There are also multiple patterns, so you can choose the right one for what you’re targeting. Not only does the jacket aim for sustainability, the function is impressive. All of the coats we tried looked very cool, but the sizing was some of the least-inclusive we encountered. Outdoor Research: One of my favorite brands of clothing, their Helium rain jacket is one of the best rain jackets for backpacking available. The hood was deep enough for most testers, and it repelled water just as well as other coats we tried. The Cotton Hunting Coat felt a bit heavier than our other men’s picks, but it was still light enough that we were able to move around in it comfortably. Krystin Arneson is a writer and editor based out of Berlin, Germany. Our picks won’t work for every body, but I researched more than 100 coats to find a range of size diversity. We love the idea of a single coat that can carry you through rainy days and moderate winter weather. We observed this with a magnifier—the coat had little fibers sticking up from the surface of the weave, and the more we washed it, the more fuzzy fibers we saw. And it folds into a pouch, so it’s easy to throw into a bag. Golfers who want a full rain jacket should consider linksoul Polartec and KJUS Dexter 2.5L Half Zip. Most of our picks are available in extended sizes. We looked for coats that worked for most seasons and wouldn’t cause intense overheating on a summer commute. Flaws but not dealbreakers: We tried the Cotton Hunting Coat in a range of sizes, including the XXL, which one tester found to be so tight in the arms that it was hard to move around. The Girl On The Go is the only coat we recommend that didn’t have adjustable cuffs, which made the sleeve lengths feel awkward for some testers. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below . Why it’s great: The simple aesthetic of the L.L.Bean H2Off Mesh-Lined Rain Jacket works equally well for commuting to the city or standing on a soccer field, and it’s comfortable to wear from spring through fall. Its tear resistant material and premium quality allows the gear to be used for long years. Our testers didn’t like the placement or design of the Moss’s pockets. How we test gear. The DWR (durable water repellent) puts it among the best waterproof jackets … review process here. (The jacket is no longer available as of fall 2020, but Everlane notes on its website that it may return in the future.). Although it comes in fewer sizes than the Columbia Watertight II, it was the next-best hip-length jacket we tested. But the detail-focused benefits balance that out, including the heat shield on the calves for more comfortable riding. Not only did our testers love the look of this coat, but they also found it to be significantly more breathable and better-fitting than coats from Stutterheim, another well-known brand from a rainy country, Sweden. I also emailed Kate Borgia, senior designer for outerwear at Eddie Bauer, and Dan Simon, outerwear merchant manager at L.L.Bean, to ask about the fabrics and features people really need in an everyday raincoat. And it holds up: wearers love how waterproof it is while remaining breathable, and the welded seams keep any extra moisture out. After consulting with Kate Borgia, Eddie Bauer’s senior designer for outerwear, and Dan Simon, L.L.Bean’s outerwear merchant manager, we settled on this list of essential features: Lots of sizes: Finding the best-quality raincoats in the most sizes was our top priority. The “ironclad guarantee” promises repair, replacement, or refund at any time if you’re not happy with an item; the company charges a “reasonable” fee to repair damage due to normal wear. Our testers didn’t have any problems with the fit (one recommended sizing down for a slim fit), but it came in fewer sizes than the Columbia and cost a little more. By using Tripsavvy, you accept our. Don’t put your rain pants on until you start to feel chilled (see “When to Put Your Rain Pants on” below). Look for rain gear with a sensible number of pockets. The Best Rain Jackets for Backpacking of 2020 A rain jacket is pretty much nonnegotiable as part of your thru-hiking kit, like a down or synthetic jacket. Without the liner, this trench is roomy but still stylish. In the rain, water rolled right off the H2Off jacket. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The deep hood and extra-long sleeves keep rain off your face and out of your hair, and the generous cut makes it ideal for layering over other clothing. Both are packed full of features: fully seam-taped construction, articulated knees for mobility, hem-to-bicep vents for poncho-like ventilation when it’s hot and humid, plus carabiner loops and pockets that double as stuff sacks when the storm lets up. The bib is available here. The H2Off’s size range was one of the best we found. Uniqlo makes several versions of its Blocktech raincoats in men’s and women’s styles. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. She also noted that breathability is less of a concern than with outdoor raincoats because people tend to wear them for shorter periods of time. everlane.com. Because it’s a shorter coat, the Watertight II is compact enough to keep in your car for surprise rain showers or to toss into your work bag on those iffy-weather days. Sure, it’s incredibly breathable and waterproof (down to the YKK Aquaguard zippers on the jacket and bibs), but what really makes it shine is the brand’s eVent fabric, which delivers on both those fronts while ensuring anglers have enough mobility to cast a reel and bend over to unhook a fish without any taut fabric or other restrictions on movement. With its light fabric and mesh lining, the Watertight II is more breathable than our other picks—none of the testers worried about overheating. We did expect the coats to keep repelling water perfectly after several washes, and all of the coats we tested did that. The dual front zippers allow you to quickly get your toddler in and out of the suit, while heavyweight nylon at the seat and knees add extra protection. Reliable availability: Since clothes are seasonal, we stuck with coats that had customer reviews going back at least a year. 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