gators52

Whats the thought behind riding in a rain jacket with appropriate layers underneath? Is it worth spending $300 on a nice technical winter shell vs $100-$150 on a nice rain jacket that will be both wind and water resistant? The rain jacket will also be more versatile for different situations. However will the durability and breathability be the limiting factors?

I'm just curious what people think about this idea. I live in Vermont and it gets really windy up on the chairlifts here so I want something wind resistant. Wind resistant soft shells are so pricey so I'm looking at alternatives. I generally dont get too cold unless the wind gets to me on the lifts.

LuckyRVA

Have a link to a rain jacket you're conidering buying?

Technical shells typically will have a high breathability rating in addition to being waterproof/resistant. You don't want to wear something that isn't breathable. It'll feel like you're wearing a trashbag and you'll sweat your balls off.

gators52

If your sweating too much aren't you wearing too many layers then? Also most rain jackets have great pit zips and pocket/mesh chest zips.

I'm not necessarly talking about wearing a rain jacket to ride in rain, just as a general outer shell. Anyone know the breathibility raiting of some of some of the more popular rain jackets, I can't seem to find them.

Some rain jackets in particular would be the marmot precip, Patagonia torrentshell, jackets in the $150ish price range.

gators52

That clammyness feeling is what I'm worried about. Would it be accurate to say that most technical winter shells are like a breathable more durable rain jacket, is that basically what the extra cost is?

FirstChair

I have been using my breathable gore-tex snowboarding shell jacket for a raincoat year round , so I think of it as my raincoat that I use for snowboarding.
Kind of pricey for a raincoat , but serves a dual purpose.
So I think your assessment is accurate.

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nickwarrenn

Yeah, basically that. It is definitely worth it. I play paintball, and when I wear a rain jacket so wiping paint is easier. (at the end of the round..)
It sucks. You sweat and get clammy from running around in it, even with just a t-shirt on.

gators52

Is the clammyness still there with the pit zips partially or all the way opened.

Simann

To be frank, I've landed some KILLER deals on 2011/2012 model year snowgear this weekend. (Stocking up for next season)
My brother just bought a $250 North Face Elysium down jacket for $122 shipped from a place in North Carolina. Also my brother, for fun, bought a pair of Burton Decadence boots that retail for $500....for $191. And, I landed some killer deals at a local Sun & Ski, $250 Columbia snowboard pants for the lady for only $75.

I think if you put a little effort into actually looking around, you can find an awesome deal on a true technical snowboard jacket that will not only keep the water out, but also breath with you.

SnowRock

Agree i just picked up a Northface Headwall jacket for 100 bucks. Although I also have a Marmot Minimalist I sometimes wear.. its goretex paclite so breathable enough, though I nearly always have the pit vents open. It is super light and packable... mostly wear it with a baselayer on warmer days but have used it in the cold and its been fine. It also acts as my city rain jacket.

spacemanspiff

we need to make a deals thread. where are you guys getting all these deals?