Adidas Terrex Myshelter Gore-Tex Active Rain Jacket review: light on a hike, heavy on details

Adidas Terrex Myshelter Gore-Tex Active Rain Jacket: first impressions 

On the rack, this stylish rain jacket is designed for getting moving in wet weather, repelling moisture and providing plenty of great breathability for when you work up a sweat, and has plenty of bells and whistles to help justify its premium price.

The three layer active nylon shell is made from the lightest and most breathable membrane from Gore-Tex and keeps the rain at bay and is enhanced by a high zipped collar, adjustable cuffs and hem and an adjustable hood that stays up even on the gustiest of days. The hood is designed to fit over a helmet, and the jacket is designed to run a little large so it will fit over a fleece or down jacket, making this a viable outer layer for wet spring ski days as well as for rainy hikes.

For such a lightweight jacket, this item doesn’t hold back when it comes to features. Reflective detailing keeps you safe and visible on winter hikes and trail runs. Two zipped pockets plus an inner chest pocket provide ample storage for phones, keys, wallets, gloves, beanies and snacks. Underarm vents mean you don’t overheat on the uphills and a long zipper is easy to handle wearing gloves. This jacket doesn’t pack down the smallest, and it comes with a substantial price tag, but it’s lightweight, effective, durable and looks good enough to wear around town as well as one the trails.

Adidas Terrex Myshelter Gore-Tex Active Rain Jacket: on the trails 

Living in Scotland, I feel somewhat uniquely qualified to put any waterproof jacket to the test. So far, the Adidas Terrex Myshelter Gore-Tex Active Rain Jacket has accompanied me on torrential downpours during climate marches, up hills in the lower Highlands and on country ambles in the Lake District, and has kept me dry from upper thigh to crown of head all the way.

When I first received this jacket, I thought it was far too big. It is designed to run large and has a slightly looser fit, coming down to my upper thigh and even a bit longer in the back. However, once I saw it in the mirror, I was surprised to see that it looks really good on – and much slimmer fitting – than I expected, and it turns out I really like the extra protection around my bum. The long fit and sleeves really make it look great on, and keep me warmer and drier. Though Adidas recommends sizing down, I’m actually quite happy with the regular fit and wouldn’t recommend that if you plan to layer it over your fleece. That said, it may be too large for me to wear trail running.

The adjustable cuffs can fit over bulky gloves or cinch tight around bare wrists and along with the adjustable hem and high collar are great for sealing out drafts and leaks. However, I am most impressed by the hood, which is adjustable via a cord in the back, big enough to fit over my ski helmet and manages to stay up on the windiest days, which is often my biggest complaint when it comes to waterproof jackets. Also I can turn my head completely to the side and I’m not staring at the inside of my hood.

I’ve worn this while hiking and never overheated or felt clammy in it, thanks to breathable fabric and underarm venting zips. It really provides good protection in heavy downpours and warmth on cold, windy days. I like the long zip for when I’m wearing ski gloves. Though I don’t tend to use my pockets a lot, it has two nice deep zipped ones with plenty of room for gloves and phones, and I do like having an inner chest pocket for valuables or items like my phone that I might want to keep close to my body on cold days.

It doesn’t pack down as small as many waterproof jackets, but it is lightweight, and certainly not as bulky as some. The price tag will definitely have you looking twice, but I’ve not seen any indication of rubbing or damage from my backpack, and overall think this is a top quality rain jacket, and stylish enough I’ve been wearing it around town as well as on the trails.

Here’s how it performed:

Sizing

Runs big. Adidas recommends sizing down, though if you intend to wear this over insulated layers or ski gear, you may be wiser not to. 

Fit

Very flattering. Not tight, but manages to be slim fitting and roomy at the same time. Longer than your average rain jacket, this comes to the upper thigh, is a bit longer at the back and is adjustable so you can cinch it tight at the bottom. Long sleeves and a high collar. 

Comfort 

It doesn’t have any built in stretch but with the fit, you don’t need it as you can move easily in it. The inside of the high collar is soft so it doesn’t rub when zipped all the way up, and there are no scratchy seams on the wrists. 

Temperature regulation 

It’s designed for water protection, not insulation, but it certainly provides a great shield from a cold wind and you won’t overheat in it easily either.  

Breathability 

This jacket is made using Gore-Tex’s most breathable fabric and it works well on sweaty hikes. 

Durability 

No damage so far from my backpack, and certainly more durable fabric than many lighter weight options. 

Here’s where we tested the Adidas Terrex Myshelter Gore-Tex Active Rain Jacket: 

This hike begins and ends in Kendal, the Gateway to the Lake District, and takes you near the Mushroom which marks the summit Wainwright chose for Scout Scar in his guidebook to the Outlying Fells of Lakeland.  Wainwright chose this spot because it provides a gorgeous view of the Lakeland skyline to the north west.