I'm in the market for a new rain coat. 6'1 220. Preferably bought through REI as I'm sitting on a dividend and 20% off coupon. What has been a solid jacket for you? < $200

I've worn a lot of different sets of rainwear over the years for fishing, camping and canoeing. I've settled on Frogg Toggs. (disclaimer, I'm in the outdoor sporting goods business on the sales side, so I have affiliations to several products). When I'm on my own dime, I use what I think is best for me.

In the canoe I use their Frogg Toggs jackets and pants/bibs, I like how durable they are, yet breath and pack extremely well. These are the ones you find at places like Farm and Fleet and Fleet Farm. When I'm in the boat and a cabin I use their pilot series jacket and bibs. I've used the Fenwicks, (were awesome), big outdoor box house brand suits, which in comparison are heavy and expensive and don't perform as well. I've used Helly Hansens in the old days..., as well as some others.

Today's technology is great, lightweight, durable and breath so much better than the old days. Just because it's expensive doesn't mean it breaths well!

All factories make several models, look around and you will see that there is some pretty good stuff out there now days.

Nomad

I would look for something with eVent fabric, more breathable than Gore-Tex. I can tell you what jacket NOT to get and that is the OR Helium II. The most non-breathable jacket I have ever tried, it's like wearing a garbage bag. Bought it for a bike trip and used it with terrible results. Over the years I have discovered that no shell is 100% waterproof and 100% breathable, but the eVent is the best material I have found.

On a realated note; I have a unused Patagonia Alpine Houdini for sale ($90). Depending on what you are looking for. It's a lightweight (7.1 oz) minimal rain shell. I'm the same size as you and it fits great.

Rhyolite
Picked up last year after using my son's Kimtah Rain Jacket. EVent fabric, very breathable and durable. Yet comfortable to wear on the trail. Best I've owned so far.
Past jackets have been Red Ledge (several versions), Lowe Alpine Triple Point, and a North Face Hyvent 2.5l.

butthead

I do not think that REI carries the Storm Creek brand, but I have the Maxine, the women's version of the Bently . I really like this jacket.

Go to the Columbia outlet store and buy thier rain jacket. It's hard to beat.

I have an REI jacket with event fabric and some actual zipper vents. It works well for me but then I need a lot of breathability because otherwise I sweat more than a downpour.

i just saw a new jacket in LL Bean..some sort of Tec in the name.

arc'teryx

Marmot Precip jacket and pants.

ll bean

sorry it was a womans jacket, but it does look nice!

quote Savage Voyageur: "Go to the Columbia outlet store and buy thier rain jacket. It's hard to beat. "

+1, we got ours at the annual rain gear sale, love them.

cant help with REI, but was just in the market and Cabelas had an on-line sale with free shipping. Pulled the trigger on Rainy River jacket and pants. Came 3 days later. Wore them today and seem sweet.

quote Frenchy19: "arc'teryx"

+1

Lots of good looking options. Maybe I should print this thread out, tape it to the wall and throw a dart at it. Mocha, I think I could pull off that LL Bean jacket. It matches my eyes:)

Dri Ducks/ Frog Toggs are good for the price

Eddie Bauer Men's Immersion Wading Jacket

If you could use a medium, Kimath closeout is a hell of a bargain.

butthead

Cabela's makes a good Gortex jacket

Glad ForceFlex Extra Strong Lawn and Leaf Drawstring Trash Bags

Face it, all rainwear sucks. I have many, from Arc'teryx to Marmot and yes even the Cabela's one (on which the DWR wore off and is impossible to rejuvenate).

Now I use a very lightweight one, which is really no better than the trash bags we used to keep in the boat when I was a kid.

