Best Durable Hardshell Jacket

just stick with arcteryx. Most durable of the jackets you'll find. AR's and SV jackets have the strangest fabric. Theta's are the longest and Alpha's are just a bit shorter. Event isn't bonded to as durable fabrics as Gore-tex(that's why Arc'teryx doesn't use it.) The other option is Outdoor research Furio Jacket because of the Warranty.

What are your requirements other than durability? Is this for backpacking, or are you willing to get something heavier then most of us would take on trail?

To me, the obvious thing would be to get something heavier duty, possibly purpose built work clothing. Something meant for hunting might work well, too. Gore Tex and proprietary PU laminates would be available, I think eVent is all 30D (?).

Perhaps something by Cabelas? Not the Paclite shell, though.

During the colder months for work like that I still use my Helly Hansen PVC bib overalls with matching jackets and rubber boots. This is standard garb for landscaping and working on boats. I reserve my Goretex hard shells for summer if I'm going to need them for that much abrasion. For non wet situations jeans with double denim knees are good.A rain suit like the HH should be about $65. The Jeans about 30 . Cheap compared to the stuff your using.

Hi. I need something that is lighter weight because I need to be quick on my feet and not weighed down too much. Something around 14-24oz. or so. I read power and water meters. All the work jackets I've look at are too big, bulky and heavy. If it stops raining for a while on a warm day I like to take my jacket off and tie it around my waist. Thanks so far for the posts.

IN that case I'd look at Cabelas stuff like their paclite and Sierra Trading Post to save some $. Fishing forums and motorcycle forums may turn up something that could work-similar problems.

The Revenant jacket by Westcomb weighs 24 oz. and is their robust mountaineering shell. You may check that model out and see if it may work for you.

Try Norrona, anything with Gore-Tex Pro Shell. My falketind is great, and almost as breathable as eVent.

I worked outside 5-6 days a week, all year long for 15 years. I had only two jackets over that entire time period, and both I still have today.

I wore this all 4 seasons, as needed, and in the winter I wore it ever day.

I used and would buy again, a NF Mountain Lite Parka. I also used a mountain lite set of pants.

I never tore my jacket, and only once tore my pants.

These things can take serious abuse and keep ticking.

I know the technology is a bit behind, but I can tell you, for the money and the weight, if they even still make them, you cant beat them. Pit zips keep it vented well enough, and the goretex keeps it dry.

I was never wet, even in all day rain storms at or near freezing.