How Good is the Best Selling Rain Jacket? - Outdoor Research Foray II Jacket Real Review

[@jamesbarker4690]

Praying for your communities healing and restoration. Thank you for all you are doing!

[@funnybeingme]

I actually love the collar on this jacket because when it's cold and windy, and rainy, it really protects you. If I want ventilation, I'll open my pit zips. I love this jacket for its ability to ventilate in all conditions, from hiking in Patagonia to hiking/bikepacking/packrafting in Alaska.

[@nodescriptionavailable3842]

Hey I have a question for you, what kinda pack raft do you use, I have an inflatable "cargo" tandem kayak but I'm looking for a lightweight solo inflatable. Anyway thanks in advance if you get this and reply, I'd rather hear it from a person than do random review reading on websites.

[@valdius85]

I prefer call collars as well for wind protection.

[@funnybeingme]

@@nodescriptionavailable3842 Kokopelli Rogue Lite. My main objective is backpacking with combination of packrafting on river crossing, lakes and bays. So I want lightweight in mind. Packrafting lakes and bays here Alaska, to get close to glaciers, is really amazing. Alpacka brand is very good as well, and admittedly, is what most Alaskans here prefer.

[@douglasgardner4047]

I get a good chuckle when you refer to a wool cap as a toboggan. I understand it's southern thing, but a toboggan is a wooden sled.

[@scottdrennan5246]

I really like my Foray 2 jacket. Wear mine hiking in the Scottish mountains when it's hammering down. My jacket packs into its own pocket (the one with key attachment, it has another zipper on the inside). Good review as always.

[@mr_cleaner_upper8645]

Great review… I have the jacket and it is one of the better GoreTex coats I’ve owned. One hint with the hood - I will often turn the beak ‘under’ which stiffens it and makes it a bit more low profile when it is lighter rain… gives you better vision too 👍

[@johnschmalbach8243]

Unless they made a massive change between this version and the previous version of the jacket, you can pack it into the pocket. It's designed to be packed into one of the zipper hand pockets. If you put your hand in the pocket you will feel a little clip, that's there so that when you turn the jacket inside out into that pocket you can then clip the jacket onto things then unclip it take it out of the pocket and put it on.

[@shawnmiller2786]

More Outdoor Research gear reviews please, especially their other rain jackets!

[@Gerardi07]

Nice review! A couple of years ago, I snagged this jacket at REI for only $85. It has held out very well in a sorts of weather from light rain to downpours.

[@geeyeung8157]

I have both the Marmot Minimalist and the Foray II and only got the OR one because it was on super sale at REI for $90.. But like it better for outdoor adventures. I would take the Foray 2 for extended backpack hiking over Marmot because of the weight. I prefer the collar on Foray and understand your concerns with it catching rain. The 2 way pit zips are amazing to convert this over to a poncho.

[@geoffsmith7403]

As usual great review and I would have agreed with you on the condensation problem in a water proof and I have 50 plus years of dealing with it. But I am here to tell you that Outdry by Columbia is the exception. I have been 5 hours in a storm with no water getting in at all and yet not an ounce of sweat. In fact I can say that in the Fall if it is a breezy day I need to have a long sleeve on and even a sweater if cool enough because air does get through. Love this material hands down and even have their hikers lined with Outdry as well.

[@azclaimjumper]

I bought my Marmot Minimalist jacket, used, off eBay. It took a while B4 a size SMALL got listed. I also bought the MM Rain pants, also off eBay, used. I bought brand new Kahtoola Gaiters from REI, which insures that rain/snow doesn't get the top of my boots wet when it's raining/snowing. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada

[@michaelspanos269]

I have a few jackets with that style hood, I've always thought that bill is designed to work with a ballcap style hat underneath to provide support.

