Lightweight rain jacket

[frannie z]

I'm looking for THE LIGHTEST WEIGHT RAIN JACKET that can fit over a small day pack.... any suggestions?

 

[trecile]

I'm looking for THE LIGHTEST WEIGHT RAIN JACKET that can fit over a small day pack.... any suggestions?

Frogg Toggs rain jackets and ponchos are very light. If you buy one that's oversized for you it should fit over your day pack. In the questions section on Amazon one person said that their men's medium is 5.5 oz, and another reviewer said that their XL is 5.8 oz (with tags removed)

Amazon.com

 

[reidjo]

I'm looking for THE LIGHTEST WEIGHT RAIN JACKET that can fit over a small day pack.... any suggestions?

If you are like a looking for something higher quality I would look at the Outdoor Research Helium series, very lightweight durable and works well.
Buen Camino

 

[ken2116]

I'm looking for THE LIGHTEST WEIGHT RAIN JACKET that can fit over a small day pack.... any suggestions?

My "Warmlite" brand (USA) rain jacket weighs 123g (4.4oz) just zips over an empty 32 liter pack, bit it's a tight fit (I'm 200lb). Be sure to factor in your loaded pack when selecting size. This is a small company and very accommodating on things like sizing, color selection (you can mix panel colors - I ordered yellow with a red hood), etc. Let them know you want to use it over a pack and they might be able to enlarge the back panel to accommodate this.

We have both their jackets and rain ponchos, the latter sized to go over backpacks - they're so light we sometimes bring both while backpacking.

These are siliconized nylon and absolutely water proof, no water and little vapor goes in or out (seal the seams). As with any truly water proof garment you might get wet from condensation of body moisture on the inside of the shell. To avoid this try wearing a vapor proof layer under your insulating layers, while ventilating sufficiently to avoid overheating - it can be a delicate balance.

 

[Kathielassosthemoon]

I'm looking for THE LIGHTEST WEIGHT RAIN JACKET that can fit over a small day pack.... any suggestions?

I love my Patagonia torrentshell rain jacket. it folds into it’s pocket into a small pouch! Keeps you dry and lightweight.

 

[frannie z]

Frogg Toggs rain jackets and ponchos are very light. If you buy one that's oversized for you it should fit over your day pack. In the questions section on Amazon one person said that their men's medium is 5.5 oz, and another reviewer said that their XL is 5.8 oz (with tags removed)

Amazon.com

Thank you I'm looking for breathable... most of what I've looked at is arcteryx incredibly lightweight but EXPENSIVE.... maybe worth the cost but ..... decisions decisions

 

[trecile]

Thank you I'm looking for breathable... most of what I've looked at is arcteryx incredibly lightweight but EXPENSIVE.... maybe worth the cost but ..... decisions decisions

I understand that the Frogg Toggs jacket is breathable. Or at least as breathable as a rain jacket can be!

@Camino Chrissy would be a good one to ask, as she uses a Frogg Toggs jacket.

I have never felt condensation from my Frogg Togg rain jacket, which is one of the things I was really happy about. However I do not walk in the heat of summer; not sure what month you wore yours.

 

[frannie z]

I’m walking sept 20 - Oct 6. I’m always hot! I will have layers available if I need warmth. What I’m looking for is breathable very light weight and I’m thinking jacket over poncho (but willing to reconsider). I’ve never hiked in the rain. Im only carrying a daypack so it only has to fit over day pack

 

[FourSeasons]

I’m walking sept 20 - Oct 6. I’m always hot! I will have layers available if I need warmth. What I’m looking for is breathable very light weight and I’m thinking jacket over poncho (but willing to reconsider). I’ve never hiked in the rain. Im only carrying a daypack so it only has to fit over day pack

Walmart has some really inexpensive lightweight rain ponchos. I'd say walking that time of year a poncho would suffice and could rarely be used. Do you not plan on taking any other type of jacket when it's not raining? A vest perhaps for those cold mornings?

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I've just had to replace an ageing lightweight jacket and went for one of these:

Regatta



Made with full length zip, taped inner seams, two large pockets and a snug fitting hood for the rediculous price of less than $14 US including shipping from the UK.

Said to be waterproof and breathable (we'll see, we're experiencing hot, dry weather at present) mine is the XXXL (I'm 6'1" and 230lbs) which is a comfortably loose fit and weighs in at just 200g or 7oz.

Never tried wearing a jacket over a pack, even a day bag, but I suppose if you go for a larger than your normal size . . . the wrists are elasticated so you won't lose your hands!

 

[Former member 49149]

Mountain Hardware UK has a range called Extreme. Waterproof and lightweight. I was 2 hours in the pouring rain, dry as a bone inside. They deliver to European countries, so maybe to your first lodging for you to pick up on arrival...
I use mine for normal wear, and it scrunches up quite small.

 

[frannie z]

I've just had to replace an ageing lightweight jacket and went for one of these:

Regatta

View attachment 131167

Made with full length zip, taped inner seams, two large pockets and a snug fitting hood for the rediculous price of less than $14 US including shipping from the UK.

Said to be waterproof and breathable (we'll see, we're experiencing hot, dry weather at present) mine is the XXXL (I'm 6'1" and 230lbs) which is a comfortably loose fit and weighs in at just 200g or 7oz.

