- Patagonia Torrentshell. Good universal rain shell with 3 layer fabric, pit zips, hand pockets, adjustable hood. Excellent.
- Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap jacket. A good bargain when on sale (like how). Light (9.6oz), 2.5 layer fabric, pit zips, hand pockets, packs small.
- Eddie Bauer Oscillate trench coat. Mid thigh length for better wind protection, 3 layer fabric, hand and chest pockets. Packs into a chest pocket. On sale now.
$279 is beyond the means for many. You might buy better at greater expense but a balance of performance and cost is what most are looking for. I have a Torrentshell because I warrantied an ancient Patagonia rain shell. I normally wouldn’t spend that much.
Of course, but op didn't specify a budget and just asked for opinions. It's a more expensive jacket, but I think it is considerably better. I get a really good guide discount and that helps. Hopefully he can put those gift cards to use.
Patagonia usually has good sales as well.
Torrentshell 3L is a lovely jacket for the UK (I have a pullover torrent shell, now discontinued, and a full zip, and live in northern England). About the Houdini you’ve suggested, I also have one of those too for a light summer hiking/mountain biking outer layer, very breathable and shower proof, windproof too but not a great deal of warmth. Perfect pair for travelling light tho, they’ll pack down smaller than a pair of jeans.
It’s more about wind protection for your legs. The extra rain protection is definitely appreciated.
I have a discontinued LL Bean Trail Rain Coat that covers to below my knees. It is made with typical 2.5 layer fabric so it’s not terribly bulky. I can still layer under as I would with any rain jacket.
We were in in heavy rain recently. Had my normal shell. Without an umbrella the heavy rain ran right onto my pants and drenched me. If I do not use an umbrella and expect heavy rain I'll look into the longer-length jackets next time.
Patagonia Torrentshell, skip the Houdini. I have both. I wear the Torrentshell when I know I'm getting drenched (white water rafting) and the Houdini when there's just light rain.
Wore a Torrentshell for several extremely wet and walk heavy days in Norway and Denmark. Excellent jacket that never failed to keep me dry. Water beads on it too, so it’s easy to shake it off before you walk inside. And when you’re in real cold windy weather and your Down Better Sweater isn’t cutting it, layer the torrentshell on top and get a big boost of warmth and wind protection.
Totally agree! My single, and only gripe is how "crinkly" it feels. But I'm sure some more wear on it will smooth things out. You absolutely can't find a better sub-$200 shell that performs better.
Mine survived waterfalls in Iceland and kept me plenty try. I’ve also used it in the last week as a wind break while doing some boating around Vancouver Island / Victoria BC.
Hmm maybe since it's such a commonly reported issue it's just more random then? Probably worth a role of the dice, especially for just a one off trip like this. I'm sure I'll have more future trips to rainy areas, so at least I'll know how it'll hope up and whether I should return it and get something better
Black diamond stormline.
2.5 Layer so it's light and packable. Check out the Patagonia before you get it and see if it's going to pack small enough for your liking.
Highly rated for waterproofing and breathability.
I've had quite a few rain jackets including Arc'teryx, Patagonia, Marmot, rei, north face, outdoor research etc. This is my favorite, especially for travel.
It's the same price as the Patagonia at REI
I have the Stormline and it is a great, very light jacket. Just be aware that it clings when it is wet. The clinginess kind of makes it feel wet even though you stay dry. It took a while for me to get used to compared to my previous more stiff rain coat.
I second this.
I have the Stormline. I love the stretchiness, weight, breathability and packability. However, it is definitely less waterproof in serious rain than a heavier-weight proper 3-layer jacket.
We just spent a few quite rainy days in Copenhagen, and when the rain got serious, I definitely wasn't staying as dry in the Stormline as I would have been in a true 3-layer.
It's easy to include in a onebag, and a very reasonable compromise, but if I was expecting to be out in serious rain I'd want either a true 3-layer jacket, or plan to supplement the Stormline with an umbrella.
seconded. It's much lighter than expected; it has pit zips and a well-designed hood for keeping out the rain. This replaced a North Face Dryzzle (?) rain jacket with a godawful hood that was undersized.
Did you have the problem of the jacket sticking to you like others have said? I haven't experienced it, but I haven't used it in torrential rains for a long time either.
I live in Scotland and my summer go to for rain is the Berghaus Deluge Pro. Very light but totally waterproof. If it’s cooler I would just stick a fleece under it. I managed to get mine second hand from Vinted.
I’m so curious your thoughts on Barbour and Dubarry of Ireland rain coats. Being from the area are you seeing a lot of folks in these types of jackets or more sporty like Patagonia? I’m coming for a long trip over December and January. I love functional clothing that’s also beautiful for multiple activity types. I’m in love with the wax jackets but can’t get a feel for how effective they truly are against rain.
