Rain Jacket

There have been a lot of great posts on this recently. See below:

https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/current-rain-shell-king/

https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/a-new-paradigm-for-analyzing-pwpb-systems-like-the-columbia-outdry-ex-featherwei/

Also check out Reddit Ultralight. Here’s one link with a helpful comparison table of lightweight jackets, but there are literally dozens of rain jacket posts from 2018: https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/6w7783/waterproofbreathable_jacket_comparison_7oz/

FWIW, I’ve spent tens of hours on this over the last few weeks and think the new Goretex Shakedry or Columbia Outdry is the way to go (even over the new HMG Shell and ZPacks Vertice). Richard Nisley is a fan of the Columbia Outdry Featherweight Ex (see linked BPL post above) and it may be the best overall lightweight backpacking jacket on the market at the moment. If you are expecting extensive rain, there are heavier Shakedry and Outdry options.

Personally I’m leaning toward the Sitka Vapor SD at the moment because it’s lighter and I don’t expect much rain on my thru hike. Would love to know if anybody has experience with it.

Good luck, and please share anything helpful you learn!

I know this is not the question you asked, but maybe consider whether you really want/need hand pockets in your rain jacket. I have been using the Outdoor Research Helium II (which is what you referred to I think – it’s not made by REI) for several years, and I am very pleased with it. Hand pockets are not very accessible when wearing your pack. Pockets and zippers add unnecessary weight, and I have not missed them at all. The jacket has a small chest pocket.

I like the Helium HD quite a bit. It’s the same as the Helium II but with pockets and pit zips. I find pit zips to be a dealbreaker for me with rain jackets, as it’s really useful to be able to dump heat when you’re doing anything active.

I finally did what so many others before me have done and picked up a Frogg Toggs UL jacket in size Med for less than $14. Fits like anyone else’s XL and weighs 5.7 oz.  I have experience with a FT poncho so pretty much know what to expect in terms of durability, but am excited to see how it works while active.

My next great rain gear experiment…

Thanks for the responses/links.

I’ve been very pleased with Versalite. A 6 oz jacket with pitzips!

https://pmags.com/gear-review-montbell-versalite

Overall thoughts?  The Montbell Versalite is a light rain jacket that is durable for its weight, keeps the rain out, and is breathable with such touches as pit zips, a cinchable hood, and adjustable cuffs. All in a remarkable 6 oz package. Take a different jacket however if you expect more bushwhacking or constant precip.

Pretty much how I used my Frogg Toggs FWIW.

https://rab.equipment/us/flashpoint-2-jacket

6.5 ounces but a load on your wallet. Jenifer Mitol gave it very high marks a few seasons ago, but I rarely hear it mentioned. I have a slightly heavier Rab pull over made from three ply event that I swear by. I like anoraks because there’s never an issue with zippers. This last has probably been discontinued.

Just a reminder that the dollar is still doing well against the Yen. If you use the Montbell JP site, you can get a Torrent Flier for the price of a US Versalite – just look for the sizes that start with U. I thought I saw that they were doing Shakedry now, but I can’t find it this morning. It may have been under the cycling gear.

Mont-Bell Japan’s website does have some interesting items
A 3L Gore Tex pair of Rain Pants that weigh 6.9oz ($120)
Gore Tex Paclite Rain Pants that are 5.7oz ($129)

Be aware that this years Japanese version of the Torrentflier or Versalite have no pit zips (and size up of course).

Also beware that yes they do have a Shakedry option under cycling shells, but with a gigantic hood. Way larger than climbing shells, as the hood is fit to go over the aerodynamically shaped cycling helmets.
It was so huge I passed/