View Full Version : Thoughts on women's light weight rain jackets
Mayanway
12-04-2014, 22:11
One of the last items I need is a rain jacket. I currently have a 1+ lb old rain jacket and plan to get a new one for the trail. I'm looking for something light (<10 oz), under $200, and breathable enough to double as a wind shirt. Having a women's cut version and pit zips or some other form of ventilation for warm rainy hiking are both big pluses.
The ones I'm considering are Outdoor Research Helium HD (maybe helium ii), Marmot Essence, and Mountain Hardwear Plasmic. Any others I should consider, or does anyone have personal experience and thoughts on them? I'm most interested in hearing about how they fared in truly heavy rain, and how comfortable/breathable they were when it was warm. Thanks for any thoughts you have!
Just Bill
12-04-2014, 22:36
http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/womens-m10-jacket?p=84176-1
http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/womens-alpine-houdini-jacket?p=85195-1
Few others of theirs floating in the clearance section- Alpine Houdini would be more breathable, least waterproof- more water resistant than plain Houdini.
M10 best they make- at some point though you'll sweat them out.
I have a plain Houdini and an M10- summer and winter basically.
Right now, SunnySports has Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hooded Jacket for Men XL. It is a DWR windshirt. http://www.sunnysports.com/p-mhwgwhm/mountain-hardwear-ghost-whisperer-hooded-jacket-for-men?gclid=CNjBgu6O88ECFU1hfgodbUIABQ $107
I like Bellwether Screaming Meemie Jacket: Clear for windshirt/rainwear, because it has mesh panels running down the side seams. This is not for warm weather. $31.49 http://www.excelcycle.com/bellwether-screaming-meemie-jacket-clear.html
I especially like the O2 Classic rainwear for breatheability and heavy rain. http://www.excelcycle.com/o2-cycling-jacket.html?&cat=511%3Cbr%20/%3E $35
Excelcycle has rain pants. O2 has rain pants.
I like bicycle rainwear for backpacking.
I prefer rain chaps. Full Moon Ultralight Chaps http://www.equinoxltd.com/the-gear/outdoor-apparel/full-moon-ultralite-chaps.cfm $36.95
Exped Chaps are more rugged. http://www.expedlife.com/2011/03/exped-chaps.html?m=1 However, in my opinion, they are more for wet weather trail maintainance.
Rain Chaps need more coverage than the O2 Rain Jacket.
If you like a rain wrap (skirt) have a look at LightHeartGear rain jacket and rain wrap. http://lightheartgear.com/index.php/rain-gear
I am definitely getting her Hoodie Pack Cover $50
I have also used the O2 cycling jacket and I think it is the best option for weight and price concerns. The fabric is also pretty lightweight. At 5 oz and $32, you can't beat it! Unfortunately it doesn't meet your other criteria, but maybe you are willing to compromise. It is definitely not very sexy looking, and not sized for women. Even the Small was a little big on me. (I am a women's medium) If you are a petite woman, it may not be an option for size reasons.
I don't believe that any rain jacket is breathable, that is one marketing claim that is always a lie. (Another one is "no-scrub cleaner" hahaha) At best, your $200 for a fancy "breathable" fabric will gain you an extra ten minutes before you are soaked with sweat!!
PS, I am referring to the hooded jacket from the O2 website (a little different from the one Connie linked to)
http://o2rainwear.com/2011/03/original-hooded-jacket/
I like a Sou'wester hat. It keeps most rain off my eyeglasses.
http://mshop.hellyhansen.com/us/item/svolvaer-souwester-67620/?t_type=src&t_type=cat
Here are more products I can respect.
http://www.ultralightbackpackingonline.com/products1b.html
I am updating links.
I have the men's version of the North Face Venture Jacket. (http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/women-39-s-venture-jacket_2.html) 12oz. Totally bombproof in driving rain.The material is thicker than the ultralight gear, hence the weight, but I don't like how the really light fabrics can cling in really heavy rain. Just makes me feel clammy.
Ah, the Venture. Mine was serviceable for many years as a rain jacket, but no longer keeps the rain out. I'm keeping it as a light jacket for home use, but have recently upgraded to the OR Foray.