rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Jan 17, 2022 18:59:01 GMT -8
So I’m looking at some hiking in places were it rains quite a bit. I’ve been using e-Vent jackets or similar in the Sierra, which is fine, but I have to say that they don’t hold out a lengthy and determined rain. Maybe nothing does, but I’d like to find something that can do a better job. Since this is a non-camping sort of trip, I can have something a bit weightier, and that would be better than hugely pricey, I think. But it needs to be up to a wet day on the north coast of Scotland.
Any thoughts?
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Post by bobcat1 on Jan 17, 2022 19:40:33 GMT -8
GoreTex. LL Bean used to make a womens Mountain Guide model. I have had it for more than 20 years, and it is just starting to wear out. It has seen me through my trips to New Zealand, Scotland, and a winter in Germany worn over a heavy fleece. I would look for their most rugged GoreTex parka, and check for a slightly large fit to allow for layers. I just wore it to shovel 8” of fluffy snow off my car so I can get to campus tomorrow. It’s heavy for backpacking but I have been very happy with it over the years, in combination with REI house-brand w/b rain pants.
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driftwoody
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Post by driftwoody on Jan 17, 2022 20:04:51 GMT -8
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3 layer has gotten great reviews and retails for $150.
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jazzmom
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Post by jazzmom on Jan 17, 2022 20:30:56 GMT -8
Be aware that not all "GoreTex" labeled jackets are equal. It just means that their fabric is using a GoreTex membrane; some definitely do it better than others. While I understand that you're not necessarily looking to spend big $$, I've become convinced that Arc'teryx rain jackets are worth the price. I really like mine and trust it to keep me dry.
I also think First Ascent (Eddie Bauer) makes solid rain jackets in their "BC" line. Can't beat the price but availability seems to come and go, not sure why - could be that they've renamed it.
One thing I prefer is a looser rain jacket. Maybe I'm just imagining it but I think I stay dryer that way.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Jan 18, 2022 5:08:34 GMT -8
You could go the work clothing route, or the fishing gear route, or Helly Hansen. All of them are made for working people, so they move well and will keep you dry all day. Of course, if you're walking uphill you may just get soaked from the inside out.
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FamilySherpa
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Post by FamilySherpa on Jan 18, 2022 5:23:23 GMT -8
Have you looked at Polyurethane "slickers"? Definitely not ideal for strenuous activity, but if you want to be certain of staying as dry as possible, its a good option. Relatively inexpensive as well.
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rangewalker
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Post by rangewalker on Jan 18, 2022 6:49:48 GMT -8
If I am walking or hiking in areas I expect serious rain, I really like my Outdoor Research Foray rain parka. Pac-Lite Goretex, straight cut, with full-length side zippers for ventilation. I am on my second one though this version seems to be using an upgraded membrane. And it is an upgrade. It is long. So long I can't use on a bike because it will hook the back of my seat on my bikes when I stand. It is heavier than manuy of the UL types that are more popular right now.
More often when I am about near home, more arid and my rain jacket is more my outer layer wind jacket, I had switched back and forth with Marmot Precip or Patagonia Torrant.
For me, the awakening that if in substantial rain, you are going to get wet. Everything wets thru eventually. This is where have a good base layer is the thing. Late smart.
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Post by hikerjer on Jan 18, 2022 7:53:04 GMT -8
I have a Patagonia Torrent which has served me very well in some long hellacious rain storms.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Jan 18, 2022 8:25:00 GMT -8
You could go the work clothing route, or the fishing gear route, or Helly Hansen. All of them are made for working people, so they move well and will keep you dry all day. Of course, if you're walking uphill you may just get soaked from the inside out. It has been my experience that in any rain gear I sweat. Breathable my arse.
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Post by bradmacmt on Jan 18, 2022 8:48:19 GMT -8
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Jan 18, 2022 9:17:14 GMT -8
I also think Bike jackets might work for that sort of need. Lightweight, sort of. Rainproof, nearly completely. If you don't mind the colors, somewhat cheap right now. The Indigo isn't a bad choice.
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Post by Coolkat on Jan 18, 2022 10:06:25 GMT -8
If you don't mind the colors, somewhat cheap right now. I'm always amused by clothing articles discounted according to color. Frankly I don't care about the color so long as it isn't poka-dotted This can be confirmed by my Helly Hansen rain jacket... I got it super cheap because it's a neon green that can be seen 5 miles away.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Jan 18, 2022 15:01:03 GMT -8
I'll be the fourth vote for the Torrentshell. I have an older one that works great. And yes, it has pit zips.
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Post by bradmacmt on Jan 18, 2022 15:39:18 GMT -8
13.9 oz's for the Torrentshell exceeds what I want for backpacking, but we all make these choices differently.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Jan 18, 2022 16:08:17 GMT -8
exceeds what I want for backpacking OP stated up front that this was not for BP'ing and could handle a bit more weight in the garment.
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