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All of our testers appreciated the slightly elevated and function-oriented pockets on the Rab Kinetic.

When it is storming hard and you want to batten down the hatches by closing pit-zips and cinching the hood, a breathable fabric is paramount.

In the mobility portion of this metric, our review team compares how each model moves with its use or how restrictive it may be depending on the activity required.

A majority of waterproof breathable fabrics require a pressure differential to start breathing. Instead, it goes head-to-head with serious UL pieces like the Zpacks Vertice (6.2 oz. This doesn't mean they all perform at the same level, but they are all weather-resistant enough to be called waterproof.

However, for people who are likely to stow their shell in the bottom of their pack and only break it out for a few hours every other trip, it's hard to beat. A clip-in loop (for use after the jacket has been stuffed) is a nice feature that many climbers or hikers will appreciate and use at some point.

That said, you can buy a quality 3-layer hardshell for the same price, and we think its simply too much to spend for a jacket that will primarily be used as a backup/emergency layer. helium jacket research outdoor rei rain ii

Only one way to find out.

All the models we tested are technically waterproof but not all offered the same level of storm protection or resisted "wetting out" in similar amounts of time. A rain jacket needs to stand up to the demands of your activities - if it becomes ripped or shredded, no amount of features or special designs will keep you dry. Set yourself up for success and wear the minimum layers you can get away with to minimize overheating unnecessarily. Coming from their hiking-focused line, the FL is the lightest and most trimmed-down option at 7.2 ounces. The 30-denier ripstop face fabric feels surprisingly burly, and weve had zero issues thus far after a couple backpacking trips in Patagonia and subsequent use back home in the PNW while mountain biking. helium

While polyester is generally more durable than Nylon, thickness matters more. Besides the models we mentioned above, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, Patagonia Storm10, and the REI XeroDry GTX offered good DWR and resisted wetting out both over time and during a single day out in heavy weather.

It's our review team's favorite jacket, thanks to its overall versatility and performance. The only thing worth noting about this model is its ultra-slim fit aimed toward more technical pursuits.

Air-permeable is a new buzzword (and a technical term) in the outdoor world that is a design characteristic of a number of the new wave of stretchy, mostly proprietary waterproof-breathable jackets that have recently surged onto the market.

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This review features 15 of the market's top contenders.

These two fabrics were a cut above the rest when we were out on a rainy winter hike, where they were able to pass an impressive amount of moisture at an astounding rate.

Nine of the top rain jackets, ready for our testing. We considered over 90 different rain jackets before choosing the best in our review. These higher-end laminates are more expensive to produce, and when looking at Name Brand materials, you are not only paying for the "name" but also the years of engineering that went into it.

In terms of storage, the Outdoor Research Helium features only a single chest pocket, which is standard fare among many minimalist shells and windbreakers.

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The rest of us will be better off with the Helium. Our review team conducted our tests several times, comparing models with lots of ventilation options and compared and contrasted performance keeping vents completely closed, partially open, and completely open to best get a sense of how each model performed. rambler helium

The insanely light and compact The North Face Flight Lightriser FUTURELIGHT practically disappears in your pack.

Some jackets add larger fabric pull tabs to the zipper rather than small pieces of cord to ease operating with cold fingers or gloves.

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We also considered the ease of use of each feature, comparing cinch cords for the hood and how easy to access and adjust they were. The Stormbolt GTX's cut is less bulky than the previous Drypoint, but it is still boxer than many cuts in our review.

This is where stretchy fabrics and specific designs really stood out.

They are a little more expensive than the lowest-priced models in our review but provide a significant step up in performance.

With a 2.5-layer Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse build and thin materials used throughout, the jackets face fabric will get overwhelmed in a strong downpour and start to absorb moisture and press against your shoulders and forearms (this is particularly noticeable if youre wearing short sleeves).

To be fair, its still too early to confidently give it high marks on longevity, but all signs are positive. Slayin' some pow on Tye Peak in the Arc'teryx Zeta SL.

The effectiveness of each model's hood (of keeping our heads dry while not chafing our chins or cutting off our peripheral vision) varied wildly.

Photo: Testing and comparing the breathability of different layers while making a one-day ascent of Mt. Many of the contenders in our review weigh less than a pound, which is the unofficial benchmark for what is considered a lighter weight jacket.

