As the summer ends I occasionally find myself wanting a lightweight rain jacket for when it's a bit drizzly and there's just enough of a chill in the air for it not to be comfortable doing what I do in hot weather - which is just to let myself get a little wet. Breaking out the full foul weather jacket is just too much in these situations. It's too hot, too bulky, too restrictive. And a lot of the lightweight synthetic windbreaker type rain jackets I've tried are not in the least bit breathable, no matter how much they claim to be. I'd be just as well off to cut some holes in a Hefty trash bag and put it over myself. Many of these light jackets, including the really expensive ones, also have really cheap-feeling crinkly, slightly rubbery fabric that's just no fun to wear. Has anyone found a lightweight rain jacket that's truly comfortable and breathable?
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4arch
For the price when wanting mainly to keep the rain off I have had great luck with Frog Toggs Ultra Light series jackets and pants. Cheap and do a good job of keeping the rain out. Also very light a packable. Definitely not a replacement for any level of foul weather gear but great as rain jacket/suit that you will not over heat in.
Foster
Foster
We have a variety of light rain jackets that range from cheap Columbia jackets to more expensive Marmot GoreTex and REI brand jackets. They all seem fine. Of course the more expensive ones are better but the Columbia ones are easily stuffed in a day pack and we don't worry about damaging them.
Rainproof and breathable ... well, you need to be realistic. If the holes are small enough to be reliably waterproof, they are only breathable for very light exertion, like strolling but not walking fast. It also depends on temperature. Finally, unless the water repelant finish (DWR) is kept fresh, water stops beading and the surface wets out. They may not leak, but if the surface is wet-out, breathing goes to zero, regardless of the fabric (obvious but often forgotten).
For active sailing in light rain or spray in warmish weather the only thing that works is venting. Light under layers. No liner (if it gets damp they are impossible to dry or put on). Waterproof socks instead of boots. Keep the neck open (a ball cap under the hood helps). Work at a measured pace.
The coatings are are thinner and won't last as long. A minor leak is not that important. "I don't know what "cheap feeling" means, unless they were cheap or unless you wore shorts and short sleeves under them, in which case you basically need to change your layers or get use to it.
For active sailing in light rain or spray in warmish weather the only thing that works is venting. Light under layers. No liner (if it gets damp they are impossible to dry or put on). Waterproof socks instead of boots. Keep the neck open (a ball cap under the hood helps). Work at a measured pace.
The coatings are are thinner and won't last as long. A minor leak is not that important. "I don't know what "cheap feeling" means, unless they were cheap or unless you wore shorts and short sleeves under them, in which case you basically need to change your layers or get use to it.
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