UL rain jacket

I made a post a few days ago about the new MEC Outathere jacket. Check it out as it might fit your needs.
http://www.mec.ca/product/5035-325/mec-outathere-jacket-womens/?q=outathere

I picked up a Marmot Essence set (pants and jacket) recently. I have been on two different 3-hour walks in pouring rain in the set carrying a 25# pack, and was reasonably happy with the performance. The inside of the jacket felt a little clammy since there is no real lining (tricot, etc), but it did not get real condensation inside it the way Gore Paclite seems to. My base layer did not get more damp from perspiration than with any other high performance waterproof/breathable shell. The DWR is nothing short of amazing with rain literally bouncing off the fabric, but I doubt that will last long. The pit vents might be sort of useful, though it's hard to tell and my pack straps seem to reduce their effectiveness. The fit is very nice despite the online review remarks about how "small" the jacket runs. In fact, it seems totally true to size to me (I'm a classic size large 5' 11" 190# with broad shoulders) and the size large Essence fits well with enough room for a MH Ghost Whisperer underneath, though I can get the sleeves to ride up if I reach up/forward. I tried an XL but returned it since I was swimming in the jacket. The pants run big, so despite me normally wearing size large pants the medium Essence fit me better. The material is obviously very light and thin, with a slight stretch to it. I imagine the puncture resistance is quite low, but it's pleasant to wear.

Since this will be my "good" raingear for actual trips and not just walking around town, I probably won't wear it much again and will save it for those applications. I just wanted to make sure it didn't feel like a plastic bag before I committed to taking it along when it really matters.

I'd love to pick up the new Zpacks Challenger suit and try it out as I think the tear resistance might be better, and I do like pit zips. A friend has one and is happy with it, though his is too small for me to really try out.

make sure that it has a good warranty, or you buy it from a place that has such

rain jacket delimitation and failure is not uncommon with these UL jackets, especially the 2.5L ones

;)

I was looking at the same jackets you are now. I ended up going with the Marmot Essence because I found it on sale $88 on 6pm.com. I'm 5'9 and 160 lbs. I have the large and I like the way it fits. Just big enough to get an insulated jacket underneath but not too big if I'm in hot rain and just wearing a tee. I've been lucky enough to not know how well it performs yet.

Thanks for the information, everybody!

Susan,

You may also want to look into the OR Helium II. It’s very similar to the Essense, but OR has a better warranty than Marmot. It’s also about $50 less expensive.

I’ve worn my Helium II extensively in Southeastern storms, as well as pop-up showers in Wyoming, and while it’s not the most breathable, it does the job of keeping me dry while taking up very little space in my back (but I would probably choose to invest in hard shell if I hiked in the PNW).

This BPL thread discussions OR and Marmot warranty handling, and may be of interest to you.

OR helium is awesome.

Thanks for the Helium info. Waterproof is job one. Breathable is nice. How does the fabric feel on the inside? OK, or cold, clammy, rubbery?

It does not feel rubbery at all, but it can get a bit clammy when hiking in high humidity or rain. It hasn't felt cold on me, but I've either worn it warmer weather (60° plus) or with at least a long sleeve base layer, so I can't say how it would feel next to skin in cooler weather.

After I posted, I saw that Outdoor Research Lab rated the Essence as their highest pick, above the Helium II. They have it good marks for breathability. So maybe it is worth the extra. I'd just suggest getting it from a place like REI that has a generous return policy in case the de-lamination problem strikes.