Weather can be unpredictable—especially in Kentucky, where I live—so I always make sure to have a rain jacket packed for my hiking adventures, and it’s optimal to have one that is lightweight and easily stored in my daypack.
I’ve been an REI Co-op Expert Advice gear tester since 2024, and I’m also a painter, artist and podcaster inspired by the sandstone cliffs, white haired goldenrod and waterfalls I find in the Red River Gorge region of Kentucky, which is about two hours from my home in Louisville. My husband, Darren, our dog Pippin and I enjoy both short hikes and all-day adventures throughout the magical Gorge most weekends, no matter the weather.
Being an avid hiker here, I’m very familiar with rainstorms that randomly blow through even when the day starts out nice and sunny. And, since the humidity gets especially high, it’s essential that my rain jacket is breathable while providing protection from the elements.
Enter the new Ridgelite Waterproof Jacket from The North Face, a brand synonymous for banishing bulk without compromising performance. Here are my first impressions of this new activity-focused rain layer, after spending a few weeks with it on the trails.
Who is this jacket for?
This lightweight, breathable rain layer is designed for high-output activities like hiking, trail and road running, and outdoor fitness. Its 2.5-layer waterproof shell keeps precip at bay without trapping sweat inside, and it’s made to move with you, thanks to details like underarm gussets and an adjustable, cordlocked hood. Packable into its own pocket, the jacket’s also a perfect extra layer to have on hand for errands around town, damp days at camp, and traveling.
Pros
- Lightweight (7.6 ounces) and packs down into its own pocket
- Waterproof/breathable DryVent fabric™ locks out rain and lets interior moisture escape
- 100% recycled nylon fabric with non-PFC durable water repellent (DWR) coating
Cons
- No pit zips for quick ventilation
Best for
- High-output activity like hiking or running
- Will-it-or-won’t-it weather days
- An everyday extra layer that stashes easily
Other versions:
Notable features
Breathable waterproofing: The Ridgelite is made to take on wet weather, and its multilayered DryVent™ fabric is coated in a semipermeable material designed with pores small enough to keep water from getting in while still letting perspiration escape. Since I hike a lot in Kentucky weather, which has a tendency to change from moment to moment and can be very humid, a jacket like this is a lifesaver. The waterproof Ridgelite gives me peace of mind when I’m preparing for a rainy hike, since I know the ultra-comfortable, breathable fabric will hold out moisture and that I won’t have to worry about feeling overheated and clammy inside of it. The fabric’s outer layer also features a durable water repellent (DWR) finish that repels precipitation and helps droplets bead up and fall away instead of clinging. Seam-taped construction means no water will seep in through stitched areas.
Lightweight: Putting the jacket on for the first time, I immediately noticed how lightweight it is at just 7.5 ounces. I don’t think I own any other jacket as light as the waterproof Ridgelite, which is a major plus when I’m planning longer hikes. Since I know it could be pouring rain one minute and bright and sunny the next, I love that the Ridgelite waterproof jacket won’t add a ton of weight to my pack as a just-in-case layer. When worn, the jacket adds negligible bulk—perfect for more technical hikes that require full-body movement. I don’t feel like the jacket is holding me back. Despite being less durable than 3-layer outerwear, 2.5-layer DryVent™ construction is the lightest and most packable available from The North Face, and the Ridgelite packs down into its own hand pocket when not in use, which is just nifty! (Packed, it’s roughly the size of a Dopp kit or travel toiletry bag.)
Fit: The Ridgelite waterproof jacket’s fabric shell reminds me of camping material, in a good way. It feels very durable (no sign of wear even after climbing up and over trees and scrambling on some rocks) and yet I never feel like it constricts my movement, which is incredibly important for me when choosing hiking gear. I tackle longer hikes, and I also love more technical trails, which might require some backcountry hiking and weaving through rhododendrons—so having a rain layer that doesn’t restrict is key! It’s also nice that the jacket has adjustable cinch cords on both the waist and the attached hood to dial in the fit. I’ve also had it comfortably layered over a long-sleeve shirt and sweatshirt.
Sustainability features: The Ridgelite’s 15-denier DryVent™ shell comprises 100% recycled nylon with a non-PFC DWR coating.
Considerations: Even with highly breathable 2.5-layer fabric, a waterproof jacket without pit zips can become hot during extended strenuous activity.
Bottom line
A rain jacket that is lightweight, packable, breathable and moves with me instead of against me is a must for all my hiking adventures. I’ll definitely keep the Ridgelite waterproof jacket from The North Face in my hiking pack, especially in the spring and summer months.