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This is excellent advice. While Nikwax products are generally readily available, I regularly see other brands. Graingers comes to mind, but I know that I have used others from time to time. I have a Macpac jacket made from Event fabric. It recommends regular washing and warm tumble drying or ironing with a warm iron to reconstitute its water proofing qualities. I prefer to use an outdoor or sports wash that is free of scent, conditioners and flourescent compounds. You can get wash-in or spray-on products to renew the DWR coating.Try washing your old jacket with Nikwax TechWash and then reproofing with Nikwax TX Direct spray on. It has kept my jacket going for some extra years. I have no commercial interest in the product. I am just a satisfied customer..
Try washing your old jacket with Nikwax TechWash and then reproofing with Nikwax TX Direct spray on. It has kept my jacket going for some extra years. I have no commercial interest in the product. I am just a satisfied customer..
One nice feature of Precips is that the hood folds into the collar. When windy but not raining the jacket can be worn as a windbreaker without the hood blowing around. Even if you don't go for the Precip look for this feature.I'm pretty content with my Marmot Precip.
I’m heading back to do another Camino this summer and need to buy a new rain jacket...I’m NOT interested in a poncho as I’ll be wearing this same jacket throughout the year when back at home. My old rain jacket doesn’t seem to keep me dry any longer....In your opinion, which is the best rain jacket and why?
Thanks I never thought if that, I give it a try firstTry washing your old jacket with Nikwax TechWash and then reproofing with Nikwax TX Direct spray on. It has kept my jacket going for some extra years. I have no commercial interest in the product. I am just a satisfied customer..
That’s why I like amazonI see in your profile that you're from Canada. It's probably a good thing to mention where you live when asking for gear recommendations so that people can recommend something that's available where you live.
Right now I have a stormtech jacket and It’s been great but is definitely not waterproof anymore, think I’ll try reproofing it as suggestedI would try to renew the jacket you have now, just as others have suggested. The primary reason why rain jackets stop being waterproof (for the waterproof AND breathable type) is that the outer fabric of the jacket has lost its ability to keep water from being absorbed and saturating that fabric. It is called "wetting out".
If you do need to replace your jacket, can you tell us what you mean by best? Best at breathability? Best at absolutely keeping rain out at all costs? Best breathability and/or waterproofing at the best price?
The variation in both performance vs price is quite wide.
One never knows when they'll happen upon a gold nugget of info.Try washing your old jacket with Nikwax TechWash and then reproofing with Nikwax TX Direct spray on. It has kept my jacket going for some extra years. I have no commercial interest in the product. I am just a satisfied customer..
Arc'teryx makes very fine rain jackets. They have several levels, all waterproof but if you want the creme de la creme, have a look at the Alpha or Beta SV jackets. Be sure to have the paramedics on the line before you look at the price tag, however...
You can reseal the seams. You need to use a sealant specifically for silnylon.@davebugg I'm sure you'll know....I have a Packa which has served me very well on four caminos and many hikes in NZ. The seam sealing is just starting to come off in a few places, but the last time I was in a downpour I still stayed dry. I am concerned that one day it suddenly won't be waterproof any more. Should I treat it somehow before that day arrives? I remember a week of walking in constant rain from Sevilla and would have been most miserable if that was the point my Packa had failed! I've never considered putting it in a dryer. In case it makes a difference, I have the 30d sil/pu coated nylon with a waterproofness rating of 2000mm HH version.
For anyone who is interested (but not the original poster as this is not an item you would wear around town), there are some on special at the moment. http://www.thepacka.com/
@davebugg I'm sure you'll know....I have a Packa which has served me very well on four caminos and many hikes in NZ. The seam sealing is just starting to come off in a few places, but the last time I was in a downpour I still stayed dry. I am concerned that one day it suddenly won't be waterproof any more. Should I treat it somehow before that day arrives? I remember a week of walking in constant rain from Sevilla and would have been most miserable if that was the point my Packa had failed! I've never considered putting it in a dryer. In case it makes a difference, I have the 30d sil/pu coated nylon with a waterproofness rating of 2000mm HH version.
