I need a good rain jacket

[Ryan C]

After some debate, I have decided my next big gear purchase would be a good quality rain jacket. My 7oz Marmot Mica is great for short trips and use in drier climates but it has it's limitations. What I am looking for is something that is a good balance of durability (sorry, no Dri-Ducks), weight, and most importantly, performance.

What I want is something that can hold up to days of sustained precipitation. Something that will be a good investment and hold up for years. Something that I will not regret having when I am in cold rain or a Southeast downpour on the AT in spring. And most of all, something that will keep me alive on a two week trip in Alaska this summer.

$300 is the high end of what I would be willing to spend. North American made would be preferred (but Rab is made elsewhere and now owns Integral Designs).

Options I have considered in order of weight:

Rab Demand Pull-On, eVent, 10oz
Westcomb Specter LT Hoody, eVent, 11oz
Integral Designs Thru-Hiker Jacket, eVent, 12oz
Rab Momentum Jacket, eVent, 12oz
Rab Drillium Jacket, eVent, 12oz

And for if I get truly insane and sell some other gear:
Arcteryx Alpha LT Jacket, Gore-Tex Pro, 13oz, $500

I am really having trouble debating this. Right now, the Westcomb Specter LT seems ideal as it is Canadian made, eVent, light, and durable. What I don't know is that if this would simply be a beefier version of my Mica or is it a suitable do it all lightweight shell?

Any thoughts or experiences would be appreciated.

[Josh Newkirk]

Westcomb Specter LT

[Nick Gatel]

Ryan,

What limitations of the Mica do you hope to overcome?

[Ryan C]

The Mica is a fine shell but personally I don't think it has what I need for some of the trips I plan on doing (Alaska for example). The 2.5 layer Membrain fabric just does not seem like it would hold up under days of rain or long term pack strap abrasion. Something a little more breathable would be nice so I could ditch the wind shirt on some trips.

[Jake Willits]

Check out the GoLite Tumalo. Hendrik gave it good reviews and I trust his opinion. It's shell is Pertex.

http://www.hikinginfinland.com/search?updated-min=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00%2B02%3A00&updated-max=2012-01-01T00%3A00%3A00%2B02%3A00&max-results=30

[No Limu, just Doug]

Take a look at the Montbell Rain Trekker Jacket. Only $159. And I think it's pretty much an updated Montbell Peak Shell (highly regarded rain jacket).

If you want new, I think the Rain Trekker (other than being made in China probably) would be a good investment without breaking the bank.

[Nick Gatel]

The Mica is a fine shell but personally I don't think it has what I need for some of the trips I plan on doing (Alaska for example). The 2.5 layer Membrain fabric just does not seem like it would hold up under days of rain or long term pack strap abrasion. Something a little more breathable would be nice so I could ditch the wind shirt on some trips.

---

Some of the items for the perfect shell search everyone is looking for :)

Do we have long term test to see if eVent holds up over time in terms of durability? I know there is controversy whether or not the Goretex Paclite will hold up under pack straps, and eVent still has limitations in its breathability. Of course we all have to spend a lot of money to see if it works for us :(

I have found ponchos to be the best in terms of water-proofness and breathability; but they have their own set of negatives too. Seems like there is no perfect do it all shell… yet.

[Ryan C]

Hendrik seems to know his stuff. He also did a favorable review of the Rab Momentum jacket and Drillium pants a while back. I have nothing against 2.5 layer rainwear like the GoLite Tumalo but personally am looking for something a little more substantial to supplement my already similar Mica.

MontBell makes some good stuff and I have some of their insulating layers. The Rain Trekker is a good price, as is the GoLite Tumalo, but they have side pockets. I would really like something with chest pockets that can be accessed with a pack on.

BTW: I am aware that ponchos are nice but have already been ruled out as I am seeking a good all around rain shell that will be multi-purpose.

[No Limu, just Doug]

"I have nothing against 2.5 layer rainwear like the GoLite Tumalo but personally am looking for something a little more substantial to supplement my already similar Mica."

Montbell also has the Ridge Walker Parka. 3-layer with pockets that should be accessible with a pack on.

And no, I don't work for Montbell! ;-)

[Ryan C]

Not to bust your bubble Doug but that Ridge Walker Parka weighs like 16oz. I mean, that is like a whole pound! Some people's shelters and packs weigh less than that! : )

[Ryan C]

Everyone always seems to talk packs and shelters, what about rain gear? If some more people don't comment soon I may end up wasting $500 on that Arcteryx jacket! Anyone have much experience with the Rab eVent shells? For as much as I like the Westcomb Specter LT it may be a little too short to be a good all around jacket.

