Waterproof Jackets

Featured review by Peter1955

Gore-Tex works! Great design in the best OR tradition, and an excellent fabric.

Outdoor Research Foray Jacket, Berg Lake Trail, Mt. Robson, Canadian Rockies.  Technical Specs: Lightweight, waterproof/breathable 3-layer 40D Gore-Tex Paclite fabric Fully seam-taped Water-resistant pockets and TorsoFlo zippers Hem to bicep pit zips 15 oz (L) weight I love this jacket. It's been fine for dayhikes and I've been very comfortable in it, but I wanted to give it a real test before posting a review. In my opinion, a jacket is such an important piece of gear (second only to boots!) that I wanted to be sure I wasn't giving out the wrong information.

Read more: Outdoor Research Foray Jacket reviews (4)

Featured review by Josh Gibbs

The Beta AR, which is an all-around, durable, pro shell jacket loaded with features that give you, the consumer, benefits. The price point of the Beta AR is in line with other jackets of the same qualities made from the same material. The difference with the Arc'teryx Beta AR, you are not just buying a jacket, you are buying into a contract for life with a company who will stand behind their workmanship and materials for the life of the product. It is also important to realize there are other Arc’teryx jackets that may suit your needs better. I would compare the features, choose which benefits that appeal to you and your use, before going out and dropping a ton of money on a piece of gear that may not fit your needs.

Arc’teryx has become a name that I learned to trust this last year.  They have many products that cover the gamut of outdoor activities, no matter what your sport of choice may be.   One product that I made a serious investment in this year is the Arc’teryx Beta AR. The Beta AR is a bombproof jacket that will keep you dry, both from the inside, and from the outside thanks to the 3 Layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell which is guaranteed breathable and guaranteed waterproof… That simple! Arc’teryx has a rating system that seems to confuse a lot of consumers.

Read more: Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket reviews (11)

Featured review by David Link

A perfect wind jacket. Not sure why it took me so long to get one!

Those who have read my reviews before know that I seem to have an obsession with finding the "perfect" jacket. In fact, I have probably reviewed more jackets here, than any other type of clothing. I've been wanting to try this jacket out for some time, and when my REI dividend showed up, and this jacket appeared on the REI outlet page, I took the bait. With wind shells, there tends to be a tradeoff between wind-resistance and breathability. The more wind resistant a jacket is, the more likely you are to heat up on the inside.

Read more: Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody reviews (4)

Featured review by George Of The Jungle

Seems good so far.

I've only gotten to test it during the summer so far, but it is definitely waterproof and windproof. I'm one of those people that enjoy rainy/snowy days just as much as a sunny day. I go on day hikes and bike rides in the pouring rain, and this coat keeps me dry and cool, even when pedaling up hill (with pit-zips open and partially unzipped front). It weighs 1 oz and packs down to about the size of a water bottle. i like to roll it up and stuff it in its hood. as functional as this coat is, i am however slightly concerned with the material that lines the inside, as I have had many, many items with this sort of lining (not Gore-tex, but rubber-esque materials) and have had it decay and crumble off after a year or two of moderate use.

Read more: Marmot Minimalist Jacket reviews (4)

Reviewed by LoneStranger

Patagonia brought its Torrentshell rain jacket into the modern era with updated materials incorporating three-layer fabric that is partially made from recycled materials. Combines a truly waterproof surface with a comfortable lining, sandwiching a breathable membrane in between that keeps water out while breathing in a manner that can actually be felt.

  Smiling and dry after a three-hour downpour. Patagonia has been using the Torrentshell name for some time now, but the Torrentshell 3L is definitely not your granddaddy's rain coat. Made from modern, partially recycled, materials in a Fair Trade Certified factory, means you can feel good about this jacket. Fashion conscious folks will appreciate the 13 color options and matching pants that are available. Comfortable fit and great ventilation means you'll feel good about wearing this jacket.

Read more: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket review (1)

Reviewed by Alicia MacLeay

Patagonia's PowSlayer Jacket is a premium, lightweight yet durable, waterproof snowsports jacket for the backcountry-focused skier and rider. It works equally well for inbounds and side-country trips too. Its Gore-Tex Pro fabric keeps out all types of precipitation—not just powder—reliably and comfortably all day long, though overall sizing is roomy. With its 100-percent recycled face fabric, the PowSlayer brings together environmental credibility and technical waterproof/breathable performance in a full-featured ski jacket. At $699 the PowSlayer's MSRP is decidedly steep, but if you spend your winters on snow and it fits your budget (or you find it on sale) it's an excellent long-term option. Plus, with its solid construction, recycled fabric, and Patagonia's customer service and repairs program it's a worthy investment for the dedicated skier and rider.