The Helium is a true ultralight shell at a very reasonable price (most of the UL competition is at least $100 more expensive). The other advantage of most air-permeable models is how stretchy they are and the Kinetic offers excellent articulation, an athletic cut, and the stretchiest fabric we have ever seen. However, we prioritize quantifying the differences to go what you get (if anything) by spending more with the end goal is helping you decide if you'll get the most out of the best of the best or if you'll be happy with a model that will keep your wallet happy.

jacket helium rain outdoor research ii rei hoodie diamond journal mens You can get better protection for a similar weight with Arcteryxs Gore-Tex-equipped Zeta FL, but youll need to double your budget to do so.

Our selection involves a wide range of products, from the most storm-worthy to the most budget-friendly, while also selecting some of the best models geared for specific applications or with specific attributes like being the most lightweight and packable or facilitating the greatest freedom of movement.

No ads. The jacket also includes a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that nicely sheds moderate precipitation, has fully taped seams, and the water-resistant zippers at the front havent shown any signs of leakage.

All but the Columbia Watertight II feature ripstop material.

With that said, the critical bit to understand is that all of the products tested are water-resistant enough to use as a rain shell and all meet the technical requirements to be referred to as waterproof.

On my scale, a mens medium weighs in at 6.1 ounces, undercutting the listed weight of 6.3 ounces. Even the shoulder straps on a pack can damage the Norvans membrane, although we will use a light hydration pack with ours on occasion.

Pit zips generally allow more moisture to escape than core vents, which is a fairly generic term for mesh-lined pockets that you can leave open to let a little moisture out. But the chest pocket is a decent size for fitting an average-sized phone (its too small for the large iPhone 11), energy bars, and your keys (theres a plastic clip inside for securing them). What is an air-permeable fabric or jacket?

This is in both abrasion and cut resistance but also in overall longevity. Here, Mark M pushes the breathability to the max on a Marmot PreCip Jacket on a wet approach to Mt.

This review results from over 350 field hours hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, and just plain hanging out in wet conditions around the Pacific Northwest.

A new wave of stretchy air-permeable models has flooded the market, and it can be hard to keep track.

We recommend the be bold and start cold start or at least cool to the point where it takes you 5-10 minutes once you get moving to get comfortable. All told, for most sub-alpine summer adventuring, the Helium is plenty of jacket.

Purpose-built for trail running in cold weather, we put the Norvan to the test during a wet and soggy season in British Dont undo your bootlaces until you have seen the river. Its also worth noting that at the time of publishing, the prior-generation Helium II is still widely available. He has guided nearly 1,000 clients and helped them select gear for climbing, mountaineering, backpacking, and ski trips. We hope you enjoyed the review and that it helped you make your selection, until next time GearLab is reader-supported. This shell also uses 2.5-layer Pertex for its waterproofing, but the minimalist build manages to trim weight down to an even 6 ounces while retaining features like hand pockets and an adjustable hood. rei helium When you start working up a sweat, the 2.5-layer build quickly grows clammy, and there are no venting options other than the front zip.

Or some people might simply think, "I'm just hiking, I'm not climbing." This model is better suited for more aerobic activities (hiking, backpacking, ski touring, or anything moving) where its other benefits of non-stop breathability and incredible mobility are more important than absolute storm protection. I was also testing ORs Microgravity shell on the same trip, and its 3-layer build far outperformed the Helium (however, its double the weight and costs another $90).

Simply put, no other model can match the Zeta's across-the-board performance.

Weight is nearly identical between the two models (the Versalite clocks in at 6.4 oz.

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At some point, you can't shed any more layers under your rain shell while hiking with a heavy pack uphill and you're going to sweat no matter the outside temperature.

Jackets stuffed and ready to travel. Montbell is another leader in ultralight gear, and their Versalite Jacket is an intriguing alternative to the Helium. Another essential component of a jacket's water resistance is its Durable Water Repellent or DWR treatment. The Foray can handle it.

While these jackets weren't designed with sea kayaking in mind, that didn't stop our review team from utilizing a trip to the West Coast of Vancouver Island to put them to the test.

