Best Light Weight/Pack-able Rain Jacket

[Cquetone]

I went Cabalas Space think they are still on sale for like $69.

 

[FreeRange]

The Foray seems like a pretty good option and is only a few ounces heavier (15.8 vs. 13.6) than the Dewpoint. How quickly does it dry out? One thing I really like about the Dewpoint is how it sheds water and drys out fast.

Just saw your post and was about to say the Foray does OK but then saw where you're located. Honestly I'd steer clear of the Foray for your locale. In typical passing storms the Foray has been fine, dries out as quick as could be expected. However the one trip where I had sustained 33 degree wet snow/rain morning noon and night for days on end in N Idaho it left something to be desired. I hardly ever end up in those situations, more typically the Foray is used late season for me in snow and it's fine for that.

On comparison to the Dewpoint the Foray is still just a 2.5 layer while the Dewpoint is a 3 layer I'm pretty sure so they Dewpoint is probably better. For $400 though there are some good options from Arcteryx which is where I'd probably go for a killer, lightweight 3 layer shell if camo wasn't a requirement. The best thing about the Foray is the price as you can regularly find OR stuff at a steep discount.

Hope that helps.

 

[mvmnts]

Men's Elite Cagoule - Sierra Designs

$86 on sale right now. 9oz, full three layer rain protection, full time pit zips, adjustable cuffs, pockets above the hipbelt, and a front panel that goes over your hipbelt to ventilate up your torso while you're on the move. I have the zip up version (out of stock) and I love it.

 

[TREE ‘EM]

Natural Gear stealth hunter rain jacket $69
I bought the jacket on sale locally for $49 and the pants for $39 2 years ago. Fairly lightweight and packable. Extremely durable. 2 seasons of hound hunting plus a week in the Talkeetna mountains. No tears, no leaks and the zippers still work. I can’t say the same for the shitka jacket I had before that.

 

[SnapT]

Poseidon Camo Featherweight Hunting Rain Jacket | Kryptek

 

[Jordan Budd]

The First Lite Vapor Stormlight is the one that goes with my everywhere.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Matt W.]

I see some comments on here that make me wonder how much people really understand rain gear. I'm not trying to be dismissive, but its much more complex than people think. Over the last 5 years I have personally used and tested the following rain gear:
Patagonia MARs
Cloudveil Zorro
KUIU Chugach
KUIU Chugach NX
KUIU Yukon
Kryptek Posiden
Kryptek Koldo
Helly Hansen Impertech
Sitka Dewpoint (1st Gen & 2nd Gen)
Sitka Stromfront
Sitka Coldfront
Sitka Blizzard
Sitka Thunderhead
Sitka Kodiak (just got this one, the Pro Fabric seems amazing!)
Marmot Precip
Mont Bell Versalite
First Lite Stormtight (gen 1)
First Lite SEAK
First Lite Vapor Stormlight

I've ran through so many, I am confident there are several here I am forgetting.

I have also drug my family & friends through this madness and have tested numerous kids rain gear ending with these two options of choice.
REI's Branded Kids Rain Gear (Best bang for the dollar for kid's rain gear, but an extensive wet duration test its limits)
Sitka Youth Cyclone (some of the most technical rain gear you can get for kids)

99% of this testing was in Alaska, the rest the PNW. So rain is something I am more than familiar with. I don't state all of this to claim to be an expert. I am stating this to say that despite all of the time and energy I have spent on this, I find MORE and MORE to learn about rain gear every day! I am providing this info to help validate my opinions on rain gear with experience. I am sure I am not alone in this, but figured if I was providing info I needed to explain why I have the opinions I do.

Lightweight, Durable, waterproof, AND breathable is the holy grail of rain gear. In order for all of these desires to be met it costs money. Only a few companies have the technical fabric needed to accomplish this. You can make a choice to reduce any of those four options and greatly reduce the technical needs of the jacket and save money. However, if you want all 4 qualities, it cost money. But, you don't have to pay new. eBay, Camofire, Rokslide Classifieds, and other places are great ways to find deals. I personally have gotten addicted to chasing perfect rain gear. I usually have a 1/2 dozen sets that I am always playing with. I am blessed to have made some amazing connections in the industry and have candid conversations about product development, technical specifications, and why fabric is important, but how it is put together is just as critical. I've personally helped tweak current product lines and nothing is more exciting than seeing your feedback incorporated into the next generation of a product.

If all you need is something to shed a light rain fall, its easy to find cheap gear that is light and works fine. BUT, if you are going to live in your rain gear, and your life depends on it, you gotta pony up the dollars for the higher end stuff. The material, and how it is constructed, is the true measure of how the gear will perform in the end.

