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    • Best Rain Shells of 2019

    Best Rain Shells

    A rain shell jacket differs from a standard hard shell that would be used year-round and specifically for skiing in several ways. Since a rain shell is more of an emergency layer and not used as often as a standard hardshell it can have fewer features and be of lighter weight construction as it tends to spend more time in your pack than on your back. While a good rain shell has to still be waterproof and breathable, preferably with a 20/20k rating, packability is of high priority.

    For this comparison review, we put several rain shells through their paces and rated them on fit/mobility, waterproof/breathability, packability, features and overall value. We've highlighted the best of what we tested below so you get a concise overview of only the best rain shells out there. Several factors were considered, namely the jacket's price, the fabric used, weight, waterproof and windproof ratings along with features such as pit zips, handwarmer pockets and hood adjustability. 

    Best Rain Shells
    BEST
    RAIN
    SHELLS

    MONT BELL STORM CRUISER

    THE NORTH FACE
    DRYZZYL
    BLACK DIAMOND STORMLINE ARCTERYX ZETA SL OUTDOOR RESEARCH GUARDIAN WESTCOMB HELIO HOODY MONT BELL
    PEAK DRY
    RAB GTX MUZTAG EDDIE BAUER BC UPLIFT
    PRICE $299.99 $259.99 $199 $380 $260 $329 $359 $650 $259
    FABRIC Gore-Tex  C-knit Backer Gore-Tex Paclite
    shell
    BD.dry
    2.5L
    Gore-Tex Paclite
    Plus

    Ascentshell

    Pertex
    Shield
    3L

    Gore-Tex
    Active  ShakeDry  

    Gore-Tex Pro + Active

    Weather Edge Pro
    WEIGHT 284g 366g 282g 310g 388g 160g 185g 470g 180g
    WATERPROOF 50k 28k 10k 28k 10k 20k 50k 28k 20k
    WINDPROOF 35k 15k 10k 15k 30k 20k 80k 25k 20k
    PIT ZIPS Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No Yes No
    HAND POCKETS Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No
    ADJUSTABLE
    HOOD
    Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes NA

    Watch the following video overview to get a better understanding of each rain shell tested, their advantages and what we thought of them.

    SHOW THE REST OF THE REVIEW

    Eddie Bauer BC Uplift Jacket

    Eddie Bauer’s BC Uplift Jacket is the lightest waterproof jacket they have ever made and that we reviewed. It has an impressive 20K/20K waterproof/breathable rating thanks to their proprietary WeatherEdge Pro fabric and StormRepel Super DWR which is their longest-lasting moisture-shedding finish. When not needed it packs down into its own chest pocket and waits out the sunshine for inclement weather. While it doesn’t have many of the features of more expensive rain shells it gets the job done and won’t break the bank. The Eddie Bauer BC Uplift Jacket is a true minimalist rain shell ideal for summer hikes when the rain is threatening and you don’t want to pack along a heavy jacket that will weigh you down.

    Best Rain Shells
    Best Rain Shell Eddie Bauer BC Uplift Jacket

    Features:

    • WeatherEdge® Pro: Waterproof/breathable to 20K/20K
    • Seam-sealed 
    • StormRepel® Super DWR: Our longest-lasting moisture-shedding finish
    • Packs into chest pocket: Compact and ultralight
    • Adjustable hood: Fits with or without a helmet
    • Universal fit. Designed to fit over midweight layers.

    Fabric:

    Seam-sealed WeatherEdge® Pro nylon shell

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    PROS:

    • Crazy light and packable
    • Very reasonable price
    • Packs down into its own chest pocket

    CONS:

    • Clammy against the skin
    • No hand pockets
    • No cuff adjustments
    • Fabric is crinkly
    • Doesn’t feel that durable

    SPECS:

    Price: $259CAN / $199US
    Weight: Men’s - 189g / 6.7oz (M); Women’s - 150g / 5.3oz
    Sizes: Men’s - S, M, L, XL, XXL; Women’s -  XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
    Colours: Men’s - Pimento, Black; Women’s - Blue Smoke, Black
    Warranty: Unconditional Guarantee
    Available: Men’s and Women’s

