Rain Jacket/ shells

[mattmacman]

Hey guys im looking at getting a new shell and ive been tossing up between a few options (any suggestions on other shells you have would be GREATLY appreciated) my criteria was a extremely rugged shell with a semi athletic fit (just something that wasnt like wearing a blanket over me), good breathability (i like the idea of eVent), good features (fleece pockets, water resistand zippers etc), a good unobtrusive hood, and something that will last. Im not too concerned about price (as my current options will reflect) as im a firm beleiver in buy one and have it for ages! My current options were RAB Latok, Macpac Prophet XPD and the montane superfly/ xt. Suggestions greatly appreciated !

[goof1671]

Don't know the RAB, have owned a Superfly whcih I bought to replace my first Prophet which was stolen. Not as comfortable or rugged as the Prophet. wrist tabs failed on the first use, both of them. I reckon it was a bad glue used to laminate the rubber to the velcro. Very bad fix by the retailer so can't comment on the manufacturer. Whinged a lot, got a refund and went back to the Prophet. Best jacket I have had and I have had a lot. Does everything you want. Go and get one tomorrow.

[Nuts]

I think you must have had the first model the Superfly doesn't have rubber cuff straps goof. I have one here, a rab and Westcomb in event also, very similar jackets, i'd probably choose between them on colour Is that the XPD model your wearing goof? Ive been thinking of trying a Prophet jacket but probably the non XPD model is likely closer to these above (use wise), slightly longer ?.

[goof1671]

Yep its the XPD. I also have the earlier Prophet. The XPD is the one that is a little longer, the material is heavier and it has lined hand pockets. Th earlier prophet rolls up a little smaller, but thats about it, I reckon the XPD is a superior jacket. Especially with those pockets, I didn't realise how much I used them until I didn't have them. Are you an XL-XXL? I just happen to have a Prophet gathering dust in my cupboard...................................

I should qualify all this by saying that I rate a jacket against the scenario of standing on a Tasmanian hill in the middle of winter in 30 knots. So any jacket I would want is going to be relatively big and heavy. Every time I think I am going to shave a bit of weight in the middle of summer by taking a ligher one, I keep thinking of getting stuck out in some bad weather and opt for the bombproof one. Thats why I say it is the XPD for me.

[Nuts]

Thanks goof, do you mean older as in goretex? I'm not familiar with the models for these but have an offer to try the new prophet, its event fabric (i assumed).. haven't seen one, need to get to Launny sometime to maybe pick one up but i think the event(?) non-XPD model sounds best (for us). If you list yours in the market place on here im sure it wont stay long though..

[adzza]

I have been looking at shells for a LONNNNNNG time....Like two years. I wanted a Mountain Hardware Beryllium but they are too hard to get ow and they don't make them anymore. Regretted not buying one when I was in the states a couple of years back.

I have been looking at getting into some snow hiking so need something serious. I only today bought one! YAY! I bought the MACPAC XPD Prophet Jacket and Pants about ten minutes ago! MACPAC have a great sale on at the moment. I managed to get the Jacket for $405, and Prophet pants for $225. I compared this shell to other high end brands, and for the price with the sale on, nothing even comes close.

My advice had always been buy something that you are going to be able to trust when all you have is whats on your back, and also take advice from other members that have tried and tested gear. Also get good gear that will last years (or forever!), not months.

Good luck!

It is a slimmer fit, I am 6"4', 93KG. A large fits perfectly. I was able to try on two layers under it in the store,

[roysta]

The Mountain Hardware Beryllium, now there's a jacket.
Picked up one on discount in New Zealand a few months ago for A$300.
I wanted it for alpine type work, think it'll go well.
These new fabric jackets by Mountain Hardware and others in competition with Goretex are only a few months away, so it'll be interesting to see how they go.

[roysta]

MHW Beryllium - still available.

http://www.outsidesports.co.nz/Clothing ... acket.html

On 48 hour sale, marked down from NZ$888.80 (A$708) to NZ$711 (A$565) available only in red.

[goof1671]

Thanks goof, do you mean older as in goretex? I'm not familiar with the models for these but have an offer to try the new prophet, its event fabric (i assumed).. haven't seen one, need to get to Launny sometime to maybe pick one up but i think the event(?) non-XPD model sounds best (for us). If you list yours in the market place on here im sure it wont stay long though..

Sorry, late reply.....Older as in older prophet but made with event fabric. Same material as the newer one. Both very good jackets.

[Nuts]

yer right, i was thinking they had two prophets still being made, the XPD model is likely overkill (for me), perhaps the resolution is worth a try though, cheers goof.

[wayno]

columbia are bring out their omnidry jacket the peak 2 peak, its more breathable than eVent
also other brands will be bringing out polartecs neoshell which is twice as breathable as goretex and a softshell waterproof. but it won't be cheap. around $400 in the states and $700 in australasia... thenorthface and marmot should be bringing them out later this year .

[wayno]

the dryq mountainhardware membrane is also more breathable than event, owned by columbia , may be the same as their omni dry or similar...

[Stibb]

I thought DryQ was MountainHardwares own name for an eVent membrane and their own face fabric (so probably not the same as omnidry)

[wayno]

made by teh same company but different membrane

http://www.adventure-journal.com/2010/11/guaranteed-to-make-you-buy-three-new-fabrics-take-aim-at-gore-tex/