The best wind and rain gear for sports and outdoors in 2023 is essential for any athlete or adventurer. From jackets and pants to hats and gloves, this gear will keep you dry and comfortable no matter the weather.
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Wind and Rain Sports and Outdoors:Columbia Men’s Watertight II Jacket
When the forecast says rain, don’t let that stop you from enjoying the great outdoors. The Columbia Men’s Watertight II Jacket will keep you dry while you’re out on the trail or enjoying a weekend camping trip. This jacket is made with Columbia’s Omni-Tech waterproof and breathable technology, so you’ll stay dry and comfortable even when the weather is at its worst. The fully seam-sealed construction ensures that no water will get in, and the adjustable hood and hem help to seal out the elements. The Watertight II Jacket also features two zippered hand pockets, so you can keep your essentials close at hand. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just out for a walk in the rain, the Columbia Men’s Watertight II Jacket will help you stay dry and comfortable.
Marmot Men’s PreCip Jacket
Marmot Men’s PreCip Jacket is one of the best rain jackets on the market. It’s made with a waterproof/breathable fabric that keeps you dry and comfortable in wet weather, and it has a host of features that make it ideal for backpacking, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The PreCip is lightweight and packable, so it’s easy to take with you on any adventure. It has a hood that can be adjusted for a snug fit, and pit zips that allow you to ventilate when you start to heat up. The PreCip also has a water-resistant front zip and pockets that keep your belongings dry. This jacket is an essential piece of gear for anyone who loves spending time outdoors, and it’s sure to keep you dry and comfortable in all kinds of weather.
The North Face Men’s Venture Jacket
The North Face Men’s Venture Jacket is one of the best rain jackets on the market. It’s made with a waterproof, breathable, and seam-sealed Gore-Tex shell that will keep you dry in the most extreme conditions. The Venture also has a detachable, adjustable hood with a drawcord hem that blocks out wind and rain. The pit zips allow for ventilation, and the front zip has a Velcro storm flap. The Venture has two hand pockets, an internal zippered pocket, and an external Napoleon chest pocket. The jacket is available in several colors, and it fits true to size.
Patagonia Men’s Torrentshell Jacket
Patagonia Men’s Torrentshell Jacket is one of the best rain jackets on the market. It’s made with a waterproof/breathable fabric that keeps you dry in the heaviest downpours, and it has a super lightweight design that makes it easy to pack away when the sun comes out. The Torrentshell also features pit zips for ventilation, a hood that stows away in the collar, and adjustable cuffs and hem. All of these features make the Torrentshell an outstanding rain jacket for backpacking, hiking, or just about any other outdoor activity.
The only downside to the Patagonia Men’s Torrentshell Jacket is that it’s not cheap. But if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line rain jacket, the Torrentshell is definitely worth the investment.
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket – Men’s
The REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket is a great value for the money. It’s a simple, lightweight rain jacket that does an admirable job of keeping you dry in moderate rain. It’s not the most breathable rain jacket out there, so it’s not ideal for strenuous activity in warm weather, but it’s a good choice for casual use or as a backup rain jacket on backpacking and camping trips.
The Rainier is made from REI’s proprietary Eco-Shell fabric, which is a 3-layer laminate that’s waterproof and windproof. The fabric is treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to help shed water and dirt. The seams are taped to further reduce water infiltration. The hood is adjustable and can be rolled up and stowed away when not in use. The front zipper has a storm flap to keep out the elements, and the cuffs are adjustable with Velcro tabs. There are two zippered hand pockets and one zippered chest pocket, all of which have mesh linings to help ventilate the interior of the jacket.
The Rainier weighs in at 15 ounces (425 grams), which makes it one of the lighter rain jackets in its class. It packs down small enough to fit easily into a backpack or daypack, making it a good choice for backpacking and camping trips.
Overall, the REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket is a great value for the money. It’s a simple, lightweight rain jacket that does an admirable job of keeping you dry in moderate rain. While it’s not the most breathable rain jacket out there, it’s a good choice for casual use or as a backup rain jacket on backpacking and camping trips.
Mountain Hardwear Men’s Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket
Mountain Hardwear’s Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket is one of the lightest and most packable down jackets on the market. It’s filled with 800-fill goose down and has a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to help keep you dry in inclement weather. TheGhost Whisperer Down Jacket also has a hood that can be cinched down to protect your head and face from the elements. It’s available in men’s and women’s sizes and comes in a variety of colors.