For anyone who is interested (but not the original poster as this is not an item you would wear around town), there are some on special at the moment. http://www.thepacka.com/
Waterproofness, lightness, comfort.Just to throw the question out there - what are the features you look for in a good rain jacket for the Camino?
Frogg Toggs meets all these requirements.best? Light weight, comfortable, dry and not a wet garbage bag feeling.
Turga, you don't need a rain jacket...you have that hard shell to keep you nice and dry!I am very happy with my Columbia OutDry Titanium jacket. It kept me dry and comfortable through 6 hours of heavy rain. It has pockets with waterproof zip locks and zip locked ventilation openings under the arms. It weighs just around 330 grams.
You can try washing with tech wash for Goretex and then putting it in the dryer. That may be enough to restore it but if not nikwax makes good DWR product.Great thread...bought an Arc’teryx jacket in 2013 for first Camino...thought it was fantastic. However in recent times not so happy with it. Did not realize that you had to keep treating it...one of the many things I don’t know knowhowever now I do! Will give it go!
Guy
I looked it up and yes it does come with a very hefty price!!!! But if you can afford it and you are wearing it all the time and it will last through the next century it probably is a very good buy.I'm pretty content with my Marmot Precip.
Ratio price/quality very good.Women's PreCip Eco Jacket
On the 20th anniversary of our best-selling PreCip Rain Jacket, meet the environmentally conscious and high-performing next generation: the lightweight Women's PreCip Eco Rain Jacket. The waterproof/breathable, PFC-free Marmot NanoPro™ recycled nylon face fabric lasts longer than ever, thanks...www.marmot.com
If you want a high quality jacket that you can wear years and years I can recommend the Mammut brand.
An example.Ridge HS Hooded Jacket Women
A textile companion for alpine adventures. The Ridge HS Hooded Jacket is a sophisticated 3-layer GORE-TEX® jacket for high alpine activities. This waterproof, wind-resistant hard shell is just as at home on stormy peaks as it is in snow or rain. The Ridge has a number of sophisticated features...www.mammut.com
Bought it for my first Camino in 2011 and wore it constantly afterwards at home.
Comes with a price.
I looked it up and yes it does come with a very hefty price!!!! But if you can afford it and you are wearing it all the time and it will last through the next century it probably is a very good buy.
The rain could be absorbed through the shoulder straps or the back.I have met a few people (not many at all) who have told me that the used the proper rain cover that either came with their backpack/rucksack/mochilla or bought even a better one.They said that in heavy rain their packs still got wet.
I have a question for all you rain jacket enthusiasts who do not like Ponchos. Cost aside of course. I have met a few people (not many at all) who have told me that the used the proper rain cover that either came with their backpack/rucksack/mochilla or bought even a better one.They said that in heavy rain their packs still got wet. Is this because the person did not put the cover on properly or because people start stuffing their packs in every which way that the cover did not protect the pack as it was designed to do. Or is this definitely a possibility. I have never used a cover so I really have no idea. Thanks
Ok, I've scrolled down and read about 10 replies, all sound advice and varying opinions of course. At least the poncho-lovers were sidelined by the OP at the start, otherwise it could have got messy!I’m heading back to do another Camino this summer and need to buy a new rain jacket...I’m NOT interested in a poncho as I’ll be wearing this same jacket throughout the year when back at home. My old rain jacket doesn’t seem to keep me dry any longer....In your opinion, which is the best rain jacket and why?
I agree as in almost everything especially with equipment there is almost always a tradeoff. I think I will stick with my Poncho. That helps too when it is really cold as an extra layer.What @Rick of Rick and Peg said. In addition, in prolonged periods of rain, the water tends to sieve down the space between your back and the backpack. So when using a rain jacket either do as @Camino Chrissy suggests and use a waterproof pack liner or (as I do) pack your stuff in (different colored) lightweight waterproof bags. If your pack gets wet, just empty it and it will dry in a couple of hours.
