The Perfect Rainwear for Every Type of Outdoor Adventure
Whether a light drizzle or a serious squall, rain has the potential to ruin any outdoor pursuit. Thankfully, a reliable rain jacket can provide the ultimate protection so you can stay outside longer and continue exploring, despite less-than-ideal conditions. From running errands to car camping and multi-day backpacking, The North Face’s innovative designs, proprietary technologies and wide range of features, like fully taped seams and adjustable hoods, keep you dry and comfortable in every situation and adventure.
The outer fabric of almost all rainwear is treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating that helps water bead up on the jacket and roll off the garment instead of seeping in. While traditional DWR coatings relied on per- and poly-fluorinated chemicals (PFCs) to give garments their water-resistant properties, The North Face began eliminating the use of these chemicals in their PFC-Free Future program in 2017 to minimize negative impacts on both the environment and the wearer. To further their eco-conscious efforts, The North Face also uses recycled nylon and polyester in many of their models, making them a trusted brand for outdoor adventurers who prioritize sustainable designs.
Bound to the outer fabric of rain jackets is an interior membrane that keeps water out, and this waterproof and breathable second layer heavily affects the performance of rainwear. DryVent™ is the brand’s proprietary technology that’s incorporated throughout its quality lineup of jackets and bottoms and is lightweight, flexible and breathable for a comfortable user experience. Whether in a trendy 2, 2.5 or high-performance 3-layer jacket, this waterproof layer is made of millions of tiny micro-pores that push moisture away from your body in active pursuits to keep you cool, without letting any water in.
Here are our top rainwear picks for every type of rainy-day outdoor adventure this summer.
For Urban Adventures
Antora Rain Hoodie
A rain jacket is a wardrobe staple for those of us who live in wet climates, like the Pacific Northwest or the Atlantic Coast. The relaxed silhouette and casual fit of the Antora Rain Hoodie allow you to easily bundle up with a thicker sweater on especially chilly mornings and evenings. With a stylish cut, the Antora Rain Hoodie also has two deep hand pockets, elastic-bound cuffs and an adjustable hem and hood that can be tightened to stop the elements from seeping in and loosened for when heat needs to escape. Plus, it allows you to stay highly mobile for everyday activities like commuting and walking the dog.
Typical of rain jackets with 2-layer constructions, the 100 per cent recycled nylon ripstop outer fabric is bound to a 100 per cent recycled polyester mesh lining that sits next to your skin to protect the waterproof layer from sweat and body oils. This casual, around-town jacket combines water protection with an everyday appeal that smashes the longstanding belief that 2-layer jackets are a budget-friendly option that has to be heavy and uncomfortable.
For Car Camping and Day Hiking
Valle Vista Jacket
Perfect for car campers and day hikers, the Valle Vista Jacket is a versatile option that comes loaded with features. The body of this 2.5-layer shell is constructed with 94 per cent recycled polyester and six per cent elastane, which provides built-in stretch for added comfort and a greater range of mobility for active pursuits like hiking, climbing and paddling. The raglan sleeves also create more room in the underarm area for less restricted movement. And unlike most hard shells, the elastane gives the Valle Vista Jacket a far less crinkly feel. Well-equipped to keep you dry and comfy, this rain jacket sports a form-fitting three-piece hood with an internal drawcord for a customizable fit, pit-zips to keep your body cool while on the move and during warm weather hikes as well as adjustable hook-and-loop cuff tabs to keep the rain out.
Built to be lightweight, the half layer in a 2.5-layer jacket is a thin coating that’s often sprayed or printed on to protect the inner membrane from dirt and body oils, which can negatively impact the breathability of a rain jacket. This thin coating helps to keep the weight down on a 2.5-layer jacket (compared to 3-layer designs) without having to skimp on features. Fully waterproof with high-quality finishes, the Valle Vista Jacket is a balance of price and performance, making it ideal for camping or day hiking.
For All-Around Adventures
Antora Jacket
Boasting a simple design, the Antora Jacket is a combination of solid weather protection, uncompromised quality and versatility. At an affordable price point, this 2-layer shell is an excellent entry-level rain jacket. And despite its lower price tag, the jacket still offers plenty of wind and rain protection for those who want something that’ll facilitate seamless transitions from the office to nature trails while still looking stylish. Its two deep handwarmer pockets are ideal for stashing your phone and keys while running around town, or a couple of energy bars for a casual hike. A storm flap on the center zip gives the jacket added protection against the elements on seriously wet days. Crafted with a sturdy 70-denier face fabric, the Antora Jacket stands up well to wear and tear.
Antora Rain Pants
Looking for even more protection? Gear up for a rainy-day hike with the matching Antora Rain Pants. Customize your fit with the elasticated waistband and internal draw cord. Plus, the lower-leg zip on these pants makes it easy to pull on or take off without having to remove your shoes.
For Backpacking
Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT™ Jacket
For the ultimate protection against the elements, look to the performance-oriented 3-layer Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT™ Jacket. Because 3-layer jackets typically incorporate a more substantial liner to increase durability and effectively keep sweat and oils from clogging the pores of the waterproof-breathable layer, they’ve been known to be less breathable. While traditional membranes like DryVent™ push moisture from the inside of the jacket outwards when high levels of body heat and sweat are generated during especially active pursuits in order to prevent overheating, air-permeable fabrics like FUTURELIGHT™ offer steady breathability regardless of activity and body heat build-up.
Boasting a minimalistic and streamlined design, its deep hood keeps the rain off your face even in severe conditions. And with an internal stow pocket and an average weight of 13.65 ounces, the Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT™ Jacket’s light enough for backpackers to stash in their pack, especially for those who require an outer layer that’s more rugged and durable. Plus, its stretch-woven face allows for more flexibility. A solid option for outdoor adventurers who prioritize breathability, this rain jacket delivers just that without being too heavy.
VECTIV Exploris 2 FUTURELIGHT™ Leather
The brand’s FUTURELIGHT™ technology can also be found in its lineup of hiking shoes, which offer equally breathable and waterproof protection on day hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. The leather uppers of the VECTIV Exploris 2 FUTURELIGHT™ Leather shoes provide increased durability and abrasion-resistance, and the foamy midsole adds extra comfort for long days.
This article was sponsored by The North Face
To shop the rainwear collection, click here: thenorthface.com
