Jackets with coatings are typically less expensive and lighter. Membranes generally offer better weather protection, breathability, and durability than a coating. Waterproof-breathable means that a membrane or fabric coating allows the moisture built up from sweating to escape through the fabric while it repels precipitation.
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Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Please share your thoughts on any of them or recommend your favorite backcountry rain shell in the comments section at the bottom of this review I try to respond to all comments. I think you’ll find one of them is just right for your dayhikes, backpacking trips, and climbing and other outdoor adventures-and you’ll find great deals available on some of them right now (see the links below).
Best raincoats for heavy rain how to#
I’ve learned how to distinguish the mediocre from the excellent. My picks are based on extensive field testing of all of these shells dayhiking, backpacking, climbing, backcountry skiing, and/or hut trekking-and on testing dozens of rain shells while hiking through soaking rains all over the world over a quarter-century of testing and reviewing gear, including the 10 years I spent as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine and even longer running this blog. This review spotlights the five best rain jackets for the backcountry and provides expert tips on how to select the right one for your adventures. Shop for a rain jacket for dayhiking, backpacking, trail running, or climbing in the backcountry and you’ll see shells for adults ranging in price from under $100 to over $500 and in weight from less than half a pound to over a pound-with just as huge and confusing a range of opinions on them from reviewers and consumers.