A well designed hood is one of the most important factors influencing how dry a rain jacket is going to keep you. As discussed in the weather resistance section, models with laminated membranes, whether name brand ones like Gore-Tex or proprietary ones, far outlasted products with coated membranes. While one pound might be a benchmark, the average weight in our review is closer to 12-14 ounces, with some models dipping down to an impressive 6-7 ounces an unfathomable weight even just five years ago. Editor's Note: This review was updated on May 24, 2022, to include newly added products, like the updated Rab Kinetic 2.0, the Patagonia Storm10, and The North Face Flight Lightriser FUTURELIGHT. This amounts to a 0.1-ounce drop from the prior model while retaining important features like an adjustable hood, hem, and chest pocket.

I do often leave the collar portion unzipped to avoid restricting movement, but its more than workable.

These models all do an excellent job of sealing out precipitation in all of its forms and have well-designed wrist cuffs and hoods that can be cinched down to help seal out the elements, keeping us dry. With proven Gore-Tex waterproofing, a thoughtful feature set, and premium build quality, the A great pair of hiking pants provides comfort, freedom of movement, the versatility to perform well in a range of environments, and durability over the long haul. Further, with cutouts under the arms, the Marmot offers superior breathability (again, the Helium has no venting options other than the front zip).

We've taken them skiing, backpacking, and even mountaineering.

Nine times out of ten, these jackets will keep you dry (or at least drier) all day from a drizzle to a downpour. In particular, we think OR did a great job with the hood design.

helium goodraincoats The Zeta offers excellent articulation and maintains itself as one of the better models when it comes to the range of motion and freedom of movement; however, more models are starting to offer materials that are stretchier and less cumbersome feeling.

One common misconception is that because a given model might be air-permeable, people assume it must be more breathable than a non-air permeable jacket (such as Gore-Tex or eVent, or other proprietary waterproof fabrics), but the truth is that this isn't always the case. For whatever activities you have planned, you'll want a jacket that moves comfortably with you and doesn't inhibit your movement.

Some models offered ventilation designs that were far better than others at allowing sweat to escape or keeping rain from getting in.

From beanies to baseball caps, each one of these jackets featured hoods that cinched down over a range of headwear, maximizing the hood's ability to turn with its user's head instead of turning into it though our hands-down favorite hoods were on the Arc'teryx Zeta SL and the Patagonia Storm10.

The Storm10 reverses into a chest pocket to help stow it. This isn't a big deal; however, for those who run hot or are commonly hiking in warmer rain (where this model's breathability will be reduced), something with pit zips might be better.

The answer is rarely crystal clear, as so much of it depends on the user and their intended use of the product. Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts.

Face fabric gets overwhelmed and starts to absorb moisture in strong downpours.

Lastly, after years of experience, we have come to find that jackets with fewer seams in the shoulders hold up better, especially if you plan to carry a pack regularly. Some folks don't like to use hoods in a more urban setting and consider an umbrella for truly wet days. I really like the fit of the latest Helium: Im 59 and 155 pounds and the medium has a nice, trim cut. helium

We weighted breathability slightly higher than ventilation because sometimes when it's really raining or snowing hard, opening your vents can make you wetter.

It isn't that more basic coated materials don't have any engineering behind them; they are just generally less expensive and easier to produce. Nothing like starting a trip on a very, very rainy day in Washington's North Cascades to learn a lot about different models and how they compare to one another.

), Marmot Bantamweight (6 oz. Theres also a fabric loop along the stuff pocket for attaching to a climbing harness.

As a result, we found the Stormbolt slightly less steamy inside than other high-end performers during high-energy activities and way more breathable than models that feature coated waterproof-breathable fabrics.

