Waterproof / breathable clothing and footwear is often classified depending on the type of layering construction that’s utilized in combination with the actual waterproof and breathable membrane or coating. The layering process is used to protect the more fragile waterproofing layer from abrasions, snags, and from dirt and body oils which will compromise effectiveness.

Along with weight and price, when choosing your backpacking rain gear its construction (in regards to layers) should be considered.

2-Layer Rain Gear

2-layer jackets (North Face Resolve) feature a waterproofing layer bonded to a protective outer face fabric. Rain gear featuring 2-layer construction will often feature a hanging fabric or mesh liner on the inside of the garment to protect the waterproofing membrane resulting in a heavier and bulkier but often cost effective solution. However, on some ultralight rain jackets or pants the waterproofing membrane is exposed to save weight, however this arguably could result in less durability and may require more frequent washings as the waterproof / breathable membrane gets dirty with use.

2.5-Layer Rain Gear

In 2.5 layer rain gear such as the popular Outdoor Research Helium lineup, the outer protective fabric of the 3 layer construction remains, but the waterproof and breathable layer is protected on the inside only by a half, non-fabric layer protective print / coating. Jackets and rain gear using this construction are typically quite packable and can be found in the most common mainstream jackets utilized by backpackers and hikers looking to save the most weight, but durability is lessened especially if not treated gently.

Inner print on a 2.5-layer rain jacket

3-Layer Rain Gear

In 3-layer jackets and rain gear, as can be found in the Patagonia Torrentshell line, the waterproof / breathable layer is sandwiched between an outer as well an inner protective fabric in a bonded fashion that offers higher durability, and is usually associated with an increase in weight and performance. However, some 3-layer options like the Zpacks Vertice lineup feature 3-layer construction while remaining ultralight.

Final Thoughts & Additional Resources

While my first backpacking rain jacket was a bulky and heavy 2-layer, mesh-lined option that did the job both in keeping me dry as well as weighing down my pack, luckily these days you can find ultralight options even in a 3-layer construction. 2.5-layer rain gear however remains the most popular option when it comes to lightweight backpacking rain gear. For more rain-related topics, see our article on backpacking in the rain. For a variety of rain gear options on the market, see this page at REI Co-op.

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in Issue 31 of TrailGroove Magazine. You can read the original article here.