Really waterproof jackets that don't require your firstborn

[JJARAB]

So my Lands End raincoat is at this point just a lightweight jacket. While I could certainly spray it with waterproofing, I’m just wondering if there really is a lightweight (no insulation) rain jacket that will STAY waterproof.

• GoreTex is great. I simply cannot afford $200 or $300 for a rain jacket. Some of the non insulated ones I've seen go up to $500
• Needs an "athletic" cut - i.e. ease of movement in arms, preferably slightly longer in the back
• I've looked at Lands End AND LL Bean for waterproof jackets. They look wonderful, until you read the reviews, where again and again, people say "this is NOT waterproof!!"

One other brand I saw that was at least moderately affordable was Outdoor Research. Marmot was another.

Here’s an example of what I’m looking at… just would love some feedback on non-Gore-Tex stuff that is and STAYS waterproof.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/outdoor-research-reflexa-jacket-waterproof-for-women~p~5181g/?filterString=womens-jackets-and-coats~d~261%2Fspecdataor~features%3Bwaterproof%20(all)%2F&colorFamily=15

[Hinderella]

Is there an EMS or REI store near you? I’ve gotten some great buys on sale at those stores, but you generally have to go to a brick & mortar store and look through the sale racks, they don’t show up on line. I got a really nice North Face Goretex jacket for $80. Not cheap, but cheap for Goretex.

[Heinz_57]

Columbia has some really nicely cut rain shells at various price points. Mine is an Omni-tech and came with an insulated omni-heat zip-out liner, but they also have just the rain coat/shell in various fabrics. Mine is not a swishy/noisy fabric at all and the water literally beads up and shakes off the outer. They are longer in the back and have all sorts of adjustment points and different coat lengths depending on what you want.

[Dramapony_misty]

Whatever you do, make sure you look for waterproof jackets that have taped seams. This meant that the seams are sealed so that water can’t leak through. I don’t know how many jackets I had that said that they were waterproof, but still leaked through the seams (the FABRIC was waterproof, just not the seams).

Also, if you find a jacket that you like and it is too expensive, check ebay. I got a Northface ski jacket shell for $60 on there!

[jn4jenny]

[QUOTE=JJARAB;8050393]
One other brand I saw that was at least moderately affordable was Outdoor Research. Marmot was another.[/QUOTE]

You’re on the right track. The jacket you want is the Marmot PreCip. This article explains why, in exhaustive detail, and the Amazon reviews on the jacket back up their choice. If in doubt, buy it from REI. They offer a one-year, no-questions-asked return policy if you don’t like how your gear performs.
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-everyday-rain-jacket/

[Libby2563]

Have you considered oilskins? The only problem I found with those are that they’re quite heavy so they’re not great for summer thunderstorms.

I have had a Kerrits raincoat for several years. It’s cut for riding with a split tail so your thighs can be covered. It also has magnets down the front as well as a zipper, which is handy. The material is on the soft clothy side, not loud and crinkly. The waterproofing seems to have held up really well. I bought mine on eBay for under or around $100, which is more than I usually spend on clothes but fine if it’s going to hold up (which it has). Unfortunately I don’t see it on their website anymore but this is the most recent version: http://kerrits.com/womens/vests-and-jackets/split-tail-rain-jacket.

I also have an REI raincoat of the more plasticky variety that I use for non-horsey activities. It’s pretty but after a long time in the rain, the moisture seems to eventually seep through and bead on the inside.

[irish_horse]

I loved my Marmot Precip, waterproof, athletic (competed a wet 50-mile endurance ride in it!). Sadly after 4 years of hard use it has lost waterproofing. I’ve re-proofed it with the recommended stuff, but to no avail. But $100 for 4 years wasn’t too bad. I did just buy a new one off ebay for $40 (discontinued color, so if you’re not picky, I’d try that route).

[I_wear_horse_hair]

We all have this one. It’s been thrown in the back of my car, washed a ton, slobbered on and tasted by all manner of equines and still looks new. It’s not a “loud” fabric so it’s great for riding. Both my kids have them and have never had a problem riding. We also all have the pants. Overall I really like the coat and have worn it in driving rain and been totally dry.

http://amzn.com/B002R8NPF0

[mjwright]

Have at look at Cabelas. I have a Cabelas gortex uninsulated raincoat and have had it a number of years…it is fabulous and most definitely waterproof.

[IFG]

LL Bean Gore-Tex. Mine is over 23 years old. It was my every day jacket, now my barn coat. Still Waterproof.

[pheasantknoll]

Sierra trading post?

[Aces_N_Eights]

I have had good luck with this jacket:
http://www.mountainhorseusa.com/outerwear/jackets?product_id=2811

[ehwaz]

Check out REI. I have this one (http://www.rei.com/product/872495/the-north-face-varius-guide-jacket-womens) and I love it. Have been out in storms where we got 5 inches in an hour and stayed dry.

