Time to upgrade my rain jacket…

There have been some interesting threads on whether such a high HH is required given that 1500mm is considered rain proof. If you are willing to go for a lower HH, you can get comfortably under 10oz…..

Will you be using it Ireland like in your Avatar photo? If so I would go for event.

Plenty if event jackets in that range, I really like the Mountain Hardware Quasar which is 10oz.

Is the Quasar under $150?

Since you are not targeting SUL, but rather a robust performer, I can recommend the EMS Helix Neoshell anorak, which has served me very well during the past year. 3-layer, pit zips, a full torso zip on the side, and weight around your target.

No idea if you can get your hands on one, as it seems EMS is about to discontinue it….

Dave,

I have seen them on STP for about 200$ but they have a 35%
Off coupon a log if the time.

+1

The EMS Helix is also my rain jacket, and now my buddy Jim's rain jacket as well. We love ours. I wear mine every day for winter commuting.

Really like the pitzip design on that jacket. Wish it were lighter, however.

Sierra Designs has the new Cagoule. $109, very interesting venting options, 6 oz.

7300mm HH, but I can't see this as being an issue.

http://sierradesigns.com/product/elite-cagoule

Yeah, what Stephen said about the Quasar on Sierra Trading Post.
Just checked, $157-170 with my current 35% off coupon, but the jackets are anorak-style pullovers.

In the spirit of the thread, I also caught my OR Helium HD, a 20,000mm HH/20,000g/m2 jacket with big pit zips @277g/9.77oz, on STP last year for $88.
Great place to keep an eye on if you have patience, and can avoid impulse buys. They're killing me with a bunch of OR stuff I don't need right now.

The Luke's Ultralite Event jacket looks like a great deal. I am a little curious about the new Berghaus jacket too – nice light weight. I would look a t the Zpacks Challenger too.

Wait – so the SD Elite Cagoule has ZERO breathability?

"Wait – so the SD Elite Cagoule has ZERO breathability?"

Specs are MVTR:6,700 (ASTM)

Thanks. I saw Air Permeability = 0 but missed the MVTR

For 12 oz and under, there are LOTS of nice 3-layer jackets on the market, both Neoshell and Event. I think it's a definite improvement over 2-layer shells. Much more versatile if you want to use it in below-freezing temps. That EMS Helix is a great deal. I picked up a Westcomb jacket (the Fuse, I think?) at an end-of-season clearance about 2 years ago, and it is holding up really well, I'm very happy with it.

Which ever jacket you get make sure it has a good warranty

Theres a good chance these cheaper jackets may delaminate in a few years of light to moderate use

Heres one i got for a partner … Fortunately MH said they will cover it

;)

:Sierra Designs has the new Cagoule. $109, very interesting venting options, 6 oz.:

I like the look of that. Anyone tried one yet?

Eric, is the fabric torn on that jacket or is that the coating coming off? Those coated jackets don't last too long. The same thing happens with the marmot precips.

The coating is delaminating and the seams are coming apart as well

Rain jacket delaminations are one of the most common outdoor gear failures … And its not something you can really repair

;)

Thanks for all the input everyone, much appreciated. I am also considering the Patagonia Torrentshell Plus since its on sale for around $120. Has anyone had ony experience with the H2No® Performance Standard 2.5-layer? Just wanted something independant rather than suspect reviews on web sites.

"Sierra Designs has the new Cagoule. $109, very interesting venting options, 6 oz.: I like the look of that. Anyone tried one yet?" I've worn mine in the Wallowa range a few weeks back in alternating rain, wind across glacier pass, etc. It actually surpassed all my expectations. Ventilation is such that I never once felt clammy, steamy or hot, even while ascending passes. Never been this comfortable in a rain shell. Highly recommended and lighter than anything else I've seen for the price and think they've really hit on something great with this design. I have yet to form an opinion on the water proof qualities for the long term as it was raining on my trip but not the usual NW sustained pouring. I will do a winter coastal hike this year and should know more then.

Thanks for your report Alexander. I've been thinking about Sierra Designs UL Trench. I'm glad you liked the cagoule. That may mean the Trench is just as good–yes? I was wondering about the ventilation and of course being waterproof.

Check out the Montbell line. I have several of their jackets and keep going back for more. On the value side, I don't think you will find a better offering than Montbell's Thunder Pass jacket. $99 for a 3 layer, full featured (pit zips, adjustable hem and hood, zippered pockets) with a rating of 20,000 mm. A bit heavier than you were looking for but great value (I have worn out one after a few years of hard wear and have just ordered another). I use mine for a skiing shell (nice to have a roll-away hood), and for fishing, so high wear. On the light weight side (but less durable), I also have a Montbell Versalite. Once again, full featured with pitzips, zip pockets and adjustable waist and hood and a HH of 20,000 mm. This is really nice for backpacking as it shrinks down to the size of a wind shirt and my size large only weighs 7.1 oz.

#ERROR!

I just purchased a Montane Spektr Smock off STP with a 40% off + $1.99 shipping for a total price of $120 including tax. I usually wear a L (I'm 6', 180lbs), but I got the XL and it fits snug with my Arc'teryx Atom LT underneath it. About the jacket: I really like it so far. I was able to use it the very first night as it rained like crazy and I went on a walk with my girlfriend for a few hours in the downpour. To my delight, I didn't get a single drop of moisture on my inner layers and the jacket breathed really well. For 7.86oz in the XL without the stuff sack and having a full 3-layer eVent construction, I can overlook the funky "tornado roll closure", which isn't really that much of a problem. I just keep two of the closures set at all times and lock in the third after I put it on. Here's the link: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/montane-spektr-smock-event-jacket-for-men~p~9198w/?filterString=s~montane-spektr%2F&colorFamily=03