If you want the most breathable stuff only Event will do.

I have a Patagonia Jetstream that's great. I use it for work in the field in addition to all it's expected uses and it takes a real beating and keeps me dry. Quality is great, super durable and pretty light as well.

Out with it folks? I want to know what you you think the very best waterproof shell is for the money. I recently picked up a Marmott DriClime at REI for $30 (yeah no kidding brand new and $30). It's a bit tight on the shoulders. I nabbed a medium. All the rest of the jacket is awesome and I only mention this for a size comparison.

So I want a bomber waterproof shell only. I don't need insulation at all in fact I don't want it at all. Well here:

- No insulation.
- Rugged (use mixed climbing) and of course sledding and not that sissy tube crap. I mean the real deal, metal rail full throttle sledding. :)
- Must be waterproof. I mean proof.
- Breathable a definite bonus.
- Needs to have some pockets for stowing stuff.

Price isn't really an option but I'd like the best value for the money spent. Right now I'd like to aim for $200 to $300 but would spend more.

I can pair it up with a primaloft top, merino wool t-shirt and long sleeve shirt and that's enough to handle most of my outings.

I'm hell bent on staying dry though and when I say dry I mean from outside in but I'd really love to not have 100% humidity under the zipper either.

Oh geez I sweat in gallons so yeah breathability is a big issue. I thought I mentioned that in a reply somewhere...

What do people think of the Mountain Hardware Exposure II? It was next to the eVent stuff. The salesperson said it was comparable. The particular eVent piece I was looking at was insulated and bulky. I didn't want that. The Mountain Hardware had *EVERYTHING* I was after. Reinforced elbows, breathable, nice all around or so it seemed seamed.

Yes. Hanging mesh layer. What's the bad side with that?

Of course, like anything, the "best" is a pretty subjective thing, but I would say the "best" technical shell should:

1) Be made of eVent
2) Have heavy enough face and backing fabrics for withstanding abuse
3) Be constructed with extreme attention to detail and care (the best waterproof membrane doesn't help if the seams leak)
4) Be designed for easy use with a backpack and harness

In your OP you declared water proof, PROOF. Water proof=not breatheable

eVent sounds like the right option for you. What about the Wild Things Alpinist jacket?

Helly Hansen. I've had over a dozen breathable rain shells and they make the best, period. I do an annual hiking, climbing, and halibut fishing pilgrimage to Alaska every summer, so I put my gear to the test. Better than Arcteryx, Patagonia, etc. They nail all the small details, and their fabric is as breathable as e-vent.

You can't have water proof and breatheable. You stressed water proof many times called it a must and put it in the title. Breatheable was a 'bonus'.

Does this mean that you don't believe Gore-Tex is waterproof? It's not designed to be submerged, but the fabric doesn't leak even in the worst weather I've been in. How much more "waterproof" do you need?

Does this mean that you don't believe Gore-Tex is waterproof? It's not designed to be submerged, but the fabric doesn't leak even in the worst weather I've been in. How much more "waterproof" do you need?

Helly Hanson = fashion, in my opinion. But what companies don't these days?

The passion killer for me:

Google: Helly Hansen Rain Jacket
Result: REI
Page: "Men's Waterproof Jackets and Pants" -> "Non-Breathable Rainware"

I'm normally a person that freezes their butt off. Cold all the farking time. Until I lift a finger. Once I start doing something sweat just pours. Even if it's 30 out, even if it's 0 out. I have to have something that let's sweat out. Major must!

Otherwise I was ready to click "Add to Cart" and pocket $140 in left-over cash.

I just picked up the REI Taku and have been very impressed. I cannot speak to the long term durability, but it looks to be built well enough to last a while. As far as waterproof and breathable, I can tell you that it is awesome. Also, they are on sale for $150. I have had some Patagonia products in the past. Although expensive, they last forever and are great products.

I do not agree with the comments about Helly Hansen. I had a HH ski jacket years ago and was not impressed at all. YMMV, but I would not buy one.

but if it fails you, you can always return it...

according to eVent materials i have read about, including a recent article in Chemical and Engineering News, the reason eVent can get rid of the inner protective layer is that their PTFE membrane oleophobic while most PTFE are oleophillic.

so hence lighter, more breathable, time in the field will tell which is better but my bets are on eVent right now

Time in the field has shown - you'll want to wash your event fabric in nikwax tech wash then reproof if with nixwax every once in a while to keep the breathability up.

Nikwax sucks. Revivex or Grainger's.

I'm gonna place my bets on Hardwear, Arc'Teryx, Patagonia, Marmot and TNF since all of them have done their own long term tests and wanted to stick to what they've been doing.

Note that everyone using eVent currently is fairly small and is looking for a way to break into an over saturated market.

So somebody was telling me that Gortex essentailly won't sell to product lines that carry event. So the big producers (who feel they have to have Gortex for marketing reasons) don't carry event and only the little guys carry event (but not Gortex).

Any truth to this or just a case of propaganda/urban myth?

So somebody was telling me that Gortex essentailly won't sell to product lines that carry event. So the big producers (who feel they have to have Gortex for marketing reasons) don't carry event and only the little guys carry event (but not Gortex).

Any truth to this or just a case of propaganda/urban myth?