Best rain/wind proof jacket?

L

LongDistance

Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
319
Hello, I am about to go to college (UC Davis) and I could use a good multi purpose jacket. It must be

*water proof, as in rain proof (I'm not going to jump into a pool with it)
*wind proof
*keeps me warm at 0-10 degrees C (~32-50 degrees F) I'm going to wear a sweater underneath the jacket if it gets very cold, so it doesn't have to be too thick.
*must contains lots of pockets, including inner ones.
*must have an "athletic fit". I don't want a puffy jacket.
*less than $400

So far, my choice is one of North Face's jackets. They are popular in my area and they seem to be well made. However, I want to know if there are any other good choices out there. I heard the Tad Gear Stealth Hoodie is pretty good, but I have never tried one before. So please give any reccomendations for a good jacket that meets my requirements.
 
=Voodoo= said:
if you want the best of the best imo...

http://www.arcteryx.com/
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Second vote for Arcteryx. I have the Alpha SV and it is the best jacket, by far, I have ever had the pleasure of owning or trying on. Their products are the pinnacle of the market right now. Without totally knocking the competition, there's something to be said about a company that designs its kit for real users, not mall rats. The fit is impeccable and features are very well thought out. Some things aren't noticed until they're used for their intended purposes. Example: the sleeves offer full coverage with arms extended overhead with a harness on. The hood moves with your head, with or without a helmet on and the pit zips are enormous for awesome ventilation. When I was out West climbing, I noticed almost all the guides wore Arcteryx and most had Pro-Deals in that they could get discounts off gear of their choice. They weren't sponsored; they chose to spend their money on this stuff. There's something to be said about buying from a company that has mountains and gnarly weather in their backyard, too. I know, I know, the factories in China and Vietnam and wherever else can make decent stuff, too, but this stuff is being made where it's intended to be used. TNF and Mountain Hardwear can't say that about their stuff, eventhough it's good.
Mountain Equipment Co-Op makes good stuff as well and it's easier on the wallet.
 
That's a real wide range in temperature, especially if your activity levels will vary too. Sitting or standing stationary in a cloudy, windy 32 degrees feels very different from hiking or biking in a sunny 50 degrees. You might consider buying a shell and an insulating layer, since it would be more versatile than trying to find one jacket.
 
If I was rich, I'd clothe myself from head to toe in Arcteryx.
Handmade in Canada, tough as nails, and no corners cut.
My last purchase was a Sidewinder AR. It's a Gore-Tex XCR winter shell (no liner) that you can ski in with just a thin fleece beneath, but it's so thin & light that I wear it as a raincoat. I have a few dedicated water proof breathable rain coats, but I rarely wear them any more. BTW, the sidewinder is a bit flashy, but there are more conservative styles.

Oh, don't worry about the price, you get what you pay for...
But if you have spent any time on this forum, you know that.
 
I have a Helly Hansen I picked up on close out at a sports store in Atlanta as the weather was warming up. That was ~$100 well spent. The only time I was ever cold in it was in Amsterdam in late December on the water with a really mean and vicious wind blowing with an ambient temperature of about 30F. What is it about a cold breeze from the water that cuts through you? Off the water, its good to about 20F with a reasonable wind. It's not too hot in warm weather up to about 50F.
 
Check out a brand called StormTech. I had never even heard of them but a local radio station gave me two of their jackets a year ago - a short jacket with zip-in Polar Fleece liner and an instructor-length long jacket. The station had purchased these for their on-location news crews and they also gave a couple to 'selected' clients (;) ).

OUTSTANDING wind resistance and almost waterproof.

I own all the usual "have-to-have" stuff from North Face, Barbour, Arcteryx, etc. and these StormTechs were all I wore last winter.
 
If you decide on arcteryx, I recommend you try one on before you buy. I am 6'3" and 225 lbs and wear a mans size large. The theta ar is my favorite shell and fission sv for a fully lined winter coat.
 
If you are looking for brick and mortar type shop to look around in, check a good golf shop. Golfers are some of the few people dumb enough to go outside in the rain for four hours on purpose:p I have a Footjoy waterproof golf jacket that has never let me down.
 
I have a Patagonia SST jacket for Fly Fishing. I have fished all day in pouring rain many times and it has never leaked.
 
Check out Mountain Hardwear and Marmot as well. A little less $ than Arc'Teryx, and a little less quality, so if you're on a budget these may make sense. Slightly different cuts as well. I've got a 3-layer from MH that has been nothing but awesome for me.
 
I went with a more classical approach, but with modern materials. Barbour's Berwick Endurance. Same Barbour waterproofness without the waxed cotton smell. Tons of pockets. It also has an optional liner for an additional layer.
 
cockroachfarm said:
What???? :eek: That aroma is heavenly! :D They should bottle that!
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They do. It's called Barbour Wax Dressing. Comes in a nice little shoe polish tin. :D

Works great for getting you more room in a crowded subway too!!! :rolleyes:
 
tonyccw said:
They do. It's called Barbour Wax Dressing. Comes in a nice little shoe polish tin. :D

Works great for getting you more room in a crowded subway too!!! :rolleyes:
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LOL! Yes, I have several tins. I put a little behind each ear before I take my wife out to dinner. We call it "Eau de Barbaric Barbour".
 
I'd also recommend Arc'Teryx jackets (made in Canada). Great construction, with very fine stitching and glued seams, and awesome durability.

sierratradingpost.com has a pretty good jacket on sale, the Arc'Teryx Javelin SV, as of 26May06 for $183.96 (plus you can use a 10% off coupon).

-Leon
 
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