Expert Tested & Compared [2025]

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Staying dry and lightweight in your toes could make or break a backpacking journey, particularly when the climate doesn’t cooperate. With so many ultralight rain jackets in the marketplace in 2025, discovering one that actually delivers generally is a problem.

After greater than 30 years on the path, I’ve realized what counts essentially the most when the rain begins falling. In this information, you’ll discover my prime picks for the perfect ultralight rain jackets. Each rain jacket is rigorously chosen for its reliable waterproofness, real-world breathability, sturdiness, light-weight design, and trail-tested options.

Whether you’re thru-hiking, bikepacking, or heading out for a weekend journey, you’ll discover simple, unbiased suggestions right here. My aim is that will help you select the suitable ultralight rain jacket so you’ll be able to keep comfy, dry, and prepared for regardless of the path throws your approach.

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How We Tested

All the light-weight rain jackets on this assessment have been extensively evaluated and researched by the professional creator, who has greater than 30 years of expertise in Thru-Hiking, Backpacking, and Hiking.

The ultralight rain jackets have been rigorously examined by the creator on multi-day hikes and bikepacking journeys throughout a spread of real-world situations, together with heavy mountain storms and humid summer season rain. Comparisons centered on waterproofness, breathability, sturdiness, weight, and luxury. Testing included checking for leaks after hours within the rain, monitoring sweat buildup throughout strenuous climbs, and assessing put on at high-stress factors like shoulders and zippers. Jackets had been weighed, packed, and evaluated for sensible options equivalent to hood changes and pocket design.

Some of the rain jackets had been bought by the creator, and a few had been equipped by the producer and obtained the identical unbiased, hands-on evaluation to make sure sincere and clear suggestions. Read the Review Policy for additional particulars.

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Best Ultralight Rain Jackets 2025

The Best Ultralight Rain Jackets for Backpacking in 2025 are:

More High-Quality Backpacking Rain Jackets:

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The Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket is a premium ultralight rain jacket that’s presumably essentially the most packable rain jacket one can find wherever. This is an ultralight rain jacket finest suited to backpackers and thru-hikers who need the utmost weight saving and essentially the most packable jacket doable.

The Zpacks Vertice weighs solely 5.9oz / 168 grams. It comes with a superb set of pit zips to help in venting warmth, which is one thing that gentle and quick backpackers love. Not solely does it have pit zips, however the cloth is among the most breathable on this assessment at 56000 g/m2/24-hour. Add to that the hydrostatic head waterproof ranking of 20000mm, and you’ve got a superb, light-weight rain jacket that ticks a number of bins. Keep in thoughts, the ultralight 7D cloth is right for on-trail use however can tear simply for those who spend a lot time bushwhacking or heading off the crushed path.

I examined and reviewed this rain jacket throughout long-term testing, which lasted greater than 18 months in each cold and warm climate, and whereas mountain climbing and mountain biking. I can affirm it has the perfect in school breathability, and with the addition of pit zips, that is the jacket to get if you need an ultralight, breathable, and packable rain jacket.

Overall, the Zpacks Vertice is the perfect ultralight rain jacket for 2025 and finest suited to ultralight thru-hikers and backpackers.

The Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket is the up to date model of the very profitable Helium 2. I used the Helium 2 to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail, so I do know and adore it properly, however is that this new jacket an enchancment?

The upgraded Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket weighs in at solely 7oz / 198 grams. This makes it the most effective light-weight rain jackets for thru-hiking and backpacking.

The OR Helium Rain Jacket is a minimalistic jacket with no hand pockets and a small chest pocket simply large enough for smaller-sized telephones or different objects that the hiker desires to maintain dry. The small pocket within the chest additionally doubles because the storage sack for the jacket.

I just like the elastic cuffs, waist drawcord hem, and all the things in regards to the adjustable hood. It is available in a spread of colours, together with my favourite, Bright Orange. A terrific coloration for a rain jacket for biking and mountain climbing in uninteresting climate!

The Helium Rain Jacket is breathable, however not as breathable as many different jackets on this assessment, particularly the Zpacks and Enlightened Equipment jackets. Having stated that, I’m an enormous fan of the two.5-layer development comprised of Pertex Shield Pro outer materials. The jacket has no pit zips to vent the warmth, however that helps maintain the general weight down.

The Durable Water Repellent Coating (DWR) appears to be simply pretty much as good because the earlier mannequin, which was okay however not excellent.