    RATING: 7.5/10

    Fit/Mobility                   1.5/2
    Waterproof/Breathable  1.5/2
    Packability                     2/2
    Features                        1/2
    Value                             1.5/2


    Rab GTX Muztag Jacket

    Rab’s GTX Muztag Jacket is a full-featured, durable jacket that can protect you in the harshest environments. While technically designed for climbers the GTX Mutag will also work as rain shell for hikers and campers. The three-way adjustable helmet-compatible hood with its laminated wired peak and pack/harness friendly chest pockets means mountaineering, ski touring and climbing are all possible with the GTX Muztag. The body mapping design of the GTX Muztag places 30D Gore-Tex Active panels on the back, under the arms and around the neck (where you generate the most heat), while 40D Gore-Tex Pro makes up the rest of the jacket. This dual fabric use ensures optimal breathability while still maintaining full waterproof capabilities. All of this technology and these features come at a cost, both monetarily and weight wise as the GTX Muztag Jacket is both the most expensive and heaviest we tested. 

    Best Rain Shells
    Best Rain Shell Rab GTX Muztag Jacket

    Features:

    • GORE-TEX® Pro Waterproof Technology (40D) with GORE-TEX® Active panels (30D)
    • Waterproof Rating: 28k
    • Windproof Rating: 25k
    • Rab® 3-way adjustable helmet-compatible hood, with wired and laminated peak, roll down hood tab and wind collar
    • Fleece-lined chin guard and back neck
    • YKK® AquaGuard® Vislon front zip with internal storm flap
    • 2 YKK® AquaGuard® zipped chest pockets with internal securing clip
    • 2-way lightweight full venting YKK® concealed pit zips
    • Internal mesh storage pocket
    • Internal zip secure pocket
    • Anti-snag hook and loop cuff adjustment with knuckle protection
    • Elasticated hem drawcord with one-hand adjustment system
    • Reflective branding to chest and rear
    • Fit: Active

    Fabric:

    Fabric Outer - GORE-TEX® Pro & GORE-TEX® Pro 40D nylon plain weave with nylon microgrid backer,114g/m²
    Fabric Contrast - Gore-tex® Active & Gore-tex® Active 30D Nylon Ripstop with Nylon circular knit backer,101g/m²

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    PROS:

    • Great Durability, could be used as a ski shell
    • Incredibly waterproof with great breathability
    • Fully featured
    • Body-mapped dual Gore-Tex fabric used

    CONS:

    • No hand warmer pockets just two chest pockets
    • Heavy and bulky
    • Pricey 

    SPECS:

    Price: $650CAN / $500US
    Weight: Men’s - 470g / 16.6oz; Women’s - 440g / 15.5oz
    Sizes: Men’s - S, M, L, XL, XXL; Women’s - XS,S, M, L, XL
    Colours: Men’s - celestial, Dark Sulphur, Firecracker; Women’s - Ruby, Blueprint 
    Warranty: Limited lifetime
    Available: Men’s and Women’s

    RATING: 8/10

    Fit/Mobility                   1.5/2
    Waterproof/Breathable  2/2    
    Packability                     1.5/2
    Features                        1.5/2
    Value                             1.5/2


    Mont Bell Peak Dry Shell

    Mont Bell has used Gore-Tex Active with ShakeDry technology for the Peak Dry Shell which is a revolutionary waterproof/breathable membrane. This fabric places the membrane on the outside of the jacket with no face fabric to protect it so a DWR finish is not required and you can be guaranteed that the fabric will not wet out and continually beed water. You do have to baby the fabric and protect it from oils and abrasions since the membrane is not protected on the outer face. Which also means that the Peak Dry Shell breaths like no other jacket.

    The Peak Dry Shell is ideal as an emergency layer for light and fast mountain missions and trail running where a heavy pack is not required. Day-to-day use with a large pack can damage the exposed membrane so this is not the Peak Dry’s forte. Its lightweight and compact size meant it’s to be stored in your pack and pulled out for those situations where the weather turns on you. Cut from a single piece of fabric, Mont Bell’s innovative K-MONO CUT drastically reduces the number of seam lines required which means this eliminates places where water can penetrate, keeping the Peak Dry Shell waterproof and lightweight. 

