In 2008 I bought a Marmot PreCip on-sale at REI. Since then it has preformed very well as a wet weather shell and also did well at blocking wind. It has gotten pretty beat up but still does decent in the rain and wind but I felt it was time for a replacement.

With the PreCip I wore a somewhat heavy fleece when it got cold. It was a gift and I didn't really feel any need to replace it before now. I was mostly interested in getting lighter gear instead of clothing.

So this week I went to a very good local store that has a thrifty shop on the second floor. I found a prAna stinger hoody that was discounted significantly($50 compared to a retail price of $170) and weighs around 15oz compared to a 26oz fleece. Parts of it are fleece and parts of it are a polyester shell and has an insulated hood. I know there are lighter options but the price worked very well for me.

Went back tonight in search of a new rain shell. I was going to get another PreCip but found a discounted Marmot Essence that was less than the retail price of a PreCip. The cost and the low weight were irresistible. It was $77 compared to $175.

The point to all this is that I got two good jackets for about $50 less than what one would cost. The whole experience was exciting for me. I find it interesting that my jacket system is roughly the same weight as my shelter system which is 23oz.