The upgraded 2.5-layer Pertex Shield Pro is 30 Denier and makes use of Diamond Fuse expertise, which basically is upgraded ripstop nylon that’s stated to be 5 instances stronger than the earlier mannequin.

Overall, the Outdoor Research Helium is among the finest thru-hiking rain jackets as a result of nice worth and elevated sturdiness of the fabric.

The up to date Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket is a part of their giant vary of jackets from the Beta household of rain jackets. It is rated as the most effective high quality rain jackets in the marketplace for 2025.

It is just not as light-weight as another jackets, however it’s proper up there with the Patagonia Torrentshell (which is cheaper) and the Patagonia Storm Racer as a premium rain jacket.

If you might be searching for a superb mixture of sturdiness and waterproofness, then this could possibly be the jacket for you. Add to that the most effective hoods of any of the jackets on this assessment, which can be helmet suitable.

The Arc’teryx Beta Rain Jacket comes with hand pockets which can be just under chest stage, which makes them simple to entry if you find yourself sporting a backpack with a sternum strap and hip belt. There can be an inner chest pocket and a brand new characteristic like pit zips beneath the arms to help with venting warmth when wanted.

Despite being made with high-quality materials, it is available in at a premium worth and is somewhat on the heavy facet for some individuals wanting a light-weight rain jacket.

Overall, the Arc’teryx Beta Rain Jacket is the perfect rain jacket for backpacking and finest suited to somebody who desires a top-tier product that’s sturdy and capable of stand up to most moist climate conditions.

If you might be searching for a finances rain jacket, then the REI Co-Op Rainier Rain Jacket is on the prime of the checklist. Not solely is that this jacket priced very properly, but it surely comes with pit zips, which isn’t so widespread on budget-priced backpacking rain jackets.

At 11.3oz / 320 grams, it’s not the lightest rain jacket on this assessment, however contemplating the worth, it ticks a number of bins. It comes with good hand pockets and a few inner pockets to maintain issues dry and accessible.

The 2.5-layer waterproof nylon is made with recycled materials and gives a superb stage of water resistance and breathability.

Overall, the REI Co-Op Rainier Rain Jacket is among the finest budget-priced backpacking rain jackets for 2025.

The Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket is among the few jackets that has made the dedication to be comprised of 100% recycled supplies and makes use of licensed honest commerce stitching within the manufacturing course of.  

The Stretch Storm Racer jacket is an ultralight 7 Denier, 3-layer jacket comprised of a fabric known as H2No. The shell cloth is product of 100 % recycled nylon cloth. The materials additionally has an honest DWR coating.

The Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket is among the lightest rain jackets from Patagonia, which weighs solely 7.2 ounces / 204 grams. Although there are different lighter jackets on this assessment, there are a number of that may boast the environmental credentials for supplies and honest commerce practices. For this motive, the rain gear comes at a premium worth.

The Patagonia Storm Racer comes with a small chest pocket solely. This up to date mannequin has eliminated the hand pockets to shave a few ounces of the general weight.

The Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket is breathability, however like all of the jackets on this assessment, it could actually get a bit clammy after some time. Some of the earlier light-weight Patagonia Rain Jackets had pit zips to vent warmth from the jackets, however they’re lacking on this newer rain gear.

Overall, the Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket is a greater choice than the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L as a result of it’s a a lot lighter rain jacket. It ticks all of the bins as being one of many nice rain jackets, I simply want it had pit zips to vent warmth build-up. If it had them, it might be the right jacket. If you care in regards to the setting and need a honest commerce licensed jacket comprised of recycled supplies, then this could possibly be an ideal alternative.

The Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Shell is the brand new and improved model of the favored Stormline Stretch Rain Jacket. It is an effective all-weather jacket for the lively backpacker and the perfect light-weight stretch jacket for 2025.

The Black Diamond Fineline stretch jacket makes use of an improved 2.5-layer development and pairs with an honest DWR end. When Stretch Rain Jackets appeared in the marketplace a number of years in the past, I beloved the stretchy really feel however felt they weren’t pretty much as good as regular hardshell rain jackets. Black Diamond has mastered the stretch rain jacket with the up to date Fineline Stretch Rain Jacket.

One of the higher issues in regards to the jacket is using pit zips. This provides one other layer of breathability to the jacket.

It can be fairly moderately priced in comparison with others within the assessment. But at a weight of 11.2 oz / 320 grams, it places this jacket on the greater finish of light-weight jackets.

Overall, the Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Shell is among the finest stretch rain shells in the marketplace in 2025 and is properly suited to the lively backpacker.

