waterproof jackets

[Nullifier]

So I am in the market for a new jacket. I am looking for something non insulated and must have pit zips. It is warm down here in Fl so light and breathable is the key. My current jacket is a 3 layer gortex North face that is still a good jacket but at 9 years old I am feeling like it is time for a new one LOL!

I am considering a Marmut minimalist jacket but am unfamiliar with the performance and reliability of paclite gortex. So feedback would be good

http://marmot.com/spring_2009/mens/outerwear/shells/minimalist_jacket

[Moment Rider]

check out the backcountry stoic. Its made with e-vent which is extremely breathable and waterproof. In fact, its better then my last 2 gore-tex jackets by far.
http://www.backcountry.com/store/BCC0177/Backcountry-Stoic-eVent-Shell-Mens.html


I bought this jacket last year and couldn't be happier! It breathes like nothing else out there.

BTW, I got it on steepandcheap.com for 50% off which isnt a bad deal!

[Schattenjager]

Arc'teryx. Accept no substitute.

http://arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?Mens/Jackets-Vests/Theta-AR-Jacket#Waterproof_Shell

[M.Bas]

I'm wearing a Rab Drillium (http://www.rab.uk.com/clothing/shell/drillium_jacket---98/) Very lightweight. Needed to get used to wearing it because the fabric is quite "stiff".

[off-roader]

So I am in the market for a new jacket. I am looking for something non insulated and must have pit zips. It is warm down here in Fl so light and breathable is the key. My current jacket is a 3 layer gortex North face that is still a good jacket but at 9 years old I am feeling like it is time for a new one LOL!

I am considering a Marmut minimalist jacket but am unfamiliar with the performance and reliability of paclite gortex. So feedback would be good

http://marmot.com/spring_2009/mens/outerwear/shells/minimalist_jacket

Wait, you're saying you have a Northface that lasted you 9 years and you're only replacing it because it's old (not worn out) why would you seek a different brand? ;)

[Nullifier]

Wait, you're saying you have a Northface that lasted you 9 years and you're only replacing it because it's old (not worn out) why would you seek a different brand? ;)

It is not the same company it was 9 years ago imo. Probably a perception issue but it fits into the same catagory as Patagucci lol!

[Schattenjager]

...Patagucci lol!

That right there is funny stuff!
:sombrero:


It seems the wave of popular appeasement is overriding the desire to have a niche product - ie Abercrombie and Fitch. Can you imagine the looks on the faces of the original founders if they were able to see what their 'mercantile' had transformed into? I wish they had just picked a new name rather than desecrating an outdoor axiom. I can only assume the drive for quicker dollars using an established name to build lower quality yet greater profitability goods is worth runing a reputation. At least for some...

[Co-opski]

Simms G4 pro. You will get 9+ years out of it.

[jham]

i have a mtn hardwear paclite gortex and love it. It has taken everything I've thrown at it.

[rambrush]

While visiting Alaska I boought a jacket from http://www.hellyhansen.com/products
These jackets stood the rain test of the rain forest trekking in Juneau and I have not looked back. well worth the money in my opinion.

[Nullifier]

Well i finally got off my you know what and scored a jacket. Steep and cheap put out a Marmot Oracle jacket yesterday for a steel so I snagged one. I figure it was cheap enough to give it a try. Pit zips precip plus removable hood. Hoepfully it will breathe! I get it Thursday so I'll follow up then.

Marmot Oracle Jacket (http://marmot.com/fall_2008/mens/outerwear/shells/oracle_jacket/info/details)

[Flounder]

I'm a buyer for a large backcountry store. It's my job to seek it out, put in on the shelves and hope it moves.

My suggestions:

Budget piece: Marmot Precip Jacket. This thing is the stalwart of the light shell world. At $100 it's really awesome. Taped, breathable, full features. Nice.

Exotic: Arc'teryx Alpha LT jacket. Probably doesn't get any better than this. While most people want a full zipper, I am drawn to the Alpha SL Pullover in the sweet anorak version. Super light at only 11 ounces.

Ultra, Ultra Light: The North Face Triumph Anorak. This is my personal choice for everything backcountry travel that doesn't involve snow. At a tad over 5 ounces, you just WILL NOT find anything lighter. This is the zenith in terms of simplicity and efficiency. Mine would easily fit in the cargo pocket of a pair of shorts!!

Bread and Butter piece: Patagonia Storm Lite Jacket. At $200 this is a classic. Well made. Simple and proven construction.

There's lots of others out there. Almost too many. Personally, if the TNF Triumph Anorak appeals to you....which it really should....hold out until Spring 2010. The newer version will be even better with an even lighter material.

[cruisertoy]

My Marmot Precip has lasted for 5 years and several 10 day trips with solid rain in Western Alaska. I'd buy another.

[Ruffin' It]

....... So.......you guys hiring?........

Seriously, how many times has that been the reaction when you tell people in these circles that is what you do?




I'm a buyer for a large backcountry store. It's my job to seek it out, put in on the shelves and hope it moves.

My suggestions:

Budget piece: Marmot Precip Jacket. This thing is the stalwart of the light shell world. At $100 it's really awesome. Taped, breathable, full features. Nice.

