Review of Patagonia's Granite Crest Rain Jacket
In the realm of outdoor gear, rain jackets that strike a balance between excellent waterproofing, breathability, lightweight design, and durability are highly sought after. Among the best options for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts are:
Montane Cetus Lite
This lightweight (335g) jacket, priced around £160, has garnered praise for its breathability and the use of recycled materials. Montane’s new Petrichor Technology membrane ensures it keeps dry and ventilated during intense activity.
Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket
Weighing just 152g, this ultralight jacket is designed for long-distance hikers. It offers superior protection without compromising breathability, making it an excellent choice for ultralight backpacking.
Patagonia Granite Crest
Retailing at approximately £279, the Patagonia Granite Crest is highly commended for three-season use. While some comparison details are sparse, it is considered a solid, reliable waterproof jacket within its price range.
Patagonia Triolet
More expensive (£449) and heavier (550g), the Triolet is noted for alpine mountaineering but is also suitable for hillwalking. It features Gore-Tex 3-layer fabric and a helmet-compatible hood.
Comparing the Patagonia Granite Crest to Other Top Options
The Granite Crest is more affordable than the Triolet and lighter, making it a good choice for general hiking in wet conditions but without specialized alpine features. Compared to ultralight rain jackets like the Zpacks Vertice or Montane Cetus Lite, the Granite Crest may be heavier or less breathable, as the other two emphasize breathability and a lighter weight.
The Montane Cetus Lite especially combines breathability and waterproofing at a slightly higher price point, making it a better choice for intense activity or warmer conditions. The Patagonia Granite Crest, on the other hand, sits between basic rain jackets and more premium mountaineering shells – a great all-rounder, especially valued for its sustainability and design for three-season hiking in moderate conditions.
Additional Features of the Patagonia Granite Crest
The Granite Crest Rain Jacket is produced in a Fair Trade Certified factory, ensuring factory workers are treated fairly and ethically. It has a regular fit, comfortably layering over thicker midlayers like the Norrøna Falketind Down750 Hood Jacket. The jacket’s pockets are reliable enough for storing items like phones and maps in inclement weather. Water-resistant zippers on the center zipper, chest pocket, and pit zips, along with hook-and-loop cuffs for sealing out moisture and wind at the wrists, add to its functionality.
Moreover, the Granite Crest Rain Jacket packs down quite well, with the left chest pocket doubling as the stuff sack. It has a single chest pocket that can stash a headlamp, map, or wallet. The 30-denier shell of the jacket is reasonably durable and has held up flawlessly throughout testing. The jacket's pockets are large enough to comfortably fit gloved hands or store a camera lens. The shell is made entirely from recycled fishing nets and coated with a PFAS-free DWR coating. Its hood is both climbing helmet-friendly and easy to adjust.
In summary, the Patagonia Granite Crest is a strong, more affordable, reliable choice for versatile three-season hiking but may not match the breathability or lightweight qualities of the best ultralight options. For those prioritizing ultralight design and high breathability, the Montane Cetus Lite and Zpacks Vertice stand out. If you want a rugged, mountaineering-capable jacket, the Patagonia Triolet excels.
- These outdoor gear options, such as the Montane Cetus Lite, Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket, Patagonia Granite Crest, and Patagonia Triolet, are popular among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts for their excellent performance in various conditions.
- For travelers and hikers prioritizing lightweight design and breathability, the Montane Cetus Lite and Zpacks Vertice Rain Jackets are recommended for their ultralight construction and superior protection against intense activity.
- The Patagonia Granite Crest is a versatile choice, valued for its three-season use, affordable price, and sustainability, making it an ideal all-rounder for moderate hiking conditions.
- Regarding lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty, the Patagonia Granite Crest Rain Jacket is produced in a Fair Trade Certified factory and has a regular fit, allowing it to layer comfortably over midlayers and stores items like phones and maps during inclement weather.
- In terms of home-and-garden, this outdoor gear can be easily compacted and stored, with the left chest pocket doubling as the stuff sack, and its pockets being large enough to fit gloved hands or store a camera lens.
- Paired with food-and-drink during travel, these rain jackets can provide a sense of comfort and reliability for those embarking on hiking and climbing adventures, ensuring they stay dry, ventilated, and protected in various conditions.