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket is the rain jacket you purchase if you find yourself confused by all the alternatives on the market. You know it is going to be good as a result of it’s Patagonia.

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L leans very closely in the direction of its eco-friendly heritage. It makes use of its H2No 3-layer materials, which is a 100% recycled and honest commerce sewn jacket. While it’s a bit on the heavy facet at 13.9 oz / 394 grams, it’s a 3-layer materials, which most others on this assessment usually are not. It additionally comes with good hand hotter pockets, venting pit zips, and an honest DWR end. And the hood has good protection and cinches down properly.

Overall, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L rain jacket does all the things properly and is an effective, sincere jacket to choose in case you are confused with all the alternatives. If you do, you’ll be completely happy.

The Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain Jacket was up to date and is now one of many lightest, most breathable, and most waterproof light-weight jackets obtainable for the time being.

I’ve been utilizing and testing this jacket for greater than 18 months and might affirm its glorious safety towards each rain and wind. It is finest suited to ultralight thru-hikers solely. The Enlightened Equipment Visp could be the perfect rain jacket for the Pacific Crest Trail or an analogous long-distance path.

The 3-layer jacket is comprised of ultralight 7D ripstop nylon. This is a paper-thin waterproof breathable membrane that’s delicate to the contact, comfy, and weighs round 5.6 ounces or 159 grams.

Being such a skinny materials, it is going to be extra vulnerable to getting holes whereas mountain climbing within the backcountry. If going off-trail or on trails with a number of sharp sticks, I’d keep away from this jacket as opposed to heavier obligation.

With a claimed breathability ranking of 83000 g/m²/24 hour, that is essentially the most breathable jacket on this assessment. They now come commonplace as a rain jacket with pit zips. The pit zips do a superb job of venting warmth when wanted.

It has a water-proof ranking of 28,000mm, which is greater than sufficient for any backpacking rain jacket.

Be conscious that on the time of writing, there could also be provide points with this jacket, which is the one motive it has been pushed down within the rankings. It is the one jacket to offer the Zpacks Vertice a problem as the perfect ultralight rain jacket. Click the hyperlink beneath and examine if they’re in inventory.

Overall, Enlightened Equipment’s Visp Rain Jacket is among the finest waterproof breathable rain jackets for thru-hiking. With class-leading gentle weight, best-in-class breathability, and the choice of pit zips for higher air flow, there’s little to dislike about this rain jacket.

The Marmot PreCip rain jacket has been round since about 1999. This newest improve provides the Marmot Precip an eco-friendly conscience.

The Marmot PreCip Eco is comprised of recycled nylon face cloth and makes use of a PFC-free DWR, which is among the rain jacket’s finest options.

The Marmot PreCip Eco prices lower than $100 at some retailers, which makes it one of many most cost-effective rain jackets for mountain climbing; solely the Outdoor Research Helium 2 and REI jacket is shut within the high quality vs worth class. For these wanting a finances backpacking rain jacket and wanting one thing environmentally pleasant, it ticks all of the bins.

This 2.5-layer jacket is just not essentially the most breathable rain jacket on this assessment, and hikers will want it had been somewhat extra breathable throughout hikes with lengthy uphill climbs. To tackle this, the Marmot Precip Eco has pit zips to vent warmth, and there’s a mesh lining for the hand pockets.

The Pit Zips and the pockets pit zips with mesh do a superb job at regulating physique warmth and transferring moisture exterior when wanted.

Weighing in at 10.5oz / 293g, it’s simply gentle sufficient for mountain climbing and backpacking, multi-day hikes, and biking. Thru-hikers and ultralight hikers will look elsewhere, as there are higher choices for the burden.

The mounted hood is adjustable with velcro tabs so you’ll be able to simply put on it over a baseball cap or a hooded down jacket. It additionally has two wire changes so you’ll be able to shortly cinch it nearer to your face to maintain the rainwater out.

Marmot makes use of a novel identify for the design of this jacket. It has a built-in “Angel-wing movement” design. When you attain overhead, the sleeves is not going to need to transfer up the size of the arms. A properly thought out characteristic that seems to work properly.

For the worth, that is the perfect rain jacket for finances backpackers and hikers. If you might be available in the market for rain gear that’s environmentally pleasant and are a fan of the round financial system, you’ll be able to’t go fallacious with the Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket.

The Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 rain jacket continues to be light-weight at 9.1oz / 258 grams, however there are nonetheless some jackets a bit lighter.

