Shell needed for CA student headed to Michigan-rain, snow and wind

I'm always amazed at how many college students here are running around campus in Arc'teryx jackets but Bivouacs ("outdoor rugged meets campus chic") carries loads of them. Interestingly enough, their predominant high-end used to be Patagonia with TNF as their mid-line. Lately, it seems to be Arc'teryx as the high-end with Patagonia as the mid-line.

It sounds like this is just going to be worn around town? If so, I think durability would be significantly more important than weight. I love GoreTex Paclite for its drape and feel but I'm not convinced it would be all that durable. GoreTex Pro seems like a much better bet in that regard, but probably more expensive, as well. I think an eVent jacket is ideal here but you don't see the big names making them anymore.

Looking through REI's offerings, I think he'd do well with any of the Arc'teryx hard shell (or hybrid) choices. I'm partial to Patagonia, so would also consider their "Leashless".

A shell plus the down sweater and a good fleece is a great combination for Ann Arbor. My 16yo son has a Marmot Zeus down jacket, a Patagonia softshell and various hoodies/fleeces that he wears alone or in combination.

Btw, there's an REI in Ann Arbor, so if that's where you buy it and he has problems with it, they'll take care of him.

Thanks for your suggestions and thoughts. We'll look at REI here in SF Bay Area and other sources if nothing from REI quite fits or works. He can easily exchange at REI in Ann Arbor but that's not an absolute requirement-just easier to try things on rather than mailing back and forth, etc. I really appreciate your input.

I knew you and Ken Larson would have some great ideas for me. He sent me two PMs so I have a better idea now of what is needed for the weather. Thanks.