Never tried wearing a jacket over a pack, even a day bag, but I suppose if you go for a larger than your normal size . . . the wrists are elasticated so you won't lose your hands!

All's I can say is IF for $14 this jacket is breathable I WILL BE SHOCKED.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

All's I can say is IF for $14 this jacket is breathable I WILL BE SHOCKED.

We shall see! Promised "torrential" rain here tomorrow - it will be tested!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

All's I can say is IF for $14 this jacket is breathable I WILL BE SHOCKED.

As Trecile has said, I have always been happy with my FroggTogg jacket (and occasionally have worn the matching rainpants.) The jacket is roomy, very lightweight, and seems breathable, although I am not a person who sweats very much. It has kept me dry in a few torrential rains on the Camino. It's main downfall imo, is that it is definitely no fashion statement if that concerns you, but for the price point of around $20 it is a winner.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

We shall see! Promised "torrential" rain here tomorrow - it will be tested!

I always test rain gear in the shower a couple of times at home. I had a beautiful black and white pattern Ikea poncho, but it failed the test unfortunately.

 

[Tincatinker]

No one has yet suggested an umbrella. So I will. Waterproof, breathable and keeps the sun off my shiny bits…

 

[Camino Chrissy]

No one has yet suggested an umbrella. So I will. Waterproof, breathable and keeps the sun off my shiny bits…

I bring an umbrella for mist, spits, sputters and light rain; before high winds, cold temps, and torrential downpours threaten to engulf me.

 

[JustJack]

If you are like a looking for something higher quality I would look at the Outdoor Research Helium series, very lightweight durable and works well.
Buen Camino

I second that emotion. I've been very happy with all the Outdoor Research clothing I've purchased.

 

[RJM]

I’m walking sept 20 - Oct 6. I’m always hot! I will have layers available if I need warmth. What I’m looking for is breathable very light weight and I’m thinking jacket over poncho (but willing to reconsider). I’ve never hiked in the rain. Im only carrying a daypack so it only has to fit over day pack

You can purchase rain covers for daypacks. That combined with a plastic bin bag inside holding all your stuff will keep it dry.
I have yet to find a rain jacket that is truly waterproof that is also breathable.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

All's I can say is IF for $14 this jacket is breathable I WILL BE SHOCKED.

Still awaiting the promised torrential rain - it's a hazy 23 degrees at present - so may have to join @Camino Chrissy under the shower.
In the meantime would it make the jacket more believably breathable to know that the manufacturer's recommended retail price is around $45? I got mine from a discount store.

 

[Former member 94614]

i tested a lot of pricey rain jackets and the only one that kept me dry and worked fantstic on the camino was the REI gortex jacket that fits over a day bag if you size it up. i didnt try frogg toggs though! just buy your jacket from a place that accepts returns and go for a walk in the rain. you'll soon find out what works!

 

[CarolamS]

I love my Rab Kinetic jacket. It's a waterproof soft shell and very comfortable to wear because it's stretchy and very breathable. 290g

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Referring back to the OP's original question, she was asking specifically if there is a rain jacket that would potentially cover a small daypack. The boxy, rather unattractive Frogg Togg "may" work.

 

[trecile]

Referring back to the OP's original question, she wasbasking specifically if there is a rain jacket that would potentially cover a small daypack. The boxy, rather unattractive Frogg Togg "may" work.

I have a friend who will be taking a large (or extra large, I'm not sure which) men's Frogg Toggs rain jacket which is plenty big to go over her day pack.

 

[Old walker]

I second Trecile’s recommendation of trying Frogg Toggs. We’ve been using versions of them for over 15 years on our long hikes. They are more comfortable regarding condensation than Gortex types rain gear. Frogg Toggs‘s water protection doesn’t seem to degrade over time, but I can’t offer any scientific comparison with other fabrics. Simple in design, forget pitzips, adjustable wrists, pockets, multiple hood adjusters, and especially fashion; although, I was once told that the sky blue, light weight “classic”, our latest version, “could be worse.” The pants are also standard items in our kit. Lots of choices for you. Don’t forget your umbrella.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Still awaiting the promised torrential rain - it's a hazy 23 degrees at present - so may have to join @Camino Chrissy under the shower.
In the meantime would it make the jacket more believably breathable to know that the manufacturer's recommended retail price is around $45? I got mine from a discount store.

UPDATE:

Well it finally rained



Roof gutters overflowed, the roads were awash but I'm happy to say the Regatta is definitely waterproof and showed no signs of condensation on the inside so I guess it is breathable too.

On the upside I won't have to water my vegetables for the best part of a week!

 

[frannie z]

i tested a lot of pricey rain jackets and the only one that kept me dry and worked fantstic on the camino was the REI gortex jacket that fits over a day bag if you size it up. i didnt try frogg toggs though! just buy your jacket from a place that accepts returns and go for a walk in the rain. you'll soon find out what works!

I finally made the decision and bought the REI Gortex jacket... it's incredibly light weight and because it's GORETEX rain proof but breathable... that's why it cost 189$ US . Got XL so it will fit over my small day pack if necessary. And I love REI because they take everything back worn, torn, etc. if needed.