Gear Review: Hi-Tec Hard Rain WP Hardshell Jacket
A sub-$100 jacket that provides excellent rain protection with decent breathability.
[bargain]
Yes, you can buy a shell that keeps you dry and doesn’t cost more than your tent. The Hard Rain may be heavier and bulkier than more expensive models, but it still provides excellent rain protection with decent breathability. Even in Tennessee’s warm summer rain, our tester says the proprietary Dri-Tec 2.5-layer fabric breathed adequately for moderate hiking. And you get more features than expected for the price, says another tester after a soggy trek in Oregon. The jacket has a single-handed drawcord at the hem, an adjustable hood, and one-way pit zips. Bummer: The hand-warmer pockets don’t have waterproof zips. $85; 1 lb.; unisex XS-XXL; hi-tec.com