[@MarksGoneWalking]

Great review as always - I’ve got a few hard shells here in the Uk - prefer the lighter Gore- Tex but recently went for paramo jacket which work’s completely differently. Made for Scottish winters (very wet) it’s works by letting some moisture in and your body heat pushes it out again. Apparently acts like an animals fur. I’ve tested on my channel and it works a treat. Yet to try it in cold conditions though. Thanks for your Gear Reviews my go to Channel. ATB Mark.

[@mac_mcguckin]

Nearly all my kit is ex military (UK). The Gortex clothes are superb and cheap as chips. Although used they mostly look like new.

[@ankushkaul5092]

Yes! Always wondered how is the breathability of Frogg Poncho as it seems quite loose and open! Thanks

[@cappaslangmurderer]

I re waterproofed my mountain equipment water proof jacket a couple of months ago and was blown away by how brand new it came out. I feel that spending a small amount of money maintaining stuff is so well worth it

[@emeryz10]

What did you use to re-waterproof your jacket?

[@NordicOutland-amazon]

How much it cost for the re-waterproof jacket, maybe it is more than enough to buy an less expensive one.

[@cappaslangmurderer]

@@emeryz10nikwax

[@cappaslangmurderer]

@@NordicOutland-amazonprobs £16- jacket was over £250 so defo worth it

[@whatsnottohike]

Kind of reminds me of my Columbia outdry jacket, which I bought in a sale for €150. Same annoying collars and hood but otherwise a decent jacket. I like different rain jackets. Super light and thin for summer and a little thicker for the winter.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

RIGHT: Different Horses for Different Courses! Rain jackets or posh raincoats: it is a toss-up for me whether to get wet from within or without.

[@whatsnottohike]

@@jamesellsworth9673 I usually go with a poncho to be honest. Keep you dry with good airflow.

[@lindawoody8501]

Good review. I will be upgrading my rain gear as I will be competing in state and national archery tournaments in inclement weather. We do continue shooting in even heavy rain unless it is an electrical storm. Hot steamy wet and even downpour conditions. I currently have an off the shelf nice looking and somewhat protective lower end Columbia branded women's jacket but wish to go with a Gore-Tex constructed jacket for future major tournaments. I do have to shoot my compound bow with the rain gear on.

[@rhettthompson297]

Just bought one of these foray 2 jackets and so far love it! The goretex adds to the comfort of this jacket! Will be used for rain as well all around jacket while traveling about to keep dry, comfy and wind breaker! Great review! Thanks

[@jamesellsworth9673]

The structure of this test and review are EXEMPLARY! I have done quality control testing in a different industry: you examine so many useful variables in a rain jacket. I recognize that because I have owned several rain jackets and have thought about their merits in similar ways.

[@Benshiro47]

Great review. Subbed. Thank you! I was on the fence for this and the Torrentshell 3L

[@psybain]

I got my foray jacket back in 2019 and it self-packs into one of the pockets which is great for when it spends most of its time stored in my SAR bag. It's too bad they got rid of that feature because it's very convenient

[@edpikestone6800]

Luke have you ever tested any clothing made from ventile? Really interesting material, but not widely used. People who are in abrasive environments use it as it does not damage as easily as man made materials. It also does not melt and is quiet. Examples are Country Innovations, Tilak and Hilltrek.

[@hautepinkrae8084]

Great review, thank you. This jacket fits so well. I'm going to look for your review of the Minimalist!

[@TAVAAR7]

A comparrison with all your jackets to USGI surplus goretex would be interesting.

[@jerrybailey6584]

Hi Luke, I vote for the Frogg jacket. I know it will not last as long but you can buy 2 or3 next to the more expensive ones. Being just a day hiker with a over night a few times a year I’m not into spending a lot of money. I use a Redhead right now I’ve had no problems with it.😅

[@Errcyco]

So in 2020 I got a Patagonia Rainshadow.. this month I exchanged it for a brand new Slate Sky in a better size this time. So yeah I paid $199 for that Rainshadow, but I paid nothing for the Slate Sky, they even covered UPS Second Day Air. So if you don’t lose stuff, Patagonia is a solid investment. You get the best and never have to worry about buying any piece a second time. Frogg Toggs I’d only buy the bottoms as I rarely use rain pants. The jackets are just landfill fodder.. all bad. And by the way, the Slate Sky doesn’t sound like a crinkling plastic bag! It feels like fleece but has a 20k waterproof rating.. amazing.