Made with Gore-Tex Paclite, it’s not solely breathable as a result of high quality light-weight materials but additionally very waterproof. The construct high quality can be very stable, and as a result of top quality, it’ll final a very long time.

This mannequin lacks a few of the options that had been on earlier fashions, equivalent to facet zips to assist with venting warmth when climbing up a wet however sweaty hill.

Overall, this can be a good high quality, light-weight rain jacket. It has been discontinued, so for the time being it’s a cut price in comparison with the conventional retail worth. Check the costs beneath to see simply how good the costs are for the time being, however hurry, they might not final for lengthy.

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More Rain Jackets

Below are some backpacking rain jackets price a glance:

• Frogg Toggs – Frogg Toggs are very low cost and do a superb job. Despite the very low cost worth, it’s a waterproof breathable jacket utilized by many backpackers on a finances.
• Montbell Versalite – The Montbell Versalite is being reviewed for the time being and could also be added to this assessment sooner or later. The finest options of this ultralight rain jacket are the burden or lack of it, the pit zips, and the highest quality DWR.

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Rain Jacket Comparison Table

Brand	Weight	Breathability (g/m2/24-hour)	Waterproof Level (mm)	Hand Pockets	Storage	Pit Zips
ZPacks Vertice Rain Jacket	5.9 oz	56,000	20,000	No	Hood	Yes
Outdoor Research Helium	7 oz	20,000	15,000	No	Pocket	No
Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket	12 oz	Not Specified	Not Specified	Yes	Hood	Yes
REI Co-Op Rainier	11.3 oz	Not Specified	Not Specified	Yes	Pocket	Yes
Patagonia Storm Racer	7.2 oz	15,000	15,000	No	Pocket	No
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L	14.1 oz	Not Specified	Not Specified	Yes	Pocket	Yes
Black Diamond Fineline Stretch	11.2 oz	10,000	10,000	Yes	Pocket	Yes
Enlightened Equipment Visp	5.6 oz	83,000	28,000	No	Hood	Yes
Marmot Precip Eco	10.3 oz	17,000	10,000	Yes	Pocket	Yes
Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2	9.1 oz	15,000	28,000	Yes	No	No

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Best Ultralight Rain Jacket for Thru-Hiking

All the perfect rain gear on this assessment could possibly be improved, whether or not or not it’s shaving off a few ounces in weight, having a greater DWR, or they could possibly be cheaper. There is not any such factor as the right rain jacket.

A few the jackets stood out from the pack just like the Zpacks Vertice, and Outdoor Research Helium. All of those are ultralight, very packable, and stuffed with all the things a light-weight thru-hiker would want.

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Best Overall Rain Jacket

Overall, my alternative of the Best Rain Jacket for 2025 is the Zpacks Vertice. This is a superb rain shell and simply the most effective backpacking rain jackets in the marketplace proper now. If you need the perfect waterproof and windproof jacket for ultralight mountain climbing, then that is your jacket. The best choice for ultralight thru-hikers. The Outdoor Research Helium can be the most effective ultralight rain jackets for backpacking.

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Best Rain Jacket with Pit Zips

Pit zips are the underarm zippers that allow you to vent warmth quick, particularly for anybody mountain climbing arduous in moist climate. Here are my prime picks for rain jackets with pit zips in 2025:

In my expertise, pit zips make an actual distinction on sweaty climbs or humid days, letting you dump warmth with out taking off your jacket. And many producers are additionally beginning to agree. Just take into account, pit zips add a little bit of weight and generally is a put on level over time. If you’re really counting grams, contemplate for those who’ll use them sufficient to justify it.

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Best Environmentally Friendly Rain Jackets

For those that need essentially the most environmentally pleasant rain jackets, the selection is both the Patagonia Storm Racer, Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, REI Co-Op Rainier, or the Marmot Precip Eco. These environmentally pleasant and eco-conscious jackets will allow you to really feel like you might be doing one thing good for the setting whereas mountain climbing and backpacking.

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Best Budget Rain Jackets

The finest finances choice is the REI Co-Op Rainier Rain Jacket, which is priced beneath $100. The Marmot Precip Eco is an alternative choice that’s priced beneath $120.

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How to Choose a Lightweight Rain Jacket

Choosing the suitable light-weight rain jacket can imply the distinction between a cushty journey and a soggy, depressing slog. Here’s what to search for to remain dry, gentle, and completely happy on the path.

