Eric, the Cabelas Rainy Ridge parka is a good value GT shell (one of my friends has one about as old as yours), especially for around town, fishing, or other outdoor uses, but it is getting pretty heavy for a backpacking shell, especially one without pitzips etc. For 16oz you are getting into 40d GT Pro shells and Fully Featured Neoshell or eVent shells. I have a 16oz REI Shukstan(sp) eVent shell I use around town that has tons of features, but it is too heavy for backpacking.
I also realize everyone is different, but for me even eVent isn’t breathable enough for me to replace my windshirt with it. I do sweat a lot, and some people may not be cursed with that so it might work. I have had two eVent shells delaminate in the past and have found them less durable in that regard than GT.
If the OP wants an occasional shell for the Sierras then the Versalite is a fine choice (or OR Helium, Marmot Essence, etc), but they will delaminate every few years and must be replaced. I have gone that route and eventually gone back to a GT shell as much as it pains me to say that. In my experience, nothing is as waterproof or durable, even though they don’t breathe all that great. I have also found 3 layer shells to be more comfortable so they would be my choice for sustained rain in say Alaska or the Cascades.
I really want a sub 10oz shell, durable enough for brush, in a breathable membrane, with pit zips, hand pockets above my waist belt, a useable hood, long lasting DWR, and good cuffs (a pet peeve of mine). Is that too hard to ask?
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