[@lukaj4833]

I nearly froze to death in a Frog Togg, never again.

[@ianmurray6901]

I have the foray 2 I found it on sale for 150 USD so not bad. In the summer I frequently hike with a mountain smith tour lumbar pack in the summer and I like that I can unzip the bottom to cover that pack and keep it and myself really dry even in pretty heavy rain as long as it’s not too windy

[@magiccardman8102]

I am not a hiker. I bought the REI Men's Rainier Rain Jacket for work and am very happy with it. I may have to be in the heavy rain for an hour on several times during the day. When I come into the office and put it on the back of my chair while taking care of business, in 15 or 20 minutes it is bone dry. I think I paid $80.00 for it. I do not think I have ever seen a review for it. It is obvious that most of the expensive jacket that are reviewed were given. Sometimes it is obvious some reviewers will never buy inexpensive anything.

[@bartonianoutdoors]

both the OR and Marmot jackets are made from Gore-tec Paclite so both are 2.5 layer (also no drop liner as needed by a 2L jacket)

[@brewsterkits]

love your channel, so much lovely rain and storms

[@seantran4178]

Hi Luke, I love this rain jacket and especially Navy blue is one of my favorite's colors. I been waiting on Amazon so long. Any idea how to get one like you? please let me know. Thanks much.

[@IMDARKFIRE007]

Looks like a great option for colder precipitation like Fall/Winter rain and snow....that's when that collar would be it's best feature because of being wind proof. I wouldn't mind putting up with it knowing how good it is for that.

[@nodescriptionavailable3842]

Luke, you're so lucky to get the mix of sunny days and frequent rainstorms out there, without giving your secret spots away, what area are you in on these adventures? Its freaking beautiful!

[@BaroudeurAventure]

I got mine today only for the full pitzips, that's the only reason to get one in my opinion. I'm hiking with heavy load and if I clip the belt over the jacket sonner or later the water get through. Full pitzips are made to clip the belt under the jacket, it's more comfortable, more waterproof and one can still use the hands pocket. That's it. If you look for the best jacket on the market at the most affordable price you should try Cimalp hardshell. 80000 mvph 20000mm watercolumn. Then you understand what is a hardshell and never come back to an other brand, if you really have the use for it. Should review Cimalp, one of the three hardshell with these specs. The cons: alpinism color design.

[@theoriginalrabbithole]

Awesome review, Luke. Thanks again.👍 *Btw, $225.00 is a LOT of money for a rain jacket, when considering companies like Colombia make great waterproof rain jackets at a FRACTION (all under $100. or less) of the cost.

[@lilkapsas]

Can you name specific models? I've had several non GTX jackets before finally landing on Montbell Storm Cruiser and all non GTX jackets leaked after an hour + I sweated more.

[@NordicOutland-amazon]

There are a lots substitution for Gore. Any rain jacket with PEFE membrane would do the same job but much less expensive.

[@jasonkelsey987]

What happened to E vent. More breathable and quieter. Review Rab Kinetic alpine or ME orbital. Good film 🎉

[@kevinschwinkendorf3202]

OR is always great quality. I lived in Telluride for fifteen years and I saw locals regularly using the OR brand.

[@ike2010]

I have Marmot, the wife has OR. Both are great - flip a coin or buy the one that’s in stock in your size color - can’t go wrong. Both work great in snow.

[@johnmckee9449]

Hi Luke. I’d vote for a Columbia rain jacket. They seem to have pretty decent quality at a reasonable price. Thanks for another great review.