There are a vast number of hardshell jackets available Overview Enjoying the mountains to the fullest extent detailed review of women's specific models, The North Face Flight Lightriser FUTURELIGHT, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Top-tier stormworthiness, mobility and range of motion, hood design, long-lasting DWR, exceptional breathability, harness and hip-belt friendly pockets, Great weather resistance, long-lasting DWR, breathable, pack-friendly pockets, helmet-compatible hood maintains good peripheral vision, Super light, ultra compact, trim fit, great breathability, weather protection compared to others in its weight class, stuffs into a pocket, hood moves very well with its user, Great storm protection, above average breathability, no clammy feeling, packs tightly into reversible stuff pocket, helmet-compatible hood, less crinkly, Incredible price, Gore-Tex, solid weather protection, excellent hood design, weight and packed volume, No ventilation options, expensive, no easy way to clip to a harness, Average weight and compressed size, bulky cut, Average weather protection overall, no pockets, no clip in point on stuff sack, elastic wrist loops are basic, trim/athletic cut doesn't facilitate layering, Average freedom of movement, less stretchy than most other air-permeable models, fit, low handwarmer pockets could be more functional, Wets out quicker than other Gore-Tex models, two layer design isn't as long-lasting, clammy interior, This stormworthy and function focused model is exceptionally versatile and offers some of the best performance in our review, Top tier weather protection and breathability, coupled with an excellent set of outdoor oriented features make this one of our favorite models for soggy excursions into the backcountry, If you participate in activities where every ounce matters and you also need excellent weather protection and breathability, few can match this model for its weight, This jack-of-all-trades jacket offers some of the best weather protection and durability for an air-permeable model, One of the best values you can get for a piece of rain gear, this Gore-Tex model is packed full of functional features, 2-layer Gore-Tex Paclite Plus waterproof breathable laminate, 40-D ripstop (N40r) Gore-Tex Paclite Plus, Excelling across our board of metrics, it's versatile enough for outdoor activities and is lightweight and stormworthy, If days, weeks, or months of potentially damp time in the backcountry are possible in your future, then this notable stormyworthy model should be on your radar, Despite being one of the absolutely lightest jackets on the market, it still provides a respectable level of storm protection, mobility, and breathability, A tough, stormyworthy, versatile air-permeable model, It offers enough performance to keep almost any outdoor enthusiast happy, at a price that won't break the bank, A softshell at first glance, this ultra-stretchy, ultra-breathable model is perfect for aerobic cool weather activities, where mobility, an athletic cut, and top-tier breathability are necessary, With awesome ventilation capabilities, top-tier stormworthiness, and above average durability, this model is a great all-rounder, This is a classic, awesome do-anything piece, A decent all-around rain jacket at a respectable price, Great for those on a budget, this versatile model marries durability and stormworthiness, without being too heavy or costly, An ideal layer for fast-and-light trips, where every ounce of weight matters, While not the absolute most stormworthy, it strikes a good balance of weight, features, and performance, Satisfies the majority of outdoor enthusiasts with its excellent combination of durability and weight, With better breathability than similarly priced models, it's tough to beat, This model boasts a good price and adequate protection, but it lacks outdoor features present in other contenders.

We tested the revamped Helium in Patagonia and early spring conditions in the Pacific Northwest, and below we break down our experiences with the jacket.

Even though both nylon and polyester are hydrophobic, if they aren't treated with a DWR (or after the treatment wears off), they will "wet out"or become covered with a thin but continuous film of water and will frequently appear wet, hence the term wetting out. This is a columniation of a number of factors but generally refers to several design aspects of the jacket, particularly each model's hood, cuffs, pocket(s) front/primary zipper, pit zips, or other vents, and how well they keep water out.

For a major bump in comfort and weight savings, hikers and backpackers are now Marmots Minimalist jacket isnt new, but its combination of price and performance keeps it among our favorite rain shells year after year. The Helium uses Pertexs new Diamond Fuse face fabric, which boosts tear resistance from the prior model by a claimed 5 times (OR explains the testing process here). As a result, the OR is the better minimalist pick but the FineLine is arguably more versatile (and $24 cheaper). Rain creates three pounds per square inch of pressure being applied to the fabric; however, most waterproof breathable fabrics can withstand a lot more than that. Hood design is one of the most important aspects of a waterproof jacket.

Further, the hem can be cinched along the right side, and the hood adjusts evenly around the head and face with a single pull at the back. Still, in nearly all cases, the continuous film of water eliminates all breathability, and the wet-looking area will feel cold and wet, or clammy, from the inside and appear to look as if the liquid is getting through.

If you are getting into more burly weather, you might consider a hardshell jacket.

Most of the models in our review are already on the lighter end of the weight spectrum, particularly when compared to beefier 3-layer models.