Trash bag + wide-brimmed hat and you're good to go, unless you are base camping and it's raining really hard...in which case Wetskins or some other PVC/Nylon nightmare is in order (commercial fishing gear).

quote Moss Tent: "Glad ForceFlex Extra Strong Lawn and Leaf Drawstring Trash Bags


Face it, all rainwear sucks. I have many, from Arc'teryx to Marmot and yes even the Cabela's one (on which the DWR wore off and is impossible to rejuvenate).


Now I use a very lightweight one, which is really no better than the trash bags we used to keep in the boat when I was a kid.


Trash bag + wide-brimmed hat and you're good to go, unless you are base camping and it's raining really hard...in which case Wetskins or some other PVC/Nylon nightmare is in order (commercial fishing gear)."

Where's my raised eyebrow emoticon? Huh? Yes I've used the ghetto rain jacket as well in a pinch when I was young. However, personally I stick with gortex products for my raingear to keep me dry. I really do believe the bigger issue most people have with any membrane type raingear is keeping the outer fabric from wetting out. At that point the gortex/event/etc..... will keep you dry but it will not breath. There are specific instructions on maintaining and restoring the DWR on outer fabrics of membrane type raingear. That said I have MUCH better luck with very smooth and slick nylon type outer fabrics maintaining their DWR far better than softer fabric with/without texture. I even buy extra DWR and re-apply b4 each trip. Kinda late to worry about it 10 portages in and the fabric is wetting out. My 0.02

I have two Patagonia Gore-Tex Jackets. I bring whichever is more fitting for the current temps. Always kept me dry and comfy.

I use a Marmot Precip. If I had my choice it probably would have been an Arc'teryx but that might have to be a Christmas present some year.

quote HighnDry: "I use a Marmot Precip. If I had my choice it probably would have been an Arc'teryx but that might have to be a Christmas present some year."

+1-- Even the best rain gear saturates. Get the best you can afford. But even with the best--- you will get wet especially if you are active. Dri-Clime is nice and I own several. Arc'teryx is the real deal-- but you will get wet even in them. Depends on use. This topic usually goes to dry suits if you wanna stay really dry and soak from sweat--- when it rains long enough with no shelter -- you will fell the effects of the moisture, some soaking wet, but all enough to make you feel to get into shelter. Been there-- done that. Atmospheric humidity has a funny deal with that......

quote Frenchy19: "arc'teryx"

What Frenchy said. Specifically I like the Theta LT as it has a stow-able hood, heavier shoulder fabric for portaging and a longer torso length, so it works well for canoeing. However this model been discontinued for a while so the only place to find them is on eBay, which is what I did......

25 years later my Wetskins (jacket and bibs) are still going strong...but so is a MEC 3-layer goretex jacket I bought for a mint back in 1993 or 1994.

I know that the DWR goes, but not on that sucker. It has always been perfect, and I have used it a ton, often for cycling, in fact pretty much every fall/winter/spring day for 5 years out west.

2 years ago I got nostalgic and paranoid, and "refreshed" the DWR, "just in case".

It's still perfect.

While the Cabela's crapped out after 1 year and has never been able to be renewed. Nice jacket design, POS DWR/outer fabric implementation.

I have lots of arcteryx stuff, a family member was a high-up there and gave me lots of stuff. Nice stuff, it works well and the factory DWR is good, but it still SUCKS, as does all rain gear. Face it, it's a necessary evil, at best.

Stick to those leaf bags and a hat. They weigh nothing, and are easily stowed anywhere--in the car, the canoe, the pack, wherever! And you don't feel bad when they die. And the DWR never wears out. And you can buy a hundred lifetime's supply for the price of one arcteryx these days. And you can sit on it or use it as a groundsheet when not wearing it, and not feel bad about doing so.

I only wear arcteryx now when going to visit friends who live on Isles, or when someone forces me to go to Wayzata, because they like feeling elevated and snobbish. They are full-on fashion apparel for me, and nothing more.

Have not personally tried this jacket, but hear nothing but good things about it. Eco friendly for an added bonus.
Columbia OutDry Ex Eco

As another thought, Helly Hansen makes a heavier, rubberized outer layer jacket that is really wateright but probably has zero breathability. Sheds water though.

