Need rain jacket/pants suggestions for a teen

Especially considering a growing teen that you don't necessarily want to lay out top dollar for (or a teen who doesn't want to pay for) gear that will be outgrown, I would suggest something on the order of the Marmot Precip Jacket and Pants. They are W/B, well ventilated w/ pitzips, reasonably LW, tough for it's weight and not super expensive. A lot of them seem to turn up on eBay or Sierra trading Post for relatively cheap prices. It may be possible to get both for about $120 or less. There is much cheaper non-breathable raingear available, of course.

Agree with Kevin. Precips are a good choice for your situation. REI makes similar with their Elements W/B coating. Prices would be comparable.

Kevin and Jason –

Thanks for your suggestions. They are terrific. I've read a lot of your posts here on various subjects, and always find that you provide thoughtful, well-reasoned answers.

Now only if I could find a way to go off and play for a month in National Parks while the kid worked….

Thanks for your help!

Dirk

You're most welcome.

Perhaps Redledge thunderlight pants be good instead of the Precip. They are about half the price. They don't breathe as well but thats usually ok for a pant. I think they would be a good choice for someone who isnt terribly careful with their gear.

My GF and I both started out with Redledge Thunderlight rainwear when we got into hiking; and I frequently recommend them to beginning hikers.
Eventually if the teen subject of this thread sticks with hiking they will probably want something more breathable; but those are a great starter set for about $100.

David and Brett –

Thanks for your insights. What did you like about the gear other than being inexpensive? Did they manage to keep you dry? Hmm. I shall take a look. Thanks for the advice. Everyone here keeps on providing good ideas!

Thanks,

Dirk

I've got three boys–two in precips ($42 on sale at the REI outlet) and one in Redledge (about the same price off the rack somewhere). The precips are clearly better jackets (more breathable), but both I recommend both. My stategy would be to search for precips on sale, and if none are available, go for the Redledge.

Speak of the devil–Steep & Cheap is selling precips for $38 right now.

Based on the kind of work you said he was going to do and the fact he is a teen I am going to suggest a different choice for the pants.

Recently most surplus stores have been getting German fletchen camoflage bibs. I picked up a pair for my almost teen scout and they are light weight, gortex and stop the wind well also.

We picked them up for $30.00 and they were in perfect condition. The surplus store out here has sold about 5 pairs this year to my scouts and they all love them.

They will last the season even if he is crawling and scraping them climbing on rocks and goofing around. Without the $$$.

My son loves them.

Just a thought if money is an issue.