SUL isn't the most important factor here for me, mostly breathability--which might not be possible at this price point. I've been looking at the Patagonia Torrentshell, which you can get for 70 bucks right now. There was a Stoic Stash shell on GearTrade the other day I should have grabbed--ideally I'd love to find a Stoic Vaporshell, but they don't seem to sell them anymore.

or revel ... not the most breathable, but has the best ventilation ....

Travel Country has the Marmot Mica on sale for $80, regularly $135. Only have size large left though.

http://www.travelcountry.com/shop/marmot/mica-jacket-mens-closeout.html

The Revel was JUST on SAC for $80...it'll probably pop up again, so track it if you're interested.

I second the revel. It's pretty tough to find breathability at this price point, but the revel offers full side zips that allow you to really open up the jacket for ventilation.

Does that Mica pit zips? If so, sold. Especially if I can purple!

I seem to recall there being some durability issues with mica (abrasion from pack straps). Can anyone else comment on that?

Actually, the revel looks like a pretty solid choice. I'll watch SAC for the rest of the day. And maybe hit the Patagonia outlet.

Golite Tumalo for $69 @ www.golite.com on sale from $150.

10 oz WITH pit zips and nice length for coverage.

http://www.prolitegear.com/outdoor_research_revel_jacket-closeout.html

80$ from prolite ... its a bit oversized

torso flow allows you to use like a poncho ... or open sides fully, more than any pit zips

Edited by bearbreeder on 01/19/2012 11:20:53 MST.

Howdy,

This isn't in the $100 range, but in my experience you really can't beat a Dri-Ducks for the "keep in the pack" piece of rain gear for backpacking. 5oz, as breathable as anything out there and $15 or so. Sure, you need to be a little careful with it, but I haven't had any problems wearing a pack with one and have been using the same one for going on 3 seasons. Just thought I'd throw out the option. Good luck in your search.

How much more would I have to spend to get a substantially better jacket? It seems like there's not a huge improvement until you get into the 250+ range with goretex and eVent--is that an accurate assessment?

I'm with Nate on this one. I'd take 5 dri-ducks for $100. Rain shells are the one piece of gear that have consistently failed me after 2-3 years of use. These days I mostly use a poncho, but when I need a jacket, I wear my driducks. I've used the same one for the past 3 years and its got some wear and some holes (caused by fly fishing with a broken rod tip rather than abrasion) patched with wader goo, but I know that when I finally do need to replace it, I'll just spend another $20. The pants are lousy ( I split mine on day 1), but I hear they can be made into a nice skirt.

ben~

you want what you want.

when it comes to gear, myself, i've gone on many a wild goose chase in search of that size, model and/ or color.

i've generally found that these "hard- sought-after"
(to be loosely interpreted) items do indeed exist;
it simply requires vigilance and patience in locating them.

(you may hafto make do until then)

have you tried e-bay?

it's there that you just may hit the jackpot!
(i speak from experience)

have you a gear shop near you with a consignment area?

sometimes you thought you knew what you wanted until...

no less, options exist and compromise (while sometimes has it's place, when all avenues have been exhausted times o'er), though it may be a short-term fix, in the long-run, never makes for a happy camper.

you like your gear, or you don't.
it serves you well, or it doesn't.

so like what you get by getting what you want.

take the time, keep the faith, and keep searching.

Ben,

I have a Marmot Essence that works well for me. I bought it on sale for under $100, but I don't think it is made anymore. It uses Marmot's "strata membrane" I think. I have had poor luck with Dri-Ducks, the zippers fall apart and others get several years of use out of them. There really isn't a best for any money because none breath well. It is a matter of your budget and preference. Most of the time I use a poncho and have done so for many years.

Marmot - Precip

I'm selling a Montbell Outpace XL for $100 on Gear Swap, if that meets your needs. I have used the Precip, and found it wets out really quickly, although the fit is generous and layers well.

I'd watch GearTrade for a Stoic Vaporshell. I've seen been seeing them on GearTrade for $35-60 for a while. I have a script which watches their new items RSS feed, filtering out I don't care about. At least, I've been seeing them pop up in XL and XXL, but I filter out other sizes.

I snagged a medium Vaporshell--it's absolutely amazing. If they discontinue this piece it'd be criminal.

Cabelas Rainy River Goretex Paclite Jacket
-Always on sale (got mine for 60 bucks or so)
-lightweight
-waterproof!
-has giant front pockets that make for good ventilation
-tall sizes
-The only downside is receiving a billion cabelas catalogs. The lady at the post office said, "if you want to live forever, get on their mailing list!"