Help me beat dead horse…rain jacket ponderings

Warrant the Westcomb jacket.

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I called for warranty and was told the time frame from purchase to want to warranty was too long and it won't be covered.

Interesting….I need to look into that a little more. It reminds me of a poncho but not one….

The new Rab 3 ply jacket that Jennifer Mitol has been raving about sounds interesting…I think it's only 6 1/2 ounces or so.

I'm a big fan of Rab event jackets. My smock is bomber in all regards.

Look for a jacket with lots of vents. I like a loose fit for more "bellows effect" and room for winter layering. I would buy a cheap 2.5 layer like a Marmot Precip and plan on replacing it.

If you must throw large amounts of cash at the issue, look at the Showers Pass Refuge jacket (drool). Not so light at 20oz, but the shoulders are reinforced and vents galore. https://www.showerspass.com/products/refuge-jacket.

My current jacket is one of the OR models with the TorsoFlo pit zips that go all the way down the side. You can flip the front of the jacket over your pack belt and get lots of air up the front or batten down when it gets bad. 2.5 layer Pertex Shield, 17oz in XL.

Or, like I always say, get a poncho.

Nice jacket but sweet mother $325!

Thanks for the input Dale. I've done the poncho route and had a tough time seeing my feet in the wind on rocky downhills.

I will look at the OR jacket you mentioned but that weight might be more than I care to carry down here, I know it's wet where you are all the time!

The Helium 2 is a great jacket for the weight and price. If it fits you well, just get it.

As long as breathable aint and issue thr helium works fine

I suggest getting OR regardless as their "infinite guarantee" covers you anytime, any place, for any reason at all

If you want something more "breathable" they also have goretex pro jackets and ones with their torsion flo vent system

Rain jackets fail after sufficient use (or lack of cleaning) all the time, especially UL ones ….

Buy it from a company or retailer with an unlimited no questions asked warranty

;)

If you wore your Westcomb jacket enough to wear the pack strap areas thin, I wouldn't suggest you get s jacket with Pertex Shield +. It wouldn't fare any better. If you do go that route, I would go with the OR Helium because of the infinite warranty. I have the Montane Minimus Smock and I'm scared to wear it under my pack for extended periods. But, it's super light! Ha

$0.02

Sam I appreciate that input. This is exactly what I was wondering about. I wore the jacket several days in a row due to weather but never fathomed it would wear down so quickly. The Helium seems to be getting the best all around marks from folks in the thread.

I'm still very curious about the Haglof though.

Thanks Eric. I've never had to warranty any gear before been very lucky. This experience has caused me to look a little closer at warranty promises. Your input on OR policies is appreciated.

One question about the wear and tear on the helium….any idea how it holds up under pack straps?

Mine has been fine … But keep in mind i use it as more as an emergency shell … So it sits in the pack the majority of the time

The biggest risk is having it leak on a trip/climb ….

If you can accept that risk which is present in most ul rain jackets … Then the OR warranty covers everything else

My opinion is that UL rain jackets have a bit too much expectation built around them … You really cant get away from the fact that theres much less material and durability … And often brethability/ventilation

For the most part they should be considered "just in case" pieces

But its the latest trend for "outdoorsy" gear

Another thing is that if constantly used, the jacket needs to be constantly cleaned and the DWR constantly refreshed

Which wears out the life of the jacket of course

UL rain jackets (and rain jackets in general) should be viewed as disposable items … After a few years of decent constant use they tend to delaminate and wear out

;)

Eric I totally agree about expectations and abilities of a light weight garment. However, I don't think it's too much to expect that a garment touted for backpacking or outdoor activities lasts through at least a 300 mile trip.

This Westcomb jacket wasn't cheap at all. For the cost and the extra weight of the jacket one would expect it to hold up to some activities that are standard for outdoor life or packing. To have the membrane wear through that fast and then for the company to say "yeah we've seen that happen due to oils from the body wearing the membrane thin" but then say sorry there is nothing we can do about it you're stuck. You can send it in but there isn't anything we can do leaves a sour taste in my mouth. If it were dry ducks I'd expect it to be a quick throwaway.

The warranty for OR sounds like it is more in line for what we want and do.

Thanks to everyone for their input. I'm going to use a coupon I have for the helium.

The Helium WILL wear out pretty fast if you wear it with a pack on a regular basis. Many people who use Pertex Shield jackets, such as the Helium, carry windshirts as well to lessen the use of the rain jacket. That way if it's a bit windy and the temps are nippy, instead of subjecting your rain jacket to the wear and tear of a pack, you use your windshirt instead. Rain jackets are far more important than a windshirt. So keep that in mind.

Also, if you want a durable jacket, Those made with GoreTex Pro have a mandatory face fabric of at least 40 denier. ( I'm pretty sure thats true. PacLite is 20 and Pro is 40 from what I've heard) Which means they'll be a bit more durable, but heavier, then a UL Jacket. I don't know if eVent has the same parameters, but I do know you can find eVent apparel with high denier face fabrics. You'd just have to check the specs. A 3 layer jacket will last longer than a "2.5" (really just 2) layer jacket.

But going with the Helium is a safe bet because of OR's warranty.