HMG Shell Discontinued?

Why didn’t you ask?, lol.

Hightail Designs. They plan to release a breathable DCF version as well, super great folks and quick to respond if you reach out with questions.

https://hightaildesigns.com/collections/outerwear/products/copy-of-the-ultralight-fanny-pack-tombstone

If you thought the HMG jacket was expensive, look at this.

https://www.nwalpine.com/collections/alpine/products/eyebright-jacket

It is however lighter, with fewer features.

I’ve had two of these jackets. After a few months the first one started to seep water even in a light rain. Hyperlight replaced it promptly with a newer version at no cost. The second one was exactly the same…it is leaking now. And nothing more than a 450.00 wind shirt. I love Hyperlight gear, and have packs and tents from them but this jacket was a total failure.

<p style=”text-align: left;”>Not the first time I’ve heard that said regarding the DCF waterproofs….</p>

I have the NW Alpine Eyebright. Thus far it has held up fairly well. I sometimes use it as an emergency rain shell when climbing, or in place of a windshell when climbing in fair but cold and potentially breezy weather. If I know there is going to be a lot of abrasion, such as chimneys I usually rock my fleece + OR Ferrosi Hoody combo. Previously I was using the Patagonia Houdini a lot.

I don’t actually own another rain shell at the moment… but I’m in Las Vegas, NV now, so there has been no need.

The zippers as they come on the Eyebright could use a bit of wax. I have wished it was slightly longer on occasion.

It’s not DCF, but what about the new Mont-Bell Shakedry Peak Shell?

I have a Montbell Peak Shell arriving tomorrow…taking it on an AT section this week (Kincora to Shady Valley).  Will report back if it rains and I use it.

Justin, please do! I am currently in the market for a new rain jacket (permanent DWR type) myself and might be settling on some dri-ducks.

I reached out to Montbel to confirm the version of shakedry and it is not the heavier more durable version used in Gore wear’s H5 Shakedry Hooded Jacket. So, I am very interested in how these peak shell jackets do durability wise.

The other player is the Columbia ex dry Caldorado shell and Featherweight jacket. Both these jackets are now discontinued and difficult to find.

I thought the Mont-Bell Peak Shell was the more durable form of Shakedry used in the Gore H5.

I ended up getting just about the last Shell available from a small supplier in Europe. So far I have to say I’m very impressed. I haven’t had the leaking issues some people have reported (though not heaps of miles on it yet). It also breathes extremely well compared to the Patagonia M10. I’m not sure I would be a convert to Shakedry; I want a pretty durable jacket.

I’m not sure anyone really knows how durable the more durable Shakedry is as the Gore H5 and I thought (at least) the Mont-Bell Peak Shell.   I don’t think there are many reports on long term use of the new more durable shake dry shells.