Adidas Terrex Multi RAIN.RDY waterproof jacket review: a great everyday jacket that’s fine for less challenging hikes

Adidas Terrex Multi RAIN.RDY: first impressions

The affordable Adidas Terrex Multi RAIN.RDY two-layer rain jacket is designed as an entry-level waterproof jacket for general use, though it is also suitable for day hikes and weekend walks. That makes it a fairly versatile jacket, with contemporary but understated looks that means you won’t seem out of place whether you’re in town or on the trail. The regular cut leaves some room for layering but makes for a relatively trim and functional silhouette.

In terms of construction, it’s a two-layer jacket with a polyester plain weave face fabric bonded to Adidas’s own PU-based waterproof-breathable membrane, with a taffeta and mesh inner drop liner. This isn’t the most technically advanced construction around, but it does make for high levels of comfort. The outer fabric is soft, supple and quiet, with none of the rustle and swish you get from stiffer waterproof shells. Similarly, the drop liner prevents the jacket from feeling slick or clammy, even if you’re only wearing a short-sleeved tee underneath.

The fabrics are also very sustainable – the face fabric and drop liner are both made from 100% recycled materials. That’s a firm tick in the eco-friendly box, and will appease consumers looking to shop greener when it comes to their outdoor wardrobe.

The jacket has a straightforward feature set. You get a one-way, reverse coil main zip backed with an internal storm flap and finished with a soft microfiber chin guard. There are dual one-handed hem drawcords, Velcro cuff tabs, twin zipped hand pockets and a rollaway hood. The zippers all have chunky pull-tabs. That’s about it, but still, that covers all the essentials nicely.

Adidas Terrex Multi RAIN.RDY: in the field

As already noted, the soft polyester fabric has a pleasant hand feel that ensures this is a very comfortable jacket to wear. Though there’s no stretch, the cut provides reasonable freedom of movement and allows room to layer underneath without adding too much bulk. It’s also quieter than most conventional hardshells, without that annoying “crisp packet” rustle you tend to get from Gore-Tex and similar membranes. Polyester is also fast-wicking, and its use in both the drop liner and outer fabric means this jacket moves moisture surprisingly well – it’s actually quite breathable for all but the most strenuous walks. It’s also very windproof. 

Of course, polyester is a weaker fiber for its weight than nylon, which is why the latter tends to be the fabric of choice for technical waterproof jackets. So, this jacket may not stand up to long-term abrasion as well as some more expensive rivals. But for everyday wear, it should still be reasonably robust. It did seem to snag and mark fairly easily on test, though.

The other drawback of this jacket compared to more technical waterproofs is that inevitably the two-layer construction adds weight and bulk compared to a 2.5-layer or 3-layer shell. That’s because it has a separate drop liner to protect the inner membrane from dirt and damage. It’s not unreasonably heavy or bulky, but there are certainly more packable jackets around if you intend to stuff it into a backpack. Similarly, if you’re looking to go fast and light on trail runs, this probably isn’t the right choice.

Waterproof performance was reasonable for an entry-level jacket. It’ll keep you dry in drizzle, showers and the odd downpour, though for storm-level protection you might want to look towards a more technical shell. On the other hand, the hem adjusters and cuff tabs provide an effective weatherproof seal, and the main zip didn’t leak on test.

The hood is a bit of a weak point though. It’s an interesting design that rolls away into the stand-up collar, securing with two poppers. This adds versatility for daily wear.

Unfortunately, the rollaway functionality necessarily means it has to be fairly simplistic in design, so it doesn’t provide great face coverage nor move with the head very well when in use. There’s no volume or face adjustment either. It does have an integrated elastic ‘halo’ shock-cord to help it stay put, and a slightly stiffened brim to deflect some rain away from the face, but, to be honest, it struggles in windy weather.

The two zipped side pockets are well placed to put hands or snacks in, but bear in mind they are placed fairly low down, so are obstructed if you’re wearing the jacket with a hiking backpack that has a hip belt. We did like the chunky pull-tabs, though, which are easy to grab even if you’re wearing gloves.

All in all, this is a straightforward jacket that does the basics well. It’s built with versatility in mind, so although it lacks some hiker-friendly features, it’s important to consider that many users will be using it to keep them dry and comfortable on their way to and from work rather than for anything too adventurous. As such, it would be redundant (and unfair) to compare it to more technical shells – and if that’s what you’re looking for, you need to be prepared to spend a bit more and look at other offerings from the Adidas Terrex range, like the MyShelter jacket or Techrock Light and Pro shells.

The Multi RAIN.RDY Jacket, on the other hand, is an affordable general-use jacket that offers a good balance of comfort, versatility and style – with just enough technical performance to front up to the occasional foray in the great outdoors.

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