[@tomkeller6982]

Luke, what do you think about the Torrential 3L rain jacket? Is it also a good back woods hiking option? Or is it too warm for warm weather?

[@ms7fam433]

Love my OR Foray 2...

[@ImSaiyanYo]

Love my Foray II jackets,if you wait for sales they drop to $160ish which is totally worth the price. Rock on bros🤙

[@Fischize]

I have the same color Foray II as in the video. I also have the Foray bottoms in grey. I use them exclusively for rainy days when I’m bass fishing - and I mean torrential downpours. I’ve never had a leaking problem with the bottoms. I would venture to say the bottoms are bullet proof. The only complaint I have about the jacket is water will get into the cuff which causes the bottom of my shirt sleeve to get wet. It’s not a deal breaker by no means, but I wish Outdoor Research would fix it. Don’t sleep on Foray II as it is a very reliable rain jacket, even more so than a $1000 Arc’teryx AR.

[@jantefft2442]

Good afternoon from Seekonk MA. A very nice day so far.😊

[@shirleyfranklin2707]

Great job as always… blessings to you and family. Just a pro about outdoors equipment out doors wear.

[@felixk3899]

The best hardshell jacket I ever had was the UF pro monsoon , has apparently a hydrostatic head of 125.000mm , could never verify that but never ever got wet in it . I have never seen a review outside of Europe of Ufpro , would love to see that from you

[@x3i4n]

Just paid 160$ CAD for mine. Looking forward to it!

[@mtadams2009]

I am an UL backpacker so I use a Zpacks rain jacket, it weighs in at about five ounces. Seems to do the job. I think the OR would be nice for many applications were weight is not that important. I have always liked their products.

[@samhill3496]

Good looking jacket. Have looked at it several times. That collar. It's a water trough to the inside. Simple. It needs a redesign. I like a collar that can be cinched together around my neck or left barely open for ventilation without letting water in. Kind of like a cadet style collar.

[@sebulban]

Seems like a good jacket. I’m a bit skeptical about those side pockets and their usefulness in hiking. I prefer napoleon pockets which will have an easy access even when carrying a big backpack. For me there is no such thing as best rain jacket. I have about 5 different jackets for rain and I like them all. They all serve a different purpose. Btw one of them is marmot minimalist which is a great jacket even though I got it more than 10 years ago. If measuring the best protection against rain, I would choose my Norrona Lofoten GTX pro Anorak which a true hard shell with extra long hem

[@tonywillingham8109]

I have found that I can take any old cheap rain jacket and spray it with CampDry and make it an awesome rain jacket. I often buy very used high end rain jackets that have lost their DWR and do the same thing, making them like new again.

[@kevinschwinkendorf3202]

Breath ability in a waterproof garment is determined by the vents. Vents are typically in the underarms with waterproof zipper closure.

[@ohscarivera]

Thanks as always for your honest review. Cheers from NZ

[@stevenkeithley4336]

Great video bud keep'em coming. You can roll the jacket up n a manner to stick it in the sleeve, works well video on KZbin. Wishing you and yours the best. Stay safe and be well brother. Strength and Honor 👊😎🤙🍻

[@soniayoung7531]

Hi Luke, great review as always thanks for sharing stay safe

[@davidroberts5577]

Another great review, i purchased a Northface gortex shell years ago that I've used and climbed around the globe. Looking for a new one, think i also prefer Marmot.

[@obiwanjacobi]

I gave up on rain jackets long ago. I bought a Buffalo (active Light) jacket and never looked back. When it rains you get wet. But the buffalo jacket's fleece (pile) lining ensures you stay warm - you have to keep moving though. This is not a jacket to be sitting around doing nothing. The weird thing about the buffalo jackets is that you wear it on your skin - no layers in-between. This ensures that the sweat is transferred to the outside and evaporated.

