I live in Seattle, Washington, where there is no bad weather, assuming you have the proper jacket (and footwear). As an avid hiker and urban stroller — I aim to walk 10,000 steps daily, whether rain, sleet, snow, sunshine, or some combo — I’ve learned to delight in whatever Mother Nature tosses my way, thanks, in large part, to three core jackets.
After more than a decade of field testing outerwear in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, these high-performing, long-lasting, comfortable, and versatile garments are my go-tos, particularly for conquering the unpredictable spring weather. And I think they’ll serve you well, too.
A light, packable windbreaker
(Image credit: Patagonia)
This affordable (for Patagonia) windbreaker weighs about as much as a deck of playing cards and packs neatly into a zippered chest pocket for easy storage. In fact, it’s so compact when packed down, I routinely bring it along in my back pocket.
Windproof and water-resistant thanks to a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating, the Patagonia Houdini is perfect for slightly chilly evenings and mornings. It won’t keep you dry in torrential downpours, but it holds up well to light and moderate showers.
The best rain jacket… period
(Image credit: REI)
When it comes to hardcore rain, there’s just one jacket I trust: The Arc’teryx Beta SL. Normally priced at a cool $500, right now via REI, men can secure 40% off this high-tech outerlayer in bright orange. Women, meanwhile, can claim a more modest 14% off the Arc’teryx Beta SL in Azeala.
Designed for extreme alpine environments — though you needn’t frequent any to benefit from all it has to offer — the Beta SL features a waterproof Gore-Tex exterior, adjustable hood, under-arm vents, plenty of zippered pockets, a draw-chord hem, and a lightweight design. More importantly, it’s never let me down, even during the most epic rain showers.
My go-to puffer
(Image credit: Patagonia)
I got my first Patagonia Nano Puff jacket 17 years ago. Today, I own three (two with hoods, one without). Perhaps the greatest puffy jacket ever created, I wear mine as an insulating layer while snowboarding, as a primary outer layer in the colder months while cycling, and while walking the dog in the early morning and late evenings.
It’s also my go-to jacket for air travel. Like the Patagonia Houdini mentioned above, the Nano Puff can be stuffed inside its inner zippered chest pocket for easy and compact storage. In this form, it also makes a great neck pillow.
It’s also treated with DWR to keep the moisture out, and boasts plenty of synthetic insulation to keep your body heat in. Three zippered pockets, an oversized collar, and a drawstring hem all add to its appeal.
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