Rain Gear + Insulation Layer advice

sorry guys can one of the Admins transfer this thread to the gear forum please?

Patagonia and Outdoor Research have excellent guarantee policies, so they would be on the top of my list. The manufacturer of your failing jacket might replace it too.

On hoods, I would wear your existing down jacket out and wait for a bargain on the model you like. Separate caps and balaclavas can be chosen for the existing conditions, worn with other tops, or for sleep.

I personally cannot speak to the weather in Iceland, but on the East Coast of the United States I have a fair bit of experience with the Marmot Essence and believe it to be a great option. There are certainly lighter choices, but the breathability and rain protection is one of the best I've used. It is a little pricy, though.

I use the helium 2 and I think it's great. That it stuffs into its own pocket, unlike the essence, makes for convenience, but I do wish that it, like the essence, had vents under the armpits

after reading the outdoorgearlab reviews of the marmot essence and OR Helium 2 , kinda got the feeling that the Helium is not really Waterproof > "We found the Marmot Essence, our Editors' Choice winner, performed better for real rain storms and it breathed better"

can anyone comment on that ?

I have the Helium 2. I've only used it once in a real storm, but it did keep me dry for about 4-5 hours of cold wet rain/hail/snow/rain going over a 12,000 foot pass in the sierras. It got cold enough that I had to put my Patagonia ultralight down jacket on underneath it, and the down stayed dry.

I would not use this jacket for trips where days of continuous/prolonged rain is expected, I'd go with something a bit heavier duty for that. But for its intended purpose it seems just fine to me.

I have the Helium 2 and hike in the PNW. I love that thing. I do get wet under it but I think its condensation from working. I have successfully hiked in prolonged cold rain without being wet on the inside but I was being really nerdy with my core temp and adding/ shedding layers (accessories)

Assume youll get wet and wear little, and as non-absorbent clothes as possible.

Ill wear have a long sleeve syn tee (long sleeve under armour shirt- but by OR) and an OR centrifuge over that. Then the shell. Those three things along with gloves, hat, and neck gaiter keep me happy down to about the upper 30's while hiking.

I think its the kind of WPB that soaks up water and not the vapor transmission kind. (If I understand correctly) I prefer this 'cause my rain is cold and prolonged. …just like my lovin'

just talked to the backcountry rep via the liveperson chat.
he also recommended the Marmot essence since it has 20 000 rating vs "only" 10 000 of the OR.