Gear Review: Kuhl Skuhl eVent Shell

When Mother Nature threatens to thwart your outing, foil her plans with the Kuhl Skuhl eVent rain shell. This heavy duty shell will keep you cozy for three seasons, and may last four if you insulate it well.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.


gear zone slideshow kuhl 1 445x260

With a multitude of features and heavy duty construction, this 20.1-ounce rain shell frustrates drizzles and foul weather alike while keeping the woods romper dry and happy.

gear zone slideshow kuhl 7 445x260

The fit of the shell is more of a Euro-style tight fit. It stays out of the way and doesn’t bulge over hip straps, yet still isn’t constricting.

gear zone slideshow kuhl 2 445x260

Listening to tunes to repel the rainy day blues is possible with a waterproof pocket and integrated headphone hole. Velcro tabs inside the collar anchor both headphone wires.

gear zone slideshow kuhl 3 445x260

Spacious, bottom front pockets were a life saver on the AT during a storm, keeping important items like a headlamp and compass bone dry.

gear zone slideshow kuhl 4 445x260

The underarms feature 16-inch vertical vents with double zippers. The eVent material is very durable, and lets out more perspiration than Gore-Tex. The silicone impregnated waterproof zippers move a little slower than your normal zipper.

gear zone slideshow kuhl 5 445x260

Thanks to snug, Velcro wrist closures, mud, dirt, and rain are kept outside of the jacket. I enjoyed dry shirt sleeves, even as water pooled on my large map.

gear zone slideshow kuhl 6 445x260

With three adjustments, I was able to expand the hood for a hail storm, and cinch it down close to my cheeks for mild weather. I especially liked the adjustment in the back for fine tuning.

Text and photos by Joe Flowers.

Trending on Backpacker