So I was searching for a BIFL rainjacket that can do it all (as far as thats possible ofc ;)). Of course I stumbled upon the Patagonia Torrentshell, but when I went to try it on, it felt “saggy” and a bit short on the arms. As I plan to commute by bike, I prefer longer arms.
Is there any rain jacket with a narrower fit, somewhere in the same price range as the Torrentshell?
Edit: i forgot to add, that I life in germany so I am open to european brands as well :)
I commute in a similar looking but less insulated Columbia Watertight II (Gray, M) and the sleeves are at least 2 cm longer than any other shell I’ve owned (a pleasant surprise for someone with long arms).
It’s narrower at the waist than the torrentshell but similar at the hip, not as insulating but lighter, and it’s a bit stiffer material (e.g. headwind doesn’t press it against your skin as much as slinkier shells). This style of jacket isn’t specialized for cycling so it does bunch a bit in the front and could ride up in the back if your stance is low. And the hood isn’t removable to accommodate a helmet, so you sometimes have to shake the hood out at the destination.
But it’s dry, comfortable, and has held up for 5 years of commuting. 🤙
Marmot makes great rain gear. I use their light rain jacket and pants for my backpack kit and it’s surprisingly lightweight and still functional. Not cheap, tho.
I will confess that most of my knowledge comes from hiking/backpacking, so arm length isn’t often a large concern.
Often mentioned in the same breath as the Torrentshell but generally more adjustable (and by some measures, higher quality):
- Outdoor Research Aspire II
- Outdoor Research Helium
- Outdoor Research Foray II
- Enlightened Equipment Visp
- REI Flash Stretch
Outback Trading Low Rider Duster.
We must send more telegrams. I shall notify the quartermaster.
Look into Ex Officio and Westcomb shells, they tend to have longer arms. Marmot might have some too. I’d recommend something with pit zips, they’re awesome for regulation temperature and humidity.
I have a haglöfs Spitz , every couple of years the runner if the main zipper wears out and the mail me a new one
Schöffel has been pretty good for me so far. Last raincoat lasted 10 years, they repair broken zippers if needed. If you have a schöffellowa store nearby, they tend to go on sale late summer.
Rainjackets are easy, just any unbreathable plastic works well if it has the zippers well treated. I bought mine at the fan shop from the football club in the city I migrated to. And it’s been keeping me dry on the bike for the last couple of years. Just bought the regenpants and good to go ;)
Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket II is a top notch cycling jacket. Intended for mountain biking but imo outperforms most road stuff. Ridiculously good ventilation. Over-the-helmet hood is much less claustrophobic than wearing it underneath.
My only quarrel is that it’s not all that packable, but that really isn’t a problem in commuting.
Has held up for two years now.
