wearing them in the shower, and spending countless hours hiking, climbing, skiing, and backpacking in them. In the end, we think its worth getting the latest model, but you may be able to find the II at a good discount. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. When talking about hoods it is worth bringing up the Rab Kinetic 2.0 is of special note because it features an internal elastic band designed to ride directly on top of the wearer's forehead, acting as an internal gasket to the main hood. We find this is a significant advantage and a reason that the majority of outdoor products utilize it. The previous metric compared how well each model kept us dry from the outside where this one compares how well they helped us stay dry from the inside. and REI Co-op Rainier (12.5 oz.). For the most part, the lighter the face fabric is, the easier it tears, or the faster it is to abrade. For users who run warmer in lighter drizzle or in the time between cloudbursts when you want to continue wearing your jacket for wind protection, or as you suspect the next storm is just minutes away, then venting your jacket can prove incredibly useful. No ads. We prefer models with higher handwarmer pockets, or at least lower-profile zippers to minimize pinching. Besides discomfort, lower hand pockets are far less accessible with a pack on, and at times can be inaccessible. We tested the maximum range of motion of each jacket by seeing how well we stayed covered while reaching straight out in front of us, as well as above our heads. 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". Pit zips let the wearer ventilate the jacket for high energy activities. For a similar price, many shells we tested offer better storm protection. We love the Foray. Many of todays top hiking pants are made from lightweight nylon Arcteryxs Norvan SL Insulated Hoody is billed as their lightest insulated waterproof layer. 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. Another spendy but ultralight jacket to have on your radar is Arcteryxs Zeta FL. Check. Graham Zimmerman wearing the lightest and most compressible jacket in our review, the Outdoor Research Helium Rain. Nearly all of our reviewers love pockets that are slightly higher and out of the way of a pack's hip-belt or a climbing harness, so we can still access items, and more importantly, so the zipper doesn't cause us pain under heavy loads. Read more about us. More price-pointed models use proprietary fabrics, often with coated waterproof membranes that'll do the trick but most frequently won't perform as well as a higher-end option. If you know you're going to have a week of bad weather on a backcountry trip and are likely to wear your rain jacket over large portions of most days, you'll want to consider something different. We note small features, like a microfleece patch at the chin or soft fabric where the hood rests on your brow, which are appreciated touches that feel nicer. Bottom row: Torrentshell, Venture, PreCip, Watertight. 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. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Sounds great right? No ventilation designs proved capable of keeping more water out than the let in during heavy rain or even walking up bushy trails after a storm.

Most of these models breathe quite well. Conversely, because they don't breathe as well once the user has stopped and cooled down, the pressure difference will be lower. A well designed hood is one of the most important factors influencing how dry a rain jacket is going to keep you.

In the market for the perfect rain jacket? Some models offered ventilation designs that were far better than others at allowing sweat to escape or keeping rain from getting in. When poorly designed, you'll face issues like obstructed peripheral vision, discomfort, and a lack of compatibility to different headwear. For mountain biking, I only can tolerate wearing the Helium on the descents. This treatment is factory applied to the fabric's exterior and makes the water bead when it lands on the surface of the jacket, allowing it to shed the precipitation. This review results from over 350 field hours hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, and just plain hanging out in wet conditions around the Pacific Northwest. Outdoor Research has updated its long-standing and very popular ultralight rain shell for 2020. In reality, most folks carry their rain shell nine times out of ten, so the smaller it packs, the more room you have for other items. The answer is rarely crystal clear, as so much of it depends on the user and their intended use of the product. A clip-in loop (for use after the jacket has been stuffed) is a nice feature that many climbers or hikers will appreciate and use at some point. Between the two, a fabric's breathability is far more important than its ventilation. This does mean that air-permeable jackets, on a micro-level, aren't technically windproof. Some compress quite small but require wrestling to get them stowed; others fit comfortably into their stuff pocket. This also presents a problem since it's so breathable, it isn't as comfortable for those "soggy days in camp", as it keeps breathing even when you aren't moving, which usually results in a net heat loss and the user feeling colder than if they were not wearing an air-permeable model. There are three distinct types of jackets here, and one will meet your needs best.

Ultralight rain shells arent typically intended for serious alpine conditions or day-long deluges, and this holds true for the Outdoor Research Helium. But at 8.1 ounces, it cant match the ORs feathery build. Slayin' some pow on Tye Peak in the Arc'teryx Zeta SL. What is an air-permeable fabric or jacket? 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. The exterior material (also known as the face fabric) is either nylon or polyester, and this material plays a huge role in the overall durability. Over the last 10 years, we've tested over 50 of the best rain jackets. Our review team loves its athletic cut and stretchy material, which provides good freedom of movement. Thanks and we appreciate your support! 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. In these ideal conditions and scenarios these types of materials, like Gore-Tex, will likely breathe better than most air-permeable models, as they have a higher ceiling of potential breathability that is likely reached with some excursion in a cold environment. The pricing information on this page is updated hourly but we are not responsible for inaccuracies. Or some people might simply think, "I'm just hiking, I'm not climbing." Nothing like starting a trip on a very, very rainy day in Washington's North Cascades to learn a lot about different models and how they compare to one another. Related: How to Choose the Right Rain Jacket. The Zeta is one of the more breathable models in our test, yet it doesn't feature any pit zips and only has a main front zipper to dump heat. One interesting alternative is Black Diamonds FineLine. To be fair, its still too early to confidently give it high marks on longevity, but all signs are positive.

