Having a water-resistant shell on your locker is essential if you want to stay dry in the rain. Whether it’s a boggy day in the colder months or the skies open up on a spring day, a decent shell will help keep your torso and head dry.
But modern technology means there are hundreds of options out there when it comes to shell jackets — from taped seams and tightly woven fabric blends to GORE-TEX, Pertex and beyond. In this edition of Staff Select, we will be sharing our shells of choice, in the hope that our experiences will be able to help you trim down your list of water-resistant candidates.
Why trust us? Well, we’ve all been in the game long enough to have field-tested a range of quality clothing, and the Heddels operation puts us onto some of the best clothing in the world week in, week out. Whilst our opinions and experiences shouldn’t be taken as definitive, this series will provide you insight into what has worked for us and why.
James – And Wander 3L Ultra Light Rain Jacket
image via traektoria
I’ve been a huge fan of And Wander for around 4 years, now, and this was the first piece I picked up from them. It’s an ultra-lightweight and completely packable waterproof shell, made from 100% nylon Pertex Shell with taper internal seams. No, it’s not 3-Layer Pertex or GORE-TEX, but it keeps the rain and wind out a treat – a must if you live in England. Speaking of GORE-TEX, I have to say I have no issues with its competitor, Pertex, which is deployed on this jacket. It performs fantastically well in all conditions.
Being so lightweight (literally, paper-thin), I use this as an outer layer over something like a fleece, sweatshirt, or a bunch of layers. The lack of structure means this doesn’t sit well over just a tee – it needs stuff under it to bulk it out. This works for me, as I find that 3L jackets typically have a more structured, rigid silhouette which I’m not always fond of. This gives me all the water resistance I need, whilst being light, packable, and great-looking.
The last thing I’ll touch on here is the color. Brown, baby. This jacket started my love affair with brown outerwear. It’s just the ultimate color to pair with heritage-wear. It pairs with olive (fatigues), denim in all washes and tones, black, white – literally just about anything. If it wasn’t obvious, I highly recommend brown outerwear, folks.
I also recommend And Wander, in general. Their silhouettes are interesting and they have a knack for adding details like the contrasting 3M stitching on this piece that just sets things off. Their logo is recognizable and not too intrusive, and everything is made in Japan.
Ben – Patagonia Torrent Shell
Recieved as a gift about 6 years ago, my Patagonia Waterproof Shell has been a fixture in the rotation during all 4 seasons. Whether a light top layer for summer storms or a strategic wind blocking inner layer when snow is in the forecast, this jacket has never let me down. Fitted with 2 hand pockets, 2 adjustable pit vents, an adjustable waist, and a great looking bungee hood with brim, its a modern classic that can morphas needed. Coming in a dark grey, it sort of fits with everything and the best part is, the water resistance is just as strong as ever. Looking forward to wearing it for another 6. Peep the packability!!!
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Brad – Penfield Waxed Shell Jacket
They just don’t make ‘em like they used to,” is perhaps the most common axiom in our little corner of menswear. It is often applied to obscure pieces of workwear or a particular style of boot. Unfortunately, I can use it to describe a jacket that I bought only 10 years ago. Rather than a broad sweeping claim, “they” is referring to the specific brand Penfield, and the “‘em” is waxed outerwear.
My most beloved lightweight jacket of all time is a Penfield waxed shell jacket. The fabric is tightly woven 65% polyester, 35% cotton that was impregnated with a natural wax finish. It is the perfect shade of navy blue to match absolutely everything. I’m a sucker for the little details on outerwear and this jacket is full of them. Like the leather zipper pull that has aged like an old horse bridle, the leather logo patch on the left shoulder that has taken on a wonderful patina, and the solid metal snaps with leather backings that have not tarnished a bit through a decade of service against the elements. The ripstop breast pocket is my favorite detail because it fits a sunglasses case perfectly.
Penfield was established in 1975, initially making goods in a single Massachussetes facility. Over the years, it made goods for brands like L.L. Bean, Lands End, EMS, and Cabelas. In the 2010s, the old sporting goods company was adopted by the streetwear scene and was sold through retailers like J.Crew and Huckberry. However, the old New England brand was hit hard by the pandemic before selling to a UK-based international fashion-licensing specialist in 2021. From what I’ve heard, the quality has dropped off since the late 2010s.
As this jacket is no longer available, the closest I have found is this Fjallraven.
Daniel – Outdoor Research Helium Jacket
I have an inside joke with myself that it never rains in San Francisco. Living in SF, you’d know that it actually does rain, but only seasonally for the last 5 or so years. When it rains, it feels like it does for a whole month, which is why it’s good to have a solid rain shell on hand.
I came upon the Outdoor Research Helium jacket through doing a bit of research about lightweight hiking gear, and it’s been a great shell in times of need, I have no complaints. I’m beginning to outgrow it, but it’s lightweight, durable Pertex fabric, simple design (basically just a bare shell with a pocket at the chest), and adjustable hem and collar have been a lifesaver when it’s raining – which it never does in San Francisco.
Nav – Junya Watanabe Man EYE Gore-Tex Jacket
As a lover of jackets, I’m of the opinion that it’s imperative to have an option for every level of downpour/temperature. The Shell jacket is the one that needs to be the most versatile in terms of complimenting any fit and having an element of packability as here in Amsterdam you could need it at any time during the year. My go to in this department is my Junya Watanabe Man Gore-Tex jacket, the practical and simple design coupled with a stealthy all black colour means that I can throw it on over any fit and still feel put together. The Gore-Tex fabric used throughout also means that I’m protected against any level of rainfall. I’ve had this beauty for about 7 years now and it’s never let me down, rain droplets still bounce off it as quickly as they did the day I got it. I love it’s versatility and even though it could be argued that there are very similar options that would do the same job for a lower price, I didn’t want to compromise on this and I got it for an absolute steal!
