Greetings, I'm trying to decide on a golite shell while the sale is on. Trying to decide between the malpais, kenai, or tumalo.What's the consensus on pertex vs trinity?

Just looking for something simple and light. Any words of wisdom from those with experience with these jackets?

Thanks!
Brad

Brad-

I just picked up the Kenai on a great deal from bigskycountry.com. I haven't received it yet, so unfortunately can't provide any immediate feedback.

However I did a lot of research etc and specifically between the Golite fabrics, it seemed that the Pertex was recommended over their Trinity fabric. Feedback was all around better - durability and wp/b. And reviews of other brands that utilized Pertex all had really good ratings.

Thanks kindly Rob. It seemed like the Trinity used to be pertex, but is now trinity. Any other WB/P shells you'd recommend for ULing?

This review today is very mixed.
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=62993&skip_to_post=538762#538762

A note on the fabrics... Trinity is Golite's proprietary fabric. They have switched a good part of their line to this one. Pertex is a totally separate fabric (and brand name). Pertex the brand name has various incarnations, Pertex Shield, Pertex Quantum etc each with different characteristics/uses. Various brands (Rab, Montane and others) use the Pertex fabric in their jackets.

The review linked above is for the proprietary Trinity fabric. There are a number of favorable reviews of the Pertex line.

I narrowed my choice down to the Rab Kinetic or Marmot Super Mica. And then the great deal surfaced on the Golite Kenai and I couldn't pass it up.

Thanks for the details Rob. I'm still on the hunt for my perfect rain shell. For me it's between the Kenai or the Super Mica. BUt also considering something eVent based for the breathability. too many options!

I love GoLite backpacks, but the GoLite Malpais Trinity does not get a thumbs up. It has a
absolutely horrible zipper
too much fabric in the gut
hood has poor coverage

The GoLite Tumalo that I tried had a horrible zipper too.

What was wrong with your zipper? Mine is nice and works each time and I like that fact that it seems a bit much for a jacket that light. Maybe it is just because I take the extra half a second to make sure it is seated properly.

I also love how the Pertex Shield gives so much as a fabric.

Edited by bpeugh on 04/25/2012 09:47:29 MDT.

Both I own are extremely hard to get started, no matter how well you try to seat the pin.