My Trail contacted me last month about reviewing their Storm UL Rain Jacket. We were just starting the rainy season here in Texas and my rain jacket consisted of a Frogg Togg as I was still searching for a rain jacket to use while on the trails. Needless to say, I was more than happy to have the opportunity!
They were out of the woman’s size I wear, so I bought the equivalent in the men’s. I typically buy men’s sizes as it is since they typically fit me better (I am 5′ 9″ with long arms and a long torso) so this wasn’t an issue for me at all.
The rain jacket arrived quickly and I was anxious to try it out. However, there was an issue. There was no rain in the forecast. For those that don’t know, here in Texas, we are in tornado alley. Late March typically begins the wet thunderstorm tornado season. You can count on storms at least a couple of times a week. For 2 weeks I waited for rain and mother nature just laughed at me!
There was hope on the horizon, as we were headed to West Virginia to help my Mom after her open heart surgery. West Virginia had recently got snow, and there was rain/snow in the forecast! Score! We were there for a week and guess what? Yep, nothing!!! Well, except it lightly snowed late one night for an hour or so while everyone was dead asleep.
Back to Texas we headed. As we started through Arkansas I saw lightening ahead.
We pulled over into a rest area for a couple of hours to get some Zzzz’s. I woke up to it raining hard! And wouldn’t you know, I had to use the potty! Finally, I got to wear my rain jacket! Granted it wasn’t on the trail or for a long distance, but at least I could see if it kept me dry! I have never been so happy to finally see rain!
I came back to the car, took off my rain jacket and was completely dry.
Field Testing of the My Trail Storm UL Rain Jacket
Obviously, that is great news, but field testing still needed to be done. Fast forward a week and we finally got rain! My son looked at me and asked if we could go hiking. Yes! Let’s go!
We only hiked for 1.5 miles. It was really humid outside with on again, off again light sprinkles. After about 3/4 mile in I was thankful for the pit zips as I started getting steamy inside (which is completely normal with rain jackets). Opening the pit zips allowed for a little airflow which kept me happy and not wet with sweat.
My son felt the need to test my jacket even further by throwing his drinking water on me. Oddly enough, I didn’t feel him doing it (he was behind me and throwing it at my back). The only reason I knew something was even happening was due to him laughing.
When I asked him what the heck he was doing, he said he wanted to see if the water beaded up and do his own field test. I asked how it was going. He said, “great the water is beading up and rolling off your jacket”.
When we got back to the truck, the only wetness I felt from the inside was from my own sweat. The My Trail Storm UL Rain Jacket held up to my initial field test.
I do plan to test it further on the trail as soon as the sky cooperates and unleashes a solid downpour. I will update this when it happens!
My Trail Storm UL Rain Jacket Specs
Weight: 10 oz
Shell: Ripstop nylon
Interior Coating: Waterproof/breathable polyurethane
Exterior Finish: Durable water repellant [DWR]
Seams: Fully-taped waterproof
Zippers: Watertight
Sleeve Cuffs: Adjustable with velcro closures
Hood: Adjustable with drawcord closure
Hood Garage: In collar
Armpit Vents: Large double-zippered
Hand pockets: Watertight zipper closures
Hem: Adjustable drawcord
Included: Storm flap
UPDATE: My Trail is now out of business. =(
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