Light, wproof, cheap shell jacket

**neck beard** · 12-12-2007, 08:08 PM

I am after a lightweight shell jacket that is
a) inexpensive,
b) waterproof, or close to it
c) good for bc use, not just an everyday 'paclite' for suburban use.
d) I couldn’t give a fuck about being highly breathable, not important.. It should be better than a garbage bag, but that's all.

For most fair weather winter ascent and descent I wear a Mammut wind shirt (awesome but v expensive, Gore windblocker fabric) . I only put on an outer shell for short periods if its getting a bit stormy or I am riding deep powder or expect to, um, crash a lot. Of course if I am out in nasty weather for a long day I take a much heavier shell.

Any suggestions? I have a Marmot Precip and it isn’t nearly waterproof enough around the wear zones.

I checked these threads in Techtalk but couldn’t find my answer
http://tetongravity.com/forums/searc...archid=2517629

**zion zig zag** · 12-12-2007, 09:22 PM

marmot precip

**sock_monkey** · 12-12-2007, 09:34 PM

since you're in J-land, have a look at Mont-bell for a cheap shell.

**shmoesmith** · 12-13-2007, 12:38 AM

Originally Posted by Hohes

Any suggestions? I have a Marmot Precip and it isn’t nearly waterproof enough around the wear zones.

That is weird. Marmot makes a damn good WPB coating. Try covering the inside of your sink with the part of the jacket that you think isn't working right. Fill up the jacket with water in that area (the sink should form that section into a bowl shape). Let it sit for 20 minutes or so (this will let anything that could actually 'wet out' or soak through actually get through). Carefully lift up the jacket, allowing the water to stay in it and check the underside to see if any moisture got through.

I've done this check with many jackets and pants. All of the stuff that had the WPB coating on the outside failed this test. All of the stuff that either had a laminate or coating on the inside of the clothing passed with flying colors. I've tested numerous marmot pieces and they have never failed the test. You just might be sweating alot. I have a Goretex XCR jacket and it is ALWAYS wet on the inside after a day of skiing..even when it's bluebird and I don't take a single spill. Even when it was brand new it woudld do this. Same with EVERY other WPB technical shell I've ever owned. WPB laminates and coatings just don't breath like the manufactures would like you to believe. That said, they are never wet enough on the inside to actually make the clothing they are touching wet.

**XtrPickels** · 12-13-2007, 02:32 AM

my precip stuff went downhill quickly with use. Elbows and cuffs especially. I've switched to paclite instead of my original precip which laster a little under a year and haven't looked back years later.

I've heard of things called frog toggs, supposed to be good if you don't want anything too techy but want to keep water out but I don't really know.

**neck beard** · 12-14-2007, 09:45 PM

Shmoe you horrendous gear geek!! Nah, just joking, I appreciate and respect your advice. I just might try that next time I have a day off. The jacket def lets in water in the back and shoulder wear areas. Just a short walk outside and its leaking, no sweating at all. The outer fabric streaks and become saturated very quickly and the inside plasticy liner has small beads of water on it. My girlfriend even commented on how wet my jacket looked (soggy and darker orange in the wet bits). It used to work really well.

Is there any hardcore long lasting waterproofing spray that I could use? Doesn't matter if it shuts down the breathability.

Sock Monkey - I saw a Mont Bell shell a while back that was possibly the lightest item of clothing thing I have ever seen, besides perhaps a condom. If I cant waterproof my Marmot, I might fork out for a Mont Bell. Though, that moneys got to come from somewhere.

**shmoesmith** · 12-14-2007, 09:54 PM

Originally Posted by Hohes

Shmoe you horrendous gear geek!!

BWAhahahaha! It's true!!! Yeah, the Precip isn't the longest lasting WPB coating. If it's not a multi layer setup, you may have rubbed clean through the PU coating. Marmots' Membrain is MUCH MUCH better.

White sierra does a super cheap "WPB" jacket that is damn light. You can pick it up for like $35 at REI. Its breathability sucks ass though.

**huckbucket** · 12-14-2007, 10:35 PM

Doesn't Rainy Pass offer waterproof restoration for coats? Might be another avenue.

**hutash** · 12-15-2007, 11:43 AM

Patagucci spaymaster if you can find one at the outlet in Dillon, call them. Great lightweight, super packable.

**xyz** · 12-15-2007, 03:13 PM

I'm using this...

http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Prod...&viewAll=False

super light, kinda cheap.

**mmmthmtskier** · 12-15-2007, 04:15 PM

Originally Posted by Hohes

Is there any hardcore long lasting waterproofing spray that I could use? Doesn't matter if it shuts down the breathability.

Tectron(Available at Big 5) is about the cheapest. Revivex, Nikwax, Scotchguard, Granger's all make spray can/pump DWR(Durable Water Repellent). Nikwax makes a wash-in one that can affect breathablility, not an issue for you. Usually, all are around $8-18 when not on sale.
For WP/B outerwear, the DWR needs to be periodically redone. It will wear out over time due to washing and wearing. Keeping it clean is most important but don't overdo it. I still use a non-detergeant soap that was recommended for the old Gore-Tex. You want something that will rinse clean(rinse cycle it twice to be sure), like Dreft or eco-friendly dish soap.
Sometimes you can revive/recoat the DWR on the garment by drying in the clothes dryer at a warm temp. If that doesn't work, it's time to re-treat...

**dookeyXXX** · 12-15-2007, 04:18 PM

what about Red Ledge?

http://redledge.com/

Their shells and pants pack down to a size equal to a 12oz beer bottle (the ads they often run in ski mags show the jacket and pants stuffed into a six-pack cardboard container.

**schuss** · 12-15-2007, 04:18 PM

Any paclite shell should be good. I love mine and use it all the time (have a MH)

**akfreeride** · 12-17-2007, 08:54 PM

http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/prod...ETS.SOFT_SHELL

thats a big messy link, but its for the patagonia houdini jacket. i have this in blue, and it is the lightest thing iv ever felt. 3.7 OUNCES! holy shit and does this thing keep me warm. blocks damn near all of the wind i have ever come in contact with, and thats saying something coming from alaska. its breathability is almost nothing, but whatever, its not a garbage bag.(its probably lighter). anyway, not a sturdy jacket by any means, but if im skinning up something, get to the top, and need something to cut the wind and the snow on the way down, this thing is bomb. i really swear by it, and thats saying something too because i am nit-picky about gear.

**neck beard** · 12-17-2007, 09:35 PM

Heaps of good stuff coming out here. Thank you. Giving iota hardcore long lasting waterproofing would be good, and for the cash its the best option for my budget.

But, some of these jacket I hadn't heard of kick ass. Will my girl by me one for xmas? Hmmm.

**fool** · 12-17-2007, 11:34 PM

Originally Posted by akfreeride

http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/prod...ETS.SOFT_SHELL

thats a big messy link, but its for the patagonia houdini jacket. i have this in blue, and it is the lightest thing iv ever felt. 3.7 OUNCES! holy shit and does this thing keep me warm. blocks damn near all of the wind i have ever come in contact with, and thats saying something coming from alaska. its breathability is almost nothing, but whatever, its not a garbage bag.(its probably lighter). anyway, not a sturdy jacket by any means, but if im skinning up something, get to the top, and need something to cut the wind and the snow on the way down, this thing is bomb. i really swear by it, and thats saying something too because i am nit-picky about gear.

Got one and I've used on a two hour bike ride in the rain and it worked great. I got it based on other people's super high praise for it in general outdoor use. It might be too light for you, but I would check it out.