Driducks vs separates

Windshirts are more breatheable then rain shells and therefore are often more comfortable to wear during high exertion activities like hiking and backpacking. Rain shells block wind fine but I find I sweat and overheat in them easy. I like Driducks as a rainjacket for on trail hiking, just realize the pants are garbage and the fit (esp the hood) is terrible. They are cheap, light, and feel better against the skin however.

I bought a pair of Driducks a few years ago and use it as my rain jacket and wind shirt on most 3 season trips. It's worked well for me, the biggest issue is durability. Mine has a couple of duct tape patches and I'm extra careful with the zipper but for the price I paid I've got plenty of use out of it. I've never had it soak through during prolonged rain and it breathes very well (compared to anything else I've used, which doesn't include eVent). The only other things I don't like about it are the fit and lack of pockets. I've got long arms so the sleeves stop just above my wrists but I'm not to concerned about wet wrists most of the time. I've got to have them exposed to see my watch anyway. I wouldn't buy a pack without hipbelt pockets either, so jacket pockets are really a little redundant.

For me the biggest advantage of separates is in the fit and durability. But my Driducks have been riding around in my pack for 4 years (same pair) so if you're careful they will last.

Adam