Weighing in at just over 7 ounces, the Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket is one of the lightest down jackets available. It’s filled with 800-fill goose down, which is some of the highest quality down available. The jacket has a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to help keep you dry in inclement weather. The Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket also has a hood that can be cinched down to protect your head and face from the elements. It’s available in men’s and women’s sizes and comes in a variety of colors.
I’ve had my Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket for several years now and it’s still my go-to jacket for backpacking trips and other outdoor adventures. It’s light, packable, and warm, making it the perfect piece of gear for any outdoor activity. The DWR finish has held up well over the years and the jacket has kept me dry in some pretty gnarly weather conditions. The cinched hood is great for protecting your head and face from the elements, and the fit is true to size. I highly recommend the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket to anyone in the market for a lightweight, packable down jacket.
Arc’teryx Zeta SL Gore-Tex® Active Shell Jacket – Women’s
The Arc’teryx Zeta SL Gore-Tex Active Shell Jacket is a lightweight and breathable Gore-Tex Active shell designed for high aerobic activity in variable conditions. The minimalist design has a streamlined fit with an adjustable hood, hem and cuffs to keep the elements out, while the pit zips provide ventilation on long uphill slogs. The Zeta SL is also packable into its own pocket, making it an ideal piece to take along on any adventure.
When you first put on the Arc’teryx Zeta SL, you’ll notice how light and airy it feels. That’s thanks to the Gore-Tex Active shell, which is both waterproof and highly breathable. This makes it an ideal choice for high-aerobic activities in variable conditions, such as hiking or trail running. The minimalist design keeps things simple, with a streamlined fit and adjustable hood, hem and cuffs to keep the elements out. The pit zips provide ventilation on long uphill slogs, and the jacket packs down into its own pocket for easy carrying.
In terms of fit, the Arc’teryx Zeta SL runs true to size with a trim athletic cut that allows plenty of room for layering underneath. The hood is adjustable via a drawcord at the back, and the hem can be cinched in with the drawcords at the sides. The sleeves are a good length, and the thumbholes help keep them in place when you’re on the move.
The Arc’teryx Zeta SL Gore-Tex Active shell jacket is an excellent choice for high-aerobic activities in variable conditions. It’s lightweight and breathable, with a minimalist design that packs down small. The hood is adjustable, and the hem and cuffs seal out the elements. The pit zips provide ventilation, and the thumbholes keep the sleeves in place. If you’re looking for a versatile shell jacket for your next adventure, the Arc’teryx Zeta SL is a great option.
Black Diamond First Light Stretch Down Hooded Jacket – Women’s
The Black Diamond First Light Stretch Down Hooded Jacket is a great choice for those cold weather days. It is made with a stretchy fabric that allows you to move freely, and the down fill provides warmth and insulation. The hood is adjustable and can be removed if desired. The jacket also has two zippered hand pockets and an internal zippered pocket, which are great for storing your essentials. The Black Diamond First Light Stretch Down Hooded Jacket is a great option for those who want a warm and stylish jacket.
Outdoor Research Helium II Rain Jacket – Men’s
Outdoor Research Helium II Rain Jacket – Men’s
The Outdoor Research Helium II Rain Jacket is a great choice for backpacking and other outdoor activities. It’s very light and packable, yet provides excellent rain protection. The hood is adjustable and fits well over a baseball cap. The jacket has two zippered hand pockets and an internal zippered pocket, which is great for stowing away small items. The cuffs are adjustable with velcro tabs, and the hem can be drawn in with the cord locks. The jacket is made of a waterproof/breathable fabric, and has fully taped seams to keep you dry in even the heaviest downpours. I’ve worn this jacket in some pretty intense storms, and it has performed admirably. The only drawback is that the fabric is quite noisy when you move around in it. But that’s a minor issue, and not enough to keep me from recommending this jacket.
OR Helium Hybrid Insulated Jacket – Women’s
The OR Helium Hybrid Insulated Jacket is a versatile piece that can be worn as either an insulated jacket or a rain shell, thanks to its water-resistant exterior and PrimaLoft Gold Active insulation. The hybrid design means that you get the best of both worlds – the warmth of an insulated jacket with the breathability and protection of a rain shell. The PrimaLoft insulation is body-mapped, so you stay warm without feeling bulky, and the zippered hand pockets are lined with soft microfleece for extra warmth on chilly days. When the weather turns wet, simply zip up the hood and cuffs for full coverage. The OR Helium Hybrid Insulated Jacket is ideal for active pursuits in cold weather, whether you’re hitting the trails or the slopes.