Need suggestions for dependable lightweight rain gear. I currently use kuiu rain gear which I love but it’s a bit heavy. I’m trying to get my pack weight to the minimum, to allow a few indulgences if I choose. However, I don’t feel raingear is an area to skimp on but if there is a great option that’s both light and dependable I would like to know about it

Let the eye rolls begin, but my Frogg Togg Classic suit has served me as well as I could ever have hoped. My jacket weighs in at 12.8 oz and rolls down and stuffs very compactly. Contrary to popular folklore, they do not "shred to pieces after brushing up against a bush." Very inexpensive if you do ever need to replace, but it has never failed me in the field.

I had a pair of Frogg Toggs many years ago. Felt like paper and they did shred like paper, too. Maybe things are different with them now, but I would have to hear many other positive examples before I would consider them again.

More like a heavier building wrap, now. Ever tried to tear Tyvek?

schweady: "Let the eye rolls begin, but my Frogg Togg Classic suit has served me as well as I could ever have hoped. My jacket weighs in at 12.8 oz and rolls down and stuffs very compactly. Contrary to popular folklore, they do not "shred to pieces after brushing up against a bush." Very inexpensive if you do ever need to replace, but it has never failed me in the field.
"

The jackets work great for me, I have 3 of them because I keep splitting the pants at the crotch every time I sit!

Arc'teryx. It is expensive, but if you take care of it, it will last the rest of your life. Arc'teryx

Frenchy19: "Arc'teryx. It is expensive, but if you take care of it, it will last the rest of your life. Arc'teryx "

I second this 100 percent - it’s worth spending the extra for the 3 layer gore tex pro. Stuff is bulletproof.

doorbluff84: "

Frenchy19: "Arc'teryx. It is expensive, but if you take care of it, it will last the rest of your life. Arc'teryx "

I second this 100 percent - it’s worth spending the extra for the 3 layer gore tex pro. Stuff is bulletproof. "

+1

This good to hear. I ordered an Arc rain jacket and it should be here tomorrow. My old REI rain jacket delaminated after about 15 years of great service. I kept it clean and reapplied DWR a few times. But ya' can't repeal tha laws o' physics, Cap'n! Everything wears out eventually.

I switched to a Columbia OutDry jacket a few years ago and it gives me a lot of confidence that I could sit through an entire day of rain without wetting through, while still being in a relatively lightweight package. I feel that any DWR based jacket is going to let you down at some point just due to use or abrasion reducing water resistance, where the OutDry is more of a rubberized outer layer. I was even able to purchase for under $100 on Amazon.

Marmot Precip pants have done well. Recommend the full zip option on pants to more easily put on over boots or in a canoe.

doorbluff84: "

Frenchy19: "Arc'teryx. It is expensive, but if you take care of it, it will last the rest of your life. Arc'teryx "

I second this 100 percent - it’s worth spending the extra for the 3 layer gore tex pro. Stuff is bulletproof. "

+2, 3, or 4...

Arc'teryx all the way.

There are plenty of makers that use Gore-Tex Pro Shell... but Arc/teryx seems to have the best fit, ergos, etc.! There are always deals to be had online. Never pay retail!

In general, I feel the canoe tripping industry is light years behind what serious boaters in moving water use for life safety, comfort, the "what if", etc.

-dry suits
-semi-dry suits
-paddle jackets
-good rain jackets
-wader pants & light weight shoes

I never understand why paddlers go on 7-14 day open water exposed weather trips in the fringe seasons with water temps below 50 degrees F, while wearing hip waders, muck boots, blue jeans, rain pants, & pvc rain coats.

i bought an "apollo stretch rain jacket" direct from outdoor research. i love it. really light. good features. fits well. i have not really put it to use in rugged conditions but i am hoping it will last.
i also got OR pants (from a different supplier). they were the furio gortex model. they are certainly well made pants that should last a long time but they are not a light option. once i received them in the mail i saw they really are more suited to be used as a shell in winter. but i have them now so that is what i carry. maybe not a good option for you.

Patagonia TorrentShell.

The frogg togg jackets are the lightest weight, but no pockets. Frogg togg Pants split. I have gone gortex WITH PIT ZIPS.

Frenchy19: "Arc'teryx. It is expensive, but if you take care of it, it will last the rest of your life. Arc'teryx "

Yes to this. I'd add that I've experimented with several versions of lightweight breathable rain gear. They've all had their strong points and taken a beating out there but the Arc'teryx is a solid investment.

In the end, get what you want at your price point and you'll make it work.