Spring Showers Bring Our Favorite Rain Jackets
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When spring rolls in, the snowpack softens, the trails open up, and it’s time to start exploring our great National Parks. While spring brings the warmer weather, it also tends to bring rainy days on the trail. The best way to enjoy the outdoors during this typically wet season is to make sure you are prepared with the best gear possible to keep you dry while you explore these amazing landscapes!
Check out some of our top recommendations on rain jackets to keep you and your family dry on the trail!
The blue Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Jacket kept me dry at Mammoth Cave National Park
Best Stretch Rain Jacket: Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Jacket
The Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Jacket offers incredible waterproofing without the weight of a heavier shell. In addition to its waterproof qualities, the proprietary BD.dry technology is also incredibly breathable to ensure you’re not overheating as you make your way up the trail! As a bonus, Black Diamond incorporated a ton of stretch into this jacket to allow for natural movement no matter what the activity! One of my favorite features is the ability to pack the entire jacket into the chest pocket and throw it in your pack once the weather clears up!
The Outdoor Research Helium Jacket in action at Yellowstone National Park
Best Ultra-light Rain Jacket: Outdoor Research Helium Jacket
The Outdoor Research Helium Jacket has been around for a long time, and for good reason! It continues to be one of the best ultra-light rain jackets on the market. With a 2.5 L Pertex construction, ultra-packable design (packs into chest pocket) and top notch breathability and movement, the Outdoor Research Helium Jacket is by far one of our most trusted (and heavily used) pieces of gear that we never leave home without. Even on sunny days, the Outdoor Research Helium Jacket is a perfect windbreaker that takes up minimal space and has negligible weight in your pack!
The purple Columbia Glennaker Rain Jacket during a break in the weather at Glacier National Park
Best Rain Jacket for Kids: Columbia Glennaker Rain Jacket
The Columbia Glennaker Rain Jacket is ideal for little legs hitting the trail thanks to its excellent features that won’t break the bank because let’s face it, your son or daughter is going to grow out of their jacket by your next trip anyways! The Columbia Glennaker Rain Jacket offers excellent waterproofing, plenty of pockets for storage, and is durable to handle anything your kids can throw at it!
The grey Outdoor Research Microgravity Jacket was the perfect addition while hiking in the New River Gorge National Park.
Best Heavy Rain Shell: Outdoor Research Microgravity Jacket
The Outdoor Research Microgravity Jacket is a 3L waterproof jacket that provides maximum protection from the elements. The 3L AscentShell technology results in extreme waterproofing with incredible breathability. As for durability, lets just say I have ran into my fair share of trees and branches, and have yet to get a tear in the material. The pit vents help dump heat when things warm up, and the wire brim on the hood helps to keep water well away from your face once the skies open up. I have yet to head out on a trip without this jacket in my pack!
A huge thanks to Backcountry.com for partnering up with Park and Pebble to help up bring the best gear to all of you!
As we continue to explore our National Parks, our gear selection continues to evolve! Be sure to reach out to Park and Pebble at info@parkandpebble.com or head over to Contact page to shoot us any questions you may have on your gear choice for your next adventure!
And if you are like us, keep on checking out the sales at Backcountry.com to find some deep discounts on the best gear!