Exotic: Arc'teryx Alpha LT jacket. Probably doesn't get any better than this. While most people want a full zipper, I am drawn to the Alpha SL Pullover in the sweet anorak version. Super light at only 11 ounces.

Ultra, Ultra Light: The North Face Triumph Anorak. This is my personal choice for everything backcountry travel that doesn't involve snow. At a tad over 5 ounces, you just WILL NOT find anything lighter. This is the zenith in terms of simplicity and efficiency. Mine would easily fit in the cargo pocket of a pair of shorts!!

Bread and Butter piece: Patagonia Storm Lite Jacket. At $200 this is a classic. Well made. Simple and proven construction.

There's lots of others out there. Almost too many. Personally, if the TNF Triumph Anorak appeals to you....which it really should....hold out until Spring 2010. The newer version will be even better with an even lighter material.

[Nullifier]

Well I got my jacket yesterday. I really like it. I Broke it in yesterday while out in a total Florida downpour. Unlike my retired trusty N.F. jacket the outer layer did not get saturated. The water just simply beaded up and rolled off. Even though it was 90 degrees, I was able to wear it for almost an hour before I started to sweat a bit. Thanks to the generous pit zips this jacket has great core venting. This jacket also has a huge hood. It had no problem covering my big noggin and my baseball cap.

On first observation if I could do anything to improve it, I would have a little longer body as to cover alteast my pants pockets. Similar to the precip trevalers jacket. I would also add a light mesh where the pit zips are just to prevent trail debris from getting in. But since i got for only $38 I will not complain. Overall another really great Marmot product and one heck of a deal from sttep and cheep.

[MattScott]

I replaced all of my NF, Patagonia, Spyder and HH gear with a classic...

The Barbour International.

I'm not going back, I love the thing. Waterproof for 2 hours on my bike at 50mph is enough to convince me.

[xcmountain80]

Arcteryx Theta AR had it for 5 years and still looks new, before that was a NF with a zip in Nike ACG that I still have while not so water replant a couple DWR treatments a year keep it good.

Aaron

[Nullifier]

Well just an update on the Oracle jacket. So far so good. Over the past few months I have been using it off and on but we have had a dry year until the past week. So far it has been doing a good job of keeping my warm and dry .I was out yesterday afternoon in a good solid rain for about 2 hours. Temps dropped into the low 50's and I was dry. :wings: So far I am very happy with my $48 Oracle jacket. I am hoping it will give me many years of great service.

[TACODOC]

While visiting Alaska I boought a jacket from http://www.hellyhansen.com/products
These jackets stood the rain test of the rain forest trekking in Juneau and I have not looked back. well worth the money in my opinion.

x2 for HH

Also check out Grundens - 10+ years in the timber and fishing industries in WA, OR, and AK and we always swore by those two brands of rain gear.

http://www.grundens.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=27

[MoGas]

Unlike my retired trusty N.F. jacket the outer layer did not get saturated. The water just simply beaded up and rolled off.


Have you tried treating your older jacket with Nikwax (http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/index.php)? It will bring the beading back. I used it on my old Solstice Gore Tex jacket, it's maybe 10 years old, and it beads like new again.


My favorite jacket is my Arc'Teryx Alpha SV.


Dave

[TACODOC]

If you want to go old school, you could get a Tin Coat from Filson and some beeswax - they last darn near forever in any environment!

http://www.filson.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2092281&cp=2065676.2065769.2117308&parentPage=family

[Ruffin' It]

North Face dipped in quality in the mid 90's, but anything recent by them is good stuff. They are worth a look. Except their shoes. Their shoes are worthless.


It is not the same company it was 9 years ago imo. Probably a perception issue but it fits into the same catagory as Patagucci lol!

[Flounder]

North Face dipped in quality in the mid 90's, but anything recent by them is good stuff. They are worth a look. Except their shoes. Their shoes are worthless.I could not agree more with regard to their shoes. Our rep showed me the entire line last summer and I found all of 2 shoes I was willing to consider to purchase for the store. This out of 100+ models. Blah. I have never seen such an ugly line of low quality shoes.

I also have to admit that some of their offerings aren't so super anymore. Maybe that could be attributed to the fact they're owned by Vanity Fair, but their designs are aging. Quality seems slightly better than average with some not so great moments.

[Sirocco]

We use Mountain Equipement paclite goretex jackets, they are excellent. ME is a UK company who have not been around as long as most, but certainly worth a look for those folks over this side of the pond. Well designed, well made kit.

Other NF kit i have seems reasonable. nothing to shout about, but solid kit none the less. my fav. are Cypher windstopper softshell and Nuptse down vest... but thats going off topic!

Not been on this earth long enough to discuss 9 year cycles :)

G

[rusty_tlc]

x2 for HH

Also check out Grundens - 10+ years in the timber and fishing industries in WA, OR, and AK and we always swore by those two brands of rain gear.

http://www.grundens.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=27
I have a Grundens Rain jacket I picked up in Oregon last summer. So far I love it, great quality at a reasonable price, plus stellar performance.