Outdoor Research Foray II Review (2026)

Name: Outdoor Research Foray II
Brand: Outdoor Research
Price: 170.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 9.3 (1 reviews)

The Foray II hits a genuine sweet spot: 2.5-layer Pertex Shield fabric that keeps weight and packed size reasonable without the crinkly stiffness cheaper 2.5L jackets often have, pit zips that actually vent well, and a helmet-compatible hood with real brim structure. It's not the lightest or cheapest jacket here, but it's the one I'd tell a hiker to buy if they only wanted to own one rain jacket.

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$170 retail

9.3

/10

TrailCraft Score

What Works

2.5L Pertex Shield fabric balances weight, packability, and durability well
Pit zips vent effectively during high-output climbs
Helmet-compatible hood has real structure, not just a floppy drawcord hood
Reasonable $170 price for genuinely capable 3-season protection

Limitations

Not the lightest option if grams are your only priority
2.5L fabric feels slightly clammier than pricier 3L jackets on long wet days
Pocket placement can interfere with a hip belt on some backpacks
Only two color options limit personalization

Specifications

Weight14 oz / 397 g

Waterproof Rating20,000mm Pertex Shield

Breathability20,000g/m²/24hr

Material2.5-layer nylon ripstop

Pit ZipsYes, full-length

Pockets2 hand pockets, 1 chest pocket

HoodHelmet-compatible, adjustable

Packed Size6 x 4 inches

WarrantyLimited lifetime

Score Breakdown

Waterproofing

9.5

Breathability

9.4

Weight

9.2

Durability

9.2

Value for Money

8.1

What Sets It Apart

It's not the lightest or cheapest jacket here, but it's the one I'd tell a hiker to buy if they only wanted to own one rain jacket.

14oz, $170 — a 2.5L Pertex Shield jacket that balances weight, price, and real weather protection better than almost anything else tested

Who This Is For

The Outdoor Research Foray II is right for hikers whose priorities match its design: built around overall rain jacket, at $170.

A note on pricing and links: Prices listed are current as of July 2026 and may change. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you buy through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It does not change my ranking.

How It Compares

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All options in this category ranked side by side — specs, scores, and pricing.

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Common Questions

Is the Foray II good for backpacking specifically?

Yes — its weight and packability are reasonable for backpacking while its waterproofing and durability hold up to regular trail use better than ultralight-focused competitors.

What does 2.5-layer mean?

A 2.5L jacket has a waterproof membrane bonded to an outer fabric layer, with a thin protective coating (the half layer) on the inside instead of a full separate liner, saving weight versus a true 3L jacket.

Does it work well as a backup rain layer for day hikes?

Yes, it packs down small enough to carry in a daypack as insurance even on days with only a chance of rain.