Hardshell for the NW

For some reason, calling these raincoats "hardshells" just sounds so cool to me.

I use the EMS Helix Anorak, and it's NeoShell 3-layer and 11.4oz. Very well priced for the same material used in much more expensive shells, and I find I prefer Neoshell to eVent, though that's not a knock to eVent. Very similar, but Neoshell has a bit of stretch so it feels closer to softshell.

Hope that's helpful.

P.S. I'm 6', 168lbs, 33 waist, and the large fits great.

I would definitely recommend the M10. Expensive, but judging by your "front runners" price isn't an issue. I wear mine as a windshirt as well, it is very breathable and comfortable to wear. I think Patagonia's DWR treatment is some of the best out there as well.

PNW hiker here. I recently switched from an OR Helium 2 to the M10, primarily because I hated the feel of the Helium on bare skin. Thus far the M10 has been a solid performer. If you're patient, you can usually snag one at a pretty steep discount during a Patagonia sale, which is what I did. I'm 6' 190 with a 33" waste and I'm very happy with the large. It's roomier than the Helium so it layers better. Patagonia calls it an athletic fit, but it's really not (for me anyway). For winter conditions I still use my Arcteryx Beta AR, but I bet the M10 will sneak its way into my winter kit more than the Helium 2 did.

do you find you get along alright without pitzips? having a hard time letting go of them…

I like my REI Kimtah eVent rain suit much better than my GTX PacLite suit. And the price on a 20% off sale was the best anywhere for eVent.

The eVent breathes instantly, no waiting for it to get damp like GTX. And it breathes MUCH better than my PacLite suit.

If I wanted something that was functionally equivalent to the PreCip in terms of durability, weather resistance, weight, and function — but much nicer, I would get a non-insulated GoreTex Pro shell. Really nice three-layer laminate. Should weigh about the same as a PreCip. Not particulary breathable, but what rain jacket really is? It's like the Mercedes version of the PreCip.

For infrequent use and permanent storage in the bottom of a backpack, I carry a 6 ounce Marmot Essence. It is lightweight and much more fragile than the PreCip, but at 5 ounces, there's no excuse to not carry a rain jacket.

I am very impressed with the new NeoShell. The version I have is uninsulated. Slightly stretchy, lined it Polartec PowerDry High Efficiency (like Capilene 4). Probably too hot for 4-season use, but an option to consider in colder climates.

I would get the most breathable material you can find (eVent, neoshell, or goretex active). Pit zips still help.

I find myself in a windshirt on most days, but if it's wet outside, I am covered in eVent.

is there any consensus on conditions or variables that would help me narrow it down a little for materials?
assume i decide on a 3 layers shell, features will make a weight decision for me mostly, but how about goretex pro, vs active, vs e-vent vs neoshell?

Scott, what I can tell you from personal experience is that Neoshell and eVent are pretty on-par and widely considered to be the most breathable. Gore-Tex falls below that, but it's still good. eVent and Neoshell are just better.

Feature-wise, pit zips are probably a must. I don't know why they even make 3-layer shells without pit zips. They'll do more for venting heat than anything else, period.

Some jackets have slash pockets that are backed by mesh so you can unzip them for extra venting, that's a nice plus to look for.

Personally, I have a large-ish head, and I love hoods designed to accomodate helmets. You can layer hats underneath if you need to and there's enough extra space for full head movement from side to side, or stooped over. Since these hoods can be cinched down anyways, I don't see any good reason to ignore this option.

Good luck

Slight thread derail. Sorry.

Is REI phasing out the Kimtah jacket? On their website they only have the red color in XL available, and it's a close out price.

EMS has heavily discounted EVENT top shell.

Check with your local REI store. There is a good chance that they will have some of the Kimtah jackets in stock.

del

I guess I'm not all crazy about the science of it, so idk about the cfms and stuff

But I live in the nw and am your same size and I use the or helium 2 and love that thing. Just don't wear much under it and you can stay comfortable. Personally I wear an under armor shirt and sometimes a light syn top if it's really cold.

I use a lot of accessories:
Or metamorph gloves
Smart wool neck gaiter
Fuzzy hat.

I take off or put on accessories In lieu of pit zips and venting.

When I get to camp I layer up under it with a fleece layer directly under it ( on top of puffy) to give some airspace for physics to happen.

Am happy.
Brad Pitt is a doucher though