A hardshell rain jacket is an essential item that provides protection from the rain and those cold winds that can lower body temperatures.

Three- or 2.5-layer

Three-layer jackets have a waterproof membrane sandwiched between a durable face fabric and a lining. They tend to be more expensive, heavier and bulkier. They are also more durable, waterproof and breathable. Jackets with 2 or 2.5 layers include a face fabric and a waterproof membrane with a protective sheen or print overlay. These jackets will be lighter and more packable. Many fabrics and components used in a jacket’s construction are now made of recycled materials.

Cuffs

The cuff can be tightened to trap warmth and to prevent water from trickling in when arms are raised. The cuff should cover your baselayers to prevent rainwater wicking upward. 

Pockets

There will be multiple pockets. The ‘hand warmer’ pockets, used to shelter hands from wind and rain, should be positioned for easy access while wearing a pack or harness. They are usually quite large and it’s useful if one of them can hold a map. A chest pocket with a vertical opening can also provide easy access to map, compass or GPS.

Zips

Water-resistant zips are common. Zips may also be protected by an external and/or internal storm flap. Zip sliders tuck into a ‘garage’ to prevent rain from entering through the top of the zip.

Waterproofness, breathability and air permeability

Wet-weather jackets are tested for waterproofness and breathability. The results are usually displayed on the product’s sales tag. Air permeability refers to super-breathable garments that allow air to actually move through the fabric. 

Water resistance: This is the amount of water pressure (in millimetres) a fabric can withstand before leakage occurs. It’s called the waterhead or hydrostatic head rating. The most common is 20,000mm. 

Breathability: The amount of water vapour (in grams) that can pass through a square metre of fabric during a 24-hour period, e.g. 20,000g/m2. 

Air permeability: A recent development, breathable and waterproof fabric is created through a technique known as nanospinning.

Ventilation

While all rainwear is ‘breathable’ and will transfer perspiration through the fabric, there are other ventilation options to keep users comfortable. The most obvious is the front zipper, but there are also pit zips (underarm openings), side vents and mesh-lined pockets. 

Hoods

Many hoods are large enough to accommodate a helmet, which is why they also come with volume-adjusting drawcords or Velcro tabs. Ensure the stiffened brim does not limit visibility and that, once tightened, the hood moves with your head.

Length

Thigh-length designs are heavier and less packable than waist-length jackets, but they provide better protection and a ‘tail’ to sit on. Below-the-waist jackets may have stretchy fabrics in key areas to prevent the hem from lifting.

Montane Phase XT $899

A climbing and mountaineering jacket with a hydrostatic head of 28,000mm. It has a helmet-compatible hood with ‘quick release’ adjustment and stiffened peak. There are YKK Aquaguard zips throughout, a full-length two-way front zip with storm flap, two zippered map-sized hand pockets, pit zips, adjustable hem and articulated arms. 500g (m), 440g (w). www.furtherfaster.co.nz

Rab Kangri GTX $799.95

A mountain hiking shell made with a 70D 3-layer Gore-Tex fabric with recycled outer fabric and 28,000mm waterhead rating. There are pit zips, an elasticated hem and drawcord waist, YKK zippered hand pockets, a centre zip with storm flap, and an adjustable hood with wired and laminated peak. 524g (m), 468g (w). www.outfitters.net.nz

Patagonia Triolet $799.99

This jacket is designed for cold, wet conditions and uses a breathable 100% PFC-free ePE Gore-Tex 3-layer fabric. There’s a helmet-compatible hood with a laminated visor and reinforced brim, two zipped Napoleon chest pockets, two hand pockets, watertight pit zips and low-profile cuffs. It’s Fair Trade Certified sewn. 510g (m), 488g (w). www.patagonia.co.nz

Rab Namche GTX $699.95

Using 100% recycled fabric and a fluorocarbon-free membrane, this jacket has a 28,000mm waterhead rating. There’s an adjustable hood with wired and laminated peak, YKK AquaGuard zips, and pit zips. 437g (m), 414g (w) www.outfitters.net.nz

Earth Sea Sky Hydrophobia $649

This generously fitting 3-layer jacket has extra ‘keep your shorts dry’ length with fully adjustable hood including wired peak. It has five pockets, is fully seam sealed, has a double storm flap front, a drawcord waist and an underarm gusset for easy movement. Made in NZ. 750g. www.eathseasky.co.nz

Mountain Equipment Saltoro GTX $599

A jacket using Gore-Tex’s 3-layer 75D and 2.5-layer Paclite fabrics for durability and comfort. There’s an unrestrictive alpine-fit, adjustable hood, YKK moulded Aquaguard centre-front zip with internal flap, two large zipped pockets and underarm venting zips. 430g (m), 380g (w). www.outdooraction.co.nz

The North Face Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT $550

This highly breathable 3-layer jacket uses Futurelight fabric – a nanospun construction technique that allows air to pass through without compromising waterproofness and durability. It’s seam-sealed, has three zipped pockets, an adjustable hood, reverse-coil full-length front zip, adjustable cuffs and hem, and stuffs into pocket. 433g (m), 387g (w). www.thenorthface.co.nz

The North Face Terrain Vista 3L Pro $500

A men’s jacket using 100% recycled DryVent 3-layer waterproof/breathable fabric. It has a PFC-free DWR finish, adjustable three-piece hood with bonded brim, water-repellent VISLON centre-front zip, zipped chest and hand pockets, pit-zip venting and adjustable hem and cuffs. www.thenorthface.co.nz

Mountain Equipment Garwhal GTX $499

Using packable 2.5-layer Gore-Tex Paclite fabric, this jacket has an alpine fit but with room for wearing warmer layers beneath. There’s a fully adjustable hood, YKK moulded Aquaguard centre front zip with internal flap, and two large zipped pockets. 340g (m/w). www.outdooraction.co.nz