Unisex Pinnacle 3L Rain Shell

UTMB® and most other ultras require waterproof protection above 10K in their emergency weather kits. All of our waterproof layers exceed this, and we third-party test our fabrics to confirm a real-world 25K rating.

In 2023 we switched from C6 DWR to PFAS-free C0 DWR, which affects how long a fabric sheds water. We made that move years ahead of many of our peers, before it was mandatory, because we believe it's the best decision for people and the planet.

For Pinnacle 3L, we tested lighter, even more breathable fabrics, but they failed our waterproof benchmark. The <60gsm options wet out far too quickly. We wanted the best possible balance of real-world waterproof protection, breathability, and packability, so we landed on an ultralight 71gsm fabric that keeps you comfortable for hours in a downpour. With any waterproof fabric this light, saturation is a matter of when, not if. 

This jacket was designed as an outer shell with a slightly more roomy fit to accommodate a vest underneath. Though, as a run-first jacket, it’s more ergonomically cut than other traditional outdoor shells. If you are between sizes and intend to wear this over a vest, we recommend sizing up. For women, if you want a more relaxed fit that can accommodate vests above 10L capacity, we recommend going with your usual size. If you want it to fit true to size, we recommend sizing down.

Our rain shell doesn’t have pockets, it’s designed to provide access to the pockets you have underneath it. The two chest zips line up with hydration vest chest pockets and side wing pockets, letting you reach a flask, fuel, or layers without exposing them to the weather. They also pull double duty as vents when the effort heats up.

The Pinnacle 3L is lighter than the Rainrunner and holds up longer in a downpour. Don't get us wrong, the Rainrunner is a great, versatile jacket with hand pockets, and we think it's best for shorter runs in wet, windy weather and everyday travel. The Pinnacle 3L is built to stuff into your vest and throw over it, keeping your hydration and pockets within easy reach while giving you more adjustable ventilation. We recommend it for longer pursuits across variable conditions and for races with mandatory weather kits.

You know how pit zips work? They work kind of like that, except instead of sitting under the arm they are on the chest in a slightly arching curve. The 2-way zipper heads mean you can open either from the top or bottom. We tested this with a variety of hydration vests to make sure access was available to both softflasks and lower chest pockets, as well as side-wing pockets. Fully open, these chest zips function like air intake vents for maximum airflow.

3L fabrics are constructed with:

• An outer later, or face fabric, that’s a durable material like a nylon or polyester, meant to protect against abrasion or ripping.
• A middle layer, the waterproof membrane, like a GORE-TEX or Pertex® that’s laminated to the outer layer. It allows sweat to escape, but prevents rain or wind from getting in. 
• An inner layer, which is a softer fabric like tricot backing or a type of mesh, bonded directly to the waterproof membrane to protect it and maintain breathability.  

2.5L fabrics have a very similar construction, but the main difference is in the inner layer. In 2.5L fabrics, the inner layer is a half fabric: a thin protective coating or print rather than a full fabric lining. 2.5L fabrics can be lighter, but are less durable over time, as well as less waterproof and less breathable. The half layer print on the interior doesn’t manage moisture as well as the full tricot layer of a 3L.

When we started designing the Rainrunner back in 2017, waterproof fabrics weren't nearly as breathable as they are now. We solved that mechanically (constructed design), and in 2019 introduced the first waterproof run jacket with 360° panel venting. The overlapping panels let air flow and heat escape in a way the membrane itself largely prevents.

Nearly a decade later, 3L fabrics balance better waterproof protection with far more breathability, so the Pinnacle 3L Rain Shell no longer needs full panel venting. Instead, dual 2-way chest zips act as adjustable vents, and their forward-facing openings actually "pull in" more air than the Rainrunner's horizontal panels. More air circulating under the jacket means less of the swampy feeling so many rain jackets are known for.