Evaluate my water/wind layering plan

you might be abe to find an OR helium II online for about that price. also the stoic wraith is a nice super light & breathable windshirt that can be had for $35 right now with the %50 off at backcountry.com
You'd be fine with that & the driducks while you wait for a deal on a good wp/b

I found I usually only pack the windshirt when I am hiking in a t-shirt. When I hike in a long sleeve nylon button-up, as I do more often lately, I don't care for the windshirt as it seems redundant. It has to get pretty darn windy/chilly for me to hike in a driducks, but I think they are great even in sustained rain. Only thing I wont wear it for is shwackin.

Yup, been eyeing the Stoic Wraith but I need a size S (assuming I would just wear it over a baselayer) which seems to be unavailable anywhere right now. Guessing that's an end-of-season issue and I just have to wait a bit.

Also, I'm having a bit of trouble figuring out which DriDucks to order since they have a few different products and don't list weights on the website. It also seems like they only sell full rainsuits, which is unfortunate since it seems like the material would be too delicate for use as pants.

Thanks, everyone, for the input.

For DriDucks, check Sports Authority and WallyWorld; both carry 'em. They may not have the size you're looking for, but they do usually have the products in stock.

Hope it helps!

I carry my windshirt regardless of weather- I can't recall too many trips where it wasn't utilized a lot

if I know there is little to no chance of rain, my rain gear gets left behind (in it's place is a cheap 1 oz poncho just in case :)), chance of rain then the Helium gets packed (in addition to the windshirt)

I don't know of any rain gear currently made that has the breathability of a windshirt- the ability to wear it on the move w/o sweating is the beauty of the windshirt- someday there may be such a beast, but it's definitely not today

I've been using a Stoic Wraith and an O2 hooded rain jacket.

The rain jacket is similar to the driducks, 6.5oz and a bit more durable. More comfortable, too. And bright yellow!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001M9J2OS/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00

So, all in all I'm at about $75 for a complete wind/water upper body setup, and I use a homemade rain skirt for a bottom rain layer. As for bushwhacking and the like, the O2 jacket patches very well, and acceptably cheap for $30 that if I go through 1 per year or two, I'm really not too worried. I'd rather carry a full ounce of gorilla tape or duct tape than a third shell that's probably 10-15oz.

Edit: and just to add, I really really love having a standalone windshirt. It's right up there with my favorite piece of gear ever.

Jesse, what size is your chest?

The stoic wraith fits REALLY snug. I'm normally a size Small (36" chest) and in that size the wraith is stretched across my back pretty tight. The fabric has ZERO stretch to it and the sizing is spot on, if not narrow across the back. So if you're on the upper end of your size range, I'd recommend going up a size. I'm going to be bumping up to a medium so that I can get at least a thin fleece or UL down inner to boost the versatility and provide unrestricted movement.

If you think a small will fit you, it will. Just be aware that the lack of stretch makes it feel a lot tighter than you are used too (surprised me and I like my clothes to fit "athletic").

I'm a pretty scrawny guy – 35" chest, 5'8", 135 lbs. Most size Small clothing is anywhere from slightly to significantly too big on me.

It would be great if the medium fit because then I could pick one up from the Backcountry.com sale, but it would be the first time in my life a Medium has been the right size for me, so I'm a bit skeptical.

For reference, I have a size Small Pata Nanopuff hoody that fits great over a baselayer and fleece, with a few extra inches in the arms that scrunch up.