This Top-Rated Rain Jacket Is 'More Waterproof' Than Marmot's, and It's 45% Off Right Now
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April showers bring May flowers, but they can also bring misery if you’re not prepared for them. Though it’s only early March, many have started putting away their heaviest outerwear in favor of more versatile styles, like insulated pullover jackets or lightweight puffers. But rain jackets, with their lightweight construction and travel-friendly designs, are some of the best jackets to wear through these notoriously wet months.
Outdoor Research’s Apollo Jacket is practically designed with spring in mind. It's lightweight and waterproof and packs small—a convenient feature whether you’re traveling or hitting the trails on an overcast day. At its normal $129 list price, it’s already a fairly affordable rain jacket, but it’s on sale for just $71 right now at Backcountry in an eye-catching purple and black colorway.
Outdoor Research Apollo Jacket, $71 (was $129) at Backcountry
Courtesy of Backcountry
Outdoor Research's Apollo Jacket was designed to shed water and break wind while hiking and camping, but the jacket’s convenient features come in handy for anybody on the go. The jacket packs into its own pocket for easy storage on sunny days, so you can quickly throw it in your daypack or travel bag. It's waterproof but breathable, and the hem, cuffs, and hood can be tightened for extra protection from the elements.
Though lightweight, breathable rain jackets can get hot and clammy, this one features pit zips under the arms. The zips allow air to escape without compromising water resistance. The jacket also has raglan sleeves that allow for greater ease of movement and comfort when wearing a backpack. The two hand pockets have zips for secure storage, and the mesh pocket bags add breathability. There’s also a key clip inside the pocket.
Shoppers appreciated the performance of the lightweight fabric, with one writing, “I use this for backpacking and it is so packable and light that you barely know it's on.” Another wrote that it held up to “daily use in rainy Seattle.”
Other shoppers compared it favorably to similar outdoor brands, including Marmot. One wrote that it was “quite a bit more waterproof than the old Marmot rain jacket I was previously carrying.” Another appreciated that it was “relatively lightweight” compared to their Marmot Phoenix jacket.
Shoppers also loved the technical features of the jacket, including many that mentioned the underarm zippers. One wrote, “Love the armpit vents for warmer days,” while another said, “The pit zips are great to dump heat.”
Spring weather can be fickle, but Outdoor Research’s lightweight Apollo Jacket is built to handle whatever the day has in store. At $71, it’s a good deal more affordable than most rain jackets, so act fast while it’s still in stock.