About The Patagonia PowSlayer Jacket, and its corresponding Powslayer Bibs and Pants, are lightweight, packable, waterproof Gore-Tex Pro shells designed for backcountry touring, but which work well for inbounds snowsports as well. According to Patagonia, they feature "the first 100 percent recycled nylon face fabric to deliver the highest level of durable waterproof/breathable and windproof protection available." Weight: men's 19.3 oz / women's 18.4 oz (my women's medium weighs 18.3 oz) Material: 100% recycled nylon ripstop Gore-Tex Pro fabric Fit and Comfort The PowSlayer is roomier than other medium-size jackets I've worn, including ones from Patagonia.

Read more: Patagonia PowSlayer Jacket review (1)

Reviewed by Bigskyrunner

An über lightweight (3.5 oz) hardshell jacket—that works! Rab's Phantom Waterproof Pull-On is a purposefully designed jacket aimed at trail and mountain runners, but I believe it has applications beyond that. It's lightweight (3.5 ounces!), packs small, and is waterproof, fending off moisture very well. Because of this, I think it also is worth considering if you're a day hiker or even an urban commuter.

Use I've used the Phantom Waterproof Pull-On for roughly three months (June through August) so far in central Montana. I've been able to test it several times in the rain and once in a wet snow. I've also used it as a windshirt to block the wind. Temperatures ranged from the 30s through the 60s F. The jacket is so light—and packs so small—that it goes with me on my daily hikes. Construction The Phantom is made from a lightweight, waterproof two-layer construction with 7D Pertex Shield, taped seams, and a little stretch.

Read more: Rab Phantom Waterproof Pull-On review (1)

Reviewed by Jake W

The Outdoor Research Interstellar Jacket is a three-layer hardshell jacket that uses OR’s new AscentShell membrane. This is the most comfortable waterproof jacket I’ve ever tested and just further blurs the line of hard versus soft shell. You get the breathability, comfort, and cost of a soft-shell and the waterproof, wind proof, and weight (or lack thereof) of a hard shell. To further convince me, the price of this jacket is kept very reasonable at $300 (it's on sale on OR’s website right now for $180, crazy steal), by not using one of the name brand membranes. I’ve got only finicky room-for-improvement suggestions—the wrist straps are overly large and chunky, a better DWR needs to be applied, throw a two-way zip on for climbers, and OR has to get away from this ugly lemongrass (booger) colour.

FIT AND COMFORT I absolutely love the fit and tailoring on this jacket. And there's a reason OR was able to pull it off this well, the mechanical stretch of the fabric. It allows the fit to be more form fitting (labelled as a “trim fit”) while also allowing for room for insulation layers underneath. For sizing reference I’m six foot and 175 pounds. I ordered a size large for testing (which would be my usual, preferred size). The Interstellar somehow finds that niche of comfort and fit, both with an insulated jacket or just a base layer underneath.

Read more: Outdoor Research Interstellar Jacket review (1)

Featured review by Joe Brakenhoff

I used this jacket on the Appalachian Trail last spring and when it rained for days at a time this jacket was always keeping me dry. When I would start to sweat all I had to do was unzip the armpit zipper for more ventilation. I carry this jacket every time there is rain in the forecast because I would hate to be caught in a storm without it. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quality product that lives up to the big name hype.

The fit is a bit big in the arms and torso, worn over a couple layers erases that problem. The jacket can be adjusted through multiple cords around the waist, the hood and there are Velcro straps around the cuffs. The jacket is definitely waterproof and will keep you dry in the wettest of environments. With all the zippers closed you can effectively trap all the heat in, when you open the zippers during physical activities it helps expel some of the excess heat, not all of it though. This jacket was not made to keep you warm by itself, for warmth use layers.

Read more: Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket reviews (5)

Reviewed by BigRed

A lightweight shell with all the right details. Good waterproof/breathability balance. Not especially rugged.

  In Arctic Sweden Weight, waterproofness, breathability, wind resistance, durability—these are some of the features to be considered when choosing an outer shell. On any kind of extended trip and even some day trips, weight is a prime consideration, the lighter the better. The waterproof/breathability (w/b) tradeoff matters too. When you’re hiking in an all-day rain, you will get at least damp, from the rain or condensation or both. Even the best w/b membranes don’t keep out liquid water or vent vapor perfectly, but they can keep you drier longer.

Read more: Black Diamond FineLine Stretch Rain Shell review (1)