Posted: 11/9/2007 12:45:52 PM EDT
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I am looking for a good light weight rain jacket. I want one with NO insulation since it tends to rain here in AZ and still be hot. I will layer it with a softshell or fleece if camping / cold when it rains. It must be able to be packable so it won't take up tons of room. What are some good quality ones? I was looking at the Marmot Precip while I was at REI and it looked good but it was around $100. I don't mind spending $100 as long as it is a good jacket and will last me. What else should I look at? Added quesiton... I am also looking for another softshell. I currently have a TAD gen 2.5 softshell and love it, but I mainly use it for camping, hunting etc. I want another softshell jacket (I have fallen in love with softshells) for wear around town. I am looking for more of a "casual" look, probably in black with no hood. I am looking at the North Face Apex Bionic Jacket I tried it on at REI and liked it a lot and the look of it. What other one's should I look at? I would like a "lighter weight" softshell, meaning... I have my TAD which has a thickish fleece lining which gets warm here in Phx AZ. I would like a softshell with either no fleece lining or just a small one. The Bionic has a small liner, but seems to be less than the TAD one. Temps range from the 40's - 60's average here in Phx (sometimes a little cooler at night.) Thanks! |
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I have the Marmot Precip. I've only had it for 6 months so I can't say how durable it will be. It is light and packs down well. I bought it on a buddy's reccomendation. He has had one for 3 years and it is still in good shape. He uses it all the time; hiking, camping, hunting, etc. |
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Watch the sales at REI Outlet, Backcountry Outlet etc. I picked up a Marmot Oracle, which is the updated Precip jacket. for $45 and a Mountain Hardwear Cohesion jacket for $50. I also bought an eVent jacket from BackcountryOutlet for $75 Of the three, the eVent is clearly superior to the other two. I also own a GoreTex paclite jacket and the eVent is much more breatheable than the others if that is important to you. I can hike etc. in this thing and not get wet from sweat on the inside. The Oracle is probably the best bang for the buck. The Cohesion used Conduit, which works well, but is noisy. |
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I keep a set of Froggtoggs in the truck for wet weather. For most things, they do just fine and (especially if you look for sales) they're cheap and easy to replace. They breathe, are fairly waterproof, and pack light. Not sexy or high end, but definitely serviceable. |
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for a hardshell, i got patagonia's rain shadow. good stuff, very light weight with no lining, pit zips if you get too hot. for a soft shell, i have been looking at the north face bionic also. patagonia has the super guide, which is awesome, but a little pricier and fits a little more snugly than i normally like. i have tried on a few from arc'teryx which are very nice, but cut shorter than either the north face or the patagonia. i think i am going to go with the north face bionic. if you want to spend all day looking at decent outdoor gear, check out moosjeaw.com. prices aren't any better than anywhere else, but they have a ton of gear. good luck! |
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Patagonia Rain Shadow jacket in Ranger Green at Diamondback Tactical... www.diamondbacktactical.com/MARS-Rain-Shadow-Jacket-P2455C292.aspx AC 
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