Any breathable fabric starts to struggle with rain is pushed into it (brush busting, pack straps, etc), it also begins to struggle when it's pores clog up. In reality the best use of rain gear is picking the right rain gear for the tasks.

Another key difference is the fabric; some shake dry, some hold water, some are loud, some are quiet, some breathe better than others. The beauty of it is we have LOTS of choice, the frustrating part is we have LOTS of choices. If you ever want to learn about the fabric types call up a top tier manufacturer and spend some time understanding the variances in their product line. You will be amazed (if the company is good) at what you will learn.

Cheap rain gear has its place, but so does high end rain gear. We should all respect each end of the spectrum, but fully understand there is a dire need for both ends....

 

[mtwarden]

And I thought I’ve run a lot of rain gear

So when you’re considering both weight and performance, which jacket is going in your pack?

 

[Matt W.]

And I thought I’ve run a lot of rain gear

So when you’re considering both weight and performance, which jacket is going in your pack?

Hands down the Dewpoint. I've been tempted by a few Arc'teryx offerings, but just appreciate the team at Sitka so stuck with that. I like the design of the jacket, how it fits, how it performs, and how quick it drys. My buddies and I all run the Dewpoint line in Sheep Country and its stood the test of time for us. If it were to look else where I would measure the tech specs of any replacement product against the tech specs of the Dewpoint. Then again I have proven to myself it is not always just specs. How the product is designed makes a big difference. Everything from the cut to pocket placement matters.. Especially the more time spent in the jacket. I am obviously a Sitka fan, but they have earned that from me, I'd quickly move on if it didn't work for me.

 

[topher89]

Marmot Precip or Patagonia Torrentshell

 

[Matt W.]

Marmot Precip or Patagonia Torrentshell

Why these two? What conditions have you used them in? How long have you been using these two offerings?

My Marmot failed in heavy rain and after a several hard trips the inner lining starting peeling off. I didn't like how it absorbed water as the rain continued on and on. It also was a slow dryer. It was a few years ago, so current models might be different?

I have not used the Torrentshell, the Patagonia Rain Shadow / MARS stuff was pretty legit rain gear for the $$ when I was using it.

Just seeking to better understand why folks like particular products. Thanks!

 

[Benjblt]

Just saw your post and was about to say the Foray does OK but then saw where you're located. Honestly I'd steer clear of the Foray for your locale. In typical passing storms the Foray has been fine, dries out as quick as could be expected. However the one trip where I had sustained 33 degree wet snow/rain morning noon and night for days on end in N Idaho it left something to be desired. I hardly ever end up in those situations, more typically the Foray is used late season for me in snow and it's fine for that.

On comparison to the Dewpoint the Foray is still just a 2.5 layer while the Dewpoint is a 3 layer I'm pretty sure so they Dewpoint is probably better. For $400 though there are some good options from Arcteryx which is where I'd probably go for a killer, lightweight 3 layer shell if camo wasn't a requirement. The best thing about the Foray is the price as you can regularly find OR stuff at a steep discount.

Hope that helps.

Good feedback. I actually just ordered a Acr'teryx Beta AR on sale. It's 16 oz though so I wouldn't consider it full on light weight. There's a couple Mountain Hardwear jackets that I can get from about $80 to $100 that have a 40 D face fabric and come in just over 10oz.

 

[Benjblt]

I see some comments on here that make me wonder how much people really understand rain gear. I'm not trying to be dismissive, but its much more complex than people think. Over the last 5 years I have personally used and tested the following rain gear:
Patagonia MARs
Cloudveil Zorro
KUIU Chugach
KUIU Chugach NX
KUIU Yukon
Kryptek Posiden
Kryptek Koldo
Helly Hansen Impertech
Sitka Dewpoint (1st Gen & 2nd Gen)
Sitka Stromfront
Sitka Coldfront
Sitka Blizzard
Sitka Thunderhead
Sitka Kodiak (just got this one, the Pro Fabric seems amazing!)
Marmot Precip
Mont Bell Versalite
First Lite Stormtight (gen 1)
First Lite SEAK
First Lite Vapor Stormlight

I've ran through so many, I am confident there are several here I am forgetting.

I have also drug my family & friends through this madness and have tested numerous kids rain gear ending with these two options of choice.
REI's Branded Kids Rain Gear (Best bang for the dollar for kid's rain gear, but an extensive wet duration test its limits)
Sitka Youth Cyclone (some of the most technical rain gear you can get for kids)

99% of this testing was in Alaska, the rest the PNW. So rain is something I am more than familiar with. I don't state all of this to claim to be an expert. I am stating this to say that despite all of the time and energy I have spent on this, I find MORE and MORE to learn about rain gear every day! I am providing this info to help validate my opinions on rain gear with experience. I am sure I am not alone in this, but figured if I was providing info I needed to explain why I have the opinions I do.