DO NOT get Frogg Toggs........I have several friends who are professional fishing guides and to man they say they suck. Maybe tooling down the lake at 70MPH has something to do with it. I had a pair and detested them as well.......I remember getting totally soaked the first downpour but whatever I no longer own them. And FWIW i was not particularly impressed with a Marmot top I had purchased and seemed to be lacking after a few seasons. It to got trashed.........

I have a Kimtah top and when the matching bottoms tore (they grabbed a screw bottom on my canoe thwart) I took them back to REI where they "upgraded" me to an Arcteryx pair of bottoms.........hard to beat REI customer service.

All told it is a fine set of rain gear and set me back a pretty penny just to save some weight and some space. They sit in a storage bin 11 months a year and my Gore tex jacket/ pants gets the dirty work the rest of the year.

Having said that I like BnD's advice best. Seems spot on.

I got myself an REI Stormrealm last year and really like this jacket. It's waterproof, tough and it breaths. And it's now on sale below $200.

+1 on Marmot Precip. I am on my 2nd set in the last 15 years. I use them for running and 3 season camping. While my first one delaminated, it still held up in the rain. Portaging in poring rain, pit zips opened up and worked well.

Rain gear is a compromise. There is NO waterproof/breathable material IMO. BUT, any quality brand waterproof gear should sheed water and keep you dry. If you are doing work in it, you need to vent so I always look for ample pit zips and love the Marmot for that. Price and weight with performance = high value.

There is lots of good gear out there. Again, I look for value and the Precip has stood up. There are only a few lighter shells out there that are rated well and they are more $$$ with a less robust build for canoe country.


John

I have a set of the old Cabelas Lightweight Nylon Packable Raingear, which is decent for light rain and warmer temps, but with a nine night trip beginning May 17th, I wasn't feeling real good about my gear if I'm in a downpour with wind and temps in the 40's.

I read on an old thread Beav had recommended the Helly Hansen Impertech. A little bit heavier, but as far as I'm concerned, when that guy recommends something or gives advice on a thread, I better listen.

Helly Hansen Impertech rain jacket and bibs are now on order.

Thanks for all the reccomeneded jackets. It's pretty hard buying any technical clothing online so I appreciate the personal experience. I went with Buttheads reccomendation, and mc2mens, sending back whichever I like less.

I also just realized the irony of this thread in regards to my terrible screen name...

quote RainGearRight: "Thanks for all the reccomeneded jackets. It's pretty hard buying any technical clothing online so I appreciate the personal experience. I went with Buttheads reccomendation, and mc2mens, sending back whichever I like less.


I also just realized the irony of this thread in regards to my terrible screen name..."

Good choices and you can't go wrong with REI gear. They do back it up with great warranties and return policies.

Moss Tent you crack me up. I hope you don't have too many friends who make you frequent Wayzata, but at least if you do, you can fit in. LOL.

If you have an extra 450-550, Arcteryx makes an awesome jacket. I decided if i'm going to have it for 10+ years it was worth it. Probably overkill, But 3 trips in I'm satisfied. I have the Beta AR Jacket. It replaced a Northface Hydrolite Jacket. No comparison. I realized a long time ago, that you owe it to yourself to treat yourself to what you deserve. Life is short, reward yourself. Always remember, there are way worse things you can spend money on

Frog toggs. We had 6 inches of rain In two to three hours last September. I was outside for almost all of it, and was completely dry when I took my frog toggs off. Lightweight also

quote mastertangler: "DO NOT get Frogg Toggs........I have several friends who are professional fishing guides and to man they say they suck. Maybe tooling down the lake at 70MPH has something to do with it. I had a pair and detested them as well.......I remember getting totally soaked the first downpour but whatever I no longer own them. And FWIW i was not particularly impressed with a Marmot top I had purchased and seemed to be lacking after a few seasons. It to got trashed.........


