View Full Version : Light, packable rain coat/shell.
Glebbber
03-14-2009, 01:48
What is a lightest, most packable rain coat/shell you know of that still keeps you dry? Well, at least when you are not sweating too much that is.
Glebbber
03-14-2009, 01:51
....forgot to mention it need not supply much, if any insulation.
Marmot Precip is a nice one. You can find good sales now and then on the web. Just got my wife one for $42 from Steap and Cheap. Retail is $99.
I sweat in any shell when hiking even most winter days. They can be good for camp but a poncho that also covers your pack is the overall dryest alternative.IMHO
Multifunctional:
1. Raingear(ventilated)
2. Packcover(even while accessing pack)
3. Tarp
4. Bivey
5. Ground cloth/UnderQuilt/Wind block/Privacy barier
4eyedbuzzard
03-14-2009, 11:32
2nd on the precip. Not the best or worst but for the money (I paid about $45 on sale) a decent multipurpose shell. I use it for golf too.
Big Dawg
03-14-2009, 11:50
frogg toggs
Big Dawg
03-14-2009, 11:52
frogg toggs
ok, it's not the most packable, but packs down pretty well. Definately light weight. What I love is that it keeps me dry & keeps me from sweating much.
The Patagonia Houdini has a great rep for being one of the lightest and breathable @ 3.7 oz (not sure what size that weight is for)
Its on sale on their website for 75$, but only in sizes xl and xxl
Slo-go'en
03-14-2009, 13:58
I use a nylon anorak shell with 1/2 can of water repelent sprayed on it. Okay for light rain/ all day drizzle, but not heavy T-Storm down pours. For that I'll use my Tyvke ground cloth as a poncho and wait it out.
Transient Being
03-14-2009, 16:14
What about rain pants. How necessary are they for a late March hike in NC. Would I be miserable without them? Sorry for hijacking the thread.
I saw "Dry Ducks" rain set at a Gander outlet the other day. Seems to be made of Tyvek type material. Very light and should be breathable and dry.
Boliche
I've used Dry Ducks on and off for a couple of years and like them, and finally saw a set of Frogg Toggs in person a couple of days ago. The two are similar, but while I didn't weigh them, I'm pretty sure the Frogg Toggs are heavier than Dry Ducks, FWIW.
Personally, I'm with Compass on the benefits of a poncho, particularly in the case that this also serves as your shelter. Couple that with a light, unlined wind shirt and IMO this is in most conditions a superior combination than a traditional rain shell.
In terms of rain shells --- unless perhaps you go for an eVent jacket (?), I suspect that lots of off-the-shelf backpacking lightweight jackets will work fine, but I've not sampled many.
I love the OR Zealot so much that I bought two of them. 8oz for a shell that I end up carrying more then using and it packs to the size of a softball. They quit making it, but I've seen it on some websites on sale.
Red Ledge Thunderlight. They're totally comperable to marmot, except they're dirt cheap. I love their slogan:
"Functional, Affordable clothing, for those who exist in reality."
Dri Ducks are made by the FT folks they are a cheaper, thinner, less durable version of FT's.
daddytwosticks
03-15-2009, 14:08
I like a sylnylon poncho in warmer months...covers me, the pack, and provides nice ventilation. :)
take-a-knee
03-15-2009, 18:45
I like a sylnylon poncho in warmer months...covers me, the pack, and provides nice ventilation. :)
Me too, I plan to try a Dri Ducks poncho this May.