Polyester is known to be stretchier and most times, more durable than a similarly thick nylon material. Excellent trim fit that works well with or without a midlayer.

Often times, it's a "just in case" layer, brought along in the event of an afternoon thunderstorm, strong winds, or a drizzle that is not in the forecast.

No ventilation designs proved capable of keeping more water out than the let in during heavy rain or even walking up bushy trails after a storm. The most breathable materials in our review were the Gore-Tex and Gore Paclite Plus. This is something to keep in mind as you might need to pack gloves for hand protection and a little warmth for times when youd otherwise be stuffing them into the hand pockets. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. Our favorites were the Arc'teryx Zeta SL, Rab Kinetic 2.0 and the REI Drypoint GPX, while the Outdoor Research Foray, Patagonia Storm10, and Patagonia Torrentshell scored not too far behind.

They will perform for example, if you are hiking uphill, and it's cold and rainy outside because there will be a big temperature difference. Pit zips let the wearer ventilate the jacket for high energy activities. Impressively tough given its relatively thin (30D) construction.

rei helium rain jacket research ii outdoor As the weather can change quickly and at times unexpectedly, it's these just-in-case packing scenarios when having a light, compact rain shell is useful, and there is less of a personal debate on whether to throw it in your running vest or the bottom of your pack. Remember, most people can even drench a lightweight t-shirt if they're working hard enough, and even the most basic lightweight synthetic t-shirt are significantly more breathable than any waterproof jacket we tested.

We also explicitly compare how well a model's hood maintained the peripheral vision and how it moved with our heads.

Breathability is an important factor when considering shells. Spanning the range of a decade, GearLab has tested a variety of products, including hiking gear and backpacking gear reviews. If you're warm before you start and you're taking part in any time of aerobic activity, you'll likely produce far more sweat than your jacket can handle and soak yourself.

When poorly designed, you'll face issues like obstructed peripheral vision, discomfort, and a lack of compatibility to different headwear. As mentioned above, it cinches in the back with a single drawcord but secures around both the side of the head and face (many simple hood designs dont also secure around the face). That said, its about 2 ounces heavier (exactly 2 oz.

When comparing different ventilation options compared to a given model's overall breathability, it is essential to remember that these two design aspects, while related, are not equally important. While some may not always feel like it all of these multi-layered fabrics are all breathable (to varying extents), meaning they all allow water vapor to be wicked through the material from the inside to the outside, where it can subsequently evaporate. Besides examining how effectively each model's ventilation options could dump heat and moisture, we also evaluated how much the vents could actually be left open in a downpour.

Like prior generations of the Helium, the latest model is not a standout in terms of breathability. For users who intend to use their shell climbing or nordic skiing, we recommend checking them out. Black Diamonds FineLine is an interesting alternative with its stretchy construction that undercuts it slightly in price at $135.

Check. When looking at the numbers, again more than half the jackets in this review don't have a static level of breathability and the exact amount of moisture you will pass will depend on your activity and the environmental conditions.

The Arc'teryx Zeta SL, Marmot Minimalist, and REI Stormbolt GTX offer our group's most robust weather resistance. The jacket stuffs easily into its own chest pocket and secures with a two-sided zipper. More price-pointed models use proprietary fabrics, often with coated waterproof membranes that'll do the trick but most frequently won't perform as well as a higher-end option. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. The Outdoor Research Heliums combination of $159 price tag, 6-ounce weight, and full waterproofing put it in a unique spot in the marketmost of its rain jacket competitors are either more expensive or quite a bit heavier.

For mountain biking, I only can tolerate wearing the Helium on the descents.

bivy helium research outdoor bivvy lightweight rei sack sacks person tent shelter pewter minimalist breathable backcountry solo backpacking tents face Shuksan, with Phil Wadlow shown on the summit. We tested the breathability of these jackets while hiking, backpacking, climbing, and ski touring.

If a jacket's handwarmer pockets are too low, they are rendered totally useless by the waist-belt of a pack or a harness and can pinch the wear's hips quite uncomfortably under heavier loads. We love the Foray.

The latest Heliumreplacing the IIsticks largely to the same formula with upgrades in durability and fit without impacting weight or cost.

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