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. First and foremost, we researched and tested each fabric's breathability, and it should be noted that this is undoubtedly where waterproof-breathable fabric technologies distinguish themselves the greatest from one another even more so than weather protection. With that said, the critical bit to understand is that all of the products tested are water-resistant enough to use as a rain shell and all meet the technical requirements to be referred to as waterproof. 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 extensively tested each model in the real world using these models in the rain, wind, sleet, and snow. A number of high-end materials like Gore-Tex Paclite, normal Gore-Tex, or eVent all have a fluctuating level of breathability. When the rain wasn't pouring from the sky, it was pouring from our garden hoses, where we had timed spray tests with each product to figure out the limits of each jacket in a focused side-by-side setting. For many, light is right, and weight is a crucial factor for any piece of gear used on human-powered adventures. This model is better suited for more aerobic activities (hiking, backpacking, ski touring, or anything moving) where its other benefits of non-stop breathability and incredible mobility are more important than absolute storm protection. It's our review team's favorite jacket, thanks to its overall versatility and performance. But models with adjustable cuffs and well-designed hood adjustments are superior in howling rainstorms or when working with your hands overhead in the rain.

There are a vast number of hardshell jackets available Overview Enjoying the mountains to the fullest extent detailed review of women's specific models, The North Face Flight Lightriser FUTURELIGHT, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Top-tier stormworthiness, mobility and range of motion, hood design, long-lasting DWR, exceptional breathability, harness and hip-belt friendly pockets, Great weather resistance, long-lasting DWR, breathable, pack-friendly pockets, helmet-compatible hood maintains good peripheral vision, Super light, ultra compact, trim fit, great breathability, weather protection compared to others in its weight class, stuffs into a pocket, hood moves very well with its user, Great storm protection, above average breathability, no clammy feeling, packs tightly into reversible stuff pocket, helmet-compatible hood, less crinkly, Incredible price, Gore-Tex, solid weather protection, excellent hood design, weight and packed volume, No ventilation options, expensive, no easy way to clip to a harness, Average weight and compressed size, bulky cut, Average weather protection overall, no pockets, no clip in point on stuff sack, elastic wrist loops are basic, trim/athletic cut doesn't facilitate layering, Average freedom of movement, less stretchy than most other air-permeable models, fit, low handwarmer pockets could be more functional, Wets out quicker than other Gore-Tex models, two layer design isn't as long-lasting, clammy interior, This stormworthy and function focused model is exceptionally versatile and offers some of the best performance in our review, Top tier weather protection and breathability, coupled with an excellent set of outdoor oriented features make this one of our favorite models for soggy excursions into the backcountry, If you participate in activities where every ounce matters and you also need excellent weather protection and breathability, few can match this model for its weight, This jack-of-all-trades jacket offers some of the best weather protection and durability for an air-permeable model, One of the best values you can get for a piece of rain gear, this Gore-Tex model is packed full of functional features, 2-layer Gore-Tex Paclite Plus waterproof breathable laminate, 40-D ripstop (N40r) Gore-Tex Paclite Plus, Excelling across our board of metrics, it's versatile enough for outdoor activities and is lightweight and stormworthy, If days, weeks, or months of potentially damp time in the backcountry are possible in your future, then this notable stormyworthy model should be on your radar, Despite being one of the absolutely lightest jackets on the market, it still provides a respectable level of storm protection, mobility, and breathability, A tough, stormyworthy, versatile air-permeable model, It offers enough performance to keep almost any outdoor enthusiast happy, at a price that won't break the bank, A softshell at first glance, this ultra-stretchy, ultra-breathable model is perfect for aerobic cool weather activities, where mobility, an athletic cut, and top-tier breathability are necessary, With awesome ventilation capabilities, top-tier stormworthiness, and above average durability, this model is a great all-rounder, This is a classic, awesome do-anything piece, A decent all-around rain jacket at a respectable price, Great for those on a budget, this versatile model marries durability and stormworthiness, without being too heavy or costly, An ideal layer for fast-and-light trips, where every ounce of weight matters, While not the absolute most stormworthy, it strikes a good balance of weight, features, and performance, Satisfies the majority of outdoor enthusiasts with its excellent combination of durability and weight, With better breathability than similarly priced models, it's tough to beat, This model boasts a good price and adequate protection, but it lacks outdoor features present in other contenders.

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