Rain Jackets tested

It pretty much aligns with my experience. We have several of these jackets in including the Arctery'x, OR and REI and they are all excellent for being waterproof.

Their top choice, the Patagonia Torrentshell, is the one I always recommend. Some find the newest version a bit stiff, but my new one, bought last year**, has softened up nicely. And for the quality and reliable waterproofing, I am willing to put up with a bit of stiffness in the fabric. My husband loves his too.

**this replaced one I had for nine years and took on hiking trips to Patagonia, New Zealand, French and Swiss Alps, and more. It was still in great shape but I have lost weight over those years and wanted one that fit better.

I can testify to the waterproofness of Arc’teryx coats, the water simply beads off although my jacket doesn't have a hood so whilst my torso will be dry my head won't be so I tend to wear it only if showers are anticipated. I bought my son one but with a hood and it keeps him completely dry in the heaviest of rain.

I have taken all three of those that I mentioned to Iceland numerous times and they can withstand that weather. I head out again this week and am taking my REI one this time.

When I saw last year's version of this article, I realized that some of those jackets(Arcteryx, Patagonia, and North Face) are designed for people who are hiking and have nowhere to get out of the rain. I find some of the others acceptable for travel purposes, since I will not be outside in a downpour for hours. I bought a Goretex jacket from REI's own store brand.

I recommend buying a rainjacket with armpit zippers. Even the most breathable waterproof jacket will feel clammy with any mild exertion. Opening up the armpit zippers allow for heat and humidity to vent out.

Yes, the pit zips are a must, IMO.

We do hike and backpack, and the jackets we have work great, even the REI one.

Any of them long enough to cover your bottom and preferably long enough to sit on?

The ones I have are not quite that long. The OR one has zippers on the sides though which is nice for sitting as it doesn’t bunch up. That one is the longest on me and just covers my rear, but not when I’m sitting. I am short though and short waisted.

It would be a big deal for me to walk into Patagonia or Arc'teryx's flagship stores in London and buy the exact jacket in the colour I wanted for full price. Big money for me. I kinda want a Patagonia Torrentshell after reading this article, but it's way overkill for anything I'd be doing.

I love my OR coats. There are pit zips and side zips for sitting comfort. Hood is adjustable and good.

Where i live you need multiple coats.

I watch OR for sales and stock up.

Women's Aspire II GORE-TEX® Jacket

Some colors are on sale right now at rei $156 or at OR for $168

So an article determines to test rain jackets, but not one time mentions the hydrostatic head rating of the fabric?

Kind of important.

I've had an Arcteryx Jacket for about 15 years now, and have used the lifetime guarantee once. That part was nice, but I would never buy another Gortex anything. They don't live up to the hype. They need constant maintenance and when it does rain, I can't tell if they are leaking, or the damp feeling is from humidity. I was expecting a magic material, but that's not what I have. Certain parts of the jacket seem to bead water for about 1/2 hour and different areas are soaking thru. This was the experience on both jackets. Next one will be the cheapest thing I can find with pit zips.