Evaluating the Outdoor Research Foray II GTX Rain Jacket: A Comprehensive Assessment
Outdoor Research Foray II GTX Jacket: A Well-Rounded Three-Season Rain Shell
The Outdoor Research Foray II GTX Jacket is a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts, offering a balanced blend of features, performance, and sustainability. This jacket stands out, particularly in terms of breathability and build quality, compared to the Marmot Minimalist.
The Foray II GTX Jacket boasts a rugged Gore-Tex shell, a 100%-recycled polyester face fabric, and a PFAS-free DWR coating, making it one of the most sustainably built products in OR's apparel collection. With its massive TorsoFlo vents, the Foray II offers excellent breathability, giving it a clear edge over some of its competitors.
However, the jacket is not harness- or hipbelt-compatible, which can render the hand pockets mostly useless for activities like hiking, climbing, and skiing. The hand pockets do not have water-resistant treatment but have storm flaps for protection and are generously sized.
The Foray II GTX Jacket comes with three total pockets: a chest pocket with a quality YKK Aquaguard zipper, zippered hand pockets, and an interior pocket. It is available in a Super Stretch variation with a stretchy Gore-Tex panel at the back for added mobility.
The jacket is designed for three-season use and fits well, accommodating a lightweight puffy without feeling restrictive. It is also available in a variety of sizes, from XS up to XXXL. The hood is generously sized and can fit over a beanie, trucker hat, or even a low-profile climbing helmet.
When compared to other top competitors in the best rain jackets category, the Foray II GTX Jacket holds its own. Key competitors include the Arc’teryx Beta SL Jacket, Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, and Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell 2.0.
While the Foray II's performance falls short of the premium Arc'teryx Beta Jacket, it is more affordable and checks all the boxes we look for in a well-rounded three-season rain shell. A key clip is integrated into the left hand pocket for added security. However, the cinch cord only covers the back half of the jacket, leading to an uneven look and bunching at the rear hem.
On the other hand, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is our favorite overall rain jacket this year, with a performance-ready, 3-layer H2No build that offers trustworthy protection and better breathability than the OR's 2-layer design. The jacket's lining feels clammy against bare skin during high-output use and lacks the breathability and softness of premium 3-layer alternatives.
In conclusion, the Outdoor Research Foray II GTX Jacket is a solid choice for those seeking a well-rounded, three-season rain shell. Its unique features, such as the TorsoFlo vents and stretchy back panel, make it a standout option, while its affordability and sustainability make it an attractive choice for many. However, potential buyers should consider the jacket's lack of harness or hipbelt compatibility and its slightly lower breathability compared to some competitors.
- For activities like hiking, climbing, and skiing, the hand pockets of the Outdoor Research Foray II GTX Jacket might be rendered mostly useless due to its lack of harness or hipbelt compatibility.
- Backpacking, skiing, or even hiking with a low-profile climbing helmet, the generously sized hood of the Foray II GTX Jacket offers sufficient coverage.
- The sports jacket market has stiff competition, but the Outdoor Research Foray II GTX Jacket, with its rugged Gore-Tex shell and breathable TorsoFlo vents, offers a blend of performance, sustainability, and affordability that appeals to many outdoor enthusiasts.