Lightweight, Durable, waterproof, AND breathable is the holy grail of rain gear. In order for all of these desires to be met it costs money. Only a few companies have the technical fabric needed to accomplish this. You can make a choice to reduce any of those four options and greatly reduce the technical needs of the jacket and save money. However, if you want all 4 qualities, it cost money. But, you don't have to pay new. eBay, Camofire, Rokslide Classifieds, and other places are great ways to find deals. I personally have gotten addicted to chasing perfect rain gear. I usually have a 1/2 dozen sets that I am always playing with. I am blessed to have made some amazing connections in the industry and have candid conversations about product development, technical specifications, and why fabric is important, but how it is put together is just as critical. I've personally helped tweak current product lines and nothing is more exciting than seeing your feedback incorporated into the next generation of a product.

If all you need is something to shed a light rain fall, its easy to find cheap gear that is light and works fine. BUT, if you are going to live in your rain gear, and your life depends on it, you gotta pony up the dollars for the higher end stuff. The material, and how it is constructed, is the true measure of how the gear will perform in the end.

Any breathable fabric starts to struggle with rain is pushed into it (brush busting, pack straps, etc), it also begins to struggle when it's pores clog up. In reality the best use of rain gear is picking the right rain gear for the tasks.

Another key difference is the fabric; some shake dry, some hold water, some are loud, some are quiet, some breathe better than others. The beauty of it is we have LOTS of choice, the frustrating part is we have LOTS of choices. If you ever want to learn about the fabric types call up a top tier manufacturer and spend some time understanding the variances in their product line. You will be amazed (if the company is good) at what you will learn.

Cheap rain gear has its place, but so does high end rain gear. We should all respect each end of the spectrum, but fully understand there is a dire need for both ends....

So what's your suggestion to my original post? and while we're at it, what's your suggestion for the most waterproof and durable shell, breathability and weight aside?

 

[topher89]

Why these two? What conditions have you used them in? How long have you been using these two offerings?

My Marmot failed in heavy rain and after a several hard trips the inner lining starting peeling off. I didn't like how it absorbed water as the rain continued on and on. It also was a slow dryer. It was a few years ago, so current models might be different?

I have not used the Torrentshell, the Patagonia Rain Shadow / MARS stuff was pretty legit rain gear for the $$ when I was using it.

Just seeking to better understand why folks like particular products. Thanks!

Precip for 3-4 years and the Torrentshell for the last 3-4. Mainly used in Colorado. I feel I can get away with the lower tier rain jackets because rain in Colorado is usually limited to afternoons and short amounts of time. If I was somewhere more humid or a place that had more rainfall, I would probably step up to something else but for something that gets used a few hours a day, these two jackets have fit the bill. I wore the Torrentshell this weekend on a backpacking trip. It rained for an hour or so on our hike out. Wore the jacket while we hiked, took it off when it stopped raining and by the time we hit the trailhead, it was dry.

I think that you are right to ask about conditions. Rainwear seems to be more situationally specific than fleece or an insulating jacket.

 

[mtwarden]

Hands down the Dewpoint. I've been tempted by a few Arc'teryx offerings, but just appreciate the team at Sitka so stuck with that. I like the design of the jacket, how it fits, how it performs, and how quick it drys. My buddies and I all run the Dewpoint line in Sheep Country and its stood the test of time for us. If it were to look else where I would measure the tech specs of any replacement product against the tech specs of the Dewpoint. Then again I have proven to myself it is not always just specs. How the product is designed makes a big difference. Everything from the cut to pocket placement matters.. Especially the more time spent in the jacket. I am obviously a Sitka fan, but they have earned that from me, I'd quickly move on if it didn't work for me.

perfect- that’s what I have been using

 

[deerhunter628]

I plan to use the Sitka Stormfront this year. Im not sure how packable it is. I hope its pretty packable.

 

[Benjblt]

I see some comments on here that make me wonder how much people really understand rain gear. I'm not trying to be dismissive, but its much more complex than people think. Over the last 5 years I have personally used and tested the following rain gear:
Patagonia MARs
Cloudveil Zorro
KUIU Chugach
KUIU Chugach NX
KUIU Yukon
Kryptek Posiden
Kryptek Koldo
Helly Hansen Impertech
Sitka Dewpoint (1st Gen & 2nd Gen)
Sitka Stromfront
Sitka Coldfront
Sitka Blizzard
Sitka Thunderhead
Sitka Kodiak (just got this one, the Pro Fabric seems amazing!)
Marmot Precip
Mont Bell Versalite
First Lite Stormtight (gen 1)
First Lite SEAK
First Lite Vapor Stormlight

I've ran through so many, I am confident there are several here I am forgetting.