[drmgncolor]

[QUOTE=JJARAB;8050393]
I’m just wondering if there really is a lightweight (no insulation) rain jacket that will STAY waterproof.

One other brand I saw that was at least moderately affordable was Outdoor Research. Marmot was another.

Here’s an example of what I’m looking at… just would love some feedback on non-Gore-Tex stuff that is and STAYS waterproof.[/QUOTE]

Your expectations are a bit unrealistic if you think there is any jacket out there that is truly, and will always stay, waterproof. Waterproofness is just a sliding scale as no widely accepted waterproof industry standard for fabric exists. It’s all based on the pounds per square inch of water the fabric will let through depending on the amount of force applied (wind driven rain, for example.) So a light rain jacket with nothing more than a DWR finish can advertise as being waterproof just as a three layer laminate jacket with taped seams can advertise as being waterproof. The difference is the degree of waterproofness. The jacket with just the DWR finish is built to withstand light rains, while the 3 layer laminate was tested for more forceful rains.

“Gore-Tex” has become the Kleenex or Band-Aid of the waterproof fabric world. Once its patent was up, competitors jumped on board to create Gore-tex equivalent materials. Many perform just as good or better than Gore-Tex, so don’t be sold just on the name.

OR and Marmont are great brands. I’ve had both, in addition to about every main line brand (TNF, REI, Columbia, Arc’Teryx, etc… I’m a jacket junkie). Just make sure any jacket you get has a rating of 2psi or higher (if you can find that information), taped seams, a laminate (so multiplayer, not just a topical DWR finish) and that the jacket is listed as breatheable. What you don’t want is to keep out the rain, yet let your body’s natural moisture stay trapped inside. Pit zips are also extremely helpful in letting out trapped heat and moisture if you plan to do much physical activity in the jacket. That’s a mandatory feature for me.

Here is an excellent write-up about waterproof rainwear I think you will find very informative:
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/rainwear-how-it-works.html.

Also: NEVER wash a rain jacket (with a laminate or DWR finish) in the laundry with regular detergent.

Hope this information helps!

[poltroon]

That is a great article!

This is the right time of year to buy rainwear - maybe even a little late in the season - when people are clearing out the winter stock. The more expensive stuff generally will perform better and last longer, but nothing will stay waterproof forever.

I tend to buy uninsulated shells and buy them one or two sizes large, which creates more air that can either trap warmth or release it and provides more room for layering.

[drmgncolor]

[QUOTE=poltroon;8052113]

I tend to buy uninsulated shells and buy them one or two sizes large, which creates more air that can either trap warmth or release it and provides more room for layering.[/QUOTE]

This! Always buy a shell with a little room to spare.

My current ski set up is an Arc’Teryx 3 layer uninsulated shell that I layer underneath as needed. I don’t buy insulated ski or rain jackets, as it’s too difficult to tailor to my specific layering needs for the conditions. And if they aren’t insulated, I can also use them year round.

[soloudinhere]

My rain jacket is a Mountain Hardwear, full taped seams, goretex type fabric on head arms and shoulders/upper back, while the lower is less waterproof but STRETCH material. It’s a great coat. Retail is something like $350 but I got mine on sierra trading post for about $100. Totally worth it.

[sophie]

I have a Haglöfs gore-tex 2-way zip rain jacket that is totally waterproof and breathable. I love it.
For trail riding in downpours, I wear a rain poncho, there are some high quality ones out there and they keep you (and your saddle) totally dry.
I also have an OLD Pacific Trail Pac Tech rain jacket that is still totally waterproof, with underarm zippered vents and a 2-way zip. Great jacket, I wish I could buy the exact same one again.
If I know what I want the Sierra Trading Post is my first stop, then eBay, then Amazon.

[WannabeDQ]

I really like the North Face rain jackets. They tend to last and keep me dry. My LL Bean rain jacket was worthless after a few wears, total waste of money!

[JJARAB]

Indeed, nothing is waterproof “forever,” (as evidenced by my beloved Weatherbeeta pony size rain sheet delaminating after 5 years). The quality of Lands End (and based on reviews, LL Bean, too) HAS changed. I received a Squall parka in… 2002, I think? It stayed waterproof for at least 6 years, probably longer. The raincoat purchased in 2009 lasted maybe 2 and that was being washed with Nikwax tech wash. It’s still a pretty coat, and I’ll try spraying it, but for what I paid for it, I’d have liked it to last a little longer than that.

Looking them over, I think I will give the Marmot PreCip a try. The price point is affordable enough to order direct from them and they have great colors (I’m a sucker for a cheerfully colored rain jacket, since rain makes me gloomy) and free shipping. I did love that Kerrits coat - but… it’s almost too elegant for ME. I tend to be the female equivalent of PigPen at the barn. It’s gorgeous, though. The Columbia one was also cute - wish it came in a broader color range.