Patagonia Boulder Fork Rain Jacket Review: Refined functionality and excellent versatility. A reliable, no-brainer rain jacket for long trails

As a gear lover, when it comes to rainwear, I tend to be drawn to "unique" gear that specializes in one function, such as "lightness" or "breathability." While that may be a perfectly acceptable choice for certain styles and routes, when it comes to unfamiliar routes or long mountain trips, such extreme models require a certain degree of "reading" and "experience." Thin, lightweight, and highly breathable rain gear is sufficient in mild weather, but its vulnerability to rough weather and unexpected cold cannot be ignored

When you think about it, a versatile rain jacket with a good balance of functionality and weight is actually very useful in the long run. Having a jacket that you can confidently take with you when you're in a place you can't imagine going to or when you're a little worried about the weather can greatly reduce the risks of your trip

The Boulder Fork Rain Jacket newly released this season by Patagonia, is just such a piece. The "Torrentshell" is the standard for versatile rainwear at Patagonia, but this new waterproof and breathable jacket retains the casual feel of the Torrentshell while focusing more on field use and being tailored to accommodate a variety of field activities. It could be positioned as a "new standard." I'd like to review it right away.

Key Features of the Patagonia Boulder Fork Rain Jacket

The Patagonia Boulder Fork Rain Jacket is a waterproof and breathable rain jacket made from recycled 3-layer fabric, offering the high functionality and durability needed by hikers and climbers navigating a wide range of terrain, from coastal trails to alpine summits, while keeping price and weight within reasonable limits. Seam-taped for full waterproofing, the roomy sizing allows for layering in cold weather. Features include a durable, waterproof and rust-resistant front zipper, zippered pockets on the chest and sides, an adjustable hood with a foamed brim, Velcro cuffs, and a drawcord-adjustable hem, making it ideal for hiking, climbing, fishing, and other activities, keeping you dry in inclement weather

Favorite points

• Excellent weather resistance and durability
• Natural fit for easy movement and comfort
• Easily adjustable, long-brimmed, waterproof hood for a snug fit
• Plenty of pockets
• High versatility

Points of concern

• No underarm ventilation (pit zips) or double front zipper for better ventilation
• Slightly heavier than average 3-layer rainwear
• It's not packable for easy storage (though it can be rolled up)

Main specifications and evaluation

Detailed review of wearing it on a spring low mountain trail

Comfortable to wear, easy to move in: No stress while moving around, fits perfectly even when worn alone as a T-shirt or over a mid-layer

The Boulder Fork features a three-layer fabric with a soft, comfortable tricot lining, unlike laminate or mesh linings, making it one of the most comfortable rainwear models. It's significantly less sticky when you sweat and less uncomfortable when layering, and it feels dry and comfortable even when worn directly against the skin with just a T-shirt. The overall size is roomy and the sleeves are slightly longer, so even for me, who is 176cm tall and weighs 62kg, wearing a size S fit perfectly. The armholes are also moderately wide, allowing for comfortable layering without feeling constricted around the armpits, even when wearing a mid-layer

Wearing a men's size S (176cm, 63kg)

I really like the relaxed fit and the silhouette, which doesn't feel sloppy at all

Although the garment is not stretchy, the clever three-dimensional cutting means that the sleeves do not ride up even when you raise your arms, and you will hardly feel any resistance when moving

The back of the neck is lined with microfleece, which absorbs oil and sweat for increased comfort and durability (see photo below)

The pockets are positioned a little high so they don't get in the way when you're wearing a backpack, but they're not so high that you can't reach them even when you're not wearing a pack, making them a convenient design for both city and mountain use

Weatherproof and breathable: Excellent protection from wind and rain with moderate breathability

The Boulder Fork 's outer layer is made of a slightly thick 3.7 oz. ripstop polyester fabric, though it uses a thin 30 denier thread. Its three-layer construction, including a waterproof and breathable membrane and a tricot lining, makes it one of the most durable rainwear available today, with excellent weather resistance (waterproof and windproof) and warmth. I wore it directly over my base layer while hiking in Shinshu in April, when snow was still remaining, and it kept out the wind and cold to a certain extent, even when I was hit by a chilly wind on a ridgeline over 1,000 meters above sea level.

