Rain Jacket vs Shell

[Augustus46]

Does anyone pack just rain jacket in place of a shell? I'm trying to minimize the gear I carry and I'm thinking of just trying base layers + insulation + a rain jacket like the Chugach or Yukon (or similar).

Anyone else using a similar set up?

 

[IdahoElk]

For most of September depending on weather I wear a Kuiu merino base and carry a Chugach or rain torrent jacket,no shell is needed.If I'm heading in to camp and expect a cold front I'll add some super down.

 

[slick]

I'm confused.. Aren't both just waterproof outter layers?


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[twall13]

That's what I do. I don't even own a hunting soft shell anymore. The rain jacket works as a wind breaker if I need it and I'm carrying that either way so I eliminated the soft shell. Obviously rain gear isn't quiet, but I can take it off and deal with some wind during a stalk and if it's raining the noise doesn't matter. It works for me. My rain jacket and down puffy weigh about 24 Oz. combined so they go everywhere with me. Whether or not I bring rain pants depends on the weather forecast. Sometimes it's just gaiters. Good luck.

 

[twall13]

I'm confused.. Aren't both just waterproof outter layers?


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I assumed by "shell" he meant soft shell, which is not waterproof but wind and water resistant.

 

[gelton]

Midlayer, puffy, rainjacket

 

[Augustus46]

I assumed by "shell" he meant soft shell, which is not waterproof but wind and water resistant.

Correct, I was referring to a soft shell. Sorry for confusing anyone.

 

[slick]

No worries! I second Geltons post.

Merino base layer, peloton mid or Arcteryx fleece, puffy, hard shell.


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[dunner543]

I like to have a soft shell vest in addition to the hard shell jacket. They are nice to keep your core warm while still letting you regulate temp from your arms being just in your base/midlayer.

 

[rhendrix]

I'll second the idea of a vest, I'm thinking about using one in lieu of a mid-layer this year. I've packed in a fleece mid-layer the last three years and hardly ever worn it.

 

[WesternHunter]

For early season archery here in Utah I will sometimes run a puffy and rain shell and it works fine. The rain shell gets me through high wind or squalls while the puffy is on every morning and evening glassing. Both go in my pack for typical mid-day weather. I switch to a soft shell jacket when I know the temperature is going to continually be down for a few days so I'll want the extra insulation and protection without becoming a sweaty and loud mess. Soft shell breathes better while still giving me added insulation and pretty good weather protection. Everyone is different though!

 

[Gumbo]

I got a Yukon last year for this exact reason. Two outer layers is too many. I went with the Yukon because it is a heavier material and a little quieter than other comparable jackets I looked at. I rarely wear a jacket anyway when walking regardless of temp because I get too warm, so noise isn't a big factor for me. I put it on when glassing or in camp, or of course when it is raining. I also bought the yukon shell gloves to go over my cheapo wool and poly gloves. I do pack Sitka dewpoint rain pants because I don't want to wear yukon pants all the time. The system worked great for me last year.

 

[topher89]

Soft shells are dumb, they aren't as warm and light as a puffy or as waterproof as rain shell. If its warm and rainy, a soft-shell is too much but a rain jacker would be perfect. If I was day hunting and had a good idea about the weather, I might pack a soft-shell but other than that no way.

I don't even own any soft shells any more.

 

[warrior80]

Softshells are nice for a number of situations. Where we hunt softer fabrics or fragile rain gear will get torn up pretty easily, so it's nice to have a tough outer layer when it's cold or a softshell vest if it's not as cold. Also, later in the year when there's snow and not rain, softshells are great. I paired the Guide jacket with the Kenai jacket and it was great for cold weather.

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[fngTony]

Really depends on the region and how important weight saving is. Alot of people run two shirts, puffy and a rain shell. I only run one shirt so it essentially subtracts about 8 ounces from my soft shell. I try to minimize how often I change layers. So a well vented softshell will handle some of everything in moderation from mother nature. Which is what most of the mountain west will give you. Don't get me wrong unless its a short day trip I will still have a rain shell or poncho with me. If you're going ten miles to camp then hiking above timberline every day then a softshell isn't worth the weight. For bow season they are quieter. I can live with my packed close weight of 32.4 ounces.

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[fngTony]

Another reason for me to carry a softshell is I'm liking the quietness and breathability of my teton insulated jacket but it needs a shell to maximize its warmth therefore a relatively quiet softshell fits the bill

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[Bughalli]

That's what I do. I don't even own a hunting soft shell anymore. The rain jacket works as a wind breaker if I need it and I'm carrying that either way so I eliminated the soft shell. Obviously rain gear isn't quiet, but I can take it off and deal with some wind during a stalk and if it's raining the noise doesn't matter. It works for me. My rain jacket and down puffy weigh about 24 Oz. combined so they go everywhere with me. Whether or not I bring rain pants depends on the weather forecast. Sometimes it's just gaiters. Good luck.

Exactly what he said. There's just no need for a soft shell and rain gear anymore.

 

[rickquinlan]

No worries! I second Geltons post.

Merino base layer, peloton mid or Arcteryx fleece, puffy, hard shell.


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same here

 

[sickles107]

Also run merino base, fleece mid, puffy, rain shell almost year round. Keeps it simple.

 

[nnmarcher]

I have the exact same system, merino base, fleece for active insulation, puffy for when I'm sitting still, and hard shell for precip.