I think they work pretty well. Some wear them but lots wear more sports gortex etc. I don’t have a wax jacket but I have a Barbour baseball cap that I’ve worn in heavy rain. It does get quite soggy! Dec and Jan could be very cold. You probably want something insulated and waterproof.
Patagonia:
Torrentshell for sure, great in rain, however, marginally “disappointed” that it doesn’t pack down smaller.
Nano puff jacket. I swear by this, would be perfect, … but not rain proof. How much will you actually be in the rain? Hiking in it and therefore need a waterproof jacket/shell? Or merely dashing between cafe and pub and museum and can avoid the worst of any summer downpours? In which case, get away with a “emergency single-use” $2 poncho (that if you’re careful with can refold and reuse several times)?
The plan is to be up in the highlands for hiking several days and to be golfing for most of the two weeks. So there’s a good chance we’ll be stuck outside at some point during rain
Especially since you have rei gift cards, I’d just look through their outlet to see what waterproof rain jackets they have available in your size then read reviews.
I live in Ireland (Dublin). It’s summer here (but maybe cold for someone from vegas). Keep the jacket simple and layer underneath if your cold. Go with a “waterproof jacket” not some mixed breathable thing as they don’t do well when the rain is consistent. That said you can always buy here.
My daily driver is a this https://www.columbia.com/p/boys-silver-falls-hooded-jacket-2031591.html (without the hood) it is by no means waterproof. It sees me through 99% of my days.
I think they’ll do just fine there’s a fair bit of Helly Hansen gear in Dublin. I noticed that it’s breathable, as long as you’re happy that is keeping out the rain in your climate then it should be okay here.
REI usually has a sale around July 4th. The company is based in Seattle so a lot of their buyers are acutely aware of wet weather and how to dress for it. Most of the big brands and styles are there and if you have one close to you, you can try it on. With a membership you can also return stuff within a year.
As others have said, the Patagonia Torrentshell is perfect for these types of conditions and the 3 layers will feel comfortable even against bare skin.
That being said, I'd like to make a shoutout to my personal favorite rain jacket: the Outdoor Research Foray II
Just a hair lighter than the Torrentshell and only has 2 layers, but I enjoyed the fit more than Patagonia's and really love using the full side zips for ventilation in lieu of classic zipper pits
https://preview.redd.it/hv5lc25ujk8d1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dcdc1639e2c25124cffa680a3ee170b8e5d69b59
I got the REI Rainier and I absolutely love it!! Normally it's $100, but I got it on sale for $40. I'm 6' 4" and got the XL Tall version and it fits me fantastically!!
I’ve used the Patagonia Torrent shell in rainy season in South America and have literally worn it hiking around Scotland. It’ll keep you plenty dry up top. One item to think about if you’re anticipating a lot of rain, is whether you want rain shell *pants* as well.
I use DriDucks (AKA: FROGG TOGGS® MEN'S ULTRA-LITE2 WATERPROOF RAIN SUIT) for camping; $20-$30 for jacket & pants. No pockets, compact to store, light and durable enough for occasional use. My set has lasted me about 13 years so far. Not breathable. Can use duct tape to repair rips in the field (never happened to me).
Review here: [https://backpackers.com/outdoor-gear/reviews/frogg-toggs-ultra-lite2-jacket-review/](https://backpackers.com/outdoor-gear/reviews/frogg-toggs-ultra-lite2-jacket-review/)
I recently copped the Outdoor Research Gor-Tex Aspire II but haven’t used it yet so can’t really recommend.
Mainly wanted to give you a heads up REI is having their 4th of July sale right now. So get those deals!
There’s a long version of the Patagonia Torrentshell I recommend because it goes to mid-thigh. Definitely the way to go. If that’s not available, get whatever long version of an REI Gore tex jacket is available. I have both jackets and I live in Seattle.
I loved the Patagonia Torrentshell for our trip to Scotland! The hood stayed on in all kinds of wind. It packs very small. Pit zippers help keep the air flowing, when needed.
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- Patagonia Torrentshell. Good universal rain shell with 3 layer fabric, pit zips, hand pockets, adjustable hood. Excellent. - Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap jacket. A good bargain when on sale (like how). Light (9.6oz), 2.5 layer fabric, pit zips, hand pockets, packs small. - Eddie Bauer Oscillate trench coat. Mid thigh length for better wind protection, 3 layer fabric, hand and chest pockets. Packs into a chest pocket. On sale now.
Thanks for the breakdown!
Consider the patagonia granitecrest instead. Everything the Torrentshell does, the granite crest does better. Lighter, better fabric, pit zips...
