Rain Jacket– No Price Limit?

Are you sure yours isn't a DWR issue?

eVent is king at the moment, and there's a few pushing that limit (see: Montane Spektr), but NeoShell jackets are just around the corner too (though I doubt we'll see any truly UL options in its first season).

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=50705

seems to have most of the newest jackets in it.

What season? Durability concerns?

Not a hardcore winter backpacker. Live in the NE. I have ben using a Dri Ducks jacket but didn't do too well in 6 hours of rain in PA. Also would like pockets and/or pit zips..

I'm working on a SOTMR on sub 8 oz rain coats. Unfortunately it's being delayed by the late arrival of one coat. The articles might appear by the end of the year, hopefully sooner.

IMO:

Best breathability = Montane Spektr
Best designed/best overall = Haglofs Ozo
Best of the rest (ie best under 200 bucks) = Marmot Essence

AntiGravity Gear hooded rain jacket of sil-nylon. 4.6 oz. Use lots of venting. Less than $80.

–B.G.–

The ZPacks Cuben Fiber Rain Jacket / Vapor Barrier Jacket should be a serious consideration at 2.9 oz (82 grams).

I was in the same boat a while back and did a lot of research.

I came up with 3 finalists:

North face diad, $200, discontinued and very hard to find.
Outdoor Research Helium, $140, ($120 on amazon) made from Pertex..so I'm a bit skeptical since I haven't tried it yet.
Marmot Nano, goretex paclite, $250 ($170 on o2gearShop.com). This is what I ended up purchasing. I love it! Reminds me of a lighter version of the Arcteryx alpha SL.
Downside though is no pit zips. Medium weighs in right at 8oz on my scale.

i found a marmot nano at 6pm.com this year for 125 shipped

Another one. A 4.0 oz hooded rain jacket that I sewed myself out of Pertex. The cost was about $30 for materials.

–B.G.–

Another one is the OMM Cypher Smock

You may want to check out the Marmot Super Mica as well. I had my hands on SM and the Marmot Nano for a bit and it was a good shell with a lot of features, but a little fragile for my use. The Nano is more comfortable against the skin and didn't give me a clammy feeling. That being said, the Nano didn't have pit zips and I run way too hot not to have any ventilation. Both great shells though if they fit your needs/hiking style.

After looking at everything I went with the Arcteryx Alpha SL. For me, this was the most livable jacket for potentially spending multiple days in the rain and the best compromise between weight (12oz) and durability (it's bombproof). If I wasn't above treeline often and out for 3 days or less I'd go with the super mica.

I'm also looking at the ZPacks Cuben Fiber rain jacket that John Abela mentions, but in the heavier Cuben fabric (3.9 oz.). Both the heavier and lighter jackets have a full length zipper, pit zips and a nice looking hood with brim (important for us glasses wearers).

Before you spend the money, though, make sure it isn't just a case of renewing the DWR on your current jacket! Unless it has de-laminated, it's worth a try! Here's a current thread on the subject: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=51165&skip_to_post=436424#436424

Rab Demand. It's 11 0z and pricey, but great. It's a smock.

Any US retailers?

For cold wet whether, I want Goretex Pac-lite (or similar), pit zips and a decent hood. I like the Arcteryx (generally runs a little smaller and slimmer than some brands) Alpha SL jacket. It will cost you more than 8 oz though. I like the pants too. I have had them for a couple years. They have been washed several times. I am happy with them :) The material is softer and less noisy than many of the other options (the eVent pieces I have tried on are especially noisy).

I recently ordered (on sale) Mountain Hardwear Cohesion Stretch jacket and pants to see what they are all about. I like STRETCH!

"Stopped working"?? Do tell. There are remedies out there. What is the material and what are the symptoms?

I'm not sure why someone would want a cuben rain jacket unless it was intended for camp use. Cuben doesn't breathe so if it's used to hike with you're going to get wet inside.

I live in the NE where it can easily get cold at night. I'm not sold on cuben for a rain jacket but do have a ZPacks Blast.

It's tough to argue against Arc'teryx's quality. Their price is a tad lofty. I've got the Alpha LT (acquired new at 1/2 price) which I've been pleased with and it's light. The only gripe is that it does not have side pockets. I would never have purchased this at full sticker.

I also have an EMS gortex jacket that I got on sale which is heavier and roomier than my Arc'teryx and has pockets galore. It's a darn good jacket gotten at a sweet price and I'd buy this one again.

I've sworn off 2 layer jackets. They don't breathe and feel like wearing a trash bag. As of today, eVent is the best 3 layer option. You might pay a little in the weight department, but it's completely worth it for the feel and the fact you can use it in real weather.

Think I'm gonna go with the Essence. checked out all the others and think this is the best balance of function-weight-price. Guess there was a prie limit after all. Thanks for all your input.

"I'm not sure why someone would want a cuben rain jacket unless it was intended for camp use. Cuben doesn't breathe so if it's used to hike with you're going to get wet inside."

I get just as soggy inside breathable rain jackets (I've tried several) as with non-breathable jackets when it's above 50* F. In those conditions I just leave the jacket off while I'm actively moving and get wet (my clothes will dry in 15-20 minutes when it stops raining). When it's cold, it doesn't seem to matter–unless I wear too much underneath, I don't sweat in either type. A loose-fitting jacket of non-breathable material (my current one is silnylon) with plenty of ventilation works just fine for me. The non-breathable rain gear also makes a great vapor barrier on below freezing nights.

The difference between the two is that the breathable types appear to lose their waterproofness much sooner. IMHO, they aren't really worth the premium price or the extra weight. Of course the cuben jacket is a premium price, too, but not quite as expensive as the far heavier breathable jackets.

IIRC, from Richard N.'s tests, eVent maintains it's waterproof level far longer than even cuben.

New I think from montane. Reports on pertex shield look promising so far

"As of today, eVent is the best 3 layer option. You might pay a little in the weight department, but it's completely worth it for the feel and the fact you can use it in real weather."

+1

This New Helly Hanson one looks promising @ 8.5 oz. with clean lines and high pockets.

http://www.adventure-journal.com/2011/08/outdoor-retailer-sneak-peek-helly-hansen-for-spring-2012/