How to Pick Your Perfect Rain Jacket
“Rain, rain, go away. Come again another day…”
We learn that rhyme early and most of us never forget it.
This is quite telling. Even avid outdoor enthusiasts—those of us who explore in all seasons—don’t much care for rain. And we all know that even if the rain goes away… it’ll be back another day.
Don’t fight it. Embrace the rain. After all, rain gives us lush forests and rushing rivers. It turns to snow on mountain peaks and fills our lakes for water-based fun. Plus, especially during the spring and summer, rainfall is actually one of the easiest elements to escape. After all, when the weather is mild, if you stay dry, you’ll stay comfy—and stay out longer.
It all starts with the right jacket.
Rain Off, Sweat Out
Active enthusiasts need a jacket that vents sweat and sheds soakers. But all waterproofing is not created equal. The North Face’s DryVent™ is waterproof and breathable. Any garment with the DryVent™ label is seam-sealed and treated with a non-PFC DWR (durable water repellent).
(PFC, or Perfluorochemicals, can persist in the environment and even in the human body. They’ve been in use since the 1950s, are linked to many health concerns and are known to bioaccumulate. In short—you don’t want them near you.)
You’ll find three categories of DryVent™ in The North Face’s lineup: 3L, 2.5L and 2L. For spring and summer adventures, 2.5L and 2L are ideal.
DryVent™ 2.5L features a 2.5-layer construction, where the inner layer is finished with a dry touch print that raises the fabric off the skin to allow for fast transfer of vapour (sweat). You’ll find DryVent™ 2.5L in garments designed for fast, lightweight and active pursuits.
DryVent™ 2L is a two-layer construction that’s as effective as it is versatile—two-layer construction means it can be used in both insulated garments or lighter-weight wear.
Features to Look For
Once you’ve found a jacket with DryVent™, you’ll need to understand how certain features combine to keep you dry in the heaviest of downpours.
Storm Flaps: When the precipitation pours, zippers get tested. Storm flaps double-up on protection, covering your pockets and front zip and shedding the H2O away from your body and belongings. Barring a storm flap, water- and dirt-resistant reverse-coil zippers can also stave off heavy soakings.
Adjustable Hood: If your hood is flopping in your face, you’ll flip it off and get soaked instead. Make sure the hood pulls snug and locks tight via drawcords.
Drawcord Hem: Cinch your jacket up to stop splashes and precipitation ingress—no more wet waistbands!
Elastic or Hook-and-Loop(Velcro) Cuffs: As the DWR sheds the rain off your jacket, you need to ensure it doesn’t inch around the sleeves.
Top Picks for Rain Jackets
Women’s Valle Vista Stretch Jacket: Constructed with DryVent™2.5L, we love the built-in stretch to this versatile piece. Easy to wear while hiking, camping and paddling, this jacket has an adjustable hood, elastic drawcord hem and reverse-coil zips. Further enhancing its active-living function, Raglan sleeves—sleeves that extend in one piece fully to the collar—mean no bunching-up when you’re on the move. Also available in Men’s.
Men’s Antora Jacket: This midweight jacket uses DryVent™2L and keeps you extra dry with storm flaps, elastic cuffs, lockable drawcord hem and an adjustable attached hood. Inside, the recycled mesh helps circulate air and vent sweat. And we really love the classic silhouette and alpine-style design—it looks great even off the trail.
Women’s Antora Jacket: The women’s version of the Antora has all the same features as above, but adds a drop-tail hem for increased coverage and protection. It also comes in plus-size fits. The Antora comes in small sizes and fun prints for kids too.
Sustainability Matters
Along with non-PFC DWR, all three of the above jackets are constructed with recycled fabrics. One hundred per cent of The North Face’s top materials (polyester, cotton and nylon) are expected to be recycled, responsibly-sourced renewable or regeneratively grown by 2025.
The rain will never truly “go away”—and we don’t want it to. Rainfall is as important to the ecosystems we cherish as is the sun, the Earth and the sky. Once you learn to love the rain, a new world of adventure opens up. Trails are less busy. Scenery is more dramatic. The environment is lush, verdant and full of life—all because of the rain. Don’t let it stop you from exploring.
This article was sponsored by The North Face
To shop the Rainwear collection, click here: thenorthface.com
