- Time of past OR future Camino
- Some but not all, and other routes too.
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I haven’t used the MH Thundershadow, but I use the Patagonia Torrentshell with good results . Quite a bit cheaper and and only a fraction heavier (0.2 oz).I have been looking at replacing my rain jacket for something a bit lighter, at the moment I have the Berghous Paclite rain jacket, this does what it says on the tinOn one of my frequent visits to the local walking store I spied the Mountain Hardware Thundershadow rain jacket, this came in at about half the weight of my Paclite, I also liked the fact that it does have the pit zips.
I guess the question is, does anyone have experience of this jacket before I go and spend hard cash?
MH is a good brand, and there products are generally good (I have several, although not this jacket). Personally, I have gone with Columbia Ex Outdry Caldorado. Let me explain why.
In other waterproof-breathable fabrics eventually the outer surface wets out (in my experience, after about 45min-1hour). There is chemical that tries to delay it (i.e., keeps water beading), but that only works so long. Once wet-out happens, there is no more breathability. Which means you are effectively wearing a jacket with the breathability of a garbage bag.
Here is a link to a guy with much more expertise than I on the limitations of waterproof breathable fabrics.
https://andrewskurka.com/2012/breathability-its-importance-mechanisms-and-limitations/
and another
https://mountainwagon.com/the-blog/the-truth-about-waterproof-breathable
The newer fabrics (Ex Outdry by Columbia and Goretex Shakedry) are different. They are permanently beading--the top layer will never wet-out. That should keep the jacket breathing in those day-long Galician rains.
To my knowledge, there are really only a few jackets out there with these new fabrics. TNF Hyperair, Arc'teryx Norvan SL (not the regular Norvan), and the two Columbia jackets, Featherweight and Caldorado. The Norvan SL is the lightest, but rumored to be too delicate to last (and expensive). The Hyperair is not bad weight wise, but has only front pockets/vents; nothing under the arm for venting. The same with the Columbia Featherweight. I don't care how well the fabric breaths, you are going to need some venting.
So I went with the Caldorado, which has gill-like underarm venting. I've only used mine in the city so far, so no field reports, but I'm pleased with my selection. Material seems tough enough (although the Featherweight seems to be slightly tougher). Its about 6.2oz (much lighter than the Thundershadow). In the one warm rain we had, it seemed to breath acceptably (nothing is perfect, but good enough).
YMMV, but for my money, if I'm buying a new jacket, I'm going with the newer fabrics.
Buen Camino,
Jo Jo
MH is a good brand, and there products are generally good (I have several, although not this jacket). Personally, I have gone with Columbia Ex Outdry Caldorado. Let me explain why. ...... The newer fabrics (Ex Outdry by Columbia and Goretex Shakedry) are different. They are permanently beading--the top layer will never wet-out. That should keep the jacket breathing in those day-long Galician rains. ........ YMMV, but for my money, if I'm buying a new jacket, I'm going with the newer fabrics.
Buen Camino,
Jo Jo
I've had a look at the Frogg Toggs but can't find anywhere in the UK to buy/try.
You can order it ahead both in Pamplona at Caminoteca and also in SJPP. It is about five euros more in FranceI thought about purchasing an Altus while in Spain. I like the design of jacket and pack cover. Also more airflow and not so warm.
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