staying dry
Two summers ago it rained every time we went out. After the 4th trip in the rain it stopped being fun. In fact, on that last trip it rained so hard our canoe got pushed to shore and we just gave in and set up right on the spot. It was an ugly trip, but a little suffering makes for good stories!
This is why proper weather protection matters. If you're going to be portaging or hiking in pouring rain and driving wind, or if waves are going to splash right down into your canoe, you want to be covered. It's just miserable without good gear.
Some things to look for:
Obviously, point number one is its ability to keep you dry. Look for rain gear made with high-quality waterproof materials such as Gore-Tex or eVent that will keep you dry in even the heaviest rain. It's also good to have breathable rain gear that allows moisture to escape so you don't get too hot and sweaty.
You want strong seams and zippers that can stand up to heavy use. Plus when you're backpacking, space is at a premium so look for rain gear that's lightweight and can be easily packed down into a small space.
Your rain gear should be adjustable to accommodate different layers of clothing. Look for jackets with adjustable hoods, cuffs, and waistbands to get a custom fit that keeps rain out. A good hood is essential for keeping rain out of your face and off your neck. Look for a hood that's adjustable and large enough to fit over your ball cap. Pockets in your rain gear are useful for storing items you need to keep dry, such as your phone or a map.
rain gear reviews
THE NORTH FACE Venture 2
Waterproof, windproof, breathable, lightweight and packable, the North Face Venture 2 rain jacket is durable. With an adjustable hood, cuffs and hem-cinch cord, it comes in a variety of colors. Designed with room for extra layers underneath, the jacket is a relaxed fit. It tends to run big.
Made from 100% recycled materials, the ripstop polyester DryVent shell is coated with a Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish. Sealed seams keep water out and armpit-zip venting adds breathability. This jacket keeps you dry in heavy rain showers, but struggles under an all-day hike in a torrent or storm. It protects you from the wind chill, but doesn't offer warmth.
Although there isn't a breast pocket, covered zip hand pockets protect your hands and valuables from the elements. The Venture 2 also packs into its own hand pocket, making it convenient to carry in your backpack when not in use. The adjustable hood isn't tight to the head to leave room for a hat, helmet or even a hoodie.
Care instructions say "hand wash only." If you're like most of us, the rain jacket goes in the washing machine with everything else and hangs dry.
MARMOT Minimalist
Waterproof, windproof, durable and lightweight, the Marmot Minimalist Jacket is a reliable Go-To for wet weather. With adjustable hems, large hood and pit vents, the jacket comes in a variety of colors. It's shape is quite rectangular and designed to accommodate layers underneath. Usually fits true to size unless you have an hourglass or pear-shaped figure.
Made from 100% polyester and GORE-TEX® Paclite® fabric with a Durable Water-Repellent coating, you get rain protection and wind blocking. The seams are 100% taped to prevent leaks and arm vents provide extra breathability. Zippered pockets keep personal items secure. This jacket keeps you dry through rainstorms, but struggles with breathability when it's humid. It does keep away wind chill, but it's designed to warm you.
Generous chest and hand pockets are zippered to keep personal belongings secure. The hood is large enough to fit a baseball cap beneath. There is no drawstring to tighten the hood close to your face.
Care instructions are "machine wash." Our friend owns a white Marmot Minimalist jacket and wore it for a wet, windy September hike. It was quite dirty by the end. She chucked it in the washing machine and it came out perfect.
Helly Hansen Seven J
Waterproof, windproof, and insulated, the Helly Hansen Seven J rain jacket is good for cooler and cold weather camping, hiking, trekking, and biking. The jacket comes in bright colors. As a regular fit jacket, Women's sizes run small. The ladies with larger hips may find the fabric snug and bunches when they sit.
Made from 100% polyester, the outer shell has been treated with Durable Water Repellency (DWR) coating. Rugged construction includes a quick-dry lining of both body and arms and fully sealed seams. The sleeve lining has a tendency to pull out when putting on the jacket, but back inside they stay put. There are no armpit vents and no self-pack.
The outer material is a little heavier feeling because the jacket isn't a light rain shell. It's a proper rain jacket for early and late spring or fall, or a layer in winter. With an adjustable hood and cuffs and bottom-hem cinch cord, you can customize the fit when adverse weather hits. In prolonged heavy downpours, you will feel wet.
There is a lot of Velcro on the Seven J and it's tenacious! The zipper flap Velcro caught on the cuffs' Velcro when zipping up the coat multiple times. If you pack the jacket without it zipped and the Velcro stuck down, the Velcro will snag and pull. It can ruin other clothes. The zippers either work marvelously, or they break, stick and jam. There doesn't seem to be an in-between period of minor annoyance.
Machine wash, being extra careful to zip up and stick down the Velcro. Tumble dry to reactivate the water repellent treatment. Some fading may occur on bright colors.
Waterproof and windproof, Helly Hansen's cool weather, lined rain jacket is rugged and durable.
GOT FEEDBACK?
If you've used one of the rain jackets I reviewed and you have something to add, I'd love to hear it.
Same, if you have a rain jacket you love (or hate) that's not reviewed here, tell me about it and I'll check it out.
