Katadyn Micropur tablets

If you can afford the difference in price and pit zips are not a necessity, consider the Integral Designs (ID) eVENT Rain Jacket (http://www.integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=763). eVENT is probably the most breathable of any laminate, and one of if not the most breathable of any hard shell material available.

The ID eVENT Rain Jacket only weighs 8.8 oz in Medium, has only 1 outer Napoleon type pocket, and a hood with only elastic.

You can read the review of the jacket here in BPL at http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/integral-designs-event-rain-jacket-review.html

If your wife considers ordering the ID eVENT Rain Jacket (unisex sizing) order one size larger than normal unisex sizing if considering using over a high loft insulation (like down) jacket.

posted about rain jackets with a heading of water purification.

Good thing I’m not hiking today, i’d walk right off a cliff thinking I was going swimming.

And thanks for the input on the event jacket. I was thinking about it, but she really wants pockets to stick her hands in.

Obviously your wife’s call for hand pockets; but I personally do not usually use hand pockets for my hands in rain, however hand warmer pockets on a high insulation jacket, that is another question.

My field experience is that they three jackets you mentioned are less breathable than frogg toggs. I would suggest checking out the Montbell Peak. It’s more expensive than the Versalite, but it’s well made, good breathability (not as good as eVENT, but better than most other materials), and have pitzips, and decent pockets.

–mark