[@Xeno-M.]

Good review as always, Luke. I was thinking about purchasing the 3 in 1 version of this jacket until this review and also seeing some of your hikes with it on. The brim is a deal breaker for me as it is not effective imo. It is positioned too low, impeding visibility and not keeping water away from the face/neck area. Combine that with that overly high/flared collar and that would be too annoying to be functional. Add to that the high price tag, and it’s a no go. I would stick w/ your suggestion and go w/ the Marmot minimalist or the Patagonia Torrentshell jackets, which are also very waterproof and fits better in terms of the hood/neck area.

[@erikmetal666]

I am looking for a good hardshell for mountain use, and I'm considering this or the Marmot Minimalist, i like them both, so, i guess I'll get the one i find in a better price, thank's for the review and thank's a lot for mentioning the Minimalist for comparosson, really helped a lot

[@jamesbridges7750]

I have had the original foray jacket for several years, unless they've dropped it for this version the left waist pocket is set up for storage. Reach inside the pocket and pull out the key clip turning the pocket inside out, the zipper is reversible.

[@browsman2328]

The collar on the Foray II would be a deal killer for me. I use a Frogg Toggs Xtreme Lite rain jacket which is essentially a normal Frogg Toggs jacket kicked up a notch. It costs $50. There is a good review of that jacket on Section Hiker. It works for me but I don’t live in a rainy environment.

[@jeffb.23]

I like mine as a hard shell for winter hiking, and as my around town rain jacket. I found the DWR wore out very quickly. I’ve had it about a year and nothing beads up anymore. There are other superior lighter weight options. I go with the Montbell Versalight for 3 season conditions. Also expensive, but superior in every way as a dedicated hiking rain jacket.

[@elvismikel2271]

I'd love to see your take and comparison of the Outdoor Vitals Tushar jacket and how you'd stack it up against the OR and Marmot jackets. The seem to be similar price points.

[@NickBEADG]

I like it when they make a chest pocket and they have a clitoral hood for the zipper

[@jeffreyanderson5304]

I'm glad I subscribe to your channel I have really been enjoying watching your videos

[@privateinvestigator8607]

I just wish he had added in a little detail with regard to WHY he prefers the marmot minimalist. That would have been helpful.

[@TheRongy]

"Scaring animals away, walking through"; thanks for the laugh!

[@danielsanders2412]

Thanks for the review. I think the collar dose it for me. Without a doubt, that collar is a no go.

[@dr.fabriciocartellone4734]

hi Luke! What is the difference between the Foray I and the II in terms of waterproofing and breathability? Regards from Argentina!

[@mlsknnr]

Luke, does the hood roll to form with the collar. I usually wear a boonie or other wide brimmed hat and only use hoods during extremely cold weather.

[@dtlastraightahead2133]

Good breakdown on that collar That's a deal breaker Great review

[@Wordsmyth8]

Good review. I’m confused by a couple of things, though. You talked a lot about lack of breathability, but I thought the whole point of Gore-Tex was that it breathes. Secondly, the title on the video calls it infamous, but infamous means something that is renowned for being bad. I didn’t get the impression that you think this is a bad jacket, so the use of that word puzzles me.

[@danielkramer8586]

Gore-tex breathes when it is dryer outside the jacket than in. Won't breathe to an appreciable degree when it's wet out. Best for activities in cold, dry weather, otherwise it's a big lie that it breathes.

[@markdavid801]

If you had to pick one, which would you get -Helium or Foray 2?

[@richardwysocki8300]

Great review, as always!

[@unoriginalname3533]

hey great video, I have the jacket but don't know how to tighten the hood were the string is next to the chin, do you make a knot ? or something else

[@josephplechavy7535]

Hthe ow about testing the Cabrela's rain jacket goes for about $100 I believe. I have one and use it all winter on ski slopes when it rains.

[@muhamadihsan1468]

Please give us a review of your sunglasses. Those are looking super cool.

