Best rain jacket for <$150

I am usinga marmot Mica on my AT thru hike and so far it is the best rain jacket I have owned. Highly recommend!

I don't associate any wp/b jackets made by either Marmot or Golite as "best" — but that's using my own criteria.

So, to better answer your question — tell us what's your definition of 'best'?

"tell us what's your definition of 'best'?"

Best is whatever works for you IMO :)

I have used Marmot and Golite rain gear before. I found that Frogg Toggs work better and are a whole lot cheaper

That probably depends on where you hike and how much time you spend wearing your jacket rather than carrying it.

If a rain jacket spends most of the time in your pack, then Dri-Ducks is probably the way to go (assuming on trail use) as they are cheap and fairly durable. (Be sure to size down, My Mens small is big and only 5.1oz)

If you wear a jacket a lot and want better breathability, a eVent jacket might be best (though hard to find for $150)

I also have a Marmot Essence that seems like a decent jacket thus far. My Mens Medium is 6.4oz.

That's easy for Scottish weather a Keela Munro with a merino wool top underneath never gotten wet or uncomfortable, it's a bit heavy to be classed as lightweight but it's my "just in case" jacket. It snowed above 2000ft in the highlands about 3 weeks ago, roll on the next ice-age (Just kidding (a little;-))

http://www.montbell.us/products/list.php?p=all&cat_id=94

montbell peak shell: $143
montbell particle shell: $79

Heavier than the Peak which is now very limited in sizes and colors, but the fabric should take more abuse. Fabric is one notch down from eVent. Full pockets placed high so a hip belt doesn't block them . Very configurable hood , but doesn't self store. Most of all 12 inch pit zips. I got mine for $135. For more weight the Thunder Pass is only $99. Again with pitzips.
http://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?cat_id=59&p_id=2328266

Ben, for me the "best" is the one that keeps me driest and most comfortable, the specific combinations of features/materials that bests accomplishes that is what I'm not certain of. What are your criteria?

My current rain jacket doesn't breath well at all, it mostly stays in my pack unless it's storming, in which case I usually just make camp and fish. I'm interested in doing less casual hikes and I'll need something I can be active in.

I hike mostly in the Canadian Shield, sometimes the trails are a little over grown and there's always the spruce and pine windfalls you ahve to climb over or go under. Do you think Driducks would hold up?

How do the various fabrics rank in breathability?

Ankar:

Most all wp/b jackets out there rely on a layer of polyurethane to keep out the rain — which severely compromises breathability. The only three exceptions — garments that manage to retain rainproofness without a PU layer and thus allowing your perspiration to vent out directly through the fabric are:

1. eVent — currently the best option available in terms of max. breathability. Integral Designs (and others) utilize this technology. Google around or do a search within the forum.

2. MontBell — look for their jackets that feature "Breeze Dry Tec" specifically — such as the Peak Shell jacket suggested above.

3. Driducks (and equivalent) — cheapest option by far but extremely breathable. Not the coolest styling nor the most durable — although mine has lasted me for a few years now because I do trail hikes and not bushwhacking. Per your description above, I think Driducks will be durable enough for you.

With your $150 budget, I highly recommend choosing either of the first two options above. Don't waste money on something cheaper but inferior in breathability since you already have something similar that you dislike.

Dri Ducks wet through even though they are very light and do breathe well.

I've used DriDucks/O2 jackets quite a bit, even in torrential down pores, but never had it wet out. On the other hand, I've had plenty of Goretex (or Goretex equivalent) jackets wet out. As mentioned though, the DriDucks/O2 jackets are very, very fragile. It is really easy to rip them.

This is my second Spring/Summer hiking in a Marmot Mica. It works so well that I now leave my wind shirt at home. All of the hikes I've done here in Washington State this spring were rain in rain out trips. I would definitely say that it is the best rain jacket I have ever owned (yes even though is says "marmot" on it).

+1 on what Benjamin said lastly.

Integral designs eVent pullover shell, approx 9 ozs. 3-layer with a durable outer fabric. Hoodless, so you'll need a hat that doubles as a rainhat.

$152 @ Frontcountry.com

Thanks for all the input guys, I'm gonna up my budget and get an eVent jacket, I'd probably grow dissatisfied with anything else!

Do you guys find pit zips or other vents are necessary features with eVent?

How do you like the hoodless jackets? That pull over is tempting, and I prefer wearing a sombrero (straw) which doesn't really fit with hoods anyway, but I'd probably need something more water proof for this, like one of the Outdoor Research sombreros. Roughly how wide of a brim do you use, and do you get any water coming in sideways and running down your neck?

You will find that eVent jackets don't come with pitzips, and that most BPL members think they should have them anyway. That's why I like the Mont-bell stuff so well. They are realistic about the need for them. I won't buy a rain jacket without pitzips. I think hood less jackets are OK for bicycling , but I want a hood for hiking even without rain-better at controlling wind. Read up on individual jackets. Fit matters, some zippers suck, etc. Good luck!

"You will find that eVent jackets don't come with pitzips, and that most BPL members think they should have them anyway. "

I don't. Pit zips on eVENT jackets are not necessary.

If you can score one, The Packa in eVent comes with very long pit zips…Best of both worlds, but the large is not UL (17.3 ounces).

I picked up a Marmot Mica/Essence (don't remember which, it's the one with pit vents from last year). Love the light weight, breathability is OK and better than Gore-Tex. But I had occasion to wear it during a prolonged car ride, just didn't bother to take it off, and by the end of one day there was abrasion "fuzz" all across the back just from rubbing on the car seat. I can't imagine it will stand up to pack abrasion. I'm retiring it from my regular gear list.

eVent, on the other hand, is the stuff. Breathability is superb. I sweat a ton and have only under extreme exertion and totally buttoned up conditions had any sort of noteworthy dampness inside. I wish there were more truly lightweight eVent jacket options but I gladly pay a minor weight penalty to use it.

"I don't. Pit zips on eVENT jackets are not necessary."

Agreed. The ID eVent pullover does however have a very generous chest zip; sizing is also "loose" so there's plenty of room underneath for a layer or two.

All eVent garments that I'm aware of are 3-layer, meaning the eVent PTFE is sandwiched between two other layers enhancing abrasion resistance on both the inside and outside. Something to consider when it comes to longevity, especially when you've paid $150-$500.

A lightweight, breathable, wide-brimmed hat ( like Marmot makes )works well for sun and rain. Plus you'll hear a lot better without the hood.