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Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2016 13:42:00 GMT -8
What would the best shell be for hiking in the smokies? I will be hiking in spring, summer and fall, but not early spring because of the sporadic nature of the weather there. Also, I will not be able to hike throughout most of June and half of July, but I will be able to do weekend hikes in May, August, September and maybe October.
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Post by dirthurts on Jul 6, 2016 18:17:15 GMT -8
You should consider the Marmot Minimalist. It's Goretex, so it's not going to fail like cheaper lightweight jackets that rely on a spray for protection. I've had this Minimalist for about...4 years now. I've tested probably 10 other jackets in this time, and they've all else failed in one way or another. With our intense rains that last for days in the area, you really need something that has Gorex in it.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Jul 6, 2016 18:37:57 GMT -8
It's Goretex, so it's not going to fail like cheaper lightweight jackets that rely on a spray for protection. Which jackets are you referring to here? Nearly all the lightweight jackets use real waterproof/breatheable membranes like Goretex. Nearly all good jackets (including Goretex) also use a surface treatment as well. |
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Post by dirthurts on Jul 7, 2016 3:19:21 GMT -8
Which jackets are you referring to here? Nearly all the lightweight jackets use real waterproof/breatheable membranes like Goretex. Nearly all good jackets (including Goretex) also use a surface treatment as well. I was referring to anything without a dedicated membrane, like the Marmot Precip. Anything that relies only on a sprayed on layer for protection like most 2.5 layer jackets. |
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Jul 7, 2016 4:14:29 GMT -8
Most 2.5 jackets I have seen have a dedicated membrane sandwiched between the 1/2 layer that keeps it off your skin, and the shell fabric which does have a sprayed on layer that keeps the membrane breathing properly. Event, Goretex, Artex, something is that main waterproof breathable layer.
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Post by dirthurts on Jul 7, 2016 17:48:50 GMT -8
Those do exist, but they are less common my experience (at least around here). The important part is having a dedicated membrane or not. Everything else just affects weight and durability. Here is a good breakdown: www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/rainwear.htmlAlthough recent technology releases is muddying up the simplicity of this article, it's generally accurate and true. All in all though, you just need Goretex or Event or something in the jacket. |
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daveb
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Post by daveb on Jul 12, 2016 6:49:47 GMT -8
FYI: REI is selling the Arcteryx Beta AR right now for $410 in the twin leaf color only. An otherwise $575 shell.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 29, 2016 17:35:34 GMT -8
You might want to look at the choices by Montbell and Montane as well. I have jackets from both, and hike in sweaty Va, WV areas both keep me comfortable. The ones I have are no longer made, so the names would be useless to you. Both excellent brands.
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Post by johntpenca on Jul 31, 2016 10:33:56 GMT -8
Look into RAB. I've got one of their shell tops and like it a lot.
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snappypepper
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Post by snappypepper on Jul 31, 2016 17:04:13 GMT -8
I have the Arc'teryx Beta AR,and like the fact that it has pit zips for those warm rainy days. I got it on sale, and have worn it skiing with a down layer underneath as well as at a warm rainy cookout just yesterday. It's been an awesome shell for me.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Jul 31, 2016 22:24:13 GMT -8
like the fact that it has pit zips for those warm rainy days Pit zips rule, regardless of mfg. |
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Post by johntpenca on Aug 1, 2016 13:12:30 GMT -8
Pit zips rule, regardless of mfg. Ventilation is a key factor in my thinking. Never have cared for anorak type jackets. |
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Aug 1, 2016 13:26:28 GMT -8
Ventilation is a key factor in my thinking. Agreed. I'm oblivious to a lot of things (usually until it's too late), but I have noticed that my jackets with pit zips keep me a bit cooler and less sweaty if either the ambient conditions or my own exertions start to cause me to sweat like the pig I am. Never have cared for anorak type jackets. Well, if you're looking for something that's more waterproof/water resistant, I'm sure they can be nice to have. At that stage you're starting to move into the real of dry tops which are used for kayaking and similar ventures when submersion, however brief, in cold water is a possibility. |
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almostthere
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Post by almostthere on Aug 1, 2016 20:14:34 GMT -8
Who says Goretex doesn't fail? It does -- spectacularly abysmally fails, in fact.
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Post by tipiwalter on Aug 2, 2016 3:59:35 GMT -8
I have the Arc'teryx Beta AR,and like the fact that it has pit zips for those warm rainy days. I got it on sale, and have worn it skiing with a down layer underneath as well as at a warm rainy cookout just yesterday. It's been an awesome shell for me. It's good to see another satisfied Arcteryx customer. I too have one, the Alpha SV, and it has saved my butt on dozens of occasions. It has the goretex proshell which I highly recommend. While almostthere says my jacket (gtx) fails both spectacularly and abysmally it just does not. Let's reason it out--- Sure you will get wet inside the jacket from sweat but the job of a good rain jacket is to keep you inside a warm wetness and not out in a hypothermic cold wetness. Big difference. Vast difference. And a good jacket will keep wet snow and sleet off your top warmth layers and will keep you dry in a rainstorm for a long while before seeping thru around the straps of the pack area on the shoulders and down the arms as you use your hiking pole. Now let's share some pics of our rain jackets!  Here's my old Marmot Minima gtx rain jacket in action on the Brookshire trail in the Upper Bald River wilderness. I paid $200 for this paclite model and it lasted 3 years before getting numerous small holes in the fabric. Oops. I could've saved my money and bought a very expensive Arcteryx with the proshell, impervious to small holes.  Here's the beloved Arcteryx Alpha at the start of an 18 day cold March trip in the mountains of NC. Saved my butt right off the bat.  The Proshell really shines when bushwacking thru "snowdowns"---collapsed snow-loaded brush over and down on the trail. You buckle up the hood and crawl on your hands and knees and the hood keeps the snow from going down your neck and the proshell stays in one piece thru heavy brush.  Finally, a good rain jacket gets you thru a long hike in a butt cold sleet storm, as this pic shows. I always carry my Alpha and it's always part of my standard load 12 months out of the year. |
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