Looking for new rainjacket

[Doc]

I probably am like many others but I have never found a rain jacket that I have really been happy with. My current one seems to let a great deal of moisture through so that the inside is wet. Sleeve cuffs and zipper covers also seem to get soggy. Any ideas for jackets suitable for hiking? Because of the importance of this piece to me cost is of little concern. I really don't care about the cost, but I do care about performance. Any ideas out there?

[Slo-go'en]

Are you sure the problem really isn't moisture not getting out of the jacket? For example, I bought a fairly expensive Patagonia rain jacket and while using it in the winter as a shell, I find the inside to be dripping wet from sweat. Then I switched back to my old, beat up Gortex jacket and did not have that problem at all. Next time I can afford to buy a good rain jacket, I'm going to spend the big bucks on a real Gortex shell again.

[Doc]

I don't think that it is my body moisture being trapped, although that is certainly possible. Yesterday in a leisurely 3 mile walk the problem was present. It was a drizzly day and the cuffs and flap over the zipper seemed to be saturated. It promises to rain during the next several days so maybe I will try a switch to one of my old, and heavy, rain coats from previous tries. Anybody have a favorite jacket that really performs?

[WILLIAM HAYES]

integral designs e-vent rain jacket lightweight vents waterproof

[slow]

integral designs e-vent rain jacket lightweight vents waterproof

HE should be happy.

[Bilko]

http://www.orvis.com/store/productch...subcat_id=6109

My wife took me to an Orvis Warehouse Sale in Atlanta recently. I did not want to go, I have been in Orvis stores before and could never come to terms with their prices. I had been looking for a lightweight rain/wind jacket for some time. REI had some nice ones ($100 +) but still a little expensive for me. Going through all of the Orvis surplus items was a little tiresome, until I came across this rain jacket. I think I have worn the jacket every day since I got it. I took it up to Springer Mt. this past weekend with a little rain and alot of wind. It was great. The rain jacket has long zippers under the armpits, it has an adjustable hood and is very much rain proof but very breathable. It was very wind resistant. It is extremly light about 24 oz. It packs into its own pocket and has a stretch nylon fabric that is very soft on the skin. It has two long front zip pockets. The zippers are waterproof. I can't say enough about this jacket, it is expensive, although I got mine for 50% off.

[Spirit Walker]

24 oz isn't light for a rainjacket.

[attroll]

If this is for backpacking then you make want to consider the Packa. It is a multi use item. It can be a pack cover or a rain suit or a rain suite and pack over combined.

www.thepacka.com

[Dogwood]

Doc, check out the new Marmot Mica. I don't yet own one, but planning on it. It's supposed to not feel clammy on the inside, it's less than 7 oz, and it's fully WP. Saw them for about $115.

[Engine]

Nobody ever seems to mention them so maybe I'm the only one that likes 'em, but how can you go wrong with the Sierra Designs Microlight jacket. Waterproof and an honest 7 1/2 ounces in size large. Pretty tough as well...

[mark schofield]

Hi Engine, I did a search for the Sierra Designs microlite jacket and Amazon .com has two listed. One is the jacket (water repellent) and one is the rain jacket. Which one do you have? thanks, Mark S.

http://www.amazon.com/Sierra-Designs...ref=pd_sbs_a_4

[Engine]

I just double checked to be certain and it's the rain jacket.

[snowhoe]

A fly fishing brand named Simms makes the best rain jackets. They are VERY expensive but they are no doubt the best. They may be a little heavy for some people.

[big_muddy]

I had been recommending Frogg Toggs, up till this weekend when I had to hike in a cold rain for hours on end. I got soaked, and it wasn't just from sweat. I think after awhile frogg toggs get saturated. They started out fine, and moved moister well if you are standing still. Since they are made for fisher persons that makes sense.

The Mica from Marmot looks really interesting.

[flemdawg1]

I own the Microlight also and like it, But its not waterproof. Its only rated to 1000 mm. It will keep a short shower off you, but wouldn't trust it for all day protection.

I'm thinking of upgrading to the SD Hurricane or getting the Sam's Club FT-type set.

[Engine]

I own the Microlight also and like it, But its not waterproof. Its only rated to 1000 mm. It will keep a short shower off you, but wouldn't trust it for all day protection.

I'm thinking of upgrading to the SD Hurricane or getting the Sam's Club FT-type set.

I'm of the opinion (yeah, I know what they are worth) that if you are out all day hiking in the rain you are gonna get wet in just about anything. Either the sweat will get you, or the gear will allow some moisture in. Having said that, the jacket will also keep enough warmth in that at least you'll be warmer and wet...

[Doc]

Thanks folks. After hearing your comments and researching those mentioned here I just ordered the Marmot Pica from Moosejaw. It was $130 less 20% with free shipping. The E-vent was a little heavier and it sounded like the material would be stiff and perhaps not as quiet. Also after my comment that price didn't matter, I found that it did. The thru-hiker E-vent was $260 although some places offered it at 20% off, still over $200. Maybe I'm cheaper than I thought. Again, thanks to all for your help.

[Tinker]

Fwiw: Basically all of the "waterproof/breathable" jackets use a polyurethane coating on the inside - thin so it "breathes" - right! Then the jacket is treated on the outside with a "durable water-repellant" (DWR) chemical which causes water to bead up. If the water doesn't bead up, the jacket doesn't breathe because the sheet of water coating the outside of the fabric is impermeable to vapor. Gore-tex works fairly well if the DWR is kept up regularly. My Gore-tex jacket "wetted out" (the outside of the fabric soaked up the rain) today and turned into a sweat suit. Time to renew the DWR.
If you get garments with good ventilation, the breathability of the fabric isn't as big an issue. Look for big pit zips and a visor on the hood which will shelter the front zipper allowing you to leave it partially unzipped. Often in the summer I will hike with my jacket completely unzipped if I'm not hiking into the rain. Sooner or later I get wet anyway, so sometimes I just decide which clothes should stay dry and keep them in my pack. I also use a poncho in the summer both as raingear and shelter. The ventilation is great, the breathability is nonexistent, and sometimes I get wet from the sides when it's windy.

[didymus128]

mountain hardwear Epic, only 100 bucks and have NEVER let a single drop through. great jacket

[Powder River]

I probably am like many others but I have never found a rain jacket that I have really been happy with. My current one seems to let a great deal of moisture through so that the inside is wet. Sleeve cuffs and zipper covers also seem to get soggy. Any ideas for jackets suitable for hiking? Because of the importance of this piece to me cost is of little concern. I really don't care about the cost, but I do care about performance. Any ideas out there?

Ok but you did say cost is of little concern...

http://www.rei.com/product/763783?pr...:referralID=NA