Need your opinion on waterproof jacket

[dshideler]

Found this jacket on another site for 69 bucks and wondered if it would be worth picking up. Opinions?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mobile/MobileModels.aspx?ModelID=60758

[dshideler]

In case this link doesn't work the jacket in question is a Montane Lite-Speed H2O Jacket.

[Don H]

Weight 60 oz.?
A Marmot PreCip is like 13 oz.

[msupple]

I'm looking at these from Gravity Gear. About 8oz which includes tops and bottoms. They will also make the pants to any length.

http://www.antigravitygear.com/rain-gear.html

[Papa D]

In my opinion (for AT backpacking) this is THE jacket:

Arc`teryx Men`s Alpha SL Jacket (http://www.goodsports.com/products2.cfm/ID/369/name/Arc%60teryx-Men%60s-Alpha-SL-Jacket?utm_source=shopzilla&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=productfeed) - it weighs 12.1 oz and costs about $300

[hikerboy57]

marmot mica. half the price of the arctrex and just as light. and it actually keeps me dry under 25 lb pack.

[Tinker]

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/images/icons/icon1.png
In my opinion (for AT backpacking) this is THE jacket:

Arc`teryx Men`s Alpha SL Jacket (http://www.goodsports.com/products2.cfm/ID/369/name/Arc`teryx-Men`s-Alpha-SL-Jacket?utm_source=shopzilla&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=productfeed) - it weighs 12.1 oz and costs about $300



Not mine -

Gore PacLite membrane is polyurethane coated on the inside, coupled with the adhesive necessary to bond it to the shell, just how breathable can it be? I had a PacLite jacket that I bought at REI and owned for exactly three days (the length of the trip) before I returned it saying that it wasn't a lick more breathable than my former Precip jacket. I eventually ended up buying their Shuksan jacket, which seems to be very slightly breathable (but lacks pit zips to bring it into "real world" funcionality). It's a cold weather jacket because of its lack of ventilation options (no REI, mesh lined chest and slash pockets don't count). I paid way too much for what I got, but at least it's durable. Gore has some catching up to do.

[Summit]

I like the looks and description of the Anti-Gravity Gear stuff.

[Slosteppin]

That is four and three quarters pounds! No one item I take backpacking is that heavy and I don't consider my self a lite packer.
You have gotten some good suggestions, keep looking.

[dshideler]

I'm pretty sure that's supposed to be 6.0 ounces.

[hikerboy57]

right it says 160 grams. i thought we were going metric in the seventies?

[dshideler]

Given that weight (6.0 ounces) and price I'm seriously considering it. The only problem is for that price ($69) it is in fluorescent green. Not so sure I want to be glowing through the trees.

[kevperro]

For $69 it is a good deal assuming it is 6.0 oz rather than 60. You won't stay dry not matter what jacket you buy in prolonged rain so don't get too hung-up on it. A rain jacket is to keep you warm and reasonably dry when managed right. If I were buying one for a thru-hike I'd get the pit-zips, something that is easy to ventilate because that will do at least if not more than the breathability. The DWR eventually wears off on a long trip like this and maintaining it is a pipe dream. Most of the time while hiking I'd prefer to get wet rather than wear a rain jacket, as long as I stay warm. It is nice to keep as much as your gear dry as possible and that includes the rain jacket for camp where your slow-down in metobolic activity equates to getting cold.

I tell you what is really important to me is a good hood. I wear glasses and a jacket where the hood interferes with my vision or has a bill in the hood that causes water to dribble down on my glasses is a no-go.