I'm looking for a new rain jacket and and pants ... mine is too old and too heavy.

Any recommendations? I was looking at Montbell as they seem like they have some decent alternatives.

Primary requirements is to be as light as possible, wind blocking and rain blocking.

I normally hike in dry conditions but emergencies always come up ...

Why not get a nice wind shirt and a cheap rain jacket? Wearing rain gear to protect against wind when it is dry, in my opinion, plainly sucks.

I have no experience w/rainpants, hike in shorts usually but cheap rainsuit would be driducks, about $20. I have had a couple driducks jackets. Size down! Read reviews here..

On windjackets my Patagonia Houdini sized up for me in XL is about 5 ounces. Deflects wind well, very breathable. I would never pay full price of $125, got mine new this year for $60..Heard good things about the Stoic Wrath Windjacket Backcountry. com sells, 2.5 ounce in XL.

I did the MontBell Tachyon Anorak at 2.3oz. Feels so very fragile but a rip test proved otherwise. I like it over the Patagonia Houdini because the Houdini is cut larger, the wrist elastic isn't taught, the wait barrel cinches are on the sides (could rub under the pack belt), and I have no need for a chest pocket. The Tachyon, on the other hand, was cut a bit narrower (especially at the waist) but the barrel cinch was in the front and can hide under a pack belt... there are no thrills and the hood cinch cord is more basic (around the rim of your face) rather than the Houdini's (which looks to be made to suit a climbing helmet, meaning it goes around the crown instead). I rather liked the Houdini's extended hood (old model) whereas the Tachyon's plastic insert doesn't really do much for me. Still, I'll be using a visor so a brim isn't a big deal anyway. In terms of construction both Houdini and Tachyon have daylight showing through the shoulder thread seams when lightly pulled. I plan to seam tape this just in case. The Houdini is more comfortable around town, being a full-zip, and probably more multipurpose in the casual sense... but the Tachyon can pack into my bluejeans pocket in case I ever need it. Both cost the same right now on Backcountry.com so I recommend you buy both and try them out, utilizing the return policy (similar to REI's) for that which you find inferior.

I haw a stoic wraith wind shirt. Size medium is 2.2-3 oz. full zip, but lacks cuff elastic and hood draw cord. Does well without it, but explains he light weight. For rain, which only really happens from November through April here, I have a Golire Poncho that doubles as a ground cloth for my SMD Trekker. I have a Paclite Goretex shell and a Sierra designs microlite jacket, but those get very little use. Most of my summer damp days are no more than a heavy fog or light mist. The Stoic Wraith handles that - and short light rains - quite well. Never tried a windshirt until this year, but I won't be going back to using a rain shell as a windbreaker.

Edited by bcutlerj on 08/10/2012 19:34:37 MDT.

Best rain / wind jacket