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The days of heavy, uncomfortable plastic raincoats are gone. These days, rain jackets have been improved to be lightweight, flexible, and breathable while still providing maximum protection from the elements.
Before the days of lightweight, breathable synthetic materials, wet weather attire was made from heavy plastic that was impossible to wear for extended periods. What a difference a few decades make! Rain jackets today are so much lighter and softer while also being more waterproof than ever before. Gone are the days when people used vinyl and oiled canvas to keep themselves dry; thank goodness for the advent of Gore-Tex membranes and nylon shells. Nowadays, waterproofing happens at a microscopic level with specialized membranes that block out water droplets but allow body vapor (aka sweat) to escape.
Modern rain jackets have come a long way — they’re now lighter, more breathable, and packable. But that’s not all; they’re just as water-resistant as ever. Companies are pushing the envelope further, coming out with softer fabrics for comfort and added stretch to improve mobility and reduce that well-known crinkling sound.
Functionality and fashion don’t have to be mutually exclusive when it comes to rain jackets. The latest group of rainwear is lightweight, durable, breathable, and waterproof enough to withstand regular misting during weeks-long treks as well as downpours during the commute home.
The Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell Jacket is a must-have for any rainy day.
The Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell Jacket is a must-have for any rain protection wardrobe. Stretching is one of the hottest innovations in rain jacket design, but usually only found on pricier items. This particular model puts that notion to rest; it offers incredible flexibility without compromising its 100% water resistance credentials. And because it’s available at an unbeatable $149 price tag, you can save up enough money by eating lunch at work for a couple of weeks and still have some spare change left over.
The StormLine Stretch Rain Shell is Black Diamond’s fully featured rain shell. Photo: Black Diamond.
The Black Diamond brand gives you quality performance and an unbeatable price. Its BD Dry waterproof breathable membrane is just as effective as jackets much more expensive than this one. It repels water just as well, and though you won’t get a lot of extra features, you do get much more for your money with this jacket.
Whether we’re road-tripping from one hostel to the next or carrying our rock-climbing supplies home, we’ve got to pack light. The Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell is the perfect waterproof and windproof layer for any unexpected downpour and packs away into its own pocket so it’s easy to include in our bag when the weather is nice again. Also available as the StormLine Anorak.
TYPE OF WATERPROOFING: BD.dry waterproof breathable laminate
WEIGHT: 11.3 ounces
FABRIC: 88% nylon/12% elastane
Shop Now at Black Diamond!
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Best Budget Pick: REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket
Our pick for the best budget rain jacket is the REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket. Most rain jackets that don’t cost a fortune are made with a two-layer construction, which is basically a shell fabric that has been bonded to an inner waterproof laminate (which often is white and feels really plastic). While these jackets can do a good job keeping you dry, they are not designed to withstand significant wear and tear – we’ve seen some laminates peeling after just one or two seasons of use.
REI’s Rainier Rain Jacket offers a 2.5-layer construction which includes the recycled ripstop nylon shell and Peak waterproof laminate with light inner lining that gives this jacket extended durability. It features a collar separate from the adjustable hood that allows for easy adjustments during changing weather. The only thing to be aware of is that it is not as lightweight or packable compared to some of the other jackets on our list.
TYPE OF WATERPROOFING: Peak 2.5-layer waterproof breathable laminate
WEIGHT: 12.5 ounces
FABRIC: Recycled ripstop nylon (bluesign® approved)
Shop Now at REI!
Patagonia Granite Crest Rain Jacket
The Granite Crest jacket from the Patagonia is a prime example of quality workmanship. As it has become expected from the company, this jacket features both performance and functionality. To maintain its eco-friendly status, the item’s NetPlus 100 percent post-consumer recycled nylon ripstop is made from recycled fishing nets and it is also finished with PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent).
This jacket is filled with features that make it the ideal companion for any outdoor adventure: helmet-compatible hood, zipped vents to help keep you cool, and plenty of pockets. As would be expected, the waterproof fabric does a great job of keeping out the elements, plus it can be compressed into its own pocket making storage simple. The adjustable waist adds even more convenience.
TYPE OF WATERPROOFING: 3-layer H2No waterproof/breathable membrane
WEIGHT: 14.1 ounces
FABRIC: H2No Performance Standard shell: 3-layer, 3 oz., 30-denier NetPlus recycled ripstop nylon
Shop Now at Patagonia!
Shop Now at Backcountry.com!
Shop Now at REI Coop!
Skyblue Featured Video: Black Diamond Presents: HARD SENDS with Seb Bouin—ACL (9b/5.15b)
In the first of Black Diamond’s (BD) Hard Sends series, BD athlete Seb Bouin takes us to Pic Saint Loup near his home in France, where he attempts the first ascent of ACL (5.15b)—a route he bolted in memory of his grandfather.
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