Patagonia Boulder Fork Rain Jacket – Past Season Colours

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The Boulder Fork rain jacket provides waterproof/breathable protection, eco-friendly construction, and a minimalist design.

Patagonia says: 

Whether you’re seeking boulders and alpine views or stalking rainbow trout, this low-profile, waterproof jacket will keep you dry and provide rain protection from the fork in the trail to the places less traveled, and back again. This 3-layer shell meets our H2No® Performance Standard for exceptional waterproof/breathable protection, and the fabric, membrane and DWR finish are made without PFCs (perfluorinated chemicals). Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory.

Our Verdict

The Boulder Fork is a streamlined, waterproof/breathable rain jacket optimised for minimalist adventures. Utilising Patagonia’s proprietary 3-layer H2No membrane, it provides dependable wet weather protection while allowing decent breathability to prevent internal moisture buildup.

A key advantage is that the entire jacket, including the durable water-repellent (DWR) finish, is constructed without any PFCs, making it eco-friendly. 

The minimalist feature set keeps things simple with a stowable hood, two hand pockets, one chest pocket and watertight zippers. The lack of pit zips may limit venting, but the trim design enhances packability. The cut allows sufficient room for light insulation.

Some may want more venting or a more extended cut. Still, for fast/light adventures, when you need a simple, breathable and eco-conscious rain jacket that travels well, the Boulder Fork is a quality option from Patagonia that cuts out unnecessary frills.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

•  Waterproof/breathable H2No® Performance Standard 3-layer shell provides the highest levels of comfort and performance, and long-term waterproof durability, and the fabric, membrane and DWR finish are made without PFCs (perfluorinated chemicals)
• Streamlined, essential features keep things focused and packable
• Low-profile hood with a laminated visor and a single-pull adjust provides good visibility in poor conditions, accommodates a variety of headwear, effectively sheds water and lies flat when not in use
• Waterproof, anti-corrosive, exposed center-front zipper; one left-chest zippered pocket; two welted, watertight, zippered high handwarmer pockets are large enough for a fly box, a map or a notebook
• Minimal cuffs with streamlined hook-and-loop tabs seal out weather; an adjustable drawcord cinch at the hem, routed up through the front pockets, keeps out weather and reduces bulk under a pack waistbelt
• The main body fabric is made of a single type of material, which will allow for easier recyclability at end of life
• Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory, which means the people who made this product earned a premium for their labor

Specifications

• Small weighs: 376g
• Medium weighs: 380g
• Large weighs: 404g
• XLarge weighs: 425g
• Hydrostatic Head: 20,000mm

Material & Construction

• PFC-free H 2 No® Performance Standard shell (fabric, membrane and finishes do not contain perfluorinated chemicals): 3-layer, 3.7-oz 30-denier 100% recycled polyester ripstop face, a polyester membrane, a recycled polyester tricot backer and a PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory

Help & advice:

• Time-Saver Guide to PFC Free
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Waterproof Jacket
• Choosing a Shell Jacket
• MVTR and Breathability Explained
• Recycled Content in Outdoor Gear
• Why is ‘PFC Free’ Important?