The products mentioned in this article are selected or reviewed independently by our journalists. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission, but this never influences our opinion.

Patagonia Rainshadow Jacket review

Lightweight stretch waterproof for long days on the trail, whether biking or hiking

Our rating

4

230.00
200.00
200.00
300.00

Russell Burton / Immediate Media

Published: December 4, 2020 at 5:00 pm

Our review
High quality and versatile waterproof jacket that’s good for a range of outdoor activities, including mountain biking

Pros:

Its minimal good looks combine with the functional details

Cons:

Roomier than a true cycling-specific cut, although that can also be a benefit

Patagonia's Rainshadow Jacket is designed for multiple sports use and is made with a three-layer waterproof material that incorporates a high degree of stretch for maximum mobility.

Patagonia Rainshadow Jacket details

Made with Patagonia’s own H2No Performance Standard waterproof and breathable fabric, the clean lines of the Patagonia Rainshadow make it look unassuming, but the reality is full of well-designed features that make a difference.

The three large pockets, including the chest one come with long zip pulls, as do the generous pit zips.

The over-helmet hood has plenty of adjustment and when not in use rolls down, fastening with a simple cord and hook.

All zips are watertight with a DWR finish and, if it stops raining enough, you can pack the whole jacket into its chest pocket.

Patagonia Rainshadow Jacket performance

A Patagonia jacket comes with a high level of expectation and, despite the Rainshadow being an all-purpose trail jacket rather than a cycling-specific one, it has lived up to my hope both on and off the bike.

The waterproof fabric has some stretch but in addition to that the cut is exceptionally good for shoulder mobility. In practice that means you can lift your arms high and move around without pulling the body of the jacket up.

The three-layer fabric is light to wear but feels durable – although I didn’t crash during the testing period so can't say how it would have dealt with that.

The hood proved exceptionally solid too and once set it didn't move, allowing for good peripheral vision with the laminated visor giving some extra protection.

It is a delight to find a chest pocket big enough to get a large phone in and another treat to find long zip pulls on every zip. It makes a big difference with winter-gloved hands.

Most of the harder solo riding this has been used for has been in a combination of heavy rain and mild temperatures of 16 to 18 degrees. Worn over a long-sleeve Merino baselayer I did get warm and the pit zips needed to be engaged.

Social outings where the temperature dropped to single digits were comfortable and despite this not being a ‘proper’ bike jacket I found myself more often than not reaching for the Rainshadow for mountain biking, walking and even casual use.

Patagonia Rainshadow Jacket bottom line

A waterproof jacket with outstanding mobility that makes it versatile for a lot of active use, including mountain biking. Likely to become your most used jacket.

Product

Brandpatagonia
Price300.00 AUD,230.00 EUR,200.00 GBP,200.00 USD
Weight397.0000, GRAM (M) -

Features

br_genderunisex
FeaturesSizes: XS-XL
Fabric: Stretch 3-Layer H2No Performance Standard Shell, Watertight zips with DWR finish, Pit zips, Adjustable Hem
Pockets: Two hand warner pockets, one chest pocket (Packs into chest pocket)
Hood: Adjustable hood with a laminated visor and roll-down fastening
Waterproof rating: N/A
MVTR: N/A
Colours: Superior Blue, Fire, Industrial Green, Black
This website is owned and published by Our Media Ltd. www.ourmedia.co.uk
© Our Media 2023