Stuck on two rain jackets….Input welcome

[Anthony H]

So I’m on the fence between these 2 rain jackets.  The Arc’teryx Zeta SL vs. REI Co-op Drypoint GTX.  Anyone have one or the other and have some input?  I’m leaning more to the REI jacket for its lower weight, packability, and lower price point.  Both are very breathable and very storm worthy and come very highly recommended I have found.  Just seeing what you guys think.  Thanks in advance for any input.

[Alexander L]

What about the Arc’teryx Zeta FL?

[Anthony H]

Was looking at that also but it’s no longer available at REI which is where I like to buy from since I’m a member and their great return policy.  It is a nice Jacket but about 100.oo dollars more then the fore mentioned ones I’m looking at.  It came down to these two jackets after doing some research.  Thanks for the heads up though.

[Brad Rogers]

I would absolutely choose the REI Drypoint out of those two.  It is marginally lighter and cheaper, but the real advantage it has is that it uses a 3 layer Gore-Tex Active rather than a 2.5 layer Gore Tex Packlite and have core venting.  I have a Packlite shell (Haglofs Ozo) and though I have found it perfectly storm worthy, I’ve found 3L Gore Tex to be much more breathable and comfortable.  I have a 3L layer shell very similar to the Drypoint, the Montane Spine which is also a 3L Gore Tex Active Shell with pitzips.  I have had fantastic luck with 3L Gore Tex Active and used the jacket in some very wet environments including South-Central Alaska.

The one thing I can’t comment on, having not trying on the jackets, is the fit of the shell, particularly the hood, so if you can try both on it might make the decision for you, but if the hood on the REI jacket is decent, that’s the one I’d go with.

[Anthony H]

Thanks Brad!  I’ll be going to REI this week but since COVID they won’t allow you to try clothes on which really sucks. They do have the return policy so I can return if the fit isn’t right. Thanks for the input that helps a lot.

[JCH]

Sooooo…If you return the jacket, does REI think you did so not having tried it on?  No in-store try-on seems a rather silly rule.  FYI, there does not seem to be that rule in my local REI (FL).

Sorry for having nothing to add re: your question :)

[Anthony H]

Yeah seems stupid right?  I’ve been told by them to try it on and if it doesn’t fit to bring it back no questions asked. Seems silly right?  All their fitting rooms are taped off or have a sign up saying “closed”.  I’ll be so glad when this crap is over. At least they stand by their return policy  so that’s a bonus

[Matthew / BPL]

Just a guess but they could quarantine returns for a few days and then introduce them into circulation. its a technique being used in schools with shared equipment in media arts classes these days with gear like cameras and microphones. You bag them on a Thursday and give them to a new student on Monday.

[Anthony H]

Yeah I think the sales person said they do that with the clothing items.  It’s a hassle he said but it is what it is.  So far I only had to return one item that was a bit snug but all in all I’ve guessed pretty well.

[JCH]

Okay…that makes more sense.  I hadn’t thought of it that way.  Sucks to have stock off the floor during a 3 day “decontamination”.

I didn’t notice whether the fitting rooms in our local REI were closed, but people were trying on outerwear while standing at the racks so…in our case it would seem a very porous protection protocol at best.

[Tom Osborne]

Also looking at a new rain/shell and thinking Montbell Versalite.Now my system is a Patagonia Houdini wind jacket with a Patagonia M10 shell(total 12oz. Versalite is 6 to 7 Oz.

[Anthony H]

Well I ended up grabbing the REI Drypoint GTX jacket.  I took advantage of REI’s end of the year sale and got 30% off so I’m pretty excited. For the price it was pretty much a no brainer. I Finally got one of my last big layering items checked off that I so desperately needed. It pretty much had everything I was looking for.  A 3-layer, packable, light weight (10.5oz), and breathable storm worth jacket.

[Brad Rogers]

Congratulations, I’m sure it will serve you well.

[Eric Blumensaadt]

After much searching I’d say if I were to get a new rain parka it would be a Patagonia Torrentshell. Excellent reports on both the waterproofness and breathability of that parka.

That said REI has very high quality gear. My REI Kimtah eVent parka has served me well for 7 years. Too bad it’s no longer offered but your REI parka may be a better piece of gear given their constant improvement policy.

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