Ultra packable rain gear.

[tacticalpanda]

I just downsized to a smaller match pack. I am looking now to upgrade my rain gear. I've been using frog tog, while it served it purpose i an looking to upgrade to something more durable with the condition of being ultra packable. Looked at kuiu teton, but looking for other recommendations. Camo isn't my first preference but i don't mind it.

What recommendations? Looked at arcterx, kuiu, firstlite and sitka so far. Its hard to tell how small they pack online.

 

[Diver160651]

My two favorites ultra lights are KUIU - the top end stuff is super breathable 40,000.
Mine is under 9oz https://www.kuiu.com/hunting-jacket...color=Verde2.0&cgid=jackets-and-vests#start=8
Get 50% off the pants with the jacket
Keep both in my shooting pack.
Here is the jacket- about the footprint of a SA 10 round mag but 2x thicker.


If I know I am starting and stopping in the rain I use the Yukon, but it doesn’t pack like the above stuff.

Zpak has great offerings as well. I had put zips put in mine and it weights about 7oz http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/wpb_jacket.shtml
Note the image below is of both the pants and the jacket.. Both jackets had a good rain bill!


I use that for trail running- both keep you very dry

 

[PDXGS]

I just picked up a Mountain Hardware Stretch Ozonic shell. It's crazy light, stretchable with a decent hood and pit-zips .
They make a pant out of this material as well. The pair can be had for $300.
The jacket is on sale:
https://www.mountainhardwear.com/me..._1584001_variationColor=347#q=Ozonic+&start=3

 

[solson]

I have an Outdoor Research Helium HD that I use in the Arizona monsoon season where it is sunny and 95 and a torrential downpour 5 minutes later. Weighs 9 oz, and packs down to between a baseball and softball. I typically clip it to a belt loop or shove it in a cargo pocket of my shorts. You can also pack it a bit differently and roll it so it is longer, but skinnier. I have been happy with it so far. They also make a smaller and lighter version, Helium, but that one seems pretty fragile, not sure how it would hold up to abuse.

 

[ultrarunner7]

Ultra packable=gonna get wet!

 

[tacticalpanda]

How durable is the zpack stuff?

Is it easy to get on and off?

 

[Mike 556]

I have a lightweight LL Bean Fishing rain jacket. While not super lightweight, or super packable, it does fit into the back of my fishing vest. I've worn it bird hunting in the rain, shooting, and fishing. Have it about 5 or 6 years and it's held up well. Barbour also has a really nice lightweight rain jacket, although for about 3 times the price of the Bean jacket.
Best,
Mike

 

[B.Bates]

When you go ultra packable you loose durability


I have all the kuiu stuff. The ultra nx is cool. Super light weight and packable. But I wouldn’t want to wear it for match shooting. It’s my just in case rain jacket for a lower 48 Hunt. Small and there if you need it. I’m too afraid I would tear up the pants to get them.

Then on the other end you have Yukon. I have the jacket, tired the pants but sent them back. It’s durable and I would wear it for match shooting and it can even be worn when it’s not raining almost like a hybrid hard/soft wheel. But it packs heavy and is bulky. Plus when Wet it gets Heavy and takes a while to dry out and feels cold.


Then you have the chugach. Probably the best all around from kuiu. I love the chugach pants but after 3 years they are starting to show it. Kuiu also doesn’t fare well near fires. Naturally it’s not good for any clothes but my kuiu seems to not fare well near a campfire

If going kuiu I would go chugach it’s the most versatile to me. Or maybe Yukon jacket and chugach pants.


All that being said. If I was buying rain gear for all around use and matches. I would get the deadbird alpha pants and alpha lt jacket.

I’ve got the pants. They are nice. I wanted something a little more durable than my chugach last for an up comin moose hunt and these fit the bill. Not as heavy as the Yukon but I feel just as durable and Arc’teryx is well made. If you can get these on sale then I would go that way.

 

[TheOE800]

When you go ultra packable you loose durability ... All that being said. If I was buying rain gear for all around use and matches. I would get the deadbird alpha pants and alpha lt jacket.

Can’t get something really packable that’s also really durable. If what you’re after really is something for emergency use that you’ll carry all the time and need packed small, the OR Helium line likely has something for you.

Generally though, I second the Arcteryx Alpha suggestion. I use the Alpha LT jacket for match shooting or other longer term in the rain type stuff. Great compromise of durability, packability, and breathability.

 

[tacticalpanda]

Thanks for all the recommends. Im leaning towards the kuiu chugach right now... sucks i missed the sale. This is gonna be packed a lot. I think i used my rain gear in two matches last year. I didn't look at the arcteryx leaf gear before. Its what i would like but considering hiw much itll get used cant justify the $800+ on it.

Still own to recommends as i probably wobt purchase for a few more weeks.

 

[bwahl]

Arc Teryx, no question, they are the best of the best. Can be found at a decent price all things considered if one is willing to be patient and shop around. Anything Arc'teryx that uses gtx pro(no PU coating) will be the best rain gear money can buy for durability, breathability, and waterproofness. I am unsure if the goretex BD450 (membrane used in the leaf line) is pure ePTFE like Pro or if it has a PU coating. PU coatings, for durable rain gear, hamper breathability.

I use a Beta AR jacket and Leaf Alpha LT (gen1) rain pants. Superior to the Kuiu, firstlite, and sitka (all of which I've owned). I can pack that set up into a Stone Glacier sky lid (500 ci) with plenty of room to spare. If I made more effort to pack it tightly I could probably fit it in a 300 or 250 ci pocket/stuff sack.

 

[Ledzep]

Surplus poncho. Fits in a cargo pocket (WITH a canteen).