rain jacket suggestions for specific need

Anyone???

For something like that I probably wouldn't try to go too UL – maybe strive for one of those 10-12 oz eVent or Gore Pro type hard-shells.

Any idea of temps?

If it were me, I'd take my Rab demand (which is an 11-oz eVent pullover, sized up so I can layer underneath) and maybe an R1 for insulation underneath. Obviously depending on expected temperatures I'd play around with what goes under, but a good solid hardshell is probably the way to go.

I really like Rab's hood designs, but that's my own personal preference (they are awesome!), because in driving rain you'll want a good articulating hood with a decent brim that you can cinch around a hat, etc to keep the rain out of your face.

I would recommend shelling some $$ out for the zpacks cuben fiber rain jacket that was just re-designed. Getting great reviews and sounds very durable. Definitely very waterproof. Look it up for some reviews.

Meanwhile, if you'd like something more traditional or can't wait for zpacks to make you one, I have a an arcteryx Beta SL men's Large gore-tex rain jacket, new with tags, for sale. $150 takes it, shipped CONUS. Color is "soapstone."

Hi Adam,how much would you sell it to me for considering the shipping would be to Australia?

My post code (zipcode) is 4128 and I live in Brisbane QEENSLAND.

Ta for your time.

My first backpacking trip ever was in rain/ice/snow sub 30s and I had a RAB Latok shell that was worth every penny. Great hood and watertight. I might not have gone on another trip but for the RAB – love it.

"My first backpacking trip ever was in rain/ice/snow sub 30s and I had a RAB Latok shell that was worth every penny. Great hood and watertight. I might not have gone on another trip but for the RAB – love it."

Thank you for your reply but at 24ounces and $230 it is waaaaay out of what I am looking for.

Cheers.

Mik.

I carry an Arc'Teryx Alpha SL which is Goretex Paclite and weighs 13.20oz in size large, I bought it a number of years ago so it features zip pockets, pit zips as well as a helmet compatible adjustable hood. I feel very confident in it during a torrential downpour to keep me dry as well as the material holding up while bushwhacking through the woods in it, I've used it as a hard shell in winter months also without issue. At 13oz I feel like its pretty light in comparison to most jackets with the features it has, but I've still got my eye on the new Zpack challenger jacket to cut some ounces in my future also..

PM me your address so I can price out the international shipping… Would have cost me about $8-$10 to ship around the US, so figure we'll go for $140 plus international shipping if that sounds good to you. Its a darn good deal for a new jacket, I don't need it anymore and its too late to return now, my loss is your gain!

Yeah plus RAB makes lighter rain jackets that perform really well for closer to 11-13 oz. I have one that I love but they don't make it anymore.

Hi again Adam,

I am considering all options at the moment (still doing the research of possible gear) and so I haven't made up my mind if I will buy your jacket that you have priced REALLY well. I thank you for that but at this stage it's too early to make a decision.

Ta :)

I'll just echo the Arcteryx recommendation if you're looking for something that's bulletproof beyond all else. I have an Alpha SV, and while it's probably heavier than you're looking for, I've put it through some of the worst conditions I can imagine and it's come out on the other side with flying colors. I'd probably go with the FL over the SL if I were you – it uses GoreTex Pro, not PacLite, and has an updated face fabric (p-x vs r). Keep in mind, it's all about balance; cost vs weight vs durability – you can't have all three.

The other good thing about them, even though heavier than UL, is that they will actually replace your jacket if it ever leaks through. If the seams or anything become compromised, you send them your jacket, they fix it or replace it. That's it. Easy. I did it once in the past on another jacket from them that I got as a teenager. It was easily 6 years later. They took it back, emailed me and let me choose the replacement color I wanted in the newer version of that item. It was pretty awesome compared to my experiences with many other companies. Take your time deciding, as of yet nobody responded to my FS post a few weeks back so you probably have some time before it sells to anyone else.

Seems like Luke's Ultralight gear and Zpacks are the 2 lightest GoreTex options. By the time I get Luke to customize to my specific needs I am looking at $160 (for 7.2ounces plus my extra length needs….say it ends up at 7.4ounces) where as the unaltered Zpacks Challenger jacket is starting at $260 (5.8ounces, so by the time I get it altered it may be 6.0 ounces)….BIG difference in cost for 1.4ounces (about 45grams).