KÜHL Stretch Voyagr Women’s Rain Jacket Review

Why is finding a solid rain jacket that actually works well and looks good way harder than it should be? Some are too stiff, some feel like you’re wearing a plastic bag, and others just aren’t cute. And then I found the KÜHL Stretch Voyagr jacket.

This beauty checks all the boxes for me: it’s comfy, keeps me dry, and looks good enough to wear around town. I took this jacket out for some testing around the Okanagan for a few months and, long story short, I’m a fan.

Here’s everything you need to know about why this jacket is now one of my go-tos for outdoor adventures and why it might become yours, too!

Disclaimer: I received this jacket for free in exchange for this review. However, that hasn’t influenced my opinions. If I didn’t like it, I would have sent it back and shared that.

First Impressions of the Stretch Voyagr Rain Jacket

You know when you put on a piece of gear and it just feels right? That’s what happened with the KÜHL Voyagr. Plus, it came with a stroopwafel (those little caramel waffles) and I love those things. But, alas, this review isn’t about the stroopwafel.

Right out of the (figurative) box, I loved how the Voyagr looked. It’s not bulky or shapeless like so many rain jackets. Instead, it has a flattering cut that made me feel pulled together, even if the rest of me definitely wasn’t during that first try-on.

The fabric is soft and didn’t scream “I’m waterproof!”, but it is. And I really appreciated that it didn’t have a crinkly, plastic feel that lots of rain jackets have. I could instantly tell it would be perfect for grabbing a post-hike coffee in town without looking like I’d just crawled out of the woods.

About KÜHL

Before I dive into this gear review, let’s chat about KÜHL. It was founded in 1983 by a group of outdoor enthusiasts in Utah and they set out to make clothing that works just as well in the mountains as it does in everyday life.

I love KÜHL’s approach. Their gear isn’t about flashy logos or chasing trends; it’s timeless and built to last. Their clothes are made to handle years of wear and tear, which also makes them a sustainable option. They don’t shout about being eco-friendly, but by focusing on quality over quantity, they naturally help reduce waste, which I love.

Oh, and they don’t overproduce their products, which is so nice to see and also incredibly rare in today’s world of mass production. It’s why you won’t often see their gear on sale. They believe in setting a fair price from the start instead of inflating prices just to discount them later. I’ll admit that I like sales, but I really respect KÜHL’s approach.

How Does the KÜHL Voyagr Rain Jacket Perform?

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. How the KÜHL Stretch Voyagr jacket actually holds up and what you need to know before you hit “add to cart”.

I’ll go over the key features and specs, but I promise to keep it easy to digest. You don’t wanna feel like you’re reading a science textbook, right? I’ve definitely zoned out during super technical gear reviews and I don’t want to do that to you.

But enough of that, let’s get into the nitty gritty!

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Tech Specs

• Weight: The jacket is lightweight, coming in at 11.2 ounces (317 grams), which makes it easy to pack and carry on the go.
• Sizes: The Voyagr comes in a range of sizes from XS to 1XL. It’s true to size, so you don’t have to worry about awkward fits. I got a large and I found that it fits well with room for layering without feeling bulky.
• Colours: This jacket is available in several earthy tones, including classic black, soft pine, silverstone, and indigo.
• Waterproofing: The jacket uses a high-performance waterproof, breathable membrane with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish.

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Additional features

• Adjustable hood with a reinforced brim
• YKK water-resistant front zipper
• Zippered hand pockets and interior chest pocket
• Velcro cuffs to keep out wind and rain
• Reflective trim for visibility

Rain Protection

A rain jacket needs to do one thing really well, which is keep you dry, obviously. And guess what? The KÜHL Stretch Voyagr does just that. I’ve taken it out on many rainy hikes around Kelowna and it’s held up like a champ. Even in steady drizzle, I stayed dry and comfy.

The hood has a reinforced brim that keeps rain out of your face so you can actually enjoy the view instead of constantly wiping your eyes. It can be a little annoying to take the hood off when it’s cinched up, but I feel like that’s to be expected. There’s also plenty of room to wear a hat underneath.

The Voyagr also has a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that helps water bead up and roll off the surface rather than soaking into the fabric, which is an important treatment for maintaining long-term waterproofness.

Another great feature is the high-quality, YKK water-resistant zippers. They don’t let water sneak through, even in heavy rain. The main zipper is sturdy and smooth, and the zippered pockets also have water-resistant seals.

Breathability

One thing I hate about some waterproof jackets is that they trap heat and moisture inside. It’s like being stuck in your own personal sauna, which isn’t fun.

Luckily, the Stretch Voyagr doesn’t have that problem. It does a great job of letting moisture escape, and even on uphill climbs, I never felt clammy or overheated.

Now, it doesn’t have underarm vents, and I know some of you might miss that. I’ll be honest, I was a little worried about that too. But, surprisingly, it wasn’t an issue.

The breathable fabric does exactly what it’s supposed to do and keeps me comfortable. Don’t ask me how that works, because I always thought it was a trade-off between waterproofness and breathability.

Windproof

Wind protection might not be the first thing you think about when shopping for a rain shell, but it should be at least third. Rain and wind tend to show up together and while staying dry is great, staying dry and warm? That turns a soggy hike into something way more bearable… dare I say, even fun?