I have a Kimtah top and when the matching bottoms tore (they grabbed a screw bottom on my canoe thwart) I took them back to REI where they "upgraded" me to an Arcteryx pair of bottoms.........hard to beat REI customer service.


All told it is a fine set of rain gear and set me back a pretty penny just to save some weight and some space. They sit in a storage bin 11 months a year and my Gore tex jacket/ pants gets the dirty work the rest of the year.


Having said that I like BnD's advice best. Seems spot on. "

Agree,what i seen,frogg toggs don't take a beating,they fall apart and leak.

I had good luck with Eddy Bower, North Face, and Columbia. I had Frogg Toggs and they worked also, but they were bulky compared to the other brands.
Make sure the label says water proof, water resistance means it leaks like a sieve.
Then check out your purchase by wearing it in the shower to make sure it is water proof.

let it rain

quote Cc26: "Frog toggs. We had 6 inches of rain In two to three hours last September. I was outside for almost all of it, and was completely dry when I took my frog toggs off. Lightweight also"

Interesting that there is mixed results with the Frogg Toggs. 6" in in three hours is a LOT of rain for ANY "breathable" rain gear. I try and stay open minded.......I am intellectually curious as to why the dramatic differences in results.

I agree that the high end breathable fabrics made with e-vent and the like are nice, especially while paddling and fishing AND they are super light and pack very small indeed but I can't help but question their durability. My Kimtah bottoms ripped fairly easily when the bottom of a stainless bolt grabbed it. Maybe portaging in a blowdown had something to do with it? I don't think my Gore tex would of gave way though.

My thinking is during shoulder seasons you should get more sturdy less breathable stuff (Helly Hansen and the like) and summer is the realm of the more breathable less stout gear.

I don't think there is a perfect rain coat. It seems you either choose better breathability or better weather protection but you have to choose.

For warmer weather I use a lightweight Columbia. It breathes really well and helps against wind. I might get wet but since its warmer I won't die.

For most of the year I use the REI Kimtah. It has EVent fabric and does a really good job of keeping me dry. It breathes pretty well. I love the pit vents. Since I got this, I have been using the lighter weight jacket less and using this much more.

If I had to choose just one, the Kimtah would certainly be the choice. The sale makes it more attractive than when I bought it.

Ill throw my 2 cents in here. I have a set of cabelas goretex guide wear, this will likely never make it in the canoe with me, its heavy and bulky. I also have a set of cabelas space rain. This stuff is cheap and pretty durable and it packs down to a small enough size that there's a good chance you might actually have it when you need it. I've used mine fishing and elk and deer hunting. I also find myself carrying it in my big boat more and more during warmer weather.

quote mastertangler: "

quote Cc26: "Frog toggs. We had 6 inches of rain In two to three hours last September. I was outside for almost all of it, and was completely dry when I took my frog toggs off. Lightweight also"

Interesting that there is mixed results with the Frogg Toggs. 6" in in three hours is a LOT of rain for ANY "breathable" rain gear. I try and stay open minded.......I am intellectually curious as to why the dramatic differences in results.


I agree that the high end breathable fabrics made with e-vent and the like are nice, especially while paddling and fishing AND they are super light and pack very small indeed but I can't help but question their durability. My Kimtah bottoms ripped fairly easily when the bottom of a stainless bolt grabbed it. Maybe portaging in a blowdown had something to do with it? I don't think my Gore tex would of gave way though.


My thinking is during shoulder seasons you should get more sturdy less breathable stuff (Helly Hansen and the like) and summer is the realm of the more breathable less stout gear. "

It seems like certain kinds of rain pants rip easy. Been there-done that.