[Elizabeth Camp]

Hopefully someone who has experience with the particular shells your are interested in will chime in. But since you seem really eager for comments here's my take:

I use a modified Marmot Precip during the summer (which sucks…but is inexpensive and 9.5 oz in my size). But I use a Rab Latok Alpine (no not the super heavy duty Latok; the one that's marketed at a summer alpine shell; 15 oz in my size) for winter or alpine endeavors. The Latok Alpine is event and its the highest quality jacket I've ever owned (not that I have owned many high quality shells or anything).

I'm really impressed with Rab's quality and attention to detail on their pieces and I'm completely sold on event. I can still really get sweating during high exertion activities and under these conditions event still can't keep up so I wish the shell had pit zips but I'm pretty happy overall.

Given my limited experience with event, I'd be happy to own any of the event shells on your list. All of the pieces on you list are super high quality so it really seems like a matter of personal preference about particular features that you like/don't like on your shells.

Now…if they only made the Rab Demand Pull-on in Women's and I had money to spare!!!

[James holden]

the westcomb mirage is the spectre with pit zips … adds like 2 oz … for a windshirt replacement … id get zips

[Mike W]

…

[Ryan C]

I really don't mind not having pit zips, none of my other jackets have had them. The Mont-Bell Rain Trekker is nice and looks durable. I'll probably split the difference between Arcteryx Gore-Tex ruggedness and lightweight Marmot Mica and get the Canadian Westcomb Specter LT with eVent. Thanks for the tips everyone.

[Richard Fischel]

while the wild things web store is not up and running, their brick and mortar retail operation still stock much of their gear and a lot of it is frequently on sale – 603.356.9453. Leeann is more than happy to take phone orders. she might even email you a picture of an item if you ask nicely.

i have the jacket i think they call the flume. it's bullet-proof. i've spent prolonged periods of time out in steady rain without any issues or water intrusion or moisture build-up inside. i have a large and it's right around 15 oz. the jacket is cut to fit over typical climber's layers so if you want a closer fit go a size down. it has pit zips and as an added bonus, it's made in the usa.

[Ryan C]

Now that is a jacket! Somewhat heavy but it's like an American made Arcteryx in eVent. I've got a Westcomb Specter LT on the way to test out but the Flume just made the short list. Too bad the new Wild Things Alpinist jacket does not appear available yet, maybe it is worth waiting for. But, it weighs 4oz more than the Specter LT.

http://www.wildthingsgear.com/blog/?p=1841

[No Limu, just Doug]

"Now that is a jacket!"

Not to bust your bubble Ryan but that Wild Things Flume weighs like 16oz. I mean, that is like a whole pound! Some people's shelters and packs weigh less than that! : )

[Richard Fischel]

i wouldn't wait for anything from wild things' new line. they've been trying to launch it now for a year or two. i think they are a bit distracted with their military and law enforcement work.

that being said, i'm pretty happy with their current line of products that's perfectly geared to the spare aesthetic of climbers and mountaineers. my concern is the new line is more geared toward urban street wear and lifestyle shoppers

[Ryan C]

For those interested, I emailed Wild Things and the new line will be out in September.

[Russ Porter]

I don't know if you have looked at the Golite Phantom, but I have loved mine. It has worked great for a variety of conditions. I think it weighs 12oz.

[Chris Benson]

I have a rab drillium. My most used bad weather jackets are a montane pertex windshirt, an arcteryx goretex pro shell, and the rab event. The rab breathes tons better than the arcteryx shell, but is also less warm as it traps less body heat and seems to be a bit less windproof. The jacket quality is good and durability has been fine, but I do not bushwack or climb in it.

Fit is slim, but not overly athletic. I am 6'1"/175-180# and can just fit my EB first ascent down sweather underneath. The arms are LONG and collar is tall. Both work for me. The tall collar is great for blocking wind when the hood is stowed.

[Richard Fischel]

september they say for the release date of their new line? i remenber when it was supposed to be january 2010. i will believe it when I see it.

[nanook ofthenorth]

Just talked to wild things, they have L and XL Flumes in stock, price is $150 on sale

[t.darrah]

Based on that information I will be willing to sell my size medium Flume for $150.00 also (+$7.50 shipping CONUS). If interested send me a PM, jacket is in perfect condition.

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