OK, so I'm (almost) convinced that I need to carry BOTH a rain and wind shell instead of one heavy rainjacket. Which would you choose?

I've been looking at the following options:

1. Rain jacket

OR Zealot
http://www.backcountry.com/store/ODR0111/Outdoor-Research-Zealot-Jacket-Mens.html?CMP_ID=SH_FRO001&CMP_SKU=ODR0111&mv_pc=r126

Marmot Essence
http://www.rei.com/product/762386
http://www.rei.com/product/762386

How important are pit zips for rainjackets? I noticed the UL ones lack pit zips.

2. Wind shell

Marmot Ion
http://www.rei.com/product/746595

Montbell Ultralight Wind Jacket
http://www.backcountry.com/store/MTB0060/MontBell-America-Inc-Ultralight-Wind-Jacket-Mens.html

How breathable are these shells? Is breathability inversely related to wind resistance?

Let me know if I should consider any other options.

thanks,
David

I have no experience with the jackets you have listed, but here are a few more options for rain gear:

Mountain Hardwear Quark ($200, 10oz, pit zips, hand pockets, adjustable hood)

The North Face Diad ($200, 8oz, small pit zips, adjustable hood)

You can usually get them 20% off if you wait for coupons or sales.

David,

Make sure you try on the Marmot Ion before purchasing. It was my first choice for a windshell due to it's full zipper, reasonable price and performance. However, on me (6'2", 180) the shell fit is almost rediculously short. That was in my normal Large size. The XL fit better in the length, but was rather loose in other areas.

I ended up buying an OR Ion pullover that was deeply discounted on Backcountry.com. Its length was better suited to my bod, and it was a little lighter too.

I ordered the MH Quark, but I found the hood to be HUGE. It fell over my eyes, obstructing my vision. Did anyone else experience this?

How's the breathability of the Marmot Ion? I am only 5'7" tall, so short would be a good thing. I like the price of this jacket, however, I'd like to hear about the Montbell windshirt I mentioned. It is listed as being under 3 oz.

Rain: Marmot Pre-Cip

Wind: Golite wind shell tops. Both Golite models can be rolled up and stuffed in your pant pockets. They also make a nice warming layer over a sweater or fleece.

best wind jacket EVER. pricey, but you will have it for life.

as for the raingear, I'm not a good person to give advice. I live in a rainforest and just laugh at gear like the PreCip. In Alaska, UL raingear is a bit of a deathwish unfortunately.

but the houdini is so so so amazing!

I feel that it all depends on your location and what you are comfortable with I know that sounds vague but fill us in on where you hike, and we might suggest something. Also how long you go out for is something to take into consideration. Just for the record I like my GoLite Phantasm (Paclite Goretex). If it is windy and no rain I just wear less layers under it.

i second the houdini. it's great, though the hood and the stow pocket are not ideal. the breathability/wind-blocking seems perfect to me.

i have a tnf diad and like it, though i have not used it in prolonged rain yet. it's lighter and packs smaller than my old precip (which i never was super impressed with).

Agree. PreCip is not meant for standing around in a heavy downpour, but if you are in a rain forest, aren't you in the tropics?

i'm sure she's talking temperate rain forest!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temperate_rain_forest

i can't see using a precip in the tropics - it's already wet, soggy, and humid enough inside a precip...

Thanks Dave, you're right. One spot on Baranof Island (the island that Sitka is on, where I live most of the year) has recorded over 200 inches of rain (Sitka probably gets about 100). So yeah, the Raingear proposition has heightened consequences. Being wet and cold is no fun. I agree, for good advice the OP should list the areas the jacket will be used. It makes a pretty big difference.

My fave windshirt is the Montane Aero (if you can find one) or their Featherlite. They are very robust, very breathable and very windproof.

If you search the forums for Event rain wear you will find the consensus was/is the Integral Designs Thru-hiker jacket. I couldn't justify the expense and went with a paclite jacket that someone suggested from cabelas. It's was hard to beat the $100.00 price tag for a light weight GTX paclite jacket.

Tony

The ID Event rain jacket is definitely the best WPB jacket I have ever owned. It is a no frills, lightweight, superbly breathable jacket that gets the job done. Some folks prefer the Thru Hiker, and I have no quarrel with that-it wasn't available when I purchased mine. BTW, they're both on sale at Prolite Gear as of today.

I'd say a light eVent parka W/ a Velcro tab to keep the hood rolled up when not needed would STILL be the best way to go. Very breathable, truly waterproof (for safety), and more durable and takes up less space than two garments.

What's that UL mantra? - Multiple Use for as many items as possible.

Yes, I understand the cost of an eVent parka is far greater than a windshirt & "sprinkles" jacket. I still make-do with a GTX PacLite parka for both wind and rain.

Eric
P.S. But someday I'll get that Integral Designs eVent Thru Hiker parka. It's almost idntical to my Cabela's PacLite parka in size but it's more breathable and 4 oz. lighter. HOWSOMEVER...at $239. on sale it's $150. more than my Cabela's PacLite parka.

Edited by Danepacker on 05/20/2008 12:01:29 MDT.

Has anybody had a good experience with the GoLite Phantom? It is on sale at Prolite Gear for $150 (link). The reader reviews seem to really like it.

http://www.litebackpacker.com/ultralite-raingear/index.html