Sub 8 ounce Rainshell Questions

I wanted a light rain shell for those trips where there is no rain in the forecast, but if it did happen to rain then I would be in big trouble. I got tired of hauling my 14oz jacket around even though I was fairly certain I would never need all of its nice features if it wasn't going to rain.

I went with the Rab Pulse because it was on sale. I worked out nicely because the hood fits over a helmet nicely (a good feature for the alpine). Most people don't like the hood on the Helium, but I hear they changed it recently. The arms are also nice and long on the Rab jacket.

So far I have only used it once in a quick thunderstorm. I stayed dry. Other than that, I just carried it in my pack all summer. It's light and compact, just what I wanted. I would never take it bushwhacking though. I don't think the breathability is all that great, but I never wore it long enough to get damp inside. If I think it's going to rain, I take the heavier jacket so I can enjoy the increased breathability and features.

I wear a medium in most Rab jackets (Latok Alpine and Drillium) and the Pulse does feel a little tighter. Still a medium though. I think I layered a medium Montbell UL down jacket under it just fine one morning.

I'm a huge fan of Rab's stuff. I have both the pulse and the kinetic (my M pulse didn't fit over my girly butt, but the kinetic was on sale when I went to buy another one). I have never seen or used the helium, but obviously people like it.

By the way – that Mens M pulse is on gear swap if you're interested ;)

The Pertex + does have long term durability (delamination) issues if it is a jacket you want to wear daily. For a jacket that rides in your pack, comes out during the occasional afternoon thunderstorm or atop a pass, or as another outer layer during chilly times of day, it's perfect. But you really aren't going to find a sub 8 oz jacket that you CAN wear daily without durability issues. For that you'd probably need to go to a 10-11 oz event shell or something.

@Jeff: I normally wear a medium as well, so sizing up to a large might be a good idea for layering.

It sounds like we have similar requirements for a jacket so thanks very much for the insight on the Pulse.

@Jen: Thanks for the response Jen. I'm mostly looking for a jacket to ride in my pack and only bring it out for the occasional thunderstorm / in camp warmth. If delamination issues aren't really a concern without constant use then I won't let it bother me anymore. I have a 14 ounce Marmot jacket for every day use.

I'm not sure what you can get the Helium for at the moment, but Campsaver has the Pulse for $123 in almost all color/size combos. I got it for $110 last year when they had a coupon on top of the sale.

I don't mind paying a lot for gear that I use, but for something that rides in my pack most of the time and will probably delaminate before I get any real use out of it, cheaper prices are what wins me over : )

"…but for something that rides in my pack most of the time and will probably delaminate before I get any real use out of it, cheaper prices are what wins me over : )"

+1

i own and use a helium 1 … it sits in the pack most of the time though ive used it in some pretty wet PNW weather and it worked fine

as said … for these 2.5L jackets a no hassle warranty is absolutely key IMO … the intraweb and BPL is littered with stories of delaminated jackets, some with minimal use

the OR warranty is the best in the business (along with MEC and EB) … if you dont like it for any reason at all after any length of time theyll take care of you

;)

Thanks everyone for the responses. I think I'm gonna bite the bullet on a Pulse and size up to the large, thanks again to Jeff for confirming sizing issues I was having. I was looking for validation for my decision and I got it! I can always count on BPLers to support gear addiction. =)

"I need (read: want) a new rain shell. Mostly for alpine endeavors and mild bushwhacking in the Colorado and Wyoming Rockies, 3 season."

The jackets that have been mentioned will not hold up for long under mild bushwhacking. They will get small pinholes in the fabric in no time.