That’s why I’m a big fan of the Stretch Voyagr. Little details like the adjustable hood and Velcro cuffs help keep out the chill and your body heat in. The waist cinch also gives a snug fit without ever feeling restrictive.

And let’s talk about the length because it’s perfect. The bottom hem isn’t adjustable, but it hits right where it should. It covers my butt and keeps it warm and out of sight. Honestly, don’t give me a rain jacket (or any jacket) that doesn’t cover my butt. It’s non-negotiable!

Stretchiness

One of my favourite features of the KÜHL Stretch Voyagr jacket is, well, the stretch. Unlike many rain jackets that feel stiff and restrictive, this one’s super easy to move in.

Whether you’re reaching for a handhold while scrambling over rocks or layering up for a chilly morning, the fabric gives you the freedom to move without feeling like you’re fighting against your gear. No straightjacket feeling over here!

Crinkle-Free & Quiet

If you’ve ever worn a rain jacket that crinkles with every step, you know the feeling; it’s like being wrapped in a noisy tarp. While that doesn’t really bother me on the trail, it definitely screams, “Hey, I’m wearing a rain jacket!” Not exactly the vibe I want when I’m grabbing a post-hike coffee in town.

Thankfully, KÜHL’s Stretch Voyagr is refreshingly crinkle-free. The soft fabric feels more like a casual jacket than your typical rain gear. There’s no plasticky stiffness and it doesn’t announce your every move with loud rustling.

It might sound like a small thing, but it makes a big difference. And bonus, it doesn’t crinkle up after being stuffed in my backpack for hours.

Honestly, I didn’t even know a rain jacket could be this comfortable and quiet. It was such a nice surprise and now my standards for rain jackets are officially higher!

Weight & Packability

I love how lightweight the KÜHL Stretch Voyagr is and it packs down really well! If you dread lugging around bulky gear, you’ll love this jacket. It’s super easy to stuff it into a daypack for a hike or squeeze it into a suitcase for a trip. It doesn’t come with a stuff sack, but no worries, it folds easily into its hood or pockets.

The women’s version weighs about 11.2 ounces (315 grams), while the men’s version is slightly heavier at 13.4 ounces (379 grams).

Versatility

This jacket is super versatile. It doesn’t scream outdoor gear, so it works just as well on the trail as it does when I’m grabbing coffee or groceries. Sure, my hiking boots and socks might give me away, but the jacket blends right in.

Honestly, I wish I’d had it on my trip to Ireland because it would’ve helped me blend in a bit more!

I love keeping things simple and this jacket makes it easy. It’s lightweight, packable, and easy to toss in a bag for a weekend trip. Plus, it looks polished enough that I never feel the need to change when I head back into town after an adventure

Durability

This jacket feels solid and built to last. Unlike some ultralight rain jackets (this isn’t ultralight) that feel flimsy and paper-thin, the Voyagr’s fabric holds its own. I’m not exactly gentle with my gear, so knowing it can handle a bit of rough treatment gives me peace of mind.

After months of hikes, and, if I’m being honest, a few moments of me not being very careful, the jacket still looks just as good as the day I got it. No rips, no worn-out spots, and no fraying seams. It’s held up incredibly well!

I’m confident this is going to be a go-to piece for years. It feels like one of those rare finds that you can rely on season after season, whether it’s for hikes, road trips, or everyday adventures.

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How the Women’s KÜHL Stretch Voyagr Fits

Fit can make or break a jacket and I’m happy to say that KÜHL’s Stretch Voyagr nailed it for me. I’m 5’6″ and 180 lbs with wider hips which usually makes finding a comfortable jacket tricky.

I went with a large and the fit is spot on, roomy enough to layer without feeling like a marshmallow. For me, the hips are where this jacket really shines. Way too often, outdoor clothing doesn’t feel like it’s actually made for women, but that’s not an issue here. It sits comfortably without pulling or riding up which is a huge win in my books.

I’ve taken it snowshoeing with a wool base layer and fleece mid-layer, and I still had plenty of room to move. And one of my absolute favourite things (that I may have already mentioned) is that it covers my butt. That’s non-negotiable for me. Plus, I love that I don’t have to constantly tug it down for extra coverage.

The adjustable cuffs, waist cinch, and hood are awesome, too. I can tighten the hood to keep it secure on windy days and tweak the waist for a snugger fit or a bit more shape. It’s the little details that make a big difference!

Final Thoughts: Is the KÜHL Stretch Voyagr Jacket Worth It?

Is the KÜHL Stretch Voyagr jacket worth It? Absolutely! It’s quickly become one of my go-to jackets. What I love most is that it doesn’t feel like your typical rain jacket. It’s not crinkly, stiff, or overly technical-looking, which means I can wear it into town without feeling like I’m geared up for a backcountry expedition.

Good rain jackets aren’t cheap, but after putting this one through its paces, I can confidently say it’s worth the investment. I’d much rather spend a bit more on a jacket that I’ll actually reach for year after year instead of something that ends up shoved in the back of the closet. Also, it’s far from the price of an Arc’teryx.

If you’re looking for a rain jacket that can handle outdoor adventures but also fits into everyday life, the KÜHL Stretch Voyagr is a solid pick. It’s versatile, durable, and stylish, which is everything I want in a jacket.

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