[@MrWahtda]

Hi great review! What kind of then is that

[@ericwitt4586]

Nice but I like the military goretex I have all levels of the ECWCS it’s affordable and proof tested buddy I’ve seen you use mil gear on your videos

[@MrEdgy81]

It’s a nice jacket and OR products are really good but IMO, their Accentshell jackets are far superior.

[@DooDicky]

Is this good for the Icelandic winter and rain?

[@RodneyEnt]

For a budget option, could you perhaps take a look at Condor's Summit Zero?

[@benjamincardenas4219]

Looks like a my Patagonia storm10, I wish my jacket had the armpit vents. Looks impressive.

[@EstebanRivera-iy5pb]

For the inexpensive jacket review, I would go with something more balanced like the "Men's Watertight II Rain Jacket" instead of going to the extreme. There are plenty of video of frogg toggs vs X out there.

[@SwallCloud]

Seems cool but too noisy, what about the minimalist pro noise ?

[@wudger901]

Appreciate the effort as always

[@vicariousjourneys]

How about 3 inexpensive jackets including Frogg Toggs like you did with the Helinox/OneTigris/Sportneer chairs?

[@myepicjourney8275]

can you do a review on what shoes are the best for wet conditions.

[@peterh4446]

What about good rain pants please?

[@josephshimo]

Have you ever tested the power bank that Walmart is selling

[@randytate2250]

I would like for you to check out the 33,000ft Mens rain jacket ,waterproof,cycling,running, packable raincoat with hood,lightweight windbreaker with mesh lining

[@NordicOutland-amazon]

A rain jacket with membrane backing & fully taped seams should do the jobs of most situations. I am selling proper rain jacket at Amazon and find people really like the cheap rain jackets. Those cheap rain jacket only have thin coating & without any seam taped outsell a lot than mine. They will be 100% leak even in light rains, but they could sell 10,000pcs per month! Seems the customers don't care or they don't know ? How could the jacket protect you in the rain if no seam taped! Many people consider DWR as waterproof, and don't know DWR will be faded and washed off! Quite frustrated and thinking if should join them to sell the cheap rain jacket as well.

[@Captain-Donut]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 love from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@earlshaner4441]

Good afternoon from Syracuse NY Luke

[@nodescriptionavailable3842]

Would love to see frog tog rain jacket/pants review, ive wondered, right now im working with Columbia watertight 2, the od green was significantly cheaper than the other colors so i got it for 40$ 2 yrs ago, ive tested it in severe monsoons and heavy winter rain, its solid although I always hit my jackets with extra silicone spray I did the hose test before spray and ut was great, I cant remember if its made in china, thats something that irritated me a couple yrs ago but would be a deal breaker today, if not i highly recommend.

[@freezinweasle1]

I have been looking for rain gear for a while now. The only thing that would make me shy away from this jacket is the price. I have had Helly Hanson rain jackets in the past and had good luck with them. The price is a lot easier to absorb. Thanks for the good review, stay safe and God bless.

[@jamesking4225]

What’s the water column on this jacket?

[@makinganoise6028]

French Military Surplus waterproof jacket, absolute bargain, bought unissued, really good quality, for a surprise summer shower, Frogg Togs are really lightweight

[@dg1019]

The issue with Gore-Tex or any of its copies is that it can't be waterproof and breathable at the same time. By that I mean once it gets soaked with water the breathability of the fabric goes away. I buy cheaper rain shells because frankly in the real world of the humid area I live in I can't tell the difference. I love OR products but I pass on any expensive light shells. Currently I use a ECWCS Level 5 surplus jacket that I think I paid $50.

[@NordicOutland-amazon]

Yes, you are making good choice. When fabric surface is wet, Gore would do better than others. But don't buy rain jacket with PVC coating, you would get wet for sure.

[@HK-wq1ei]

are these discontinued?