View Full Version : OR Helium or Patagonia Torrentshell?
AllDownhillFromHere
02-26-2017, 16:05
Torrentshell is 6 oz heavier, but has pitzips, and is probably not as packable.
Can anyone with direct experience with either, or both comment?
saltysack
02-26-2017, 17:18
I've used both and much prefer the helium 11...torrent didn't breath nearly as well as well as heavier...it's been about 5 years since I used a torrent shell so maybe it's different...
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cmoulder
02-26-2017, 21:14
Consider also Montbell Versalite (https://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?p_id=2328276).
It has pit zips, great hood adjustment, hand pockets, adjustable cuffs and hem, and weighs 6.8 oz on my scale (mens size M).
AllDownhillFromHere
02-26-2017, 22:22
Thanks, I'm a large, and naturally, they're sold out. Bleh.
saltysack
02-26-2017, 22:28
Consider also Montbell Versalite (https://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?p_id=2328276).
It has pit zips, great hood adjustment, hand pockets, adjustable cuffs and hem, and weighs 6.8 oz on my scale (mens size M).
I really like that gray....out of stock thank god! Just what I don't need another jacket!
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What about Frogg Toggs? I know it's cheap, but it works and it's 6oz for $8.
lwhikerchris
02-27-2017, 08:16
I had to send the Torrentshell back after the DWR layer failed. Had to do the same with the M8 jacket. I wouldn't buy from them anymore.
I'd only go with cuben fiber at this point.
Torrentshell is 6 oz heavier, but has pitzips, and is probably not as packable.
Can anyone with direct experience with either, or both comment?
No experience with the Torrentshell but I'd give a thumbs up on the Helium. We had some horrendous weather during a 16-day trip on the Colorado Trail last year and it served me well.
http://sectionhiker.com/lightheart-gear-rain-jacket-review/
i hate "breathable" rain jackets . Because the don't.
Thom
http://sectionhiker.com/lightheart-gear-rain-jacket-review/
i hate "breathable" rain jackets . Because the don't.
Thom
Really? So you don't think breathable rain jackets breathe? How about you or Phillip compare in real world conditions at the same time under the same conditions the non porous non "breathable" PVC/polyester rain jackets like sold at HD lacking venting and one of the more "breathable" eVent, Dyneema Composite/cuben fiber, etc rain jackets? Come back and let us know how much "breathable" rain jackets don't breathe compared to the one linked to below. How about comparing some of the cheapest rain jackets without pit zips with very low MVT specs(if you can find them, they are obviously missing from advertising or in Phillips piece) or lacking RET or DMPC testing sold by places like Wally World other than Frogg Toggs? Been there. Done that. No comparison.
And, lets stick to a true WP jacket NOT some roided up wind jacket being passed off as WP.
Try this in a downpour even with mild exertion wearing a pack.... SWEAT FEST EXTREME. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Mossi-Mens-Simplex-Large-Yellow-Rainsuit-51-100Y-L/203646755?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CTHD%7Cgoogle%7C&mid=sF2BZPNpH%7Cdc_mtid_8903tb925190_pcrid_1114156 80425_pkw__pmt__product_203646755_slid_&gclid=CJmG_IP8sNICFQeewAod8zUHPg
My landscaping employees even under very light exertion would rather just get wet waking a LS top discarding this jacket more times than wearing it.
Note: breathable rain jackets should NOT be defined as breathable only in regard to fabric though. Breathability is more than that. Venting and thermoregulation capability, activity, layering, conditions, ... yada yada ya play crucial roles. Phillip was right on about that.
http://sectionhiker.com/top-10-backpacker-rain-jackets-and-purchase-preferences/
The poll emphasized cost and popularity among employed rain jacket models. Although, Philip even said that other jackets were mentioned but deemed not "popular" enough to include in his piece. After all with the range of rain jackets now available he'd have to write an analyzed book to cover the gamut.
Note also what he concluded with: "But there’s no denying the fact that this jacket(non breathable) retains a lot of heat when you’re active. While that’s a good thing in cold weather, I start to sweat when the temperature is about 60 degrees or higher, with or without rain."
cmoulder
02-27-2017, 16:16
The best piece of rain gear I ever used — and I have used it only a few times — is an eVent Packa (http://www.thepacka.com/). The hybrid jacket-poncho-pack cover has huge vents, full front zip and big cuffs and is very generously sized. Combining it with some MLD silnylon rain chaps (http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=77) makes for a really good system. I've got a 5-day trip coming up in early April in PA and depending upon the weather forecast this might be my gear of choice.
Another option is the Zpacks poncho (http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/groundsheet_poncho.shtml) which I have also used a few times, but the arm coverage is not adequate (for me) when a prolonged, cold rain is on the menu.
Really? So you don't think breathable rain jackets breathe? How about you or Phillip compare in real world conditions at the same time under the same conditions the non porous non "breathable" PVC/polyester rain jackets like sold at HD lacking venting and one of the more "breathable" eVent, Dyneema Composite/cuben fiber, etc rain jackets? Come back and let us know how much "breathable" rain jackets don't breathe compared to the one linked to below. How about comparing some of the cheapest rain jackets without pit zips with very low MVT specs(if you can find them, they are obviously missing from advertising or in Phillips piece) or lacking RET or DMPC testing sold by places like Wally World other than Frogg Toggs? Been there. Done that. No comparison.
And, lets stick to a true WP jacket NOT some roided up wind jacket being passed off as WP.
Try this in a downpour even with mild exertion wearing a pack.... SWEAT FEST EXTREME. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Mossi-Mens-Simplex-Large-Yellow-Rainsuit-51-100Y-L/203646755?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CTHD%7Cgoogle%7C&mid=sF2BZPNpH%7Cdc_mtid_8903tb925190_pcrid_1114156 80425_pkw__pmt__product_203646755_slid_&gclid=CJmG_IP8sNICFQeewAod8zUHPg
My landscaping employees even under very light exertion would rather just get wet waking a LS top discarding this jacket more times than wearing it.
Note: breathable rain jackets should NOT be defined as breathable only in regard to fabric though. Breathability is more than that. Venting and thermoregulation capability, activity, layering, conditions, ... yada yada ya play crucial roles. Phillip was right on about that.
http://sectionhiker.com/top-10-backpacker-rain-jackets-and-purchase-preferences/
The poll emphasized cost and popularity among employed rain jacket models. Although, Philip even said that other jackets were mentioned but deemed not "popular" enough to include in his piece. After all with the range of rain jackets now available he'd have to write an analyzed book to cover the gamut.
Note also what he concluded with: "But there’s no denying the fact that this jacket(non breathable) retains a lot of heat when you’re active. While that’s a good thing in cold weather, I start to sweat when the temperature is about 60 degrees or higher, with or without rain."
I would rather just use my umbrella . You go your way and I'll go mine.
Thom
"But there’s no denying the fact that this jacket retains a lot of heat when you’re active. While that’s a good thing in cold weather, I start to sweat when the temperature is about 60 degrees or higher, with or without rain. My view: there’s a big difference between sweating on the inside, where it’s warm, and getting soaked from the outside, where your body heat can’t offset the cooling effect of a garment that’s been soaked through by wet-out.
If you’re like me and sick of waterproof-breathable rain jackets that don’t live up to expectations, I suggest you give the LightHeart Gear Rain Jacket (http://www.lightheartgear.com/index.php/rain-gear/product/view/4/23) a try. This jacket has found a home on my backpacking gear list and it might just restore your faith in waterproof rain gear." From sectionhiker.com
you did not post the whole paragraph and his conclusion.