KÜHL Stretch Voyagr Women’s Rain Jacket Review
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Let’s be real — finding a solid rain jacket that actually works well and looks good is 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 spoiler alert, it’s a winner.
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!
First Impressions of the Stretch Voyagr Rain Jacket
You know that feeling 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 and I love those things. But this review isn’t about that.
Right out of the (figurative) box, I loved how this jacket looked. It’s not bulky or shapeless like so many rain jackets out there. 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 felt soft and didn’t scream “I’m waterproof!” — but it is. And I really appreciated that it didn’t have that 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.
First impressions were off to a good start!
About KÜHL
Before I dive into this gear review, let’s chat about the brand that makes it. Founded in 1983 by a group of outdoor enthusiasts in Utah, KÜHL set out to make clothing that works just as well in the mountains as it does in everyday life.
What I love about KÜHL is their “no-fluff” approach. Their gear isn’t about flashy logos or chasing trends — it’s timeless, rugged, and built to last. Their clothes are made to handle years of wear and tear which also makes them a more sustainable option. They don’t shout about being eco-friendly, but by focusing on quality over quantity, they naturally help reduce waste.
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 their 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!
Tech Specs
- Weight: The jacket is lightweight, coming in at around 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 in 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.
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: keep you dry. And guess what? The KÜHL Stretch Voyagr delivers. 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 brimthat 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. This treatment is essential for maintaining long-term waterproofness.
Another great features 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. Not fun.
Luckily, the Stretch Voyagr manages to avoid that problem. It does a great job of letting moisture escape and even on uphill climbs, I never felt clammy or overheated.
Now, I know some of you might miss having underarm vents. I’ll be honest—I was a little worried about that too. But, surprisingly, it wasn’t an issue.
The breathable fabric did exactly what it’s supposed to do and kept me comfortable the whole time. Don’t ask me how that works cause 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’s what 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 seal out the chill and keep your body heat in. The waist cinch also gives a snug fit without ever feeling restrictive.
And let’s talk about the length—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 it.
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. Whether I’m on a hike or strolling through town, this jacket blends in without that telltale rain jacket sound. 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 like a dream! If you’re someone who dreads lugging around bulky gear, you’ll love this jacket. Whether I’m stuffing it into a daypack for a hike or squeezing it into my suitcase for a trip, it’s super easy to bring along without taking up precious space.
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).
It doesn’t come with a stuff sack, but no worries—it folds easily into its hood or pockets. I’ve tossed mine into my backpack or stashed it in my car more times than I can count. It’s perfect for those ‘just in case’ moments when the weather suddenly turns… or when I just want to look a little more put together around town!
Versatility
This jacket is super versatile—I’ve worn it hiking through the woods, strolling along the beach, and even running errands around town. 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—it would’ve helped me blend in a bit more while keeping me dry!
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 real 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.
How the Women’s KÜHL Stretch Voyagr Fits
Fit can make or break a jacket—and I’m happy to say 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 favorite 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 and for good reason. It’s comfortable, keeps me dry, blocks the wind, and looks good enough to wear just about anywhere.
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.
Let’s be real—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.
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—everything I want in a jacket.
What I Love:
- Comfortable, flattering fit
- Great waterproof and windproof performance
- Works well for both outdoor adventures and everyday wear
- Built to last
What Could Be Better:
- No underarm vents for extra breathability (but not a dealbreaker for me)
- A bit of an investment, but well worth it for the quality