Patagonia Boulder Fork Rain Jacket Review: Sophisticated features and excellent versatility. Reliable "Make-Free" Rainwear on Long Trails
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
As a tool lover, I tend to focus on "pointed" gear, which specializes in one feature, such as "lightness" and "breathability." This is a good choice for a specific style or route, but when it comes to unfamiliar routes or mountain trips over a long period of time, such extreme models require a certain amount of "reading" and "experience." Thin, lightweight, and highly breathable rain gear is enough in mild weather, but it cannot be ignored as it is vulnerable to rough weather and unexpected cold.
When you think about this, a versatile rain jacket with a balanced function and weight is actually very useful when going around in a circle. By having a piece you can confidently bring up with you, "If you're unsure," when you're not very unimaginable, or when you're feeling a little uneasy about the weather, you can greatly reduce the risk of traveling.
The boulder folk rain jacket newly released by Patagonia this season , is truly one of those pieces. Patagonia's most versatile rainwear standard is "Trent Shell," but this new waterproof and breathable jacket may be positioned as a "new standard" that is adjusted to accommodate activities in a variety of fields, while retaining the casualness of a torrent shell, focusing on ease of use in the field. I'd like to review it right away.
table of contents
Patagonia Boulder Fork Rain Jacket Main Features
The Patagonia Boulder Fork Rain Jacket is a waterproof and breathable rain jacket made of recycled three-layer fabric that has the high functionality and durability needed for hikers and climbers traveling across a variety of fields, from coastal trails to alpine summits, while keeping the price and weight within a realistic range. It is completely waterproof with seam tape processing, and the loose sizing is not too tight, making it suitable for layering in cold seasons. It has a waterproof and rust-resistant, durable front waterproof zipper, zippered pockets on the chest and left and right, an adjustable foam brim hood, Velcro cuffs, and an adjustable hem with a drawstring, keeping your body dry in a wide range of situations, including hiking, climbing, and fishing.
Favorite points
- Excellent weather resistance and durability
- Natural fit makes it easy to move in and comfortable to wear
- Easy to adjust, fits well, long brim and highly waterproof hood
- Lots of pockets
- Highly versatile
Interesting points
- There is no underarm ventilation (pit zip) for better ventilation, or a double front zipper
- Slightly heavier than average 3-layer rainwear
- It is not packable for easy storage (though it is not impossible to fold it round)
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | Patagonia Boulder Fork Rain Jacket |
|---|---|
| weight | 388g (Actual measurement of S size) |
| color | Forge Grey, Smolder Blue, Basin Green, Gather Green, Pufferfish Gold |
| size | XS/S/M/L/XL |
| Ladies model | ◯ |
| Waterproof and moisture permeable function | H2No Performance Standard Shell (3-layer structure) without PFC/PFAS |
| Outer material | 3.7 oz, 30 denier, recycled polyester ripstop. DWR (durable water repellent) processed |
| lining | Polyester membrane and recycled polyester tricots |
| |
| Other features |
|
| Outdoor Gearzine Rating | |
| Weatherproof (waterproof and windproof) | ★★★★★ |
| Breathability and less likely to get stuffy | ★★★☆☆ |
| Comfort and ease of movement | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ |
| Functionality | ★★★★☆ |
| Durability | ★★★★☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★★★ |
Detailed review worn on the low mountain trail in spring
Comfort, Comfort, Easy to Move: No stress during your activities, perfect fit, whether you wear just a T-shirt or over a middle-wear
The boulder fork is made of a three-layer fabric with a soft, soft tricot lining, unlike laminated lining and mesh lining, making it one of the models that is comfortable to wear among rainwear. It is significantly less sticky when sweating or discomfort when layering, and even when wearing it alone, it provides a smooth, comfortable feel when worn directly on the skin with just a T-shirt. The overall size is spacious and slightly longer sleeves, so I, who weigh 176cm and 62kg, fit perfectly even when I wear size S. The armholes are also moderately wide, allowing for comfortable layering without tightness in the armpits even when wearing a middle-wear.
Men's wearing size S (176cm, 63kg)
I really like the good silhouette that is relaxed and comfortable to wear, but doesn't feel unsophisticated.
Although it is not stretchy, the skillful three-dimensional cutting makes the sleeves less likely to slip up when you lift your hands, and there is almost no resistance to movement.
The back of the lining neck is covered with micro fleece lining, which absorbs oil and sweat to increase comfort and durability (photo below).
The pockets are located slightly higher so there is no interference when carrying a backpack. However, it is not so high that it is difficult to put your hands in without carrying a pack on your back, so it is a design that is easy to use in both the city and the mountains.
