MENU
Rain Jackets
Ultralight Rain Jackets: A Deep Dive
Backpackers, thru-hikers, and mountain runners all want to thread the needle and find the right ultralight rain jacket for their respective missions. You can get all the way down to the 4- to 5-ounce range for the most minimalist and streamlined of shells, but there are important considerations, including breathability, weather protection, durability, features, cost, and more. Below, we dive deep into the ultralight shell market in 2026 and break down the key models.
The Shift from 2.5- to 3-Layer Rain Jackets
We’ve tracked the waterproof jacket market closely over the last decade and noticed an interesting change in the past few years: Big players like Arc’teryx and Patagonia have discontinued all of their 2.5-layer rain shells, replacing them exclusively with 3-layer jackets. When major brands all move in the same direction, our interest is piqued. What’s going on with this shift from 2.5- to 3-layer rain jackets?