Rainy season is upon us. Now, it is time to check your closet and see if your rain jacket is up to the challenge. We have a jacket for every outdoor activity, whether you are biking, backpacking, or kicking-it around town. Your rain jacket does not have to be “crunchy” and make you perspire. There are also options that are better for the environment. We will outline some of our favorite’s this season from industry leaders like Outdoor Research, Patagonia, Kuhl, Fjallraven, and The North Face.
The North Face Dryzzle Futurelight $230
This is easily one of our favorite jackets and why we keep it in stock season after season. The buttery face fabric feels great next to skin. The Futurelight fabric is using a newer type of technology called nanospinning. The process creates nano-sized fibers that allow for a fabric to be breathable yet waterproof. These fibers allow heat to escape but keep the membrane in-tact for 100% waterproofness. This is also a great option for those looking to avoid jackets with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Lastly, the Dryzzle is also a 3-layer shell, which means the jacket will be thicker – but it will not need to be replaced faster and will hold up better in heavier rain. Available in men’s and women’s.
What We Love About It:
-3 Secure Zipper Pockets
-Adjustable Hood, Cuffs, and Hem
-Low Environmental Impact
Best For:
-Hiking, Biking, Urban Exploration
Outdoor Research Helium Jacket $180
The Helium is the best packable, lightweight jacket we offer. Weighing under 7oz, this iconic jacket has been a best seller for Outdoor Research for 13 years. While this will not be your most waterproof option, it is a fantastic addition to your backpacking trips to save space and weight. And it is still considered 100% seam-taped waterproof. It recently received an update and now features Diamond Fuse Technology and is 5x more tear-resistant than its predecessor. The Helium is made with Pertex and considered a 2.5-layer shell – this should outlast any entry level rain jacket. Because this jacket is ultra-lightweight, it does not feature hand pockets, so keep that in mind when making a purchase. The jacket will stuff inside the chest pocket. Available in men’s and women’s.
What We Love About It:
-Extremely Lightweight & Packable
-Adjustable Hood & Hem
Best For:
-Backpacking, Hiking, Paddling
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket $179
The Torrentshell is one of the most reliable, tried-and-true options we carry. Simple, durable, and environmentally friendly makes this one of our best-selling rain jackets. Recently, Patagonia did a major overall on this jacket, changing it from a 2.5-layer to a 3, to make it longer lasting. Rainwear was one of their most returned/repaired items under their warranty, which is what inspired them to make updates. It also features PFC-free DWR finish, while still being exceptionally waterproof and breathable. The Torrentshell has venting pit zips with welded exterior storm flaps to help you release heat and keep you dry. It also features Velcro cuffs, two-way adjustable hood, handwarmer pockets, and a storm flap down the center zipper. The product is Fair Trade sewn and meets their H2No Performance Standard for waterproofness, breathability, and durability. Available in men’s and women’s.
What We Love About It:
-Long-lasting & Environmentally Friendly
-Pit Zips with Storm Flaps
-Generous Fit
Best For:
-Hiking, Urban Exploration
Outdoor Research Motive Ascentshell Jacket $229
Similar to the Dryzzle Jacket from The North Face, the Motive Ascentshell is nanospun (electrospun) to create waterproof, breathable, and environmentally friendly rain jackets. The Motive Ascentshell is a 3-layer construction with mechanical stretch, which makes it more comfortable than traditional rain jackets. We love this for biking, running, and other activities that require more movement. The cuffs and hood use a cinched binding that creates a tight seal to keep weather and wind out. It also weighs under 11oz making it perfect for backpacking and other outdoor pursuits where weight matters. The Ascentshell collection won Editors’ Choice Gold Award from Backpacker Magazine for its waterproof/breathability. They have rated it “best-in-class" among the highly breathable electrospun fabrics being used in today’s waterproof apparel.
What We Love About It:
-Mechanical Stretch
-Highly Waterproof/Breathable
-Binding on Cuffs & Hood for Added Protection
Best For:
-Hiking, Biking, Backpacking, Urban Exploration
Fjallraven High Coast Hydratic Jacket $250
The High Coast Hydratic Jacket is a stylish and lightweight 2.5-layer rain jacket. It is made from recycled polyamide with PU-coating. The coating is environmentally safe, lasts a long time, and helps keep the fabric lightweight and flexible. The jacket has a quiet, soft hand that makes it practical for everyday and outdoor life. It also features ventilation zips on the side of the jacket behind the hand pockets for a clean look. Lastly, the High Coast Hydratic Jacket also offers reflective, adjustable cuffs and hood. Only available in men’s.
What We Love About It:
-Lightweight & Stretchy
-Generous Fit
-Clean Lines
Best For:
Hiking, Urban Exploration
Patagonia Granite Crest Jacket $279
And finally, the last jacket we want to feature is the Patagonia Granite Crest Jacket. This jacket is highly durable and functionally driven waterproof shell that is also PFC-free. Its 3-layer construction is ideal for all day movement on the trail in wet conditions. The most unique feature about the garment is that it is made with Patagonia’s NetPlus - 100% postconsumer recycled nylon ripstop made from recycled fishing nets to help reduce ocean plastic pollution - with a PFC-free DWR finish. It also features pit zips for added ventilation, two-way adjustable hood, waterproof zippers, and adjustable cuffs/hem. Customer will also have peace of mind knowing the product is Fair Trade sewn and meets their H2No Performance Standard for waterproofness, breathability, and durability. Available only in women’s.
What We Love About It:
-Highly Waterproof/Breathable
-Recycled Materials & PFC-Free
-Designed for High-Output Pursuits
Best For:
Running, Biking, Hiking, Urban Exploration