    Best Rain Shells
    Best Rain Shell Mont Bell Peak Dry Shell

    Features:

    • Wireless In-earSuper-light. A minimalist model with a permanently beading surface requiring NO DWR maintenance
    • GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY Technology Water resistance: 50,000mm, Breathability: 80,000g/m2/24hrs (JIS L-1099 B-1 method)
    • 1 zippered chest pocket
    • Adjustable cuffs & hem
    • 3-way adjustable hood 
    • Original "K-Mono Cut" pattern designed to minimize seams and weight
    • Fully seam taped
    • 1 zippered chest pockets
    • Weather resistant Aqua-Tect ™ main zip
    • Reflective tape (main zip)
    • 3-way adjustable hood
    • Slightly articulated arms with adjustable alpine cuff
    • Stuff sack included

    Fabric:

    Gore-Tex® Active with ShakeDry™

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    PROS:

    • One of the most packable shells reviewed
    • Crazy light.
    • Stretch fabric allows for large range of motion.
    • Included stuff sac.
    • No DWR finish needed.

    CONS:

    • Since the waterproof membrane is on the outside of the jacket extra care needs to be taken to protect it from abrasions.
    • Shiny appearance.
    • No hand warmer pockets.
    • Durability.

    SPECS:

    Price: $329CAN / US
    Weight: 185g / 6.5oz 
    Sizes: M, L
    Colours: Gunmetal
    Warranty: Lifetime 
    Available: Men’s

    RATING: 8.5/10

    Fit/Mobility                   2/2
    Waterproof/Breathable  2/2
    Packability                     2/2
    Features                        1/2
    Value                             1.5/2


    Westcomb Helios Hoody

    Westcomb is known for their Arcteryx-like refinement when it comes to design and also their dedication to quality and so it’s no surprise that their Helios Hoody is second to none in either of these categories. While Helios was a Greek Titan God of the Sun, the Westcomb hoody by the same name will protect you when the sun decides to give way to light rains and deluges alike. Using a 3 layer Pertex Shield fabric for its impressive waterproof/breathable qualities, the Helios Hoody also provides a great range of motion thanks to Pertex Shield’s built-in stretch. With a slim appealing cut, the Helios Hoody allows you to still move fast and stay comfortable. Packing down into the included stuff sack the Helios Hoody is incredibly small yet surprisingly durable. While not fully featured, the Helios Hoody has you covered when the weather doesn’t cooperate there is no reason not to take it along on all your hiking, biking and camping adventures since it weighs next to nothing.

    Best Rain Shells
    Best Rain Shell Westcomb Helios Hoody

    Features:

    • Athletic fit
    • Chest pocket
    • Stretch cuff gusset
    • Stretch hem
    • Fitted hood
    • High collar
    • Waterproof Rating: 20k
    • Windproof Rating: 20k

    Fabric:

    Pertex® Shield 3L

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    PROS:

    • Sleek and refined design 
    • Lightweight and very packable
    • Built-in stretch allows for a slim cut with maximum range of motion
    • Included stuff sac
    • Enhanced next-to-skin comfort and not clammy
    • Made in Canada eh!

    CONS:

    • The front hem is cut a little high so the fit is not ideal for taller guys
    • No hand warmer pockets
    • Slim fit won’t fit over thick mid-layers 
    • No women’s version, sorry ladies

    SPECS:

    Price: $359CAN/US
    Weight: 160g / 5.6oz
    Size: S, M, L, XL
    Colours: Summit Blue, Black
    Warranty: Practical lifetime of the product to the original owner.
    Available: Men’s

    RATING: 8.5/10

    Fit/Mobility                   2/2
    Waterproof/Breathable  2/2
    Packability                     2/2
    Features                        1.5/2
    Value                             1.5/2


    Outdoor Research Guardian Jacket

    The Outdoor Research Guardian Jacket is a full-featured rain shell that comes complete with all the features one could ever want. There is the fully adjustable hood, pit zips, zippered chest and harness compatible hand pockets (of which one doubles as a stuff sac), built-in key clip, elastic cuffs and drawcord hem. This all comes at a very fair price and is, of course, made up of waterproof/breathable fabric. Outdoor Research chose to use their proprietary Acentshell 3L fabric which is more breathable than most other waterproof fabrics and has some built-in stretch to maximize the Guardian Jacket's range of motion. With all these features, the Guardian is not the most packable jacket tested nor the one with the most curb appeal, but it does offer up a lot for very few greenbacks.

