Goretex Pro Jackets / Rain Jackets that actually last

Go with a jacket from Outdoor Research that has the Torsoflo which are some very long pit zips.

not trying to get into a discussion about pitzips or breathability at all. more so about fabric durability and a decent jacket that will last more than a few months with heavy use.

I just got a stoic vaporshell for stupid cheap. Heavier than I'm used to but should be super breathable and durable.

Haven't owned a rain jacket for months but you know, it's the desert.

But fall monsoons mean I should have one.

del

Goretex Pro is a good route if Helly Hansen Impertech is too heavy for you.

yeah i guess you have do have to draw the line with weight somewhere. i mean, i could just use my PVC jacket and bibbs but we are talking about backpacking here… so i guess i would say sub 12/13 oz jacket.

i can get a pro deal on most brands so i guess that changes things a bit.

has anyone had a vaporshell for very long? i have been looking at the anoraks.

I bought a MEC Alpine Refuge jacket earlier this summer and have been mighty impressed with it so far. Was out fishing for 3+ hours in pouring rain and stayed dry. It's made from 3-layer Toray Dermizax NX which has pretty good, albeit has few reviews thus far. Mine weighs 12.1 oz in a large. It's also kind of stretchy and quieter than any other rain jacket i've used.

Might be an option outside of the usual Goretex recommendations and worth a shot. Can't speak on long-term durability/waterproofness yet though.

Cheers…

A 3L Gore-Tex shell should do the trick. Would recommend actual Gore branded laminate instead of a knock off. I got a pro deal on an Arcteryx Alpha LT (12 oz, 3 layer Gore Tex Pro shell) about five years ago and it's still good as new despite hard use. I've torn up three 2.5 layer shells in the meantime. I do refresh the dwr about once a year.

Outdoor Research Horizon. 70D fabric. Lifetime warranty. Fully Waterproof. Hem to pit zips. $129. If any jacket is going to last, it will be that one.

I have had very good luck in brutal AK storms using Gore Paclite, specifically a MH Typhoon and Patagonia Supercell, also held up excellent bush whacking

I think the GoreTex ProShell stuff is extremely heavy duty and durable… a completely different level of durability than any 2.5 layer rain jacket, while still being relatively light weight and comfortable. Hard to beat for all-around winter shell protection. I have the previous generation Marmot ProShell that I got on a very deep discount at TJ MAXX. If I recall, it's lighter than a PreCip jacket and a lot more comfortable. I don't take it hiking that often (where I'm hoping the rain jacket stays in the pack), but fantastic as a top layer in heavy rain or snow. For a winter shell, it would be my choice. And, the Gore warranty means no-questioned asked replacement if it ever fails.

I'm also very impressed with the NeoShell. I don't think it is quite as waterproof as the GoreTex, but it does breath a little bit and it's a little stretchy. Same three-layer construction. The version I have is lined with a Polartec PowerDry High Efficiency gridded fleece, (i.e. Capilene 4).

+1 on Pro Shell 3L

I have a 4(?) year old Marmot Exum that I can’t imagine what it would take to damage…it’s like a superhero suit. The Gore warrantee means you never have to worry about replacing an item if it leaks…ever.

I have a lot of experience with, and great affinity for, Marmot and ArcTeryx products. Their design and construction is impeccable.

I've had the same 3L proshell from Arcteryx for nearly a decade. I use it for backpacking and as my ski shell. Nothing penetrates it and its bomber as hell. It has outlasted every piece of gear I have owned.

As someone that assists with the design of this stuff, and also uses it regularly for a very demanding profession; I'll throw in my tuppence.

Goretex Pro shell, particularly the newer stuff (last 12-24 months with high flying brands such as Arcteryx, more recent for others) with a slightly lower Denier than previous model is exceptional stuff. It's the most breathable fabric that Gore make now, (even more so than Active due to the newer, tougher low denier face fabrics that assist with this breathability), and is monstrously tough. A few that spring to mind are the Arcteryx Alpha FL, or if you want the mother of all fortresses using the slightly older, but impenetrable fabric; the Alpha SV.

I seem biased towards Arcteryx, for the simple reason that I am. They have taken Gore's fabric and run with it, and really totally run away with it. Their R&D work pushes Gore for new fabric developments, that, with time; filter through to the rest of the market. If I was buying Goretex, they are the only ones I would consider…Full stop!

However, there are alternatives…

Whilst something such as Paramo has received very mixed reviews, and people either love it or hate it, I personally find it exceptional. I have never found it's waterproof level wanting, and it's comfort and durability are superb. Even though the face fabric is very light, and low denier, it has proven to be very durable, and not nearly as fragile as one would expect. The biggest plus, is that due to the nature of its construction and design, any holes, snags, rips or tears can be fixed with a needle and thread; without any noticeable hindrance to the waterproof level. I have had one such rip at the hands of some razor wire, which would slice through any presented fabric, but a half hour repair (in the field I might add) saw it watertight again.

Something to consider…

Cheers,

Jamie.

If you're looking for something to last and perform well, beyond any other criteria, then I'd echo all the Arcteryx recommendations. I have an Alpha SV that I've put through unimaginable torture and it's come out looking brand new. Their warranty is second to none, and the amount of thought and design they put into their products is really astounding at times. No, they aren't usually the lightest, and they're often times the most expensive, but in this case, you get what you pay for.