Lightweight eVent jackets

[Rob]

Been looking for options on a lightweight and packable rain jacket using eVent(heard great reviews), but haven't found one that has a hood and is lightweight. 

Came across a post on Facebook from REI about a new Jacket called the Kimtah.

Also new for spring 2010, REI is introducing the Kimtah jacket, a lightweight technical jacket made with eVent fabric ($229). Windproof up to 60 mph, this jacket is ideal for spring and summer activity. Similar to REI’s other eVent jackets, the waterproof, breathable eVent fabric allows warm air vapor to escape so the body stays dry on the inside, while also repelling water to keep you dry on the outside. The Kimtah’s eVent backing is exclusively designed for REI and helps minimize the jacket weight without sacrificing strength.

Here's thee only pic on the internet so far, no weight specs yet...



Anyone know of other lightweight event jackets with hoods?

[Rob]

Here's another I came across after some more searching. 
http://www.integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=840
13oz/370g for an XL   

[mattinaustin]

I love my Descente Bobby J eVent jacket.  It is the most minimal one I have come across...no pockets, no hood, no vent zips (can be a bad thing), no insulation, just the front zipper.  Unfortunately I don't think they make them anymore.  Worth a look around though since they were on clearance for under $75 at a number of places.

People see to love their Showers Pass eVent jackets.  I would seriously consider them from a functionality perspective (they vent well I hear).  Not eVent, but their Pro Tech shell looks really nice at under 6 oz http://www.showerspass.com/products.asp?ManId=7706&ProductId=14&Product=ProTech

[sherpaxc]

That looks like a great jacket, the only issue is no hood.  I don't get the idea of having a rain jacket but no hood.

[Marshal]

Cutter eVent Jacket
http://www.cutterbike.com/?p=155&cat=4
(8.7 oz for a size L)
($150 on the web)

No hood but that’s easy to solve with a motel shower cap or a hood kept in your pocket, has all the other typical features.  Here is my mini review: http://desertmountaindivide.blogspot.com/2010/01/rain-jacket-review.html

[Slim]

That looks like a great jacket, the only issue is no hood.  I don't get the idea of having a rain jacket but no hood.

Showerspass sells a separate hood, that's why. It goes on both the Event and the other jacket.

[Slim]

RAB has some very light Event jackets I believe.

I used to have the Integral Designs and it was pretty solid fabric, not ridiculously thin at all. It was just to short for my super long arms. The hood was also pretty minimal and wouldn't have fit over a helmet I believe.

[Rob]

I used to have the Integral Designs and it was pretty solid fabric, not ridiculously thin at all. It was just to short for my super long arms. The hood was also pretty minimal and wouldn't have fit over a helmet I believe.

Good to know.  Thanks.  Looks like the REI jacket for the same price is better.

[chrisx]

If I wanted event, I would go with showers pass, because they actually ride bicycles in the rain. 
There is a reason why skinny tired cyclist wear bright yellow event and gortex jackets,  and seasoned bike travelers don't.  The same reason the inventors of these fabrics did not land giant military contracts.  They work for hours not days.   

[Rob]

Are you saying eVent doesn't hold up for day after day continued use?  Is there a better option?  What would you recommend?

[mattinaustin]

My old Pearl Izumi eVent jacket has been very durable.  I think my newer one (>1 yr old) will do just as well.  The old one saw heavy brush/thorns, carried heavy back packs, etc. and still looks like new when I clean it.  I have had great experience with eVent fabric durability.  Plus the breathability doesn't wear out, it only gets clogged from dirt and oil and is easily washed out, unlike some of the treated fabrics. 

Having said that, I live in Central Texas, not the Pacific NW so take it for what its worth.

--Matt

[mnmtb]

The Cutter eVent jacket regularly comes up on Steep and Cheap for about $130.  THat's how I bought mine and find it very nice.  I like the extra material on the tops of the hands to protect a little more from rain.

[chrisx]

Are you saying eVent doesn't hold up for day after day continued use?  Is there a better option?  What would you recommend?

multiple layers of cheap nylon rain gear.  wool base layer, I prefer icebreaker.  socks of 87% wool, not 65% wool.  non breathable jacket with good zipper.  wet sweat is better than wet rain. fleece under nylon if it's cold.
or
winter cycling in Mexico.  

[Rob]

Thanks, I think I'm going to get the Showers Pass Mountain Elite Jacket.  I like that the hood is designed for being used under a helmet with good side visibility. 

http://www.showerspass.com/products.asp?ManId=1114&ProductId=11&Product=Mountain+Elite

[phil_rad]

Rob, I've been using the Showerspass mountain elite jacket since last fall; so far its been great, even after three hrs in the rain. I wouldn't consider it light, I don't know what it weighs exactly but it's heavier than my old vaude event jacket. It also has a lot of zippers and other features that the vaude didn't have. The hood does fit nice under a helmet.

[afie]

Wiggle sells their DHB event jacket pretty cheaply.

[Rob]

Dang, too bad there's no hood.  Do people not care about getting their head wet?

[intheways]

I dont know how much interest there would be, but I just sent Integral Designs (integraldesings.com) an email about potentially doing a small run of custom jackets with cycling specific features (fit, reflective tape, etc).

I also asked them if they would be interested in making some Lobster Rain Mitts, since OR no longer produces them.

Thanks