View Full Version : Recommend me a waterPROOF hardshell
Hey guys,
I'm in need of a jacket. It won't be used specifically for hiking, but I know this community knows their gear well.
I am a firearms instructor and outdoors enthusiast, a motorcycle rider, among other things. I spend a lot of time out in the rain.
Soft shells and water 'resistant' clothing doesn't do it for me.
Furthermore, most Goretex (or copies) eventually soak through.
My requirements:
- Waterproof. I don't want a rubber suit, but I don't need the new-age 'breathable' Gore Tex knockoffs either.
- Subdued colors. Dark green, brown, gray, etc
- Removable hood
- Pockets at the waist (not up on the chest like many 'technical' jackets are)
- Budget of $200, can be pushed to $300 if the jacket is perfect.
Waterproofness takes precedence over breathability on this particular garment.
Any help would be great, thanks WB'ers!
If weight and packability important, or would you consider something like an oilskin type coat or jacket? They can be very comfortable.
- Waterproof. I don't want a rubber suit, but I don't need the new-age 'breathable' Gore Tex knockoffs either.
- Subdued colors. Dark green, brown, gray, etc
- Removable hood
- Pockets at the waist (not up on the chest like many 'technical' jackets are)
- Budget of $200, can be pushed to $300 if the jacket is perfect.
You will also need a well sealed cuff or inner cuff for motorcycling.
Sorry, also forgot to mention that weight and packability are not a concern for me. This is more of an every day jacket than a hiking jacket.
The material needs to be durable. I'm not familiar with the ones you mentioned.
Here is an example of a company that makes oilskins...
http://www.remlap.com.au/pages/motorbike-oilskin.php
They even make the specifically for motor-cyclists.
A different company might have a better style though.
Oilskin:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oilskin
The other material you might consider is waxed cotton...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waxed_cotton
Here is a link...
http://www.davidmorgan.com/waxedcotton.html
Wool cloth can be waxed also, usually then called waxed cloth. Sometimes oil skin and waxed cotton or waxed cloth are used interchangeable even though they are different, and sometimed a plastic like PVC is used over cheap cotton and called oilskin or waxed cotton when it really isn't. A cheap PVC over cheap cotton raincoat can be quite comfortable and affordable though, but a different animal altogether. There are grey areas in-between, as they might use a combination of natural waxes or drying oils along with some synthetic waxes and oils and treatments. Personally, I like the traditional natural materials, when done right. They can be made reasonable lightweight also, but they are usually made heavier.
Really nice in cold rain.
I've always been curious about seeing how light I could make a DIY oilskin or waxed cotton or wool rain poncho / bedroll, but that's a different thread. Probably end up burning my shed down when I get around to it. Thinking about oilskin or waxed wool mocassins also.
here is easily the answer to your question:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Clothing/Mens-Casual-Clothing/Mens-Rainwear/Mens-Rainwear-Jackets-Parkas%7C/pc/104797080/c/104746680/sc/104522580/i/104091480/Cabelas-GORE-TEX174-PacLite174-Rainy-River8482-Parka-Tall/750834.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fcloth ing-mens-casual-clothing-mens-rainwear-mens-rainwear-jackets-parkas%2F_%2FN-1100878%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104091480%3FWTz_stype%3DGNP%26records PerPage%3D108
that jacket will be way more durable than a typical 'backpacking' rain jacket (which all really suck tbh). the "tall" means it will cover a bit more of your waist. it has a couple color choices, a good 'type' of goretex (paclite), and if you ever find the jacket is starting to "wet out", as some rain jacket do, cabela's has an excellent return/warranty policy...
enjoy!
burntoutphilosopher
10-12-2010, 21:07
i know they cost more
but i have 3 arc teryx jackets and LOVE them. i also wear their proshell 3L pants. i work in manholes, so i am in and out of the roads with trucks slinging slop at me...
at closeout prices they aren't so bad:
http://www.rei.com/product/807794
Wise Old Owl
10-12-2010, 21:26
[best all-around]
Breathability can make or break a budget shell, and the PreCip outperformed all others when it comes to that key measure. “Best in class,” says one tester who wore it during a three-day trek with 1.7 inches of rain in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The secret sauce: Marmot’s PreCip coating, which has more and smaller pores per square inch than competitive fabrics, enhancing breathability.
