AllOutdoor Review – Outdoor Research Foray 3L Rain Jacket

There are few gear items that can protect you from the elements of Mother Nature quite like the rain jacket. Whenever I am packing for a full day of outdoor adventures, I always bring a wet-weather layer just in case an unforeseen downpour happens. While designed for rain, typically, rain jackets can also stop the wind and keep you warmer even when there is no precipitation falling upon you. Over the years, I have used and tested a number of rain jackets of varying quality. From cheaper REI options to some of the more expensive offerings from companies like Arcteryx or Outdoor Research. Today, I bring you a long-term review of the Outdoor Research Foray 3L Rain Jacket. I have actually previously reviewed the 2nd generation of this jacket a couple of years back and was pretty disappointed in the water resistance it offered after prolonged exposure to the elements, so I was a bit skeptical of this new version. Let’s just say I’m pleasantly surprised with he 3L Foray.

The Outdoor Research Foray 3L Rain Jacket was provided by Outdoor Research for this review, and while I am allowed to keep this jacket after the conclusion of the review, It will not change my opinion on any of OR’s current or future products. I have spent thousands of my own hard-earned money on OR gear over the years because I really liked the brand before they ever offered me any review samples. The Foray 3L has been tested over the past 8 months on multiple camping and outdoor trips. I have used it extensively when I need to let my dog out in the summer months, and it saw lots of use on a multi-day canoe trip this past summer. 

Outdoor Research Coverage on AllOutdoor

 History of Outdoor Research

Outdoor Research was kicked off back in 1981 in Seattle, born from a raw, real-world screw-up that any of us who’s chased summits can relate to. Ron Gregg, a nuclear physicist turned mountaineer, got nailed by frozen gaiters on a brutal 1979 Denali push, frostbite biting deep enough to scrap the summit and send him home rethinking everything. That “field research” spark—yep, that’s where the name drops, had him tinkering in his garage, cranking out the X-Gaiter, a no-nonsense waterproof leg shield that hit the mark so hard REI snapped up a big order in ’82, yanking OR from side-hustle status into the gear world’s go-to for climbers grinding ice walls or hikers slogging mud. Fast-forward four-plus decades, and this Pacific Northwest powerhouse still cranks out gloves, hats, shells, and tech bits that feel like they were designed by folks who’ve sweated the details.

Specs – Outdoor Research Foray 3L Rain Jacket

• Fabric –  Recycled Nylon 40D with Mechanical Stretch
• Center Back Length – 74.9 cm / 29.5 in
• Weight – 15.34 oz / 435 g
• Warranty – OR Infinite Guarantee
• Origin – Vietnam
• MSRP –  $249

Design and Build Quality – Outdoor Research Foray 3L Rain Jacket

Following an almost exact overall shape and layout to the Foray Gen 2, the Foray 3L brings some major design improvements. Gone is the 2-layer construction of the Foray gen 2, now the Foray 3L has, yup, you guessed it, a 3-layer construction, and this is the major difference between these two jackets. The 3L weighs a bit more at 15.35 oz vs the Gen 2 at 11 oz, but that extra weight comes with improved waterproofing and a more robust design.  Overall, the Foray 3L wants to be a more durable, water-resistant, and environmentally friendly version of its predecessor. If you want a more detailed list of all the features this jacket offers, check out my Foray Gen 2 review.

Like most other Outdoor Research products, the Foray 3L is well-built. One of the places I like to look on rain jackets for quality of construction is the inside. The seams will usually reveal the story of how well the product is put together. Even after extensive use over the past 8 months, the Interior tapes and seams still look good as new to me. Overall, this jacket is very well built and we will get more into that in the “performance” part of this review.

BlueSign?

The Foray 3 is constructed with Bluesign®-approved recycled nylon fabric, and if you’re like me, you might be asking yourself what the hell that is. After a quick Google search, this is what I found. Bluesign® is a certification system developed by a Swiss group, bluesign® technologies, that monitors textile materials throughout the supply chain to minimize environmental harm, protect workers, and ensure consumer safety by excluding hazardous chemicals. The system involves experts in chemistry, textile production, and factory auditing, guiding manufacturers on efficient processes and safety measures to reduce resource consumption, emissions, and occupational risks. It enforces the world’s strictest chemical safety standards for textiles, covering everything from fabrics to trims like buttons and buckles. Shoppers can identify bluesign®-certified products by the logo or labels such as “Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria” for partial use or “Product meets the bluesign® criteria” for full compliance. Essentially, this means if you see the Bluesign label, you can feel confident that the product has been produced with strict environmental considerations.

Performance – Outdoor Research Foray 3L Rain Jacket

The performance of the Foray 3L is really where this jacket shines when compared to its predecessor. While the Foray Gen 2 worked great in light to moderate rain, in heavier or prolonged storms, I would often get wet while wearing it. With that being said, weather resistance was my primary concern with the Foray 3L.

I’m happy to report that the Foray 3L is a much more water and weather-resistant jacket. After many outdoor adventures to the windy coasts of Maine, to daily summer time showers, this jacket has kept me very dry. I think this is because of the additional layer of fabric in the jacket and the improved Nikwax DWR coating. As far as the overall performance of the other features of the jacket,  I think the aqua-guarded zippers are a great touch. The hand pockets a large and roomy for holding gloves or other large items. The adjustable hood is nice for cinching it down when the wind is really ripping, but by far my favorite feature is the side zippers. Essentially, you can turn this jacket into a poncho by unzipping the sides all the way from the hips up to the pits. This proves very useful when you want to dump a lot of heat or need to be able to access your waistline for tools like a hammer, a knife, or even a sidearm.

Likes

• Improved and great weather resistance
• Environmentally friendly construction
• Loaded with features not seen on many rain jackets
• Comes with OR Infinite Guarantee

Dislikes

• Heavier and less packable than the previous model
• Less breathable
• More expensive at $275

Final Thoughts – Outdoor Research Foray 3L Rain Jacket

In conclusion, the Outdoor Research Foray 3L rain jacket is a versatile, eco-conscious powerhouse for hikers and trail runners who demand more from their gear without sacrificing mobility. Its innovative 3-layered shell delivers exceptional waterproofing and breathability, while the recycled, bluesign®-approved materials let you know what kind of product you’re buying. Though it’s a touch heavier and pricier than its lighter sibling, the enhanced durability and stretchy fit justify the upgrade in my opinion, because why would you not want a jacket that can keep you cool and dry. If you’re ready to invest in a jacket that mirrors your movement and respects the planet, the Foray 3L  is a great pick in 2025.

Patrik Orcutt

Patrik is a freelance photographer who has been lucky enough to see a lot of the world and document his travels with his camera. He has worked for the U.S. government as a Public Affairs Officer documenting Multi-National Special Forces Training around the World. He is currently working on becoming a Blackhawk Pilot for the Army while being an avid gear junky and outdoor enthusiast.