High Sierra hiking, can’t decide on a darn rain jacket

Can a mod move this to Gear?

thank you.

Answering this well requires knowing WHEN you hike the sierras, and where.
Emigrant wilderness in late Oct vs Golden Trout wilderness in Aug, for ex.

Since i've got the 3L Goretex Pro for winter use and shoulder seasons with forecasted rain, let's June through September when your typical afternoon thunderstorms are the only rain expected.

Where is primarily the Eastern Sierras from Langley all the way up to Mammoth.

I was looking at the Z-Packs challenger also, but can't justify the 20x the cost right now for a jacket that is slightly heavier than the one I am currently using:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JFQRHP6?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00

Just a cheap nylon cycling rain jacket. It weighed 6.2 oz as it came, dropped it to 5.6 oz by replacing the large elastic shock cord and toggle at the waist with a 1/16" cord and new toggle. I gave up on "breathable" for rain gear as I just couldn't find anything breathable that kept the water out for any length of time. This one is light, packs small, doesn't let water in, and the neck zipper is large to allow some airflow as conditions permit. I thought about adding pit zips myself, but haven't found that I've needed them yet, although I only have a few rainy miles in it so far.

The problem is that it only comes in one size (basically a large) and you stated your concern about sizing.

If I thought that the Challenger would be truly breathable and still keep the rain out, more so than something like Dri-Ducks (which is fine in the rain, just not very breathable), I'd be looking at it more seriously. In the end, I'd go with the lightest jacket that keeps the rain out, and use the zips and openings of the jacket to allow airflow when you can.

+1 on no such thing is WP-breathable, at least not in any practicable way.

My strategy is to just use my $12 frogg toggs, which are lighter than most options. For "typical afternoon thunderstorms" I don't think you'll need anything more. If you think sweat might be an issue due to hiking through said thunderstorms, just lower your exertion a bit.

It's hard to chance your mind about a piece of gear when you get your heart set on acquiring it, but my advice would be to save $100-$300 on a 'high performance' rain jacket and splurge that money on a piece of gear that you'll certainly use more, like a pack upgrade, bag upgrade, shelter upgrade, shoe upgrade, bear canister (Sierra) upgrade, etc. If you plan your day with the expectation of a rainshower, you might not need a true rain jacket at all. I take my frogg toggs with me all the time, but the last 5-6 trips in the Sierra, I've not had to use them, and I haven't gotten wet.

I'd personally prefer to be in my shelter during a hard rain than in a super nice rain jacket. All this is just my opinion – grain of salt and all that.

Your opinion is greatly appreciated.

How small do frogg toggs compress down?

There is something to be said for more robust fabric, and a decent hood design, waterproof zippers, and pit zips.

I have used either a silnylon poncho with an added waist cord or a Dri-Ducks rain jacket for summer in the Sierra for years and have been quite happy with both. The only change I've considered is a pair of waterproof cycling sleeves to wear with the poncho to,help keep my arms and hands dry.

I vote for a three layer event shell. I have a Rab Demand anorak; no pit zips. I used to have a very large REI Kimtah event shell; no pit zips. I don't find pit zips to be be all that effective.

My Rab weighs 11 oz. I think. Very robust; great hood and most importantly, it keeps me dry during day long deluges in, yes, the Sierra in mid-summer.

When you can't retreat into your tent for days but have to hike through a windy storm, a 3l jacket is great.

p.s. Jen Mitol is wearing a new Rab shell on the CT that weighs 6 or 8 ounces, and that she tested at home in torrential rain and found to be great. she should have a review when she gets back. 3 layer.

Check out the Packa. It came up in another thread recently.

http://www.thepacka.com/

I can fit my size "Small" (fits more like a Men's Medium/Large) Dri Ducks jacket into a quart sized ziploc bag.

Thanks for the feedback all. My interpretation of all the feedback is different things work for different people, WPB fabrics have a long ways to go, and cheap options or more expensive options with various venting functionality seems to work best.

Through a very wet CO spring and summer I've been quite happy with my marmot essence. I find the fabric comfortable, it keeps me dry and the breathability is pretty good. No serious signs of wear after a year of pretty consistent wear.