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.

 

[dramey]

I have found the rainwear from North Face, Patagonia, and Helly Hansen works well for me.

 

[stripperguy]

I have an EMS paclite Gore Tex rain jacket...very lightweight. I have worn it for a 3 day downpour wilderness paddling trip, I stayed dry and comfortable despite the miserable weather.
For skiing, I have a Marmot Gore Tex shell. I stay dry and comfortable in all weather. I should mention that I ski both alpine and Alpine Touring. Did over 4,000 ft of skinning and skiing yesterday, sure I sweat, but still stayed comfy.
Rain pants I have EMS Gore Tex shells, with a mesh liner. They keep me dry, but can be too warm in warmer weather.
I also have Marmot Gore Tex rain pants, must lighter weight and easier to get in and out of.
I have an NRS Gore Tex paddling top, but I mostly use it for cool weather road biking. No way it can keep up with my perspiration output.

 

[lowangle al]

4000' is a good day. It's been a while since I had one like that.

I wore a gortex ski jacket on a rainy trip and it got soaked pretty quick. I have no faith in the stuff.

 

[ppine]

For a heavy down pour Helly Hansens. The rest of the time, Filsons are best. Waxed cotton canvas. Now they are expensive.

I have a modern shell made by Eddie Bauer that is pretty good. But I rarely wear it.
Goretex has always been over rated.

 

[gumpus]

I bought an NRS splash jacket similar to the one on the link. No pockets and no hood but I'm very happy with it. The openings at the cuffs and neck are adjustable wirh velcro so you can vent it pretty well or snug things up when needed. It takes up very little space in a pack for such an effective piece of gear.

NRS Men’s Echo Splash Jacket - Closeout

Closeout Model: Featuring a basic design at an affordable price, the NRS Men's Echo Splash Jacket is purpose-built for paddlers who need lightweight protection from wind, splash and rain.

www.nrs.com

 

[snapper]

When not hiking, I use a Marmot "Precip" rain jacket. The hood has always stayed where I want it and I appreciate having the pit zips for venting excess heat. After a few years the interior coating wears off around the shoulders and neck area but for the cost (I've always found them under $100.00 and close to $80.00 on sale), it does the job.

That's all for now. Take care and until next time...be well.

snapper

 

[stripperguy]

Oops, after looking at the NRS link, I had to double check my paddling top.
Not NRS, it’s made by Kokatat, and it’s definitely paclite Gore Tex. Bought it used and cheap, but it reeked of weed, I think I caught a little buzz the first time I wore it!

 

[Penns Woods]

I had a Gortex coat that I used for years. Recently, before a trip, I knew the coat was old, so I sprayed it with the recommended product and I thought it was waterproof again. I wore it this Fall in rain and I got soaked to the bone. So there I was miles away from the car, soaking wet with the temperature at 37degrees. It was a dangerous situation. Hours later, I made it out to the car and was shaking as I loaded the canoe and had trouble getting my hands to work.
After loading my gear, I changed into dry clothes and warmed up with the car heater. I'm not sure what would have happened if I didn't get warm in time. I never thought I would find myself in trouble like that, it was a lesson I will never forget. I'll never trust Gortex again.

 

[tketcham]

Gore-tex and it's variants aren't as dependable as a good neoprene fisherman's jacket/pants but it does work well for cold weather use when a downpour is unlikely. In cool, wet weather it can be OK as a wind shell but needs an insulating layer like wool. I've begun wearing NRS Hydroskin under Goretex instead of wool/poly in hypothermia weather. For standing around in the rain I'd rather be in neoprene.