+- MacResource (https://forums.macresource.com)
+-- Forum: My Category (https://forums.macresource.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=1)
+--- Forum: Tips and Deals (https://forums.macresource.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=3)
+--- Thread: Are there waterproof jackets that can actually stand up to heavy rain? (/showthread.php?tid=280986)
Are there waterproof jackets that can actually stand up to heavy rain? - ka jowct - 10-05-2023
Mine become less moisture resistant as they age.
The worst one was a nearly brand-new Columbia jacket that I wore one night when it was raining fairly hard, and I was soaked in minutes. I have an older North Face Gortex jacket that is still good if the rain is fairly light, but useless in the kind of weather we had last week. It has been washed a few times because it got so grungy I couldn't stand it. Washing seems to make Gortex jackets less moisture resistant.
The best one so far has been an Outdoor Research winter jacket. I also have a Mountain Hardware jacket that is pretty effective, but no good for warmer weather.
The yellow slickers would obviously work, but they'd be too hot to wear in warmer weather.
Thoughts?
I used to get this kind of thing at a great cluttered store downtown called Tent and Trails. It was a sad day when they went out of business. A lot of their stock was older stuff from maybe the previous year or two, but who cares? The prices were great. Sigh. IIRC I got my wonderful Outdoor Research jacket there for under $150; online it was selling for $350.
Re: Are there waterproof jackets that can actually stand up to heavy rain? - Robert M - 10-05-2023
Ka jowct,
I've had various jackets from them and even the non-waterproof ones held up astonishingly well in a rain storm. Jackets intended for use in a rain storm? If any company's products will do the job, it'll be one from Duluth Trading (as well as their AKHG line).
Robert
Re: Are there waterproof jackets that can actually stand up to heavy rain? - btfc - 10-05-2023
For what intended use?
Stuff made for sailing might work:
https://www.gillmarine.com/mens-os2-offshore-jacket-os25j/
Remember, the more waterproof the fabric, the more important venting is.
Perhaps just a newer version of what you have.
Or:
https://www.nikwax.com/en-us/
Re: Are there waterproof jackets that can actually stand up to heavy rain? - JoeH - 10-05-2023
I have a water resistant jacket from LL Bean that is pretty good. I would expect their water proof models to be even better, but haven't purchased one yet. Also have not seen their women's models to compare construction with the men's models in case that would effect how well they would work.
Re: Are there waterproof jackets that can actually stand up to heavy rain? - mattkime - 10-05-2023
First, I'd try some Nikwax products - https://www.nikwax.com/en-us/waterproofing/
Past that, most waterproof material is very similar, with perhaps some variation in the seams. Yes, its somewhat common for waterproof layers to fail but their life can be considerably extended with proper care.
Use is very important. Is it just a daily use jacket for for hiking? etc.
If you're in the market for a new jacket you might consider sierra trading post as they sell almost exclusively closeout items.
Re: Are there waterproof jackets that can actually stand up to heavy rain? - Ken Sp. - 10-05-2023
Seam sealed Gore-Tex is usually pretty good, but it can be compromised two ways.
1. Being a semipermeable membrane if the "pores" get clogged, breathability suffers, which makes it as wet inside as a yellow slicker due to perspiration. That is why you wash it gently with specific cleaners. In the olden days, it was Ivory flakes.
2. The surface material will attract moisture if it is dirty. The water sticks to it and it will prevent breathing, and could cause wicking. Most better jackets are also treated with an external water repellent. Some of the more permanent ones are activated by heat, others require reapplication.
Gore-Tex was discovered by accident. The original Gore-Tex was Teflon that was stretched.
https://www.gore-tex.com/blog/the-gore-tex-membrane-what-it-is-how-it-works-and-why-you-need-it
Re: Are there waterproof jackets that can actually stand up to heavy rain? - robfilms - 10-05-2023
i remember Tent and Trails, it was on Park Place.
good place for gear.
uptown there was an army & navy relic called Kaufman's that was my go-to.
also now gone.
as for answering your question: sadly, the answer is no.
there are no rain jackets that really keep you dry.
either they leak or you sweat.
ymmv
thumbs up.
rob
Re: Are there waterproof jackets that can actually stand up to heavy rain? - Markintosh - 10-05-2023
I am a huge fan of the Patagucci Torrent shell jacket. It's not goretex and it does not fell like Goretex. They call it H2NO fabric. The current non-sale price is $179.
I have had mine somewhere around 9 years and it is still as waterproof as ever, which is better than any rain jacket I have ever owned that wasn't vinyl or rubber. I bought one for my wife and son about a year later and they also have really enjoyed the jacket. Mine has been washed probably a couple of times a year and it's all good.
Thinking back...I know it's been awhile as I bought it at a sale price of $99 when it was regularly priced at $129.
https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-torrentshell-3l-rain-jacket/85241.html?dwvar_85241_color=SHRG&cgid=mens-jackets-vests-rainwear
Re: Are there waterproof jackets that can actually stand up to heavy rain? - andypie48 - 10-06-2023
The best rain gear I ever saw was in shops in Bergen, Norway, where it rains about 2/3 of the days every year. I don't have the brand names but I'm sure they can be searched for.
Re: Are there waterproof jackets that can actually stand up to heavy rain? - RAMd®d - 10-06-2023
I've always wanted a leather duster.
A waxed duster might be more practical, but I hate that texture.
I do have a trench coat that works pretty well, just not the rain to go with it.
But for you ka, maybe something more NYC, more
Kitted up for rain it would be just the thing for a girl
who's got a mind like a diamond
who knows what's best
with shoes that cut
with the right allocations
who's fast, thorough, and sharp as a tack
A girl with a short skirt and a looooooong jacket.