All the comments on durability. You do know Frogg Toggs, GorTex, Event, and other waterproof fabic combos come in many different layer configurations and weights.
Event DVexpedition is very different weight and durability compared to GoreTex LTD. Frogg Toggs are available in different weights and durability also.

butthead

These are what I have. I didn't buy them from gander mtn, my dad got them for me for xmas. I did however rip out the seam where my hind end crack is. I think because I had them on over my pants....Either that or I had put on some Xtra weight since I first had them.... Frogg Toggs

quote mhart: "Marmot Precip jacket and pants."

Yes that one

quote butthead: "All the comments on durability. You do know Frogg Toggs, GorTex, Event, and other waterproof fabic combos come in many different layer configurations and weights.
Event DVexpedition is very different weight and durability compared to GoreTex LTD. Frogg Toggs are available in different weights and durability also.


butthead"

Touche'..........well put.

quote Blatz: "

quote mhart: "Marmot Precip jacket and pants."

Yes that one"

This combo has served me well in and out of the B-dub for the last 4 years or so. Rain on every trip too....... :-/

Not available at REI, but I've been super-happy with my LL Bean Trail Model raincoat. It used to be Gore-Tex and called the "Paddling Coat" or something like that. It's long enough that so that you are sitting on the tails while paddling, thus avoiding the oh-so-annoying wet ass that comes with paddling in the rain with a short raincoat and pants.

I know the OP got his raingear, but for anyone else...

All raingear has it's faults. The best plan is to have the right clothing regardless of your rain gear choice.

1) have 2 or even 3 sets of clothes. Travel, or 'wet' clothes. And sleeping, or 'dry' clothes. My 3rd optinal set are my camp clothes. Keep your sleeping clothes dry and for sleeping only.

2) Cotton is rotten. I have a mix of wool and synthetic clothes. Both will still insulate somewhat when wet and will dry faster than cotton. Synthetics will get funky smelling fast and wool tends to not stink, but synthetics are far more afordable. I pack a thin fleece sweatshirt, and in a cold rain will have my merino wool base, my fleece sweatshirt, and my raingear. For in camp only... when I know I can keep it dry... I have a $25 down vest I can wear in camp if conditions get really cold (down is not good for wet, but, for the weight, it is a nice extra)

3) my choice for raingear are cheap dryducks. Compact and light enough I carry 2 jackets on long trips, 1 on short trips. All the negatives avout quality and durability are true. Still I prefer them over any other rain gear I have used, including goretex. One set lasted through a rainy week in the BWCA, but I am glad I had gorilla tape for minor repairs along the way.

I learned a lot from this article about how waterproof/breathable raingear actually works.

quote mhart: "Marmot Precip jacket and pants."

I recently bought the pants and jacket from Sierra Trading Post. Real good price break too. It's a nice upgrade from my 10 year old Columbia jacket.

I brought a set of Frogg Togs up to the arctic one year and slipped on a slimy rock... Instant rip. They were relatively inexpensive and you get what you pay for. Bringing a Marmot Precip top up this year to go with my Cabelas bottoms that I know are good. Hopefully will be better!

neoshell
look no farther. i have been buying outdoor clothing from this guy for a few years now. i bike to work, year around and need the best, breathable, warm outerwear made.
this neoshell rain jacket is the absolute best. windproof, and breathable.
lou makes all his garments and will gladly make alterations ,if needed.

I've tried lots of rain gear through the years. Gortex with a good DWR finish works well until the fabric wets-out. And it will if you are in a long driving rain. I've never found one that doesn't. And once it wets, it isn't breathable anymore.

Frogg Toggs work fine for me: I am careful with my gear. But I don't like the feel of the material and forget about bushwacking in them.

Rubber (or polyurethane) coated nylon is completely waterproof. If it has good pit-zips it does fairly well, especially in spring and fall. I wouldn't wear it in summer though.

So I find If I am working hard portaging and paddling in a rain, I will be wet from rain, sweat, or both with the above materials.

