The Outdoor Research Foray has been my rain commute jacket for five months. I bought one at retail in early November 2025 to fill the gap between my Patagonia Torrentshell (good for short city rain) and an Arc’teryx Beta AR (overkill for everyday use). The Foray has been a near-perfect middle ground. The GORE-TEX Paclite Plus laminate has stayed dry through dozens of rain commutes and a three-day Olympic Peninsula trip in late November. The TorsoFlo side zips solved the swampy-jacket problem on uphill stretches.
Why you should trust this review
I bought this jacket at retail. I have rotated rain shells from Patagonia, Outdoor Research, and Arc’teryx over the past four years and have written long-term reviews on each. See our methodology page.
How we tested the Foray
- 5 months of regular use from November 2025 through April 2026
- Three-day backpacking trip in the Olympic Peninsula in late fall rain
- 25 plus rain commutes (light to moderate steady rain)
- TorsoFlo venting tested on uphill hikes in 50 to 65 degree humid weather
- Side-by-side rain test against a Patagonia Torrentshell 3L during a two-hour downpour
Who should buy the Foray
Buy if you want a GORE-TEX shell that handles real backcountry rain at a price that is not painful. Buy if you climb hills or hike at pace and need fast venting. Skip if you do alpine routes where pack-strap abrasion is heavy (the Beta AR’s burlier face fabric earns its keep there). Skip if you only need a city commute jacket for 10-minute walks (the Torrentshell will do that for less).
TorsoFlo: the standout feature
The full-length side zips that run from hem to bicep are the reason to buy this jacket. Unzipped, the jacket vents from waist to armpit on both sides simultaneously. On a 65 degree humid uphill, I unzipped both sides fully and the jacket dumped heat fast enough that I never had to take it off. Compared to standard pit zips, TorsoFlo moves more air with less fabric lift.
Waterproofing performance
The GORE-TEX Paclite Plus 2.5L laminate held up through 6+ hours of cumulative steady rain in my Olympic Peninsula test. The interior face stayed dry, although the inner C-knit-like surface is rougher than full 3L liner fabrics and felt a bit sticky against bare skin. For backpackers wearing a base layer, that is a non-issue.
Fit and sizing
The Foray runs Regular and leans slightly roomy. A 42 inch chest fits Medium with a fleece midlayer underneath without bunching. Sleeves measured 26.5 inches on the Medium, slightly long. Hand pockets sit above standard hip-belt height, which is a small but real benefit when wearing a 50-liter pack.
Hood and brim
The hood adjusts at three points and rotates with the head. The brim is unwired, which makes the hood pack flatter but allows some flop in heavy wind. For most users, this is acceptable. Climbers and skiers who want a stiffer brim should consider a Beta AR or Mountain Hardwear Exposure 2.
Long-term durability
After five months, the laminate shows no delamination or wet-out at the seams. The DWR began to wet out at month 4 and recovered fully after a Nikwax wash. The TorsoFlo zippers still run smoothly without binding.
Verdict
The Foray is the best value GORE-TEX shell I have tested. For more options, see our men’s jacket reviews.
Outdoor Research Foray Jacket vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Membrane | Vents | Use | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Research Foray | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | GORE-TEX Paclite Plus | TorsoFlo side zips | Hike, commute, travel | $249 | Top Pick |
| Arc'teryx Beta AR | ★★★★★ 4.7 | GORE-TEX Pro 3L | Pit zips | Alpine, climb, ski | $700 | Editor's Choice |
| Patagonia Torrentshell 3L | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | H2No 3L | Pit zips | Hike, commute | $179 | Best Budget |
| Cheap PU-coated 'rain jacket' | ★★☆☆☆ 2.4 | PU coating | None | Brief showers only | $39 | Skip |
Full specifications
| Membrane | GORE-TEX Paclite Plus 2.5L |
| Weight (M) | approx 460 g |
| Pockets | 2 hand, 1 chest |
| Hood | Three-point adjustable, unwired brim |
| Pit zips | TorsoFlo from bicep to hem (full-length) |
| Cuffs | Hook-and-loop adjustable |
| Hem | Two-point drawcord |
| Country of origin | Vietnam |
| Care | Machine wash warm with technical wash |
| Sizes | S to 3XL |
Should you buy the Outdoor Research Foray Jacket?
The Foray pairs a real GORE-TEX Paclite Plus laminate with the brand's signature TorsoFlo side zips, which open the jacket from hem to bicep for fast cooling. After five months of rain commutes and three multi-day backpacking trips, the laminate has stayed dry and the zips are still smooth. Fit is roomy through the body. The 249 dollar price undercuts most Pro-grade competitors. The shell crinkles loud and the hood lacks a wired brim.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Foray worth $249 in 2026?+
Yes. For users who want a real GORE-TEX shell with serious venting at half the cost of a Beta AR, the Foray is the most balanced value pick on the market.
Foray vs Torrentshell, which should I pick?+
Pick the Foray for GORE-TEX Paclite (more breathable, better long-term performance) and TorsoFlo venting. Pick the Torrentshell to save 70 dollars when occasional commute use is the only need.
How does TorsoFlo work?+
Two side zippers run from the hem to mid-bicep on each side. Unzipped, the jacket opens like a poncho for full venting. It is the fastest cooling system I have used on any hardshell.
Is the Foray fit slim or roomy?+
Regular, leaning roomy. A 42 inch chest fits Medium with room for a midlayer fleece. Sleeves run on the longer side.
📅 Update log
- May 7, 2026Added 5-month wear notes including DWR observations.
- Nov 12, 2025Initial review published.