I also tested the waterproofing of the garment in a light rain and shower, and found that there were very few areas where I needed to worry about rainwater getting inside. Not only is the fabric fully seam taped, but the cuffs and hem can be tightly fastened, the hood seals tightly around the face, and the brim is long enough to prevent it from getting in your face, so I found the waterproofing to be excellent

However, while this is usually not a problem as it is covered with a flap, the zippers on the chest and sides are not waterproof, so you need to be careful of pinpoint water seepage

On the other hand, when hiking through a forest, sweating increases and the inside of the garment becomes steamy with water vapor. Up to a certain incline, the jacket's breathability allows the steam to escape, and the tricot lining reduces stickiness on the skin, so I was able to stay comfortable. However, due to the overall thickness of the fabric, the breathability eventually reaches its limit, and when climbing steep inclines or moving at a fast pace, the jacket no longer feels breathable enough to be worn for long periods of time. This was somewhat expected, as the lining does not have mesh on the backs of the pockets, but it is a bit of a shame that it was not designed to provide ample ventilation when the humidity reached its limit, such as with pit zips (underarm ventilation) or a double zipper on the front

Functionality: The hood design is still great

The word "Fork" in the name of this jacket refers to the branching point of a road, river, or other similar location. It represents the midpoint between various scenes and activities in the field, and as evidence of this, the jacket is designed with a focus on versatility and convenience. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of this jacket is that it can be worn in a variety of locations, from coastal areas to mountainous regions, forests, valleys, and boulder areas, all in one

- Adjustable hood

One of my favorite features of this jacket is its well-designed hood, which offers excellent visibility and protection. The slightly voluminous, deep, and waterproof hood has a long, foam brim that keeps raindrops from getting into your glasses and eyes. Instead of a three-point closure, a single drawcord at the back tightens the hood for a snug, contoured fit across your face

This basic yet highly effective hood design performs exceptionally well, easily tightening or loosening with one or both hands. The hood easily accommodates most hats and head sizes, comfortably hugging your head whether wearing a beanie, baseball cap, or nothing at all, and stays in place even when you shake your head, providing excellent visibility

However, please note that these are designed solely for hiking and are not compatible with mountaineering helmets, so if you are wearing them while wearing a helmet, you will need to wear them underneath

Large pocket with excellent storage capacity

The jacket features two zippered handwarmer pockets on each side, as well as a zippered chest pocket on the left chest. These pockets are noticeably larger than usual, with the chest pocket large enough to easily fit a large smartphone, and the left and right pockets are convenient for storing a variety of items, including not only small items but also large maps, water bottles, fishing tackle, and more

It will be useful whether you're hiking with a backpack or just taking a quick stroll with your hands free

Front zipper, Velcro cuffs, drawcord hem

The Boulder Fork's newly adopted waterproof front zipper is unique in that it is waterproof and rust-proof, making it suitable for use near the sea

The cuffs are not made of cheap elastic but are fastened with Velcro for use with gloves. The width can be adjusted to enhance the seal around the wrist, whether worn with bare hands or gloves, making them suitable for a wide range of seasons from early spring to early winter

The drawcord at the hem can be adjusted from the right pocket to prevent water and cold air from entering from below

Summary: Excellent as a shell to protect you from bad weather and as a convenient outer layer

The Patagonia Boulder Fork Rain Jacket is a comfortable three-layer rain jacket perfect for hiking, backpacking, fishing, and other activities year-round, even outside of the snowy season. Its stable protection and sturdy construction make it a great choice for those who need reliable protection during the rainy season, long-distance hikes, and other activities where rain is expected throughout the day, or for wet areas near water. On the other hand, for light and fast activities like fastpacking and running, other options (such as the Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket) may be a better fit. It also functions as an outer layer to provide some relief from the cold, making it a perfect piece to wear when seamlessly transitioning from the city to the countryside and onto the trails. This excellent balance of functionality, durability, and convenience makes it exceptionally versatile, making it a versatile piece that will be a hit with anyone, anywhere

Patagonia Men's Boulder Fork Rain Jacket

created by Rinker

• Patagonia Men's Boulder Fork Rain Jacket

Disclosure: The author was provided with the product for this review and has maintained complete independence in accordance with our editorial policy

   

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