Rain/outer shells

[Magnum_Willys]

Thanks for all of the replies - lots of good info.  Can anyone give the waterproof/breathable ratings of stuff that works?  So far I've found that nothing is up to the task of complete dryness out in the rainforest (except Grundens, and then you just get wet from the inside).  I have big plans for hunting season this year and a low budget 

There is Best Available but Complete Dryness is the Unicorn.
Get the Chugach and you won't have complete dryness but you will take comfort in knowing you have the best available.

[T-Dozzer]

I think the cloudburst is more quiet and lighter than the storm front, right?
Pit zips are a must in any rain gear. Especially if doubling as an outer shell when back packing.

Definitely lighter the cloudburst falls between the dewpoint, and stormfront on weight.  I use the cloudburst myself I wanted something that was light enough I didn't mind packing it around in the mountains, and durable enough to hold up in a heavy downpour.  There are some good options out there including the Kuiu stuff, as far as what is better there has been some comparisons over at Rokslide.  I think you could track down the thread the guy really did a non biased review on allot of the top brand rain gear from a standpoint of a backcountry hunter.

I read that before buying mu cloudburst stuff. Good article. Just couldn't remember how  the stormfront compared.

[couesbitten]

swanny nailed it.  The "problem" with all of this rain gear is that if you are working any harder than the energy it takes to walk down the mall, you'll be creating more moisture (sweat) than the "breathability"of this gear can manage, which means you're going to get wet from the inside. 

Girlfriend and I use the Kryptek Koldo rain coats, not the lightest, but they're built ''hell for stout" and do a great job.

[aaronoto]

If you don't need camo go Arcteryx.

[swanny]

swanny nailed it.  The "problem" with all of this rain gear is that if you are working any harder than the energy it takes to walk down the mall, you'll be creating more moisture (sweat) than the "breathability"of this gear can manage, which means you're going to get wet from the inside. 

Girlfriend and I use the Kryptek Koldo rain coats, not the lightest, but they're built ''hell for stout" and do a great job.

To add to this, basically, make sure you are wearing minimal layers inside as you hike to your spot. We all know that after 5 minutes of hiking from the truck you are much warmer and need to shed layers. Do yourself a favor, shed those layers before you leave, basically a mositure wicking t-shirt and then put layers on when you get to your glassing spot. It will help a lot with that "damp feeling" inside your rain jacket.

[Magnum_Willys]

You may find yourself staying  dryer with more than just thin baselayer under raincoat for whatever reason.  Skin temp too close to goretex seems to inhibit breathability.
Balancing act - jacket needs insulation you dont.

[Tjv28]

Kuiu chugatch=$250  Kuiu Yukon=$350   this is without pants (which you will need). I don't doubt that these are quality products, but I'm sure you could find something that would work for less$

[CGDucksandDeer]

If you don't care about camo (I don't either for rifle hunting, though I prefer dark, muted colors) you'll get the same or better quality with Patagonia or Arcteryx for half the price of KUIU or Sitka. Patagonia in particular carries some nice earth tone options now.

I've gone through two of these Torrentshells over about 10 years and dozens of backpacking, climbing and hunting trips. I clean and treat it once a year with Nikwax and it works great and packs down tiny for an under $100 jacket. 
https://www.rei.com/product/894313/patagonia-torrentshell-jacket-mens

[huntnfmly]

I have a set of kuiu Chugach  headed my way can't wait till it's here. I've read a lot of good things about them😆

[jackelope]

I'm still rocking my Sitka Nimbus stuff when I wear the camo raingear.  It's not very breathable and I definitely sweat in it. When I'm not worried about camo...pretty much when I'm rifle hunting or just hiking, I've had really good luck with my Marmot Precip stuff. I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again.

[fillthefreezer]

will it spend more time on or in the pack? will you be leaving camp wearing it? what is your budget? how much do you care about weight?

[Alchase]

Her is just one review of breathable (cough cough) rain jackets.
http://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-rain-jackets

Marmot Preclip was the cheapest one tested $100 (you can find them for as little as $79 at times on Amazon) and has came out in the top 3, 4 years in a row.

I use a GRUNDENS PETRUS 762 HOODED WATERPROOF SHIRT, and only wear it if it is to wet for fleece, LOL

[Hunter mike]

will it spend more time on or in the pack? will you be leaving camp wearing it? what is your budget? how much do you care about weight?

I hunt the coast so day-long deluge will happen several days a year.  I also tend to wear my shell in cold or windy conditions over a puffy and/or light fleece.  I'd say up to $150 or so - I have a lot of other purchases before hunting season so trying to space them out.  I've been running a jacket and pats that are just over a pound each but pretty bomber.  Wouldn't want to go any more than that...

[fillthefreezer]

Idk, how precip continues to rate highly. Sure it's cheap, and not too heavy, but it's garbage. You need to search 3 layer. eVent can be had in your range on sale. Used chugach would be a great choice I'd think. Neoshield or gore pro would be a great option, but likely out of your projected budget


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