I have also drug my family & friends through this madness and have tested numerous kids rain gear ending with these two options of choice.
REI's Branded Kids Rain Gear (Best bang for the dollar for kid's rain gear, but an extensive wet duration test its limits)
Sitka Youth Cyclone (some of the most technical rain gear you can get for kids)

99% of this testing was in Alaska, the rest the PNW. So rain is something I am more than familiar with. I don't state all of this to claim to be an expert. I am stating this to say that despite all of the time and energy I have spent on this, I find MORE and MORE to learn about rain gear every day! I am providing this info to help validate my opinions on rain gear with experience. I am sure I am not alone in this, but figured if I was providing info I needed to explain why I have the opinions I do.

Lightweight, Durable, waterproof, AND breathable is the holy grail of rain gear. In order for all of these desires to be met it costs money. Only a few companies have the technical fabric needed to accomplish this. You can make a choice to reduce any of those four options and greatly reduce the technical needs of the jacket and save money. However, if you want all 4 qualities, it cost money. But, you don't have to pay new. eBay, Camofire, Rokslide Classifieds, and other places are great ways to find deals. I personally have gotten addicted to chasing perfect rain gear. I usually have a 1/2 dozen sets that I am always playing with. I am blessed to have made some amazing connections in the industry and have candid conversations about product development, technical specifications, and why fabric is important, but how it is put together is just as critical. I've personally helped tweak current product lines and nothing is more exciting than seeing your feedback incorporated into the next generation of a product.

If all you need is something to shed a light rain fall, its easy to find cheap gear that is light and works fine. BUT, if you are going to live in your rain gear, and your life depends on it, you gotta pony up the dollars for the higher end stuff. The material, and how it is constructed, is the true measure of how the gear will perform in the end.

Any breathable fabric starts to struggle with rain is pushed into it (brush busting, pack straps, etc), it also begins to struggle when it's pores clog up. In reality the best use of rain gear is picking the right rain gear for the tasks.

Another key difference is the fabric; some shake dry, some hold water, some are loud, some are quiet, some breathe better than others. The beauty of it is we have LOTS of choice, the frustrating part is we have LOTS of choices. If you ever want to learn about the fabric types call up a top tier manufacturer and spend some time understanding the variances in their product line. You will be amazed (if the company is good) at what you will learn.

Cheap rain gear has its place, but so does high end rain gear. We should all respect each end of the spectrum, but fully understand there is a dire need for both ends....

How did the SEAK jacket stack up?

 

[Matt W.]

So what's your suggestion to my original post? and while we're at it, what's your suggestion for the most waterproof and durable shell, breathability and weight aside?

The most durable is going to be solid plastic / PVC stuff like the fishing rain gear.

The most durable breathable jackets are going to be the 3 Layer+ ones like the Stormfront, Kodiak, SEAK, etc. With that said, none of these belong in a conversation of light weight rain gear. They just don't fit the bill.

 

[Matt W.]

How did the SEAK jacket stack up?

SEAK is a great jacket and compares well to the KUIU Yukon and Sitka Stormfront. All of those are what I consider heavy weight rain gear that still breathes. Each fit a little bit different and have minor design differences when you compare all 3 at the same time. Pockets, etc. I edited my comment above, none of these IMHO belong in the light weight conversation.

I think the best thing to happen to this series of Jackets is the Gore Pro material like what is in the Kodiak. Its burly stuff, and supposed to be more breathable than what is in the current Stormfront. Other fabric companies will come out with their version of it, Gore will respond, they will respond, and the products will keep better for us.

 

[Benjblt]

SEAK is a great jacket and compares well to the KUIU Yukon and Sitka Stormfront. All of those are what I consider heavy weight rain gear that still breathes. Each fit a little bit different and have minor design differences when you compare all 3 at the same time. Pockets, etc.
I edited my comment above, none of these IMHO belong in the light weight conversation.

I think the best thing to happen to this series of Jackets is the Gore Pro material like what is in the Kodiak. Its burly stuff, and supposed to be more breathable than what is in the current Stormfront. Other fabric companies will come out with their version of it, Gore will respond, they will respond, and the products will keep better for us.

I just ordered the Arc'teryx Beta AR. It seems like it would fit this profile. . . Beta AR Jacket / Mens / Arc'teryx