OUTDOOR RESEARCH Review 2024
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Seattle-based Outdoor Research is no stranger to creating quality rain jackets that can fend off the elements, and we like what they've come up with in the Foray. This do-it-all shell is light and packable for hiking and backpacking yet tough enough to hold its own for spring skiing. Recently updated, the latest “II” is substantially lighter than the original but retains the proven combination of solid Gore-Tex waterproofing, premium touches like YKK Aquaguard zippers, and the brand’s signature TorsoFlo vents. These huge openings run from the bicep all the way to the hem and make it easy to quickly release heat, although they do come with compromises in comfort and styling. Below we break down our experiences with the Foray II. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on the best rain jackets.
Weather Protection
Featuring proven Gore-Tex Paclite waterproofing and a thicker-than-average 50-denier (D) shell, Outdoor Research’s Foray II GTX Jacket provides excellent protection from wind and rain. It’s true that the 2-layer construction prioritizes weight savings and packability and won’t be confused with a full-on, winter-ready hardshell, but it’s about as protective as it gets in the rain jacket market. For reference, the Foray II has held up extremely well in everything from wet and blowing snow and sleet to a deluge of rain in Kauai. The durable water repellent (DWR) coating effectively sheds light moisture (although it'll get overwhelmed in heavy rainfall), the tall collar and three-way adjustable hood can be battened down in a storm, and the interior is fully seam taped and has yet to show any signs of vulnerability. As such, we think the Foray is an excellent option for three-season hiking and backpacking, and it’s even viable for the occasional mild-weather ski tour (something we did with the prior-generation Foray).
Rounding out the design, you get adjustable hook-and-loop cuffs that fit nicely over bare wrists with minimal to no bunching. They also worked well when paired with gloves ranging from thin liners to substantial undercuff winter designs like Hestra’s Fall Line Gloves and Mittens. In addition, the Foray has a moderately long cut and slight drop hem (center back length is listed at 29.5 in), which provide above-average coverage. And for sealing out the elements, you can cinch the back half of the hem via a single toggle on the right side. We’re not a big fan of that final piece—it’s a compromise of the generous TorsoFlo vents—and we cover the potential downsides in the “Key Features” section below.
Breathability
Similar to other 2-layer Gore-Tex Paclite rain jackets, we found the Foray quickly overheats during moderate activity (note: From our experience, jackets with upgraded Paclite Plus offer improved breathability). If you're working hard, the Foray's lining can feel clammy against the skin, especially compared to pricier models like the 3-layer Arc’teryx Beta LT ($450) and Beta Jacket ($400), which feature softer and more breathable interiors that wick moisture better. That said, the magic of the Foray lies in its full-length side zips—dubbed TorsoFlo—which run from the bottom hem to the bicep. These massive vents allowed me to dump a ton of heat quickly while on the trail—more so than any hardshell I've ever used. In other words, while the fabric itself can’t match the breathability of more premium options, the side zips definitely help make up for it.
Comfort
While the Foray’s 2-layer construction makes some sacrifices in breathability, it does give the jacket a flexible and comfortable overall feel. Unlike a traditional hardshell jacket that’s stiff and crinkly, the Foray’s smooth polyester shell is relatively quiet and unrestrictive even during activity. To be clear, there are downsides to the unlined interior—including clamminess during high-output use and a bit of a rubbery feel in general—but they’re far from deal breakers and only truly noticeable when wearing the jacket over bare arms. And a final nice touch is that OR included a large patch of fleece-like material along the inside of the collar that feels cozy when fully zipped.
Weight and Packability
Weighing in at 12 ounces on our scale for a men’s medium (the listed weight is 11.9 oz.), the latest Foray II is around 4 ounces lighter than its predecessor. Given the substantial drop, the Foray has gone from being a relative heavyweight to highly competitive in the rain jacket market. For reference, it’s lighter than similarly intentioned designs like Marmot’s Minimalist (13 oz.), Black Diamond’s Liquid Point (13.9 oz.), REI’s XeroDry GTX (12.5 oz.), and Arc’teryx’s Beta LT (13.9 oz.). You can shave some weight with Arc’teryx’s 10.6-ounce Beta Jacket or a true ultralight piece like OR’s own Helium Rain Jacket (6.3 oz.), but both of those are more specialized options that forgo features like pit zips (the Helium also leaves out hand pockets). All in all, the Foray II strikes a really nice balance—it’s well appointed but still reasonably light—and I'd have no qualms about bringing it on long backcountry adventures.
Along with its trimmed-down weight, packability is equally impressive. And while the jacket no longer comes with a two-sided zipper for storing in a hand pocket—not a big loss in our eyes—it rolls easily into its hood. Using this method, the Foray II compresses to the size of a large burrito, and we had no issue fitting it into small and large packs alike. Of note: For those who prefer to store their rain jackets in a hand pocket, the Foray still stuffs in just fine (and measures a compact 9 x 6.5 in. when stashed in the hand pocket), but it’s more of a pain to zip it back open without the two-sided zipper.