    Best Rain Shells
    Best Rain Shell Outdoor Research Guardian Jacket

    Features:

    • Acentshell™ 3L: Waterproof/Windproof/Breathable 
    • Waterproof Rating: 10k
    • Windproof Rating: 30k
    • Air Pearmeable
    • Lightweight
    • Fully Seam-Taped
    • Laminated Construction
    • Movement-Mirroring Stretch
    • Fully Adjustable Hood
    • YKK AquaGuard Zippers with external Front Storm flap
    • Pit Zips
    • Zip Chest Pocket
    • Zip Hand Pockets
    • Left-Hand Pocket Doubles as Stuff Sack
    • Carabiner Loop
    • Key Clip
    • Pocket Placement Above Harness
    • Elastic Cuffs with hook/Loop Cuff Closure
    • Elastic Drawcord Hem

    Fabric:

    Acentshell™ 3L: 50D mechanical stretch plain weave with 100% polyester 30D backer

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    PROS:

    • Enhanced next-to-skin comfort and not clammy
    • Built-in stretch for maximum range of motion
    • Lightweight and very packable
    • Pockets have mesh backing to help vent moisture and heat
    • The left-hand pocket doubles as a stuff sack for the jacket

    CONS:

    • Storm flap on main zipper seems redundant and out of date
    • Design/colours are not that appealing
    • Not a waterproof as others but much more breathable

    SPECS:

    Price:  $260CAN / $199US
    Weight: Men’s - 388g / 13.7oz (L); Women’s - 340g / 12oz
    Sizes: Men’s - S, M, L, XL; Women’s -  XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
    Colours: Men’s - Black, Baltic, Storm, Tomato, Seaweed; Women’s - Washed Peacock, Storm, Black, Purple Haze
    Warranty: Lifetime 
    Available: Men’s and Women’s

    RATING: 8.5/10

    Fit/Mobility                   2/2
    Waterproof/Breathable  1.5/2        
    Packability                     1.5/2
    Features                         2/2
    Value                              1.5/2


    Arcteryx Zeta SL Jacket  

    Arcteryx used Gore-Tex’s new PacLite Plus waterproof/breathable fabric for their Zeta SL Jacket (SL standing for Superlight). This superlight material is extremely packable without giving up many features that you want on outdoor adventures when the weather turns. It’s a hiking and trekking shell that is there when you need it yet it won’t take up much space in your pack on sunny days. While not the most minimal or lightweight rain shell we reviewed it achieves an optimal balance between quality, durability, and weight. In classic Arcteryx form, the Zeta SL is on the higher end of price but also quality.

    Best Rain Shells
    Best Rain Shell Arcteryx Zeta SL Jacket

    Features:

    • PACLITE® Plus technology provides improved next to skin comfort and superior packability
    • Waterproof Rating: 28k
    • Windproof Rating: 15k
    • Water tight main zipper
    • Sealed waterproof hand pocket zippers
    • Adjustable hood
    • Adjustable hem and cuffs
    • Minimalist design and fully articulated patterning provides optimal fit and freedom of movement
    • Non-helmet compatible StormHood secures with a halo adjuster

    Fabric:

    N40r GORE-TEX® 2L with PACLITE® Plus product

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    PROS:

    • Impressive packability with out omitting all features
    • Enhanced next-to-skin comfort and not clammy
    • Very Waterproof
    • Great Durability, could be used as a ski shell

    CONS:

    • No pit zips for ventilation 
    • Breathability could be better
    • Pricey

    SPECS:

    Price: $380CAN / $299US
    Weight: Men’s - 310g / 10.9oz (M);
    Women’s -  270g / 9.5oz (S)
    Size: Men’s - XS- XXL; Women’s -  XS-XL
    Colours: Men’s - Dark
    Frioza, Robotica, Trail Blaze, Yukon, Labyrinth, Black; Women’s - Awestruck, Lolite, Robotica, Electrolyte, Theanine, Black
    Warranty: Limited for the practical lifespan of the product.
    Available: Men’s and Women’s

