Most compact hooded hard shell

[MattL]

I'm starting to get more concerned with volume than weight.  I have some O2 rain gear, but it's not that durable and it does not pack down any smaller than my Marmot PreCip.

Does anyone have recommendations for "high output" (vents well when you're putting out watts) hard shells that take up minimal pack space?  Full zip is a requirement.  A hood is a requirement.

[JRA]

My experiences with "breathable" hard shells is that none of them are really all that breathable.

I also use the Marmot Precip.  I prefer one size smaller for cycling than hiking.  I tend to do less bulky layering on the bike so I can get by with a tighter fit and less flapping in the wind.

The Precip is affordable compared to the other more expensive not-so-breathable materials.  So if you go over the bars and destroy it, it's not a weeks pay to replace.

[riverfever]

I used a Marmot Precip for several years and, although it was decent, I always wanted something better. I looked at the Gore stuff but couldn't get my hands on them. I ended up looking at the Mavic line of gear. It was really more than I wanted to spend but seemed nice. For some reason, I lucked out and the guy at the shop offered me a substantial discount and I bought it. There is a HUGE difference between it and the Marmot jacket in terms of breathability. It probably packs down the same but that wasn't ever my concern. I had some buyers remorse for a few weeks after I bought it until I got caught in a downpour. Don't want any other jacket.

[THE LONG RANGER]

The Patagonia Mountaineer cut rain jacket is one of my favorite piece of kit, mostly for the simplicity of the design: hand pockets, pit zips, hood, cinches for the hood and waist- and that's it. I don't even think it has like an iPod pocket or anything. You can def. find other jackets that pack down smaller, but the Patagonia doesn't do too bad. As far as warmth goes, it's a pretty "cold" jacket. You wouldn't mislabel it a soft shell by any stretch of the imagination. The cut is def. fitted, which is nice, when you're a lanky biker dude.

http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-torrentshell-waterproof-rain-jacket?p=83801-0-514

I like understated looking things and garments (other than my kit) that aren't biking-specific. I also like how the logo is already barely visible, which saves me a step of sharpie'ing it out. I did not know about this little feature:

Stows in self-stuff handwarmer pocket with carabiner clip-in loop; Re-engineered pattern for improved fit have to check that out, when I get home.

Usually, I shy away from Patagonia stuff, as it's  usually WAY expensive, and relegate myself to searching for the elusive brand at second hand stores, but getting a good rainjacket is a good thing, if you want to stay relatively happy and dry. Pit zips, man - don't leave home, without them.

[THE LONG RANGER]

Here's a comparison of the bag in its pocket stuff sack, lightly compressed with my finger, next to a small, jetboil fuel canister. With a proper compression sack, you could probably get the volume to about 2x that of the fuel canister. That's not too bad!

[trebor]

I used a Marmot Precip for several years and, although it was decent, I always wanted something better. I looked at the Gore stuff but couldn't get my hands on them. I ended up looking at the Mavic line of gear. It was really more than I wanted to spend but seemed nice. For some reason, I lucked out and the guy at the shop offered me a substantial discount and I bought it. There is a HUGE difference between it and the Marmot jacket in terms of breathability. It probably packs down the same but that wasn't ever my concern. I had some buyers remorse for a few weeks after I bought it until I got caught in a downpour. Don't want any other jacket.

Could you offer the model name of that Mavic jacket? I'm still in search of a jacket to my liking.... always searching...

[riverfever]

Mavic Stratos H2O.

[trebor]

thanks!!

[JRA]

thanks!!

+1

[riverfever]

Like I said, I was sick to my stomach when I bought but I figured that with the bit of discount I got, I could unload it if I really didn't like it. It has some nice features. It weighs about 3oz more than the Precip but it's apples to oranges so I'm fine with the extra weight. Nice hood with a visor (removable hood), pit zips, velcro on the cuffs, a small window in the left wrist that you can see your watch through (simple but a nice touch), 2 zippers on the front (one is a vent), and another vent across the back (not as effective when wearing a pack) and it looks good if you wanna wear it around town (nice gray color). I did size up because I wanted to be able to wear a down vest underneath if I needed to. Let me now if you want to see pictures of it or have any questions. I really had a hard time when shopping and looked at First Ascent stuff as well as stuff from the major players but just didn't know for sure. Kurt Refsnider raved about the Gore stuff but I would have had to just order it and I wanted to see it. 

[caseygreene]

Check out the OR Helium II. Lightest weight non-mountaineering hardshell for the price. My Helium I (size S) comes in at 6.8oz. I think the II is 6.4. Honestly it dosen't breathe the best under high excursion (climbing steep singletack or skintracks), but not any worse then the Torrentshells or Precips I've had.

If you want the most breathable fabrics, but at a higher cost, go for Active Shell or Event. Both have been user proven to push moisture out the best (check out BackpackingLight for those tests).

[trebor]

I got the Mavic in the mail. it has some pretty slick features and isn't to bulky. I will use it on the Stagecoach next week - if there is any significant weather I'll test the crap out of it!!

[riverfever]

I got the Mavic in the mail. it has some pretty slick features and isn't to bulky. I will use it on the Stagecoach next week - if there is any significant weather I'll test the crap out of it!!

I've never seen anyone else with it. Let me know what you think will ya?

[FatCloud]

The Patagonia Mountaineer cut rain jacket is one of my favorite piece of kit, mostly for the simplicity of the design: hand pockets, pit zips, hood, cinches for the hood and waist- and that's it. I don't even think it has like an iPod pocket or anything. You can def. find other jackets that pack down smaller, but the Patagonia doesn't do too bad. As far as warmth goes, it's a pretty "cold" jacket. You wouldn't mislabel it a soft shell by any stretch of the imagination. The cut is def. fitted, which is nice, when you're a lanky biker dude.

http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-torrentshell-waterproof-rain-jacket?p=83801-0-514

I like understated looking things and garments (other than my kit) that aren't biking-specific. I also like how the logo is already barely visible, which saves me a step of sharpie'ing it out. I did not know about this little feature:

Stows in self-stuff handwarmer pocket with carabiner clip-in loop; Re-engineered pattern for improved fit have to check that out, when I get home.

Usually, I shy away from Patagonia stuff, as it's  usually WAY expensive, and relegate myself to searching for the elusive brand at second hand stores, but getting a good rainjacket is a good thing, if you want to stay relatively happy and dry. Pit zips, man - don't leave home, without them.

This seems like a good deal on a jacket. How does it handle wind? I want a shell that I can layer for winter use.

[mattyp]

i also just ordered one of the mavic stratos jackets.  i'm in oregon so it will be tested.  fyi, jenson has some of the sizes on sale for 199$ right now.

[Jason Elsworth]

montane minimus and rab kinetic are both 8 oz or less and should be pretty compact. zpacks make a breathable cuben shell, but it isn't vey tailored. I agree with the previous poster that the OR helium is probably the best value option.