Outdoor Vitals Tushar Rain Jacket Review

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The Outdoor Vitals Tushar Rain Jacket, named after the Tushar Mountains where it endured rigorous testing in high elevation storms, is a durable high-performance rain jacket that can withstand extended use in wet conditions. Its ultralight design makes it easy to wear and carry, while its advanced fabric technology provides waterproofing and breathability in all the right places.

Outdoor Vitals Tushar Rain Jacket Features and Technology

Initial Thoughts

I had the opportunity to test out the Outdoor Vitals Tushar Rain Jacket in cold wet climate in Michigan, and it performed exceptionally well. I wore this jacket in temperatures ranging from 20 to 40 degrees when it was snowing and raining, and I found the jacket to be very comfortable while providing great protection from the elements. In fact, the jacket was very warm due to the materials that the jacket is made from. However, I did find that it was not very breathable. This is great in colder conditions for which I wanted the jacket for, but it may not be suitable for warmer climates. Thankfully, there are vents located under the armpits that can be zipped open to allow some of the heat to dissipate. Even in 20-degree weather, I was sweating by the end of my 5-mile jog.

One thing that I disliked about the jacket is that there are no side pockets. This is something that I usually look for in active gear as it allows me to carry things such as keys when I go on a hike or a run. There is a pocket on the chest that can be used, but I prefer to have side pockets to stick my hands in or carry different objects that I might need during the trip.

Chest Pocket

Outdoor Vitals Tushar Rain Jacket Waterproof Capability

When it comes to the Tushar Rain Jacket’s waterproof capability, it’s safe to say that it performs exceptionally well in wet conditions. Many rain jackets on the market rely heavily on durable water repellent (DWR) treatments on the face fabric and use a breathable hydrophilic waterproof membrane beneath it. While this combination works well initially, the reality is that DWR treatments eventually wear away, leaving the hydrophilic membrane as the sole barrier between you and the rain. This is where the Tushar Rain Jacket stands out from the crowd. Unlike jackets with hydrophilic membranes, the Tushar Rain Jacket uses a hydrophobic (water-fearing) membrane, which is highly waterproof and allows users to remain dry even in the heaviest of downpours. During my own testing, I wore the jacket in the rain for over an hour, and when I arrived home, I was completely dry, a testament to the jacket’s ability to repel water. Hydrophobic membranes repel water naturally, as opposed to absorbing it, like a hydrophilic membrane would. This means that hydrophobic membranes are more durable in terms of “wetted-out” performance and have a higher waterproof rating. However, the one potential downside with using only hydrophobic waterproof membranes in a rain jacket is that they may not be as breathable as hydrophilic membranes. Nevertheless, the Tushar Rain Jacket manages to strike a balance between breathability and waterproofness, thanks to its advanced technology and construction.

Outdoor Vitals Tushar Rain Jacket Construction

Another aspect of the Outdoor Vitals Tushar Rain Jacket that stood out to me is its construction quality. The manufacturer used high-quality materials to make the jacket and sealed its seams to prevent water from seeping in. The zippers are also waterproof, ensuring that no water gets in through them. The hood of the jacket is not adjustable, but it fits snugly around the head, keeping rainwater from dripping down the face.

The designers have created the fabric of the Tushar Rain Jacket with different membranes that map to cover the correct parts of your torso, optimizing breathability and ensuring all-day waterproofing. The hydrophobic membranes used in the jacket’s construction repel water by nature, instead of absorbing it like a hydrophilic membrane would. Even when the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment wears off the face fabric of a jacket, no water will be absorbed. This feature ensures that pressure areas, such as where a backpack or shoulder straps sit, do not get saturated even if the DWR treatment that is used on many other waterproof jackets eventually wears away. It also allows other areas to breathe, keeping you completely dry in all conditions.

Fully Seam Taped w/ Torain specific seam tape

Final Thoughts

Overall, the performance of the Outdoor Vitals Tushar Rain Jacket in wet conditions impressed me. Its advanced fabric technology provides optimal waterproofing and breathability, while its construction quality ensures durability and reliability. Its construction quality is also top-notch, making it a durable and reliable rain jacket. Although it may not be the most breathable jacket in warmer climates, its vents located under the armpits provide some relief. The lack of side pockets may be a downside for some, but the chest pocket is sufficient for storing small items.

The Tushar Rain Jacket is available in two colors – Cherry Mahogany and North Atlantic – and can be purchased at www.outdoorvitals.com and has a MSRP of $229.97.