    RATING: 8.5/10

    Fit/Mobility                   2/2        
    Waterproof/Breathable  1.5/2
    Packability                     2/2
    Features                        1.5/2
    Value                             1.5/2


    Black Diamond Stormline Rain Shell  

    Black Diamond’s new Stormline jacket is a full-featured rain shell that won’t break the bank. At only $199CAN / $149US, you get adjustable cuffs, hem; climbing-helmet-compatible hood, YKK reverse coil PU coated front zipper, pit zips for ventilation and it all packs down into the right-hand pocket for safe storage and there is even a built-in carabiner clip loop. The StormLine’s underarm gussets and the ultra-stretchy BD.dry 2.5L fabric enhance mobility while still being durable yet waterproof, breathable and windproof. While not as waterproof/breathable as some jackets tested the Stormline made up for this with its complete feature set, more than reasonable price, lifetime guarantee and contemporary colour options for both men and women. Given its lightweight and compact nature, the Stormline is ideal for camping, hiking adventures and just cruising around town on stormy days. If you crave quality but have a limited budget than Black Diamond Stormline Rain Shell may be the one for you.

    Best Rain Shells
    Best Rain Shell Black Diamond Stormline Rain Shell

    Features:

    • Built with BD.dry waterproof/breathable/windproof
    • Waterproof Rating: 20k
    • Windproof Rating:10k 
    • Stretch shell fabric increases durability and comfort
    • Pit zips for ventilation
    • Underarm gussets for added mobility
    • Adjustable, climbing-helmet-compatible hood
    • YKK reverse coil PU coated centre front zipper
    • Packs into the right-hand pocket with carabiner clip loop
    • Adjustable cuffs and hem

    Fabric:

    BD.dry™ 2.5L with DWR Finish: 100% Nylon

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    PROS:

    • Great stretch and range of motion
    • You get a lot for the price
    • Contemporary colour choices
    • Adjustable hood with rigid brim

    CONS:

    • BD.dry not as waterproof/ breathable as other fabrics
    • Clammy against the skin
    • Pit zips could be longer

    SPECS:

    Price: $199CAN / $149US
    Weight: Men’s - 282g / 9.9oz; Women’s - 247g / 8.7oz
    Sizes: Men’s - XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL; Women’s -  XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
    Colours: Men’s - Ash, Captain, Aloe, Black, Kingfisher, Dark Clay, Hyper Red, Dark
    Forest; Women’s - Aluminum, Captain, Black, Ocean, Paintbrush, Aegean, Spruce, Wild Rose, Sunflare
    Warranty: Full Lifetime Guarantee 
    Available: Men’s and Women’s

    RATING: 9/10

    Fit/Mobility                   1.5/2        
    Waterproof/Breathable  1.5/2
    Packability                     2/2
    Features                        2/2
    Value                             2/2


    The North Face Dryzzyl Jacket 

    It’s hard to tell if The North Face’s Dryzzyl Jacket is meant for the urban life given its great looks and refined style—or if it’s for serious adventures since it’s one tough weatherproof rain shell. Turns out it’s both. With Gore-Tex Paclite fabric you are guaranteed to stay dry (literally) and when not needed the Dryzzl will pack down impressively well considering all the features it boasts. Pit-zips for extra ventilation, adjustable wrist cuffs & hood, a cinch-cord at the waist and secure zip-up pockets are but a few of the features packed into the Dryzzl Jacket. The Grey Heather version that I have been testing has to be the most versatile rain shell tested when it comes to aesthetics, you could easily wear this jacket to a business meeting on Bay St and then head to the hills for a mid-day hike. While not the lightest nor most packable option I reviewed it does provide a more economical version to the similar Zeta SL Jacket from Arcteryx.

