Looking for lightweight rain jacket

I would go with a propore jacket (O2, Drop Stoppers, etc.). Nothing is lighter (except a poncho). Nothing breathes better, except Event. Unfortunately, everything else is more durable (you might want to buy a couple pair, because the first will probably eventually wear out unless you are very, very kind to it).

You may want to check out the new Marmot Essence (not the older model) that features Membrane Strata. It only weighs 7oz (verified by forum members) and they claim better breathability to about everything short of eVent. It doesn't have pit zips (core venting is essential in my book BTW) but it does have underarm vents without zippers (non closable) but since I never close my zips anyways, that isn't an issue for me. I am a bit skeptical since it seems to good to be true in a $150 jacket, but it might be worth a try. If you get it be sure to post your feelings here to help us "on the fence" folks.

+1 for the Marmot Essence 2009 (membrain strata version). However, I haven't been able to give it a real-world test yet (damnably predictable so cal weather), however it is light and does seem to breathe well in my (limited) testing…

Holy thread resurrection, Brentman!

I'm looking for a lightweight rain shell for temperatures 30 – 60 degrees F too. The Marmot Essence can't be the only recommendation from you guys.

I've spent 3 hrs doing internet research, and an hour searching our forums. Now my head is swimming with monteventfrogbreathableprecipgoretextnflaminatedwr.

Any more recommendations?
acronym 6/29/2009 11:44 AM

I've spent 3 hrs doing internet research, and an hour searching our forums. Now my head is swimming with monteventfrogbreathableprecipgoretextnflaminatedwr.

Yes, eVent is good for bad weather. :-)

I’ve been using a OR Zealot the last couple years. I don’t think it’s made anymore but can still be found online. 7.75oz for my large. Haven’t found pit zips necessary as long as the temperature are cool. Breathes okay but not exceptionally. I’m too clumsy to try something as fragile as driducks.

This summer I’m trying out a Golite Poncho Tarp@10oz as my rainwear/shelter.

man, testing that jacket in the lower sonoran desert doesnt seem like you could put it thru it's paces. i mean, 1/4 inch of rain is considered substantial around here. for 8oz tho, seems like it would shine in these parts. PNW? pro'lly not.

i purchased a montbell particle on sale at backcountry for $79
seems like a nice jacket (no pit zips) but its worth a look. otherwise, the doubley priced "peak shell" is a sure bet.

"I'm looking for a lightweight rain shell for temperatures 30 – 60 degrees F too."

Any reason DriDucks wouldn't be suitable for this?

Why would anyone choose a heavier, more expensive jacket over DriDucks?

I just read the above – it sounds snarky. I don't mean it to be so.

acronym 7/15/2009 11:11 AM

Breathability – Hard to beat Propore: DriDucks.
Durability – Hard to beat eVent: Westcomb.

Cabela's Rainy River PacLite GTX parka, size Large, Tall weighs 15 oz. and costs $90. Absolutly the best bargain in waterproof/breathable light parkas out there.

Great quality, many sizes and lots of features. No pit zips but big, diagonal zippered chest pockets W/ mesh inner lining does ventilate quite well.

Eric

"I would go with a propore jacket (O2, Drop Stoppers, etc.). Nothing is lighter (except a poncho)."

So why not just get a poncho? I have an Equinox ultra-light nylon shelter/poncho. It's light (8 oz.) and airy. If you're into multiple use gear, it can cover your pack, serve as a changing room, awning or tarp.

Another vote for a propore jacket. I highly recommend the Rainshield O2 Rainwear jacket. It weighs in at 4.7 oz and is more durable than other brands, such as Driducks. As others have noted, it is the most breathable fabric out there, short of eVent.
If durability is a big concern for you, just remember they are very cheap.

Thanks for all the comments. After extensive research, I have settled on the XL DriDucks jacket and pants weighing in together at 288g on my scale. I got them at Gander Mountain for > $15.

The top five jackets from my list:
rank make model g $ to beat
10 Frog Togg Dri Ducks 164 $14.99
10 Outdoor Research Zealot Jacket 218 $120.00
9 GoLite Virga 221 $80.00
8 Marmot Essence 227 $74.97
7 The North Face Anorak 152 $178.95

It is worth noting that the Gortex Paclite Zealot is on sale (w/ 50% coupon code) at the backcountry outlet for the next week or so for $100. See:
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=22588

I didn't consider ponchos b/c they don't offer adequate protection for cool weather.

acronym 7/17/2009 3:21 PM