A Rain Jacket for Adventure Activities

Tickets were booked knowingly for the "green season" in Costa Rica, which translated into rain. My only waterproof jacket was my winter shell, and that was not going to work for the hot Costa Rican weather. So the research began for a good rain jacket that would also work for spring hiking trips.

So many brands and opinions, how could I possibly decide? Patagonia, Marmot, The North Face, and the list could go on. I decided to head to the local REI store to meet all of the brands in one location. There was no way to determine fit by reading online reviews.

On and off the jackets went trying to determine the best fit and function, also a reasonable price for something mainly only used in the spring. Narrowing down the choice was easier than I anticipated. The Marmot Precip jacket fit the bill on all fronts.

Here are the key factors:

• Stuffs into one of the pockets, which is perfect for backpacking and lightweight travel
• Hand pockets are placed high so when you're wearing a backpack you can still get your hands into the packets
• Pit-zips- no need to say any more about this feature, necessary unless you like sweating
• Fit perfect in the arm length and general fit
• Picked up a previous years model for lots less

Testing out the Marmot Precip jacket on the Inca Trail. Notice the pockets are above my hip belt on my backpack.

If you're in search of a rain jacket, head out to a local outfitter and try them on. I'm very happy with my Marmot Precip jacket. The market is always innovating, so new technology and features are always changing. Be sure to know what you want to use the jacket for, because that definitely matters. The new North Face jacket introduced in beginning of 2016 for ultimate rain jacket performance is only meant for running. In fact, if the jacket was used for backpacking it would be ruined by the rubbing of the pack on the surface of the jacket which was a delicate membrane designed for lightweight running activities.

Update April 2018: I've had my Marmot Precip jacket out on many adventures and it has kept me dry. Although, I have come to dislike velcro. My hair gets caught in the velcro zipper cover and it has snagged my pants on occasion. If I purchase another rain jacket, I'm getting one without velcro!

Don't let the rain stop the adventure!

For discounts on rain jackets and other adventure gear, visit Active Junky!

*No benefit received from Marmot for the honest review of their product.