Checklist:

• Waterproof ranking: 15,000mm or greater
• Breathability: 15,000g/m2/24hr or greater
• Quality DWR coating
• Adjustable hood (ideally helmet-compatible for those who climb)
• Pit zips or different venting for those who hike in heat/humid climates
• Weight beneath 12oz for ultralight journeys
• Durable zippers and well-placed pockets
• Easy-to-adjust cuffs and hem
• Very small when packed up

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Waterproof Rating of Rain Jackets

The waterproof ranking for rain jackets is usually known as the Hydrostatic head, rated in millimeters (mm). It refers back to the quantity of water stress wanted to leak via the rain jacket materials.

A rain jacket with a hydrostatic head ranking of 20000mm is the equal of inserting a cylinder of water 25mm (1 inch) spherical on a jacket and filling it with 20000mm of water earlier than it’ll leak via.

For a mountain climbing rain jacket to be waterproof whereas sporting a backpack, it’s typically accepted that it should be rated at 15000mm or above. Only rain jackets being worn within the metropolis and never within the backcountry ought to be rated decrease equivalent to 5000mm.

A superb waterproof membrane is important to maintain the water out. The finest waterproof breathable cloth can be light-weight equivalent to Gore-Tex, Pertex, and ePTFE.

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DWR Coating: Almost as necessary because the Fabric

A DWR Coating, also referred to as Durable Water Repellent Coating is arguably an important characteristic wanted for a rain jacket.

It is a chemical coating on the face cloth of a jacket that brought on the water to bead and run off the floor of the rain jacket. All the Best backpacking rain jackets have a superb DWR.

Think of it as just like the way in which water runs off the floor of a automobile after it has a layer of wax utilized.

When water now not beads up and begins soaking into your jacket, it’s time to refresh the DWR.

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How lengthy does a DWR Coating final?

A DWR coating is not going to final eternally. It will normally final for a number of backpacking journeys earlier than it wears off and must be reapplied. Hikers and backpackers might want to pay attention to when the DWR therapy is beginning to put on off. When water now not beads up and begins soaking into your jacket, it’s time to refresh the DWR.

Without a top quality DWR, your rain gear will ‘Wet Out’. The water will sit on the floor of the jacket as a substitute of beading and working off the jacket, making the waterproof breathable membrane ineffective.

The DWR might final as little as a number of weeks of standard use or a number of journeys, relying on situations and care. This depends on many components, together with abrasion out of your backpack, filth, washing, and physique oils on the material. It can siply be renewed through the use of a spray-on or wash-in DWR end.

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Rain Jacket Wetting out

When a rain jacket “wets out,” the outer cloth stops beading water and turns into saturated. This blocks the waterproof/breathable membrane from letting sweat escape, so moisture builds up inside and you find yourself feeling clammy, regardless that the membrane itself isn’t leaking.

Back after I managed an outside retailer, the primary grievance I heard was that rain jackets leaked. Nine instances out of ten, it was the worn-out DWR inflicting the issue. I’d present prospects the distinction by spraying water on a brand new jacket (which might bead water completely) after which on their previous one (which might soak it up). A easy spray-on or wash-in DWR therapy normally mounted the problem and restored the jacket’s efficiency.

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Is DWR Environmentally Friendly?

Older rain jackets used a C8 DWR coating. This was a brilliant sturdy coating, however made with poisonous chemical compounds that stick round within the setting and might construct up in wildlife and your individual physique. Most manufacturers now use C6 DWR, which is safer however doesn’t final as lengthy. The latest and most eco-friendly choice is PFC-free (non-fluorinated) DWR, which is even higher for the planet, however might have to be reapplied extra usually.

If you care about sustainability, search for jackets labeled “PFC-free” or “Bluesign approved.” I’ve switched to PFC-free choices for many of my gear, however keep in mind to examine your DWR repeatedly and refresh it as wanted with a product like Nikwax.

In conclusion, Eco-friendly DWR is healthier for the wild locations we love, even when it means a bit extra upkeep in your half.

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How to revive a DWR Treatment Video

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Breathability

Breathability tells you the way a lot sweat vapor a jacket can let escape, measured in grams per sq. meter over 24 hours (g/m²/24hr). For backpacking, I like to recommend searching for a minimum of 15,000g/m²/24hr. In my expertise, breathability issues much more than a sky-high waterproof ranking for staying comfy on the transfer.

Just take into account, lab numbers are solely a part of the story. Real-world breathability is dependent upon your jacket’s match, venting choices like pit zips, and the way properly the DWR is working. When the outer cloth will get soaked, even the perfect membrane can’t sustain.

