Thread: The ULTIMATE rain jacket

Is there such thing? After being left wet and freezing cold at 2000m wearing my shitty creek Tundra rain jacket with a down jacket underneath a while ago it’s got me looking for a new rain coat. There are so many options around now it’s hard to know where to start. Being the Bulkiest item I have left in my pack, this would be a good opportunity to shed some bulk and weight. If this is possible without losing too much durability and life span that is. Looking at brands like Mac pac, marmot, Rab etc. At the moment the top option looks to be the Rab meridian, a gortex coat at 350 odd grams, Prefer to keep weight under 500 grams. Has anyone had any experience with a rain jacket that fits this bill? Any suggestions or experiences much appreciated

Earth Sea Sky Hydrophobia

Haha! sorry, shouldn't laugh, I feel your pain (or wet as it may be) I too have a shitty creek rain coat, good for about 10 minutes in light drizzle from new, then you get wet.

Just to be clear: shitty creek refers to Stoney Creek, some of the shittiest and misrepresented gear. Don't ever go there. Repeat: DON'T BUY STONEY CREEK.

My raincoat is a battered old Brit issue, keeps out the wind and rain and lots of useful pockets, not light but when the weather is crap, I love the old thing! With my down jacket underneath am good as gold curled up in the tussock with the hood pulled over while the rain and wind bash away

The Macpac Resolution would also have to be considered https://www.macpac.co.nz/macpac-mens...at/115183.html

That ESS Hydrophobia does sound good thou

The macpac resolution is good. But to consider, no venting zips (not necessarily that important if you just need a solid barrier against the weather). And as per some reviews on their website, those front pockets are shockers for filling up with water in even moderate rain.

@257weatherby Me too; and a new Brit Desert cam that cost me $99 new.... Helluva bang for buck

https://www.armyandoutdoors.co.nz/co...ert-mvp-jacket

Kaiwaka seal tex. half the price of the “brands” and twice as waterproof.

Hunters Element Halo. Impressed with my one

Originally Posted by 257weatherby

Haha! sorry, shouldn't laugh, I feel your pain (or wet as it may be) I too have a shitty creek rain coat, good for about 10 minutes in light drizzle from new, then you get wet.

Just to be clear: shitty creek refers to Stoney Creek, some of the shittiest and misrepresented gear. Don't ever go there. Repeat: DON'T BUY STONEY CREEK.

My raincoat is a battered old Brit issue, keeps out the wind and rain and lots of useful pockets, not light but when the weather is crap, I love the old thing! With my down jacket underneath am good as gold curled up in the tussock with the hood pulled over while the rain and wind bash away

I thought mine was the only "lemon" one hour in light rain and soaked. Plastic from the Warehouse does better.

I've had most of the hunting brand jackets, now I just use one I got off of army and outdoors for $15 . Swedish army surplus from memory. I mostly just use a swandri or wool jumper for hunting now days, as stated above if your moving in a jacket you get just as wet on 5he inside from sweat. Plus when your pushing through the bush all day water eventually finds its way in. I reckon just make sure your still warm when you eventually get wet

Pros and cons with all waterproof jackets, it depends on what your priorities are

Extremely light?
Durable?
Length to knees?
Camo?
Pockets?
Hood preference?

As Ryan mentioned, a classic is the ESS Hydro, hard to beat, NZ Made

Also as above, don't touch stoney Creek. Far better options out there for your money

Originally Posted by hotsoup

Pros and cons with all waterproof jackets, it depends on what your priorities are

Extremely light? 500 ish grams
Durable? Yes
Length to knees? Preferably
Camo? Hell no
Pockets? Not fased
Hood preference? Definitely hooded

As Ryan mentioned, a classic is the ESS Hydro, hard to beat, NZ Made

Also as above, don't touch stoney Creek. Far better options out there for your money

definitely won’t be buying another stoney creek rain jacket after the last 2 I’ve had have been shit

Originally Posted by Bradp

I've had most of the hunting brand jackets, now I just use one I got off of army and outdoors for $15 . Swedish army surplus from memory. I mostly just use a swandri or wool jumper for hunting now days, as stated above if your moving in a jacket you get just as wet on 5he inside from sweat. Plus when your pushing through the bush all day water eventually finds its way in. I reckon just make sure your still warm when you eventually get wet

You still trapping bro?

Originally Posted by Backsteaks

definitely won’t be buying another stoney creek rain jacket after the last 2 I’ve had have been shit

https://earthseasky.co.nz/product/hydrophobia-men-s/

Enjoy

@257weatherby have you ever weighed your army outdoors raincoat? Interested in what one of them weigh
And you’re certainly right about misrepresented gear. Shows what marketing can achieve for a brand. Makes you wonder why a lot of guys on social media and tv all represent SC