    Best Rain Shells
    Best Rain Shell The North Face Dryzzyl Jacket

    Features:

    • Waterproof, breathable, seam-sealed Gore-Tex® Paclite® shell
    • Waterproof Rating: 28k
    • Windproof Rating: 15k
    • 100% windproof fabric
    • Adjustable hood
    • Snap-close stormflap covers front zipper
    • Lightweight, media-compatible jacket
    • Secure-zip, polyurethane (PU) chest pocket
    • Pit-zip venting for added breathability
    • Covered, secure-zip hand pockets
    • Velcro® adjustable cuff tabs
    • Hem cinch-cord

    Fabric:

    Gore-Tex® Paclite® shell

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    PROS:

    • Refined look for city or mountain wear
    • Full features
    • Enhanced next-to-skin comfort and not clammy
    • Very Waterproof
    • Great Durability, could be used as a ski shell

    CONS:

    • Not as breathable as other waterproof fabrics
    • Doesn’t pack down as much as other shells

    SPECS:

    Price: $259.99CAN / $199.99US
    Weight: Men’s - 366g / 12.91oz; Women’s - 317g / 11.2oz
    Sizes: Men’s - XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL; Women’s -  XS, S, M, L, XL
    Colours: Men’s - TNF Black, Medium Grey Heather, Urban Navy; Women’s - TNF Black, Medium Grey Heather
    Warranty: Lifetime Guarantee
    Available: Men’s and Women’s

    RATING: 9/10

    Fit/Mobility                   2/2
    Waterproof/Breathable  1.5/2
    Packability                     1.5/2
    Features                         2/2
    Value                              2/2 
       


    Mont Bell Storm Cruiser Jacket

    Lightweight, storm resistance and full of features—pretty much sums up the Mont Bell Storm Cruiser Jacket. Using Gore-Tex with a C-knit backer, you can be assured the Storm Cruiser will keep you dry, breath well and most importantly not be clammy against bare skin. When you crank up the cardio and heat begins to build the Storm Cruiser’s pit zips come in very handy and if the sun happens to shine then it will pack down into the super small stuff sack that Mont Bell thoughtfully included. Unlike other lightweight rain shells, Mont Bell’s Storm Cruiser can take the abuse of epic adventures and constant use and is still light enough to toss in your day pack for every quick hike. It’s really hard to find anything bad to say about the Storm Cruiser but if I had to be really picky then the other thing I could gripe about is the crinkly texture to the jacket’s fabric—but again, this is being super picky. 

    Best Rain Shells
    Best Rain Shell Mont Bell Storm Cruiser Jacket

    Features:

    • 3 layer 20 denier fabric with Gore-Tex C-knit backer
    • Water resistance 50,000mm 
    • Breathability: 35,000g/m2/24hrs (JIS L-1099 B-1 method)
    • Zippered hand pockets
    • Pit zips
    • Adjustable cuffs & hem
    • 3-way adjustable hood 

    Fabric:

    Gore-Tex®  C-knit™ Backer

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    PROS:

    • Stuff Sac included
    • Packs down small
    • Full of features
    • Very waterproof and breathable
    • Comfortable against skin and not clammy.
    • 3-way adjustable hood 

    CONS:

    • Fabric is crinkly

    SPECS:

    Price: $299CAN / US
    Weight: Men’s - 284g/10oz;
    Women’s - 255g/9oz
    Sizes: Men’s - S, M, L, XL, XXL;
    Women’s -  XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
    Colours: Men’s - Primary Blue, Black, Olive Green, Mustard, Red; Women’s - Orange Red, Turquoise, Shale
    Warranty: Lifetime 
    Available: Men’s and Women’s

    RATING: 9.5/10

    Fit/Mobility                     2/2            
    Waterproof/Breathable    2/2
    Packability                      2/2
    Features                          2/2
    Value                              1.5/2


    Best Rain Shells

    Verdict:

    Best Fit / Mobility
    Good fit is essential in a rain shell, however, this is subjective to each individual and their body size. Each rain shell tested was a size medium and I weigh 180lb and am 6'1" tall to give you a frame of reference. Most rain shells fit really well except for the lack of adjustability on the Eddie Bauer BC Uplift Jacket, the more roomy fit of the Rab GTX Mustag and the high front cut on the Westcomb Helios Hoody. Mobility on the other hand has to do primarily with the fabric's ability to stretch and move with you as you do. This is where the Pertex Shield farbic on the Westcomb Helios Hoody did really well, along with the Arcteryx's Zeta SL and Mont Bell's Storm Cruiser. The top three rain shells go to the Outdoor Research Guardian jacket, The North Face's Drizzl Jacket and the Mont Bell Peak Dry with its Shake dry waterproof/breathable membrain on the exterior of the jacket.


