100% Fully Waterproof Jacket

Last week I worked an aid station at a trail run and stood in the rain for 8 hours and went through 2 different rain jackets - Patagonia Torrentshell and an Arcteryx jacket. As expected, no typical outdoor gore tex (or some similar material) will keep you 100% dry all day. All those materials eventually wet out is my understanding.

So my question is are you aware of fully waterproof jacket that will keep you dry in a 10 hour rain storm? It doesn't have to be light or very breathable. It will only be used while walking or standing still. What do sailors use to stay dry in an all day storm?

Thanks

A rubberized slicker

A plastic poncho or those cheap vinyl rain jackets will work.

cheap thin dry cleaners bag

I have foul weather gear for my blue water sailing. The gear is PVC coated nylon. I have been in some pretty wicked storms with it (even a hurricane) and as long as I keep it buttoned up, I stay dry. On the inside collar tag it reads "100% Waterproof."

When I first got into hiking I thought about taking it with me, but as I educated myself, I realized it is way too heavy. If the OP doesn't care about weight, try a sailor's foul weather gear. BTW - it ain't cheap. Mine was over $100 almost 30 years ago and it was at the low end of the foul weather gear I researched.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by spfleisig

Last week I worked an aid station at a trail run and stood in the rain for 8 hours and went through 2 different rain jackets - Patagonia Torrentshell and an Arcteryx jacket. As expected, no typical outdoor gore tex (or some similar material) will keep you 100% dry all day. All those materials eventually wet out is my understanding.

So my question is are you aware of fully waterproof jacket that will keep you dry in a 10 hour rain storm? It doesn't have to be light or very breathable. It will only be used while walking or standing still. What do sailors use to stay dry in an all day storm?

Thanks

---

Andrew Skurka has some thoughts on the topic.

https://andrewskurka.com/2015/backpa...et-rain-pants/

A house! Nothing is 100% waterproof.

If you're not exerting yourself, just standing around, handing out drinks, etc, and it's not humid or hot, I'd try a non breathable non porous fully WP hooded two way zippered jacket and pants bought from HD that has vent options on the back and through mesh pockets. Raise the zip up from waist and down from the neck for additional venting as needed. HD has like pants with through mesh pockets. If not that cold and windy a non breathable non porous poncho over a DWR wind jacket or merino deep 1/4 zip if it is cooler has worked for me when volunteering at several running aid stations in heavy or long duration rain.

I disagree that all WP rain jackets when functioning and used as optimally intended wet out. In British Columbia, on the IAT, several PNWT LASHes, bunches of wet season Oregon coast and Cali Lost Coast and Redwood NP hikes, Maine wanderings, and several Olympic multi week hikes I've been able to keep rain jackets from wetting out over several days of rain. Other times I have not.

Andrew's article primarily addressed usage and needs when on the move...and as his custom, typically moving quickly and/or consistently.

Might want to check out LightHeart Gear. Pit zips for mechanical venting if needed, $99 isn't too bad compared to other options.

• All fabrics are waterproof, not breathable.

https://www.lightheartgear.com/colle...ts/rain-jacket

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JC13

Might want to check out LightHeart Gear. Pit zips for mechanical venting if needed, $99 isn't too bad compared to other options.

• All fabrics are waterproof, not breathable.

https://www.lightheartgear.com/colle...ts/rain-jacket

---

Looks like a winner! Thanks for the lead.

For the OP's application, a cheap PVC rain suit would work.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Slo-go'en

For the OP's application, a cheap PVC rain suit would work.

---

My daughter has a Coleman PVC jacket. It is light, cheap and fully waterproof.
If you go with the LHG pay attention to sleeve length. I had to return the one I bought as the sleeves are designed for T Rex. She will make one with longer sleeves for an upcharge.

A silnylon jacket won't breathe but won't wet out or let water through either. But you will have interior condensation from body moisture.

Lightheart Gear has a silnylon jacket that doesn’t even try to be breathable, if that’s what you’re looking for.

I like the OR Helium for the same reasons Skurka does - it’s super light and if it’s really raining I’m gonna get wet anyway

Not much talk about Frogg Toggs on here.
I still use them.
The lightweight version is really thin and seems to work well, although it ripped fairly easily on me when bushwhacking last year on the Via Dinarica.
I took the heavier weight set to Tasmania last month as it is known to rain a lot (which it did) The only problem I had was the sleeve leaked as it was worn out (this was my 20 year old regular weight jacket.)
I think I'll just buy another lightweight set for my next trip (heading to Vietnam and then Taiwan in the next 2 months) Don't really trust the duct tape patch.
Anyone try sail repair tape on their Froggies?