I finally settled on using a cheap nylon pullover with a DWR finish that I reapply before each trip. It breaths as well as any gortex jacket I've ever owned. This will keep me dry in a light rain. It it rains hard, over this I use a silnylon poncho that I tie at the waist if it is windy. At this point I unzip the jacket and its main functions it to keep my arms, from the elbow down, dry(ish). The poncho vents as it is loose on my body, keeps my legs covered when I sit in the canoe, and weights very little. I wouldn't wear a poncho in current, but I have no issues using one in flatwater in the BWCA. I find I stay drier this way from both sweat and rain.
I also wear a wide-brimmed OR hat so I don't have a hood to deal with.

I think what works for me might not work for others, but after twenty some years of tripping, this is the best combination for me.

Want to spend money?: Marmot, Arc'Teryx, Patagonia
Want to save money?: Frogg Toggs

Patagonia is what I use currently. I also have long arms and love how their outerwear fits me. But in reality, they all work quite well. Try em on before you buy, each brand fits a little differently.

bwcasolo: " neoshell
look no farther. i have been buying outdoor clothing from this guy for a few years now. i bike to work, year around and need the best, breathable, warm outerwear made.
this neoshell rain jacket is the absolute best. windproof, and breathable.
lou makes all his garments and will gladly make alterations ,if needed. "

I like Columbia rain jackets. I think they have the best quality.

OK, old thread - -
but I saw some raingear that's probably new since this thread was started and I wondered if anyone had tried it. I was at a Duluth Trading store and they had their brand of rain gear that looked pretty decent. Probably doesn't pack down as small as, say, Marmot Precip or even my LL Bean Stowaway jacket, but it looked pretty nice, decent price. I just haven't heard anything about it. Anyone?

Think it was called Duluth trading "No Rainer".

Anyone try the Carhartt fishing bibs and jackets?

No way, my Precip leaked horribly.

I picked up an Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap last year and am very pleased with its performance. Been in some heavy rain and stayed dry, it also has zippered armpit vents to allow better breathability. Plus it doesnt break the bank at less than $100, I got mine on sale for around $45 I think. The Uplift looks like it might be even better but I didnt have the extra coin to shell out for it at the time.

REI has is year old Arcteryx Zeta SL jackets on sale for $208. With a a member discount you could get one for less than $200. A good jacket for the price.

SIMMS Prodry Goretex Jacket and Apron here. $499 and $450 respectively. There's literally nothing better. REALLY hurt clicking that "place order" box for $950, but I laugh at the rain now a days. I really do.

I have used Helly Hanson and two different marmots. All were ok then bought my son a Men's EvaPOURation™ Omni-Tech Jacket, all others compete for second place. No liner packs super small and is by far the most water proof one I have used. Bought myself one last year and I have recommended to several. They are on sale on the Columbia site right now.

I like paclite Goretex. Very waterproof and lightweight for use as a shell for layering in a range of temps, look around until you find a sale on a brand you like.

Anyone care to comment on Grundens ...good or bad?

MB

I recently spent a lot of time researching a new rain jacket. I currently use a Precip for trips and a Columbia Outlet jacket for daily commuter. I’m replacing the Columbia and feel I found a near perfect jacket for my criteria:

- pit zips
- Velcro cuffs, not elastic.
- packable (within a pocket)
- not more than $100 (or much more than)
- longer fit in the tail - I’m 6’-1” 207lb and wanted a jacket that didn’t just stop at the waist.
- taller collar when fully zipped.

Ultimately I landed on the Black Diamond Stormline. When on sale
It hits around $111, meets all my criteria, and fits great in a Large for me. A little snug in the shoulders if you’re layered up but I like a tighter fit.

Highly recommend so far.

Moss Tent: "I only wear arcteryx now when going to visit friends who live on Isles, or when someone forces me to go to Wayzata, because they like feeling elevated and snobbish. They are full-on fashion apparel for me, and nothing more.
"

I laughed at least three times over this. Wayzata... fashion apparel!