    Most Waterproof / Breathable
    Most of the high-end rain shells tested used some form of Gore-Tex fabric, be it Pro Shell, Packlite or Shake Dry. There were a few, however, that used their own proprietary fabrics such as Black Diamond's BD.dry, Outdoor Research's Ascentshell and Eddie Bauer's Weather Edge Pro. This enables those brands to keep the jacket's overall price down and make them more appealing to buyers. Westcomb, on the other hand, opted for Pertex Shield since it's light, compact and still highly waterproof/breathable. The rain shells that came out on top for waterproof/breathable performance were the Mont Bell Storm Cruiser and Peak Dry, Rab GTX Mustag and Westcomb's Helios Hoody.


    Best Packability
    Since a rain shell spends the vast majority of the time stuffed in your pack it's important that it is not too bulky and can pack down to a small size. Jackets with extensive features and more durable fabrics tend to be heavier and less compact and therefore don't rate as highly in this category. The top rain shells for packability are the Black Diamond Stormline, Westcomb Helios Hoody, Eddie Bauer BC Uplift and Mont Bell Storm Cruiser with honourable mentions going out to the Mont Bell Peak Dry and Arcteryx Zeta SL.

    Most Features
    The three highest-rated rain shells in this review, not surprisingly also provided the most features of any jackets tested—they are the Mont Bell Stork Cruiser, The North Face Drizzl and Black Diamond's Stormline Jacket. The features found on these winning rain shells include pit zips, adjustable hood, cuffs and hand warmer pockets to name a few. Some of the rain shells we tested left out key features in order to streamline their jackets or keep the price reasonable but fewer features means a lower overall score.

    Best Value
    Value is defined as the benefit something provides relative to its price, big benefits with a low price are ideal and the lowest price does not always mean the best product. With this in mind, it's easy to see why the Black Diamond Stormline is far-and-away the best value of all the rain shells tested. It provides all the features you'll ever want at a down to earth price. The North Face's Dryzzl Jacket is a close second but a little pricier and while Eddie Bauer's BC Uplift Jacket is priced similarly it doesn't offer nearly the extensive feature set of these other two rain shells. While we did test higher-end rain shells their price tends to skyrocket along with the quality.
    BEST
    RAIN
    SHELLS
    MONT BELL STORM CRUISER NORTH FACE DRYZZL BLACK DIAMOND
    STORMLINE 
    ARCTERYX
    ZETA
    SL 
    OUTDOOR
    RESEARCH
    GUARDIAN 
    WESTCOMB HELIOS HOODY MONT BELL PEAK DRY RAB GTX MUSTAG EDDIE BAUER BC UPLIFT
    BEST FIT/MOBILITY 2/2 2/2 1.5/2 2/2 2/2 1.5/2 2/2 1.5/2 1.5/2
    MOST WATERPROOF / BREATHABLE 2/2 1.5/2 1.5/2 1.5/2 1.5/2 2/2 2/2 2/2 1.5/2
    BEST PACKABILITY 2/2 1.5/2 2/2 2/2 1.5/2 2/2 2/2 1.5/2 2/2
    MOST FEATURES 2/2 2/2 2/2 1.5/2 2/2 1.5/2 1/2 1.5/2 1/2
    BEST VALUE 1.5/2 2/2 2/2 1.5/2 1.5/2 1.5/2 1.5/2 1.5/2 1.5/2
    RATING 9.5/10 9/10 9/10 8.5/10 8.5/10 8.5/10 8.5/10 8/10 7.5/10

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    Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in below and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation. You'll need to login or register before you can comment but it only takes a few seconds, then you're good to go.

    • Jenn Sabean
      September 17, 2019 09:21
      #
      Thanks for this super helfpul and timely review! I was just waffling between a MEC and Pagaonia rain jacket (which weren't brands included here), but found this breakdown so useful it swayed me to try Black Diamond's Stormline which seems great.
      • Backcountry Skiing Canada Admin
        October 9, 2019 12:16
        #
        Hey Jenn, glad to hear you found our review helpful. It's always difficult to determine the best gear for the money so this is what we aim to simplify with our Best Of reviews. Stay tuned for a few more this winter on Mid Layers and Micro Down Jackets. We hope you enjoy the  Black Diamond Stormline Jacket as much as we did.

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