Rain Jacket Reccomendations ( Buyer Be Ware)

[SES_17]

So far the OR helium has been recommend. What else?

I have a TNF Venture rain jacket that's seen moderate rain several times with no issues. You should be able to find one for around $100.

[morth2]

I've had my Marmot PreCip jacket for a couple of years and like it. I've only had it out in heavy rain once but it performed well; I think it serves as a spring-fall wind shell well also. Apparently Marmot's changed the fabric material so I can't say if the current edition is really the same jacket. I would add that I've had good luck with a variety of Marmot products and find myself buying more and more of their gear.

[TomPierce]

I've used many over the years, now prefer super functional vs. high end name brand. I currently use a rain shell made by Antigravity Gear: Pit zips (sorry, IMO the DWR-tech-membrane stuff out there overthinks the issue; if it sheds rain in a true downpour it won't breath well while perspiring. Pit zips are old school but really work). Helmet compatible hood, zipper front with velcro tabs to cover the zipper; tough fabric, choice of colors (I prefer the dark red for visibility). 4.5 oz. $99. Have used it for years and I've been pleased, worth a look.

-Tom

[CreekRunner]

With that being said you'll still need to tech wash your rain jackets. Use this: https://www.rei.com/product/724687/nikw ... h-10-fl-oz" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Not to hijack the thread, but my rain jacket hasn't been washed in probably over 10 years. It's finally starting to wet through during a heavy rain. I stay "dry" but not the same as when it was new. Will this product introduce the waterproofing back, or will it just clean the jacket in order to promote whatever waterproofing is left?

Even though I know this jacket has had a long life, I'm not ready to get rid of it just yet.

It depends on what type of jacket it is ( what is it by the way, since it's served you so well?). If the waterproof membrane has deteriorated then there's not much you can do. Techwash was is a Durable Water Repellent that is an "outer coating". It will help, but if the membrane is gone it will only do so much. Either way, washing the jacket will more than likely make a big difference. It cleans out the dirt and contaminants out of the pours allowing the jacket to work properly. My Burton AK Gore-Tex gear was starting to wet out, and a wash ( properly done ) restored the jacket to new functionality and looks.

If it is a jacket with a goretex, go ahead and use the washer safe DWR, however most gear should only have a DWR applied to the external fabric to allow the inside fabric to do its intended job like breathe or wick.

[oldschool]

I think with this question as with any gear choice the issue comes down to "what do I want this piece of gear to do for me?" If the reason for the jacket is just to keep you from getting wet, go with the pancho. Want to stay dry but don't want to get sweaty? Goretex/membrane jackets and/or pit zips help. Want really good protection and waterproof/breathable? Triple layer GTX works great.

So weight, price, functionality, intended use, and fit/comfort all come into play. I have an Helly Hanson GTX for heavy duty, an REI Elements for good wind/rain protection. Both of these are long length with snow skirts and pit zips. I have a Columbia Lhotse for dead of winter ascents. It has a zip in liner for added warmth and GTX. I have an older Marmot GTX jacket that is my go-to favorite, also with pit zips, and I always carry my Sierra Designs coated shell for wind and light rain protection. It packs down super small. It too has pit zips. I like pit zips....they work!

Go back and try to determine just what you want this jacket to do. Match that to your budget. There are lots of choices out there.

Good luck to you.

[benlen]

Oldschool makes some great points––I'll add that, being a Patagonia guru, I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell jacket if you're looking for a pure rain jacket. If you're looking for a light, breathable softshell, this is NOT the jacket to have. When it isn't raining, take this thing off, because, even with pit zips, while it is relatively breathable for a rain jacket, it's gonna get hot.


However, since this jacket is lightweight (stows into a pocket) you can pack it as as "just in case" layer for 14ers without too much weight penalty. And it's relatively inexpensive for Patagonia quality.

The first of these jackets I had for a couple years, and when it fell apart, Patagonia replaced it for free.



http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/men ... ?p=83802-0

[Kergollol64]

Hi guys! I have several rain jackets... I know it's a lot of time has passed and it's a little chance to be noticed by somebody in this thread, but I hope my experience will help someday one of you.

Also, somebody knows where I can find good Canadian casinos, something like this one - casinosranker.com

I live in Oregon for some months in a year, and we don't carry umbrellas, we wear jackets with hoods.

This is what I have... What gets worn is dependent on what kind of rain we are having (again, an Oregon thing).

[Jorts]

Is low weight and packability desired? If so, go 3 layer.

I’ve been using the OR interstellar as a backcountry ski shell, summer rain layer, and wind jacket for 2 years. Well and truly ticks all the boxes for our Colorado climate.

I’m not confident it would work as well in a wetter climate.

https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/ ... terstellar

[easyridertme]

Is low weight and packability desired? If so, go 3 layer.

I’ve been using the OR interstellar as a backcountry ski shell, summer rain layer, and wind jacket for 2 years. Well and truly ticks all the boxes for our Colorado climate.

I’m not confident it would work as well in a wetter climate.

https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/ ... terstellar

Gotta agree, I use it for the same things and the Interstellar is an absolutely killer Colorado jacket. Nothing is truly breathable and waterproof, but the AscentShell tech does seem to breathe better than other things I've used. I do still wish it had pit zips though.

To OP: The OR Guardian looks like a slightly burlier and more feature-rich Interstellar, while being $100 cheaper (and heavier of course). I haven't tried it, but given my experience with OR's other products that use AscentShell, I'd jump on that in a heartbeat if I could justify another jacket.

[JTOlson26]

I finally bit the bullet and bought an Arcteryx Beta AR. Granted, it was marked down to $400 and I had $150+ in dividend to use.

The first Marmot Precip I had from about 8 years ago was great and finally wore out over a few years of fairly extensive use. The second one I bought a few years ago didn't seem nearly the same quality.

As an aside, to those of you have Arcteryx products in general, or the Beta AR in particular, how often do you wash it and what procedure do you use?

Thanks!

JT

[SnowAlien]

I just bought my 2nd Marmot precip for $50. For the price of Arcterix, I could buy 5 of those. I use it as a shell for skiing and they get a lot of abuse and rips from branches usually. It's nice not to care.

P.S. Also had North Face rain jacket for several years prior to Marmot, prolly bought on clearance. Nice thing about Marmot, they come in so many colors!

[mtree]

I don't think you have to spend a bundle on a good rain jacket.
Mine was purchased from the clearance rack at The North Face in Castle Rock. I don't think I spent more than $30 on it. It continues to serve me well a good 5 or 6 years later. Pit vents, hood, and all the usual stuff. Solid and doesn't seem like it would tear easily. I think it was marketed as a waterproof shell for skiing. I even wore it during 12 hours of continuous rain at the High Elevation Rock Festival in 2016. No issues.

Don't get suckered. This is one piece of gear that isn't that complicated.