Best Light Weight/Pack-able Rain Jacket

[Matt W.]

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

Look forward to hearing your take on it. Seems like a good one spec wise, just a few ounces heavier than Dewpoint.

 

[Tanya Avery]

Sitka Vapor SD Jacket

 

[Matt W.]

Sitka Vapor SD Jacket

How durable is the Vapor? I imagined it more as a training, above timberline sorta jacket. ???

 

[Benjblt]

Look forward to hearing your take on it. Seems like a good one spec wise, just a few ounces heavier than Dewpoint.

I picked it up in the Moss color. Seemed like a good color for hunting and a sexy color for around town.

 

[Benjblt]

How durable is the Vapor? I imagined it more as a training, above timberline sorta jacket. ???

That's the problem, when you insert the durability requirement into the equation it eliminates most of the jackets under 14 oz it seems.

As a side note I don't know why Sitka doesn't publish weights on many of there products on the website.

 

[Matt W.]

That's the problem, when you insert the durability requirement into the equation it eliminates most of the jackets under 14 oz it seems.

As a side note I don't know why Sitka doesn't publish weights on many of there products on the website.

That is why I like the Dewpoint, its currently right were I need it to be on the issue of weight, performance, and durability. And yes I concur, Sitka's new website has some missing holes...

 

[fngTony]

That's the problem, when you insert the durability requirement into the equation it eliminates most of the jackets under 14 oz it seems.

As a side note I don't know why Sitka doesn't publish weights on many of there products on the website.

Yes it does. The Mammut I posted awhile back is right at 14 for a large. Still think it lacks durability for your environment.

1shot gear has a lot of weights posted for sitka.

 

[wind gypsy]

I have the Arcteryx Alpha FL and Dewpoint. The only reason I bought the dewpoint is that the Alpha FL does not have pit zips. I don't have much time with the Dewpoint but it seems it might even take longer to wet out the face fabric than the Alpha which is very impressive.

The Alpha is Bomber for the weight and has been the favorite for years running on outdoorgearlab comparisons. Arc'teryx Alpha FL Review | OutdoorGearLab

 

[Tanya Avery]

That's the problem, when you insert the durability requirement into the equation it eliminates most of the jackets under 14 oz it seems.

As a side note I don't know why Sitka doesn't publish weights on many of there products on the website.

Yes I agree, the greater the durability, the heavier the jacket. I wasn’t sure if weight was a bigger need,durability or price point for the OP but, the Vapor is super light and packable. It’s certainly not as durable as heavier rain jackets available but would work for some brushy areas but probably not if it’s super ‘branchy’ or thorny. I would wear it in southern idaho but opt for the Cloudburst in north idaho which is heavier than you are wanting...good luck!!

 

[Trial153]

If you add product to the compare bar on the sitka site most will have stated weight in a size.

Agree the site sucks

 

[Mannsbuick]

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....

I know this is an old thread, but have you had the chance to try the Westcomb AP hoody (alpha project dyneema hoodie with Event)? It’s made in Canada and super light, durable and bombproof!!