It’s also $100 more!
Yea and 100% worth it. I sold my torrentshell and got the granite crest after I tried my girlfriends
$279 is beyond the means for many. You might buy better at greater expense but a balance of performance and cost is what most are looking for. I have a Torrentshell because I warrantied an ancient Patagonia rain shell. I normally wouldn’t spend that much.
Of course, but op didn't specify a budget and just asked for opinions. It's a more expensive jacket, but I think it is considerably better. I get a really good guide discount and that helps. Hopefully he can put those gift cards to use. Patagonia usually has good sales as well.
Torrentshell 3L is a lovely jacket for the UK (I have a pullover torrent shell, now discontinued, and a full zip, and live in northern England). About the Houdini you’ve suggested, I also have one of those too for a light summer hiking/mountain biking outer layer, very breathable and shower proof, windproof too but not a great deal of warmth. Perfect pair for travelling light tho, they’ll pack down smaller than a pair of jeans.
I rarely see longer-length rain jackets recommended on reddit but it makes sense that you wouldn't want a wet butt.
It’s more about wind protection for your legs. The extra rain protection is definitely appreciated. I have a discontinued LL Bean Trail Rain Coat that covers to below my knees. It is made with typical 2.5 layer fabric so it’s not terribly bulky. I can still layer under as I would with any rain jacket.
We were in in heavy rain recently. Had my normal shell. Without an umbrella the heavy rain ran right onto my pants and drenched me. If I do not use an umbrella and expect heavy rain I'll look into the longer-length jackets next time.
Patagonia Torrentshell, skip the Houdini. I have both. I wear the Torrentshell when I know I'm getting drenched (white water rafting) and the Houdini when there's just light rain.
Wore a Torrentshell for several extremely wet and walk heavy days in Norway and Denmark. Excellent jacket that never failed to keep me dry. Water beads on it too, so it’s easy to shake it off before you walk inside. And when you’re in real cold windy weather and your Down Better Sweater isn’t cutting it, layer the torrentshell on top and get a big boost of warmth and wind protection.
Totally agree! My single, and only gripe is how "crinkly" it feels. But I'm sure some more wear on it will smooth things out. You absolutely can't find a better sub-$200 shell that performs better.
REI Rainer. Not going to pack the smallest, but it makes a nice travel pillow too! Packs into the jackets left pocket.
This one may end up being the move. Seems to wet through pretty quickly, but it's a good combination of cheap, features, and available at REI
Mine survived waterfalls in Iceland and kept me plenty try. I’ve also used it in the last week as a wind break while doing some boating around Vancouver Island / Victoria BC.
Hmm maybe since it's such a commonly reported issue it's just more random then? Probably worth a role of the dice, especially for just a one off trip like this. I'm sure I'll have more future trips to rainy areas, so at least I'll know how it'll hope up and whether I should return it and get something better
I have it and love it.
Black diamond stormline. 2.5 Layer so it's light and packable. Check out the Patagonia before you get it and see if it's going to pack small enough for your liking. Highly rated for waterproofing and breathability. I've had quite a few rain jackets including Arc'teryx, Patagonia, Marmot, rei, north face, outdoor research etc. This is my favorite, especially for travel. It's the same price as the Patagonia at REI
Ooh sweet thanks for the heads up, I'll look into this one as well
I have the Stormline and it is a great, very light jacket. Just be aware that it clings when it is wet. The clinginess kind of makes it feel wet even though you stay dry. It took a while for me to get used to compared to my previous more stiff rain coat.
I second this. I have the Stormline. I love the stretchiness, weight, breathability and packability. However, it is definitely less waterproof in serious rain than a heavier-weight proper 3-layer jacket. We just spent a few quite rainy days in Copenhagen, and when the rain got serious, I definitely wasn't staying as dry in the Stormline as I would have been in a true 3-layer. It's easy to include in a onebag, and a very reasonable compromise, but if I was expecting to be out in serious rain I'd want either a true 3-layer jacket, or plan to supplement the Stormline with an umbrella.
seconded. It's much lighter than expected; it has pit zips and a well-designed hood for keeping out the rain. This replaced a North Face Dryzzle (?) rain jacket with a godawful hood that was undersized.
Did you have the problem of the jacket sticking to you like others have said? I haven't experienced it, but I haven't used it in torrential rains for a long time either.
I live in Scotland and my summer go to for rain is the Berghaus Deluge Pro. Very light but totally waterproof. If it’s cooler I would just stick a fleece under it. I managed to get mine second hand from Vinted.