Keep your DWR recent and use these pit zips on the climbs. It makes a world of distinction whenever you’re mountain climbing arduous within the rain.

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Features

There are a few necessary options to look out for on light-weight rain jackets. Apart from the plain skill to maintain the hiker dry, there are some issues that set one jacket aside from one other. There are 4 necessary options to think about when buying a high-quality rain jacket:

• Pockets
• Hood
• Waist Cinch Cord
• Pit Zips
• Waterproof Zipper

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Rain Jacket Pockets

Pockets are an important characteristic, however they add a little bit of weight to the rain jacket. Most ultralight rain jackets wouldn’t have hand pockets; normally, the chest pocket is as sophisticated because it will get.

Having used a jacket with out pockets for a few years, I don’t really feel they’re necessary; others really feel they’re tremendous necessary.

Most backpacking rain jackets pack into an inner pocket for storage, some have a stuff sack, and a few roll into the hood for storage when not in use.

Keep in thoughts that not all pockets are fully waterproof, so be certain that necessary stuff, equivalent to telephones, is in a water-proof bag.

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Rain Jacket Hood

A superb hood is your first line of protection towards rain working down your neck. Simple elastic hoods are gentle and simple, however adjustable hoods with cinch cords and toggles provide you with a comfortable match that retains water and wind out, particularly necessary in harsh climate.

Some hoods even have stiffened brims to maintain rain off your face and allow you to see the place you’re going. The finest hoods transfer along with your head, so that you’re not always peering into the facet of your jacket.

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Helmet Compatible Hood

For those that spend time in alpine areas and require an Alpine rain jacket then they might additionally want a helmet-compatible rain jacket.

Most ultralight rain jackets skip this characteristic to save lots of weight. In my opinions, the Arc’teryx Beta SL is an effective instance of a jacket with a helmet-compatible hood, whereas most others stick to straightforward sizing.

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Rain Jacket Waist Cinch Cord

A waist cinch wire helps seal out drafts and provides your jacket a snugger match, particularly useful in windy or chilly climate. Some jackets use a single-sided cinch, whereas others have changes on either side for a extra even seal. You may also see easy elastic hems on ultralight fashions, which save weight however don’t supply as a lot management.

The location of the cinch wire issues; search for cords which can be simple to achieve and alter, even with gloves on. And all the time examine the match along with your backpack hip belt; an awkwardly positioned wire can dig in or trigger bunching on lengthy days.

I’ve discovered {that a} good cinch wire makes an enormous distinction when the wind picks up. It’s a small characteristic, however it could actually imply the distinction between staying heat and shivering via a storm.

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Rain Jacket Cuffs

Cuffs would possibly appear to be a small element, however they make an enormous distinction in consolation and safety. Most rain jackets use both elastic cuffs, that are light-weight and easy, or adjustable cuffs with Velcro tabs. Adjustable cuffs allow you to cinch the sleeves tight to maintain rain out and forestall the sleeves from sliding over your fingers. This is very helpful if the arms are a bit lengthy or you might be sporting gloves.

Just take into account, Velcro can put on out over time or get clogged with mud, so give it a fast examine earlier than huge journeys. If you’re aiming for the lightest setup, elastic cuffs will save a number of grams, however for critical rain or chilly, I choose the flexibility of adjustable cuffs.

On stormy days, I all the time cinch my cuffs tight over my gloves to maintain water from working down my arms.

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Pit Zips on Rain Jackets

Pits Zips are beneath the arm or generally zips within the chest space of the jacket that may be unzipped to vent warmth. This is a helpful characteristic when climbing up hills on heat days when there’s simply sufficient rain to warrant using a rain jacket, however not sufficient that having the jacket opened up a bit will get you moist.

While they’re good at venting warmth, they’re in a high-wear space and might fail lots faster than regular zips. While most individuals is not going to expertise this problem, for those who personal and use a rain jacket with pit zips lengthy sufficient, you might expertise this sort of failure.

Overall, pit zips are an important thought and properly price searching for when buying an ultralight rain jacket.

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Waterproof Zippers

All the rain gear on this assessment makes use of a top quality water resistant zipper. YKK is the present gold commonplace for high quality waterproof zippers for out of doors use.

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Conclusion

All the Rain Jackets Tested within the Ultralight Rain Jacket Gear Review are nice and value shopping for. But the ultralight ZPacks Vertice Rain Jacket and Outdoor Research Helium are the 2 finest decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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