Best rain gear shell?
- Thread starter caustic
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Re: Best rain gear shell?
I would have a look at the Helly Hansen line. They make everything from Light Weight Pack sets to the Super Heavy insulated gear that the Crab Fishermen in Alaska wear on a daily basis.
I have a number of their sets and cant say enough good things about them.
I would have a look at the Helly Hansen line. They make everything from Light Weight Pack sets to the Super Heavy insulated gear that the Crab Fishermen in Alaska wear on a daily basis.
I have a number of their sets and cant say enough good things about them.
Re: Best rain gear shell?
I have a TAD Raptor (the lighter version) and it is better than any of the "outdoors" brands' gear I have used.
Whatever you get, look for eVent - it is the best waterproof/breathable membrane, at least as far as I have seen.
I have a TAD Raptor (the lighter version) and it is better than any of the "outdoors" brands' gear I have used.
Whatever you get, look for eVent - it is the best waterproof/breathable membrane, at least as far as I have seen.
Re: Best rain gear shell?
Another "vote" for TAD Gear Raptor hardshell. I have found it extremely packable, lightweight, and loaded with features...
Another "vote" for TAD Gear Raptor hardshell. I have found it extremely packable, lightweight, and loaded with features...
Re: Best rain gear shell?
Arc'Teryx Beta AR.
Light, thin, can pack into its own hood, bombproof, and weather proof. Also has a very functional cut that allows full freedom of movement with no drag.
Since I bought mine two years ago I cannot imagine how I ever lived without it. I use it year round. It goes everywhere with me.
Also, the goretex and design is pure quality. With the addition of the long pit zips I find it breathable enough for rainy humid summer days. However, with just a fleece or heavy sweater I've been out in -40 (that's with windchill) and had no problems staying warm. Mind you, I do prefer cold weather.
The shell feels like 'paper' in the store, but it has survived everything but a real war zone. I have put it through quite a bit. You can PM me for details if you wish. I just hose it down and it looks like new again.
I have been beyond impressed with the jacket. When (ignorant) people comment about the price, I just smile. Little do they know...
Arc'Teryx Beta AR.
Light, thin, can pack into its own hood, bombproof, and weather proof. Also has a very functional cut that allows full freedom of movement with no drag.
Since I bought mine two years ago I cannot imagine how I ever lived without it. I use it year round. It goes everywhere with me.
Also, the goretex and design is pure quality. With the addition of the long pit zips I find it breathable enough for rainy humid summer days. However, with just a fleece or heavy sweater I've been out in -40 (that's with windchill) and had no problems staying warm. Mind you, I do prefer cold weather.
The shell feels like 'paper' in the store, but it has survived everything but a real war zone. I have put it through quite a bit. You can PM me for details if you wish. I just hose it down and it looks like new again.
I have been beyond impressed with the jacket. When (ignorant) people comment about the price, I just smile. Little do they know...
Re: Best rain gear shell?
+1 for the TAD Raptor. Great shell. And TAD Gear is a great company that stands behind their products.
+1 for the TAD Raptor. Great shell. And TAD Gear is a great company that stands behind their products.
Re: Best rain gear shell?
Thanks for the info guys, keep it comming as I have not placed any orders yet both the TAD and Arcteryx leaf are solid options if there are any others out there it would be great to know.the Helly Hansen is not quite what I'm looking for but thats for the info.
Thanks for the info guys, keep it comming as I have not placed any orders yet both the TAD and Arcteryx leaf are solid options if there are any others out there it would be great to know.the Helly Hansen is not quite what I'm looking for but thats for the info.
Re: Best rain gear shell?
I like the Arc'teryx LEAF jackets, but they are a bit pricey.
The North Face Mountain Light (mine was made in Berkeley) or the TAD Anoraks are pretty durable and compact into a small space. Most of your high end laminate shells will cost a few hundred dollars.
I wear my Helly Hanson on the boat though. So you don't need to spend alot of money. It just a matter of requirement and/or preference.
I like the Arc'teryx LEAF jackets, but they are a bit pricey.
The North Face Mountain Light (mine was made in Berkeley) or the TAD Anoraks are pretty durable and compact into a small space. Most of your high end laminate shells will cost a few hundred dollars.
I wear my Helly Hanson on the boat though. So you don't need to spend alot of money. It just a matter of requirement and/or preference.
Re: Best rain gear shell?
I have the complete Warrior Wear system, and though I am not fond of the Blackhawk clothing line this thing is one damn fine piece of kit, I have never had an issue with any of it. The downside... you will go BROKE trying to buy it all at once. They are now owned by ATK, so we will see what happens there. If you want lightweight, fairly durable, and compressible, try FROGG TOGGs, they aren't as pricey and do the job, I don't know if they still have a "tactical" color anymore though...
I have the complete Warrior Wear system, and though I am not fond of the Blackhawk clothing line this thing is one damn fine piece of kit, I have never had an issue with any of it. The downside... you will go BROKE trying to buy it all at once. They are now owned by ATK, so we will see what happens there. If you want lightweight, fairly durable, and compressible, try FROGG TOGGs, they aren't as pricey and do the job, I don't know if they still have a "tactical" color anymore though...