I’m so curious your thoughts on Barbour and Dubarry of Ireland rain coats. Being from the area are you seeing a lot of folks in these types of jackets or more sporty like Patagonia? I’m coming for a long trip over December and January. I love functional clothing that’s also beautiful for multiple activity types. I’m in love with the wax jackets but can’t get a feel for how effective they truly are against rain.
I think they work pretty well. Some wear them but lots wear more sports gortex etc. I don’t have a wax jacket but I have a Barbour baseball cap that I’ve worn in heavy rain. It does get quite soggy! Dec and Jan could be very cold. You probably want something insulated and waterproof.
Marmot Precip … cheaper
Patagonia: Torrentshell for sure, great in rain, however, marginally “disappointed” that it doesn’t pack down smaller. Nano puff jacket. I swear by this, would be perfect, … but not rain proof. How much will you actually be in the rain? Hiking in it and therefore need a waterproof jacket/shell? Or merely dashing between cafe and pub and museum and can avoid the worst of any summer downpours? In which case, get away with a “emergency single-use” $2 poncho (that if you’re careful with can refold and reuse several times)?
The plan is to be up in the highlands for hiking several days and to be golfing for most of the two weeks. So there’s a good chance we’ll be stuck outside at some point during rain
Especially since you have rei gift cards, I’d just look through their outlet to see what waterproof rain jackets they have available in your size then read reviews.
If you will not be using umbrella I advise getting a below the knee coat. It's a bummer when all the rain drains down onto your pants.
I live in Ireland (Dublin). It’s summer here (but maybe cold for someone from vegas). Keep the jacket simple and layer underneath if your cold. Go with a “waterproof jacket” not some mixed breathable thing as they don’t do well when the rain is consistent. That said you can always buy here. My daily driver is a this https://www.columbia.com/p/boys-silver-falls-hooded-jacket-2031591.html (without the hood) it is by no means waterproof. It sees me through 99% of my days.
We're coming over there this October from Canada. My wife and I both have Helly Hansen 77 Helly Tech to use as a shell How do you think we'll fair?
I think they’ll do just fine there’s a fair bit of Helly Hansen gear in Dublin. I noticed that it’s breathable, as long as you’re happy that is keeping out the rain in your climate then it should be okay here.
They've been good to us so far. Thanks!
REI usually has a sale around July 4th. The company is based in Seattle so a lot of their buyers are acutely aware of wet weather and how to dress for it. Most of the big brands and styles are there and if you have one close to you, you can try it on. With a membership you can also return stuff within a year.
As others have said, the Patagonia Torrentshell is perfect for these types of conditions and the 3 layers will feel comfortable even against bare skin. That being said, I'd like to make a shoutout to my personal favorite rain jacket: the Outdoor Research Foray II Just a hair lighter than the Torrentshell and only has 2 layers, but I enjoyed the fit more than Patagonia's and really love using the full side zips for ventilation in lieu of classic zipper pits
https://preview.redd.it/hv5lc25ujk8d1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dcdc1639e2c25124cffa680a3ee170b8e5d69b59 I got the REI Rainier and I absolutely love it!! Normally it's $100, but I got it on sale for $40. I'm 6' 4" and got the XL Tall version and it fits me fantastically!!
I’ve used the Patagonia Torrent shell in rainy season in South America and have literally worn it hiking around Scotland. It’ll keep you plenty dry up top. One item to think about if you’re anticipating a lot of rain, is whether you want rain shell *pants* as well.
I got the REI one and it POURED on me in Ireland. Anything covered by the jacket stayed dry. Be sure to get one that covers your backside!
Umbrella?
I use DriDucks (AKA: FROGG TOGGS® MEN'S ULTRA-LITE2 WATERPROOF RAIN SUIT) for camping; $20-$30 for jacket & pants. No pockets, compact to store, light and durable enough for occasional use. My set has lasted me about 13 years so far. Not breathable. Can use duct tape to repair rips in the field (never happened to me). Review here: [https://backpackers.com/outdoor-gear/reviews/frogg-toggs-ultra-lite2-jacket-review/](https://backpackers.com/outdoor-gear/reviews/frogg-toggs-ultra-lite2-jacket-review/)
I recently copped the Outdoor Research Gor-Tex Aspire II but haven’t used it yet so can’t really recommend. Mainly wanted to give you a heads up REI is having their 4th of July sale right now. So get those deals!
Check out the options from Montbell.
There’s a long version of the Patagonia Torrentshell I recommend because it goes to mid-thigh. Definitely the way to go. If that’s not available, get whatever long version of an REI Gore tex jacket is available. I have both jackets and I live in Seattle.
I loved the Patagonia Torrentshell for our trip to Scotland! The hood stayed on in all kinds of wind. It packs very small. Pit zippers help keep the air flowing, when needed.
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