Breathable Rain Jacket Suggestions

goose54cdd

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Jul 23, 2021
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Need some input. I need a breathable packable rain jacket and haven't bought one in years. Nothing real expensive maybe around $100.
 
Mrs. J. picked up one for me made by Columbia - I think from Kohls. I wouldn't hike up a mountain while wearing it, but I won't get sweat-soaked or soaked by rain on a walk back to the car. It didn't cost anywhere near $100.
Regards
 
Dear goose,

I almost hate to say this, but I came very close to buying an Ascend Meramec rain jacket from Bass Pro Shop. It was about $ 85.00 and came in a muted olive green or gray color and fit me well, but I decided I didn't need it. I'm tall and big and a 3XLT fit me perfectly, and it was very light weight but not sheer or easily torn. They are actually on sale right now for $ 67.00.

Paramount, Slumberjack and Frogg Toggs also have rain jackets under $ 100.00. I'd suggest you try to find something in a store so you can test it out for proper fit.

Regards,

Tim Murphy 🙂
 
For me a “breathable” rain jacket is one with zipper vents, ideally underarm. Several years ago I picked up a pit zip vent equipped nwt gore-tex pro jacket off the ‘bay for cheap, so if you don’t care about having a wading specific jacket (the most notable difference being cinchable/water resistant wrist cuffs) you may want to search there and/or FB mktplace as well.
 
Frogg Toggs are ole reliable, but don't be afraid to hunt ebay/Facebook for a great deal. I got a Patagonia Torrentshell for around $90 and the quality has been fantastic. I would never consider buying a rain jacket for the $190 it retails for, but hunting for a bargain can get you quality well above your price range.
 
Here is a link to a true Gore-Tex jacket with pit zips for $150. I own many items from Beyond Clothing, and the quality is generally very good. I bought this very jacket for my son when his old rain jacket delaminated in the wash.

Beyond Clothing has somewhat of a unique business model, and it became even more unique in the past year or so. Much of their apparel was marketed to the military and law enforcement agencies. As such, they offered a line of 100% U.S. made clothing that met certain sourcing requirements of government agencies, but they also offered good quality items that were made overseas. Since about a year ago, they now seem to concentrate only on sales to government agencies, and their latest line of clothing is U.S. made, mission-oriented, and very expensive.

The jacket linked to below is in their outlet section and is leftover stock of non-U.S. made apparel that they sold before altering their business model. However, the description indicates that the material used to make the jacket is made in the USA.

Here is a link:

Beyond Clothing Gore-Tex Jacket
 
Here is a link to a true Gore-Tex jacket with pit zips for $150. I own many items from Beyond Clothing, and the quality is generally very good. I bought this very jacket for my son when his old rain jacket delaminated in the wash.

Beyond Clothing has somewhat of a unique business model, and it became even more unique in the past year or so. Much of their apparel was marketed to the military and law enforcement agencies. As such, they offered a line of 100% U.S. made clothing that met certain sourcing requirements of government agencies, but they also offered good quality items that were made overseas. Since about a year ago, they now seem to concentrate only on sales to government agencies, and their latest line of clothing is U.S. made, mission-oriented, and very expensive.

The jacket linked to below is in their outlet section and is leftover stock of non-U.S. made apparel that they sold before altering their business model. However, the description indicates that the material used to make the jacket is made in the USA.

Here is a link:

Beyond Clothing Gore-Tex Jacket
That looks like a steal. Gore-tex, neutral color, ripstop fabric, and cinch wrap cuffs to (if tight enough) keep your arms dry during dunks.
 
Field and Stream products are now in Tractor Supply stores, my wife bought me the rain jacket from them and I think it's very breathable and lightweight, I don't think it'll break the bank either.
 
It's still Frogg Toggs UL for me. They could be more breathable but they keep me dry. I fish in the rain every chance I get and they last me a few years. At $15 to $20, I can concentrate on keeping the thorns out of my waders and not worry about my jacket.
 
I’ve never found a rain jacket that actually is “breathable” (I don’t think they exist), so I’d recommend the less expensive end of the spectrum. For me, it’s always a decision, would I rather be wet from rain or sweat?
 
I’ve never found a rain jacket that actually is “breathable” (I don’t think they exist), so I’d recommend the less expensive end of the spectrum. For me, it’s always a decision, would I rather be wet from rain or sweat?
No kidding. I made that decision when hiking last week. It was in a very light rain, a short shower, high humidity, 60+ temps, and hilly terrain. Intentionally left the breathable rain gear at home and was glad that I had.
 
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