Ventilation is also excellent, thanks to 15-inch pit zips, chest-high pocket vents, and a Velcro storm flap that repels rain even when the front zipper is open. Despite all of the venting features and the use of durable 50-denier ripstop nylon, the jacket is still lighter than most in its price range.
All testers loved the fit, thanks to 15 (!) sizes and tapered side panels that let us reach and stretch without causing the hem to ride up.
Price $99
Weight 12.1 oz.
Sizes men’s S-XXXL plus tall sizes; women’s XS-XXL
Info marmot.com (http://marmot.com/)
My take on this: I have found bargain Gortex shells at the the end of each season from key well known internet and mail order supply at the end of each season $300-$500 shells at $99 or $75 at what we call Advertised Lost Leader price. These items always appear on the cover of mail order mags. You just have to be - skeptical and check return policy to be safe.
P.S. I have some killer shells in my gear bags.
For motorcycling I highly recommend getting a rainsuit. They're cheap and work well without getting soaked and gaining water weight. Besides, an everyday jacket would have to be huge if you wear it over any protective motorcycle clothing.
Serial 07
10-12-2010, 23:42
RAB momentum...it's pricey, but you get what you pay for...
Mountain Wildman
10-12-2010, 23:51
One of, If not the best!!
Arc'teryx Alpha SV.
http://www.e-omc.com/catalog/products/3328/Arcteryx-Alpha-SV-Jacket-Mens.html
Tipi Walter
10-13-2010, 06:28
One of, If not the best!!
Arc'teryx Alpha SV.
http://www.e-omc.com/catalog/products/3328/Arcteryx-Alpha-SV-Jacket-Mens.html
I'm glad someone mentioned the Alpha SV--they know what they are talking about. It's saved my butt on at least two trips since I got it. Of course, like all Arcteryx stuff, it ain't cheap.
http://www.trailgallery.com/photos/10065/tj10065%5F022510%5F075506%5F512800.jpg
$600 for a jacket. you must be straight tripping
Mountain Wildman
10-13-2010, 17:04
$600 for a jacket. you must be straight tripping
I have learned over the years that buying cheap products means I will be buying them again further down the road and buying quality products, Though they cost more means I buy them once and they may potentially last for the rest of my life, Depending of course on what product you are buying.
I spent over 600 for my Schott B3 Leather Bomber Jacket and though I would not backpack with it, I cannot even wear it unless it is 20 degrees or colder which is common up here in the Whites.
You get what you pay for!!
i'm fairly certain the $100 cabelas goretex jacket will last just as long as the $600 arcteryx jacket. but that's up to you i guess. sometimes you get what you pay for. sometimes though, you pay for the name...
i'm fairly certain the $100 cabelas goretex jacket will last just as long as the $600 arcteryx jacket. but that's up to you i guess. sometimes you get what you pay for. sometimes though, you pay for the name...
You're right, especially after the inevitable crash. I'd rather be wearing an inexpensive rainsuit over a reusable armored jacket. Less money lost after the crash in gear replacement costs and medical bills. Also, regular non-moto jackets don't come down in the back enough to cover your butt while sitting, especially if your on a bike that's sporty at all.
i didn't mean to come off to say i think someone who bought that jacket is wasting their money. they earned it and can spend it however they want to.
burntoutphilosopher
10-14-2010, 21:43
about arc teryx gear:
in my day job i work in Manholes, i climb in and out of manholes in the road all day long, which means scraping my legs on asphalt 20 times a day.
a pair of bluejeans lasts me ten days.
REI adventurers pants ten days
Marmot rain pants 3 weeks
arc teryx Beta AR Pants, 16 months and counting. no holes.
the yare BY FAR the best pants i have owned, the question is, do you need something of that ruggedness? for me, i work outside all winter long so it's worth it. for a few winter camping trips? umm, no, not at the wage i make.