What the Shell?

[Black_Fly]

What waterproof outer layer do you recommend? I’ve gone through several. My current one has an undersized hood, no hand pockets. I tried using it in a snowfall with a hat, and ended up with a sore neck. I’m not big on rain pants in the summer but my jacket must be solid.

 

[lowangle al]

My shells are all breathable cotton/ canvas. If I want waterproof I have a raincoat.

 

[Alan Gage]

I agree with lowangle al that the only waterproof jacket I have is my rain coat. I bought a Mountain Hardwear one about 15 years ago. I went to a good store and tried many on to find what fit me best. It has pit zips and is a vapor permeable outer similar to Goretex. I'm sure it's not as waterproof as a pure rain jacket but it hasn't let me down and it's comfortable enough to use as a jacket as long as I'm not doing anything too strenuous.

My other jackets/coats, which are a mix of cotton, wool, and synthetics, suit me just fine in the snow and drizzle. I rarely ever wear my rain jacket, mostly because I'm not likely to spend a lot of time out in the rain unless I'm on a canoe trip where it's pretty much unavoidable.

Alan

 

[Mason]

It depends on how long you need to stay dry! For backpacking, etc., I'll take a lightweight 2 layer Goretex shell, planning to get out of the rain when I can. Even washing them in non-detergent tech washes and reapplying NikWax, they're pretty marginal unless new. When I'm doing my northern canoe trips north of the treeline, where there's no way to get out of the rain and the miles need completing, I take my Helly Hansen Impertech. I've had good luck with it, but on my last trip we paddled for hours in a torrential rain like I've never paddled in before (Horton River in NWT). I still got a bit wet. One partner uses his commercial Grundens fishing gear on such trips--he stays dry. I think my next jacket to replace my Goretex will be Patagonia Torrentshell. It's got the features I like, and Pata makes good stuff. And it's half the price of 3 layer Goretex.

 

[Chip]

I like my Bean goretex rain shell. But to be honest, after a couple hours, I get wet. It's kind of ancient now, probably 20+ years, and I think it used to be more effective in past years. It's been washed a few times but I don't think I sprayed it with the Renew-it stuff.

 

[Black_Fly]

I don’t think any are really rain proof. I typically wear a sweater and a vest when active, and don’t want to be clammy. The other day I was out and the wet snow was annoying, my shell is ok with light rain, but lacks vents and the hood sucks. I always buy one size up, but they cut stuff trim these days. Arms need to be roomy, a parka-like face shield is a must cause cold wind hurts my teeth.

 

[Gamma1214]

No face shield but I've been pretty happy with the Guidewear jackets from Cabela's / Bass Pro Shops. They're lightweight, waterproof, breathe reasonably well and have held up really well. They've become my go-to light jacket for windy or rainy weather on trips or around home.

They also seem to hold the smell of a campfire pretty well, which I find to be a definite bonus.

 

[Black_Fly]

Reminds me of my old waxed canvas slicker, which lived rolled up on my cantle, and smelled like horse sweat and feet. It was basically too smelly to use and no amount of washing would get the smell out. I even tried getting it smoked up to mask the funk but only made things worse. It ended up donated to Goodwill, although I can’t imagine anyone with a nose wanting it.

 

[Gamma1214]

Woodsmoke and horses... if Chanel ever bottles that combo I might have to get married again.