Weather resistance and breathability: Excellent protection against wind and rain and moderate moisture permeability
the boulder fork is made of 30 denier and thin thread, it is made of a slightly thick ripstop polyester fabric of 3.7 oz, and has a three-layer structure with a waterproof, breathable membrane and a tricot lining, making it a durable, weather-resistant (waterproof and windproof) and heat-retaining rainwear these days. During the remaining snow season in April, I wore it directly over the base layer on a hike in Shinshu, but even when I was blown by the cold wind on the ridgeline exceeding 1,000m, it shuts out the wind and cold to some extent.
Also, when I checked the waterproofness of the rain or a light shower, there were few places where there was a concern that rainwater would enter the clothes. Not only is the full seam tape-applied fabric water-resistant, but the cuffs and hem are tightly tightened, the hood seals around the face, and the brim is long enough so it is difficult to get on the face, and it has been found to be extremely waterproof.
However, it is usually covered with flaps so it is not a problem, but the chest and left and right zippers are not waterproof, so be careful not to get flooded at pinpoint points.
On the other hand, when you hike up through the forest, you sweat more rapidly, and the inside of your clothes becomes steamy. Up to a certain degree, the breathability of this jacket will expel sweating, and the tricot on the lining reduces the stickiness of the skin, making it comfortable. However, since the overall thickness is thick, the moisture permeability will eventually reach its limit, and it will no longer be visible enough to wear it forever when climbing steeply or at a high pace. This was something that was expected to be expected to some extent, as the back of the pockets were not mesh even when looking at the lining, but that's why it would be a bit disappointing if the pit zipper (underarm ventilation) and the double zipper on the front were designed to allow for thorough ventilation when the stuffiness reached its limit.
Functionality: The hood design is still amazing
The name "Fork" in this jacket is a word that refers to a fork in a road or a river. In other words, it represents the meaning of the midpoints between various scenes and activities in the field, and many ideas focused on versatility and convenience can be seen to support this. The most distinctive feature of this jacket is that it is designed to cover a wide range of activities in a variety of natural environments, from coastal to mountainous areas, forests, valleys, and boulder areas.
Adjustable hood
One of my personal favorites about this jacket is the hood with a great design that has wide vision and excellent protection. The slightly voluminous, deep, waterproof hood has a long foam brim that prevents raindrops from getting into your glasses and eyes. Unlike the method of tightening the head at three points, squeezing a single drawcord at the back of the head will tighten the entire face to fit the perfect shape.
This basic yet very effective hood design offers extremely excellent performance and can be easily tightened or loosened with one or both hands. The hood easily accommodates most hats and head sizes, and it will cover your head without any strain, whether you're wearing a beanie or baseball cap or nothing, providing good vision without slipping when you shake your head.
However, please note that it is only for hiking and does not support mountain climbing helmets, so when wearing it while wearing it, you will need to wear it under the helmet.
Large pocket with excellent storage capacity
The pockets not only have two zippered hand warmer pockets on the left and right, but also have a zippered chest pocket on the left chest. These pockets have clearly larger space than usual, and the chest pockets are large enough to fit a large smartphone, while the left and right pockets are convenient for storing not only small items but also large maps, plastic bottles, and fishing equipment.
It would be useful for serious hiking with a backpack on your back, or for a quick walk without a hand.
Front zipper, Velcro cuffs, hem drawcord
The new front waterproof zipper for boulder and forks is unique in that it is waterproof and rust-proof to withstand use by the sea.
The cuffs are not cheap, elastic, and are velcro fastened for use with gloves. Suitable for a wide range of purposes from early spring to early winter. You can adjust the width with bare hands or gloves to improve the sealing of your wrists.
The drawcord, which can be tightened to prevent water and cold air from entering from the bottom, can be adjusted from the right pocket.
Summary: Great for protecting yourself from bad weather and as a convenient outerwear
The Patagonia Boulder Fork Rain Jacket is a comfortable three-layer rain jacket that can be used all year round, except for snowy seasons, such as hiking, backpacking, and fishing. Its stable protection and stiffness are attractive, making it recommended for those who need solid protection on courses that are expected to be hit by rain all day, such as during the rainy season or long distance traverses, or on waterfronts where it is often wet. Conversely, for light and fast activities such as fast packing and running, another option (for example, the Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket) would be a better match. It also serves as an outerwear to relieve a bit of cold, so you can continue to wear it when you are seamlessly moving from town to Satoyama to full-fledged trails. This excellent balance of functionality, durability, and convenience makes it extremely versatile, so it will surely be useful in the future, regardless of who wears it or the occasion.
Disclosure: The author received the product in this review and the articles have been created with full independence in accordance with editorial policy.
