Published August 20, 2021 05:00AM
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Be Prepared for Wet Weather with These Jackets
From light sprinkles to daylong downpours, these shells have you covered
Keep your run going longer with the right gear for inclement weather.
Arc’teryx Alpha SL Anorak ($375)
The Super-Tough UltraLight
Hot climates, fast and light missions, and mountains that rarely see precipitation call for wispy rain gear. This tissue-thin pullover fits the bill, with minimalist features like a single chest pocket and streamlined hood adjustment. The ripstop nylon feels tolerable in oppressive temperatures but is durable, thanks to liquid-crystal polymer fibers that Arc’teryx developed for its backpacks. That plus the three-layer design proved protective enough to withstand a multi-day deluge. 7 oz (men’s, pictured) / 6 oz (women’s).
Eddie Bauer BC Dura 3L ($279)
The Four-Season Workhorse
Light and supple enough for warm-weather hiking, this buttery shell also withstood wintry conditions. A contoured cut and stretch-woven nylon allow for freedom of movement, which we appreciated while scrambling up a fourteener. The hood fits over a helmet, and its three-layer construction and 20-denier fabric prevent punctures from sharp equipment or snags. The breathability and storm protection held up to hours of rain and snow without wetting out. 12 oz (men’s, pictured) / 10 oz (women’s).
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Under Armour OutRun the Storm ($100)
The Wet-Weather Performer
This jacket is water-resistant, but it lacks a membrane to seal out drizzle for extended periods. Still, we love it for rainy-day running, because the superior breathability ditches sweat during speed work, and the stretchy blend of polyester and elastane feels soft on skin. A DWR finish, articulated cuffs, and a protective hood keep showers at bay. It all adds up to a suitable companion for your daily endorphin chase. 12 oz (men’s, pictured) / 10 oz (women’s, pictured).
Rab Downpour Eco ($120)
The Sustainable Steal
Jackets that move the sustainability needle often come at premium prices. Yet this affordable 2.5-layer shell employs 100-percent-recycled polyester in both the face fabric and the waterproof-breathable membrane. Most important, the Downpour Eco really performs: the PFC-free water-repellent coating foiled daylong rainstorms, and the breathable membrane and zippered underarm vents kept clamminess to acceptable levels. It’s neither ultralight nor ultra-technical, but it’s an exceptional—and responsible—insurance policy against showers. 11 oz (men’s) / 10 oz (women’s, pictured).
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