Dare 2b has raised the bar for outdoor gear for over 20 years. We have had the good fortune of testing a lot of very high-quality jackets over the past few years. The Dare 2b Torrek sits below these jackets in terms of price but can it compete in quality? Who is this jacket for and is it the best-value waterproof jacket on the market? These are the thoughts that were running through our minds as we began to test the jacket. Here’s what we found.
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Position in the market
If you find yourself in the market for a new waterproof jacket this autumn, you might be overwhelmed by the number of options. A quick search on just one of Ireland’s incredible outdoor retailers will show you over 40 options! Some of them have eye-watering price tags, comparable to the price of a weekend away to go hiking in Kerry. The vast majority of Irish hikers do not need the technical specifications of these top-tier products. When you boil it down a waterproof jacket is quite a simple product that some brands complicate to justify high price tags.
A waterproof jacket in Ireland has to do one thing well. Keep you dry.
Does the jacket keep you dry?
The Dare 2b Torrek features the brand’s top-tier waterproof breathable fabric, ARED 30/30. This means the jacket has a hydrostatic head (volume of water that can be applied to the fabric before leakage) of 30,000mm. While the second 30 does not necessarily represent a specific measurement of breathability (which is less universally accepted) it indicates that the jacket is as breathable as they could make it. Now that we’ve got the technical specifications out of the way let’s talk specifics!
The jacket does keep you dry. We have used the jacket in moderately wet conditions in the mountains of Ireland. If it was any wetter than the conditions we tested the jacket in we would opt to not go out! Breathability however is a more difficult thing to test for. The breathability of a jacket depends massively on the layers you’re wearing underneath. If you’re not wearing a wicking base layer against your skin no jacket will be breathable. When we paired the Dare 2b Torrek with good quality synthetic and good quality wool base layers we noticed a pleasant level of breathability while hiking.
The three F’s
The lens we always look through when reviewing waterproof jackets is the three F’s.
Fabric
The Dare 2b Torrek jacket features ARED 30/30 recycled waterproof and breathable stretch fabric, a recycled polyester lining, and a durable water-repellent finish that is free from PFC, PFOA, and PFOS, with taped seams for full waterproof protection.
Fit
We found that the jacket fits quite true to size. It is slightly big which we believe is perfect for a hill walking jacket. This allows you to layer underneath the jacket without affecting your mobility. The jacket comes down below the waist. This will keep the top of your legs dry.
Features
The jacket’s standout feature is it’s adjustable hood. We think this is an absolute must-have for an outdoor jacket in Ireland and is a feature that is often overlooked on lower price point jackets.
There are a few features lacking from this jacket that would elevate the usability. These include; pit-zips for breathability, a 2 way zip and raised pockets. While these are not deal breakers, especially at this price point they are certainly considerations.
Who is this jacket for?
If you are relatively new to hiking and are looking to purchase a jacket that will keep you dry this autumn and winter while you explore Ireland and won’t break the bank the Dare 2b Torrek could be the jacket for you. It’s no secret that there are some features that more expensive jackets have that are really useful. However, the Dare 2b Torrek includes the necessary features to keep you protected if the weather turns on you on your adventures.
Is it the best-value waterproof jacket on the market?
The jacket is currently costs €80 and Dare 2b’s website. This is 50% of its original price of €160. At €80 it is the best value waterproof jacket we’ve ever seen. All the other jackets in this price bracket that we have seen or tested or not nearly as durable comfortable or reliable.
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