Due to the poor performance of traditional rain gear, I have settled on two, well three, items. First, a Brawny Gear (no longer available, but similar are), silnylon, pull-over rain jacket. It is only about 3 oz and packs to the size of a cigarette pack. The hood works well over a ball cap (need the brim to keep rain off my glasses). It is loose fitting enough that there is a modicum of ventilation. I just wear a thin synthetic, long sleeved base layer under it to keep the clammy feeling off my skin. Second, a ULA rain wrap (now called a rain kilt, I believe). Simple, very light and compact, excellent lower half ventilation yet surprisingly effective at blocking cold wind. It does allow rain to run onto your lower legs and into your shoes, but gators would minimize this, I don't bother as your feet always get wet anyway from puddles. Third, silnylon pack cover and trash bag pack liner.

I have used this combo everywhere from AT downpours and flooding in PA back in '93 to the High Sierra thunderstorms above treeline, to rain/sleet/snow/wind for several days in the Boundary Waters (northern Minnesota) while hiking the Border Route and Kekekabic Trails in April/May. Works better than most other systems I have used over the years, but definitely not perfect. As stated by a previous poster, a house is your sure bet, as long as it has a good roof, otherwise, you are outdoors and subject to getting wet.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by fiddlehead

Not much talk about Frogg Toggs on here.
I still use them.
The lightweight version is really thin and seems to work well, although it ripped fairly easily on me when bushwhacking last year on the Via Dinarica.
I took the heavier weight set to Tasmania last month as it is known to rain a lot (which it did) The only problem I had was the sleeve leaked as it was worn out (this was my 20 year old regular weight jacket.)
I think I'll just buy another lightweight set for my next trip (heading to Vietnam and then Taiwan in the next 2 months) Don't really trust the duct tape patch.
Anyone try sail repair tape on their Froggies?

---

Think the lightweight Frogg Togg set is worth picking up for a NOBO AT trip? That price is hard to beat, but if they're just going to fall apart quickly, I'd pass.

Bushwhacking on the Via Dinarica trail is a lot different than hiking the AT.
I ripped one sleeve one day (we bushwhacked about every other day on our 52 day hike there), and repaired it with duct tape and it lasted the rest of the trip.
I would use them on the AT.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JC13

Might want to check out LightHeart Gear. Pit zips for mechanical venting if needed, $99 isn't too bad compared to other options.

• All fabrics are waterproof, not breathable.

https://www.lightheartgear.com/colle...ts/rain-jacket

---

This was my recommendation as well.


Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Yep! Another vote for the Lightheart gear rain jacket. I love it for hiking, you will get wet or damp from sweat in it, but I’ve gone through too many breathable shells that wet out after a day or two.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Slo-go'en

For the OP's application, a cheap PVC rain suit would work.

---

Yes. Cheap and waterproof. Especially since he is standing around.

AntiGravity gear silnylon with pit zips, under 6 ounces, under $100, big hood, color choices.

The Packa has pit zips also. If I'm on a long hike I take the Packa. Short trips the AntiGravity gear silnylon rain jacket goes.

For cool weather and low activity it's hard to beat that standard for commercial fishermen . . . Helly Hanson rain suites. 100% waterproof, durable, and reasonably priced.

As a former rancher, horse owner and back country horse rider...those yellow PVC slickers are unbeatable. Fully waterproof and full coverage, depending on the size you buy. The only thing that ever got wet while wearing one of those on some extensive cattle drives or mountain rides was any part NOT covered.

DCF aka cuben fiber also is fully waterproof, but also expensive.

I use one of the silnylon jackets from Lightheart Gear and while it serves its purpose, once you start moving it can heat up very quickly. Not really sure there is a perfect solution.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SoaknWet

A house! Nothing is 100% waterproof.

---

Most raingear, if not all, that do a good job of keeping out the rain will be like wearing a sauna during warm weather.

Think about using an umbrella. Seriously!

not really the OP's question, but to the person asking about Frogg Toggs, I saw quite a few south bounders using Frogg Toggs in SNP in late Oct. My first set held up for hundreds of trail miles. My new set Has 4 holes in 2 weeks. I just added some orange duct tape which is probably helpful in hunting season. they seem to work for me to keep me wet and warm. at $20 with pants I'm willing to let them get torn up a bit.

ocean kayakers use gortex dry-suits. They will keep you dry but are very pricey.

I have a sturdy dark green cagoule, which I bought at Campmor many years ago. It's heavy, bombproof, and it keeps you dry. I've never used it for hiking, but it's great for quick dog walks, trips to the garden, etc., in downpours.
Here's one for sale used: scroll down to see the photo.
https://backpackinglight.com/forums/...ns-l-xl-black/

A garbage bag is waterproof. At the higher end so are Grundens favored by commercial fisherman. The rub is that for hiking or other high exertion activities, you will get really really wet wearing these--from sweating. Water can't get in, or out.

The waterproof/breathable fabrics like Gore-Tex are workable solutions to this dilemma, but they have their limitations.

Bottom line: know your activity and dress accordingly.