Another thing to consider is that if you have pockets on the hip belt and/or carry a bumbag, those will be exposed to the rain when using a rain jacket where as a poncho will cover them as well.
The rain jacket, on the other hand, can be used as an extra layer when cold or as a windbreaker.
So, as usual, there are pros and cons to different solutions.
I wrote this to Turga too - I agree as in almost everything especially with equipment there is almost always a tradeoff. I think I will stick with my Poncho. That helps too when it is really cold as an extra layer. ThanksThe rain could be absorbed through the shoulder straps or the back.
Agree with GuyA on Arc'teryx - though pricey. Wore it last year on the CF in two days of rain, which was often a downpour. Used a backpack cover with dry bags and neither I nor anything in the bag got wet.I’m heading back to do another Camino this summer and need to buy a new rain jacket...I’m NOT interested in a poncho as I’ll be wearing this same jacket throughout the year when back at home. My old rain jacket doesn’t seem to keep me dry any longer....In your opinion, which is the best rain jacket and why?
I have a question for all you rain jacket enthusiasts who do not like Ponchos. Cost aside of course. I have met a few people (not many at all) who have told me that the used the proper rain cover that either came with their backpack/rucksack/mochilla or bought even a better one.They said that in heavy rain their packs still got wet. Is this because the person did not put the cover on properly or because people start stuffing their packs in every which way that the cover did not protect the pack as it was designed to do. Or is this definitely a possibility. I have never used a cover so I really have no idea. Thanks
I have gotten two Patagonia Houdini jackets at very reasonable prices on eBay. They are amazingly light, pack insanely small and are very water resistant. I haven't actually had one ever wet through but I would like to test layering them the next time we have heavy rains to see if wearing two would be waterproof.
Over the years I have concentrated on Rab and Berghaus . I use my big Berghaus Mera Peak for real shitty weather as it goes on over my Rab down Jacket. I have a lighter Berghaus for the Caminos. I have proofed my Rab wind shirt so that it will take a shower and ditto for my Paramo wind shirt. The latter is often my go to, to be really light and effective but a selection of all the above sees me right for most of the year anywhere.! Except when the dotage strikes and I am standing like a doddering fool at a bus stop in the wind and rain wondering why they let me out for the day!Waterproofness, lightness, comfort.
I have a Rab jacket which is a waterproof softshell. It's done the CP and the CI both included a full day of heavy rain and I was perfectly dry. But it is so comfy I wear it all the time at home (UK) and I love it.
Yep, my son walked half of the AT and found this to be true. He encountered lots of rain!The rain could be absorbed through the shoulder straps or the back.
I like that you can use it for biking as well, good suggestionI have chosen a medium cut between cost and efficiency and have opted on Endura MT500 mountainbike jacket which has good rainproofing ratings and extremely good breatheability figures....
I need a light jacket, that has movement in upper body and is cut short in the front to allow my hip girth to get under the bottom rim at the front and not to be placed on top of the rain jacket material and cause condensation....
This one has served me well. Many zips to allow air in and out, close to body but plenty movement...
But any rain jacket will soak through eventually, sooner or later....
If, when and eventually I will use the poncho in downright end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it weather....
Women's MT500 Waterproof Jacket - Black
Buy Women's MT500 Waterproof Jacket - Black online with Endura.www.endurasport.com
Over the years I have concentrated on Rab and Berghaus . I use my big Berghaus Mera Peak for real shitty weather as it goes on over my Rab down Jacket. I have a lighter Berghaus for the Caminos. I have proofed my Rab wind shirt so that it will take a shower and ditto for my Paramo wind shirt. The latter is often my go to, to be really light and effective but a selection of all the above sees me right for most of the year anywhere.! Except when the dotage strikes and I am standing like a doddering fool at a bus stop in the wind and rain wondering why they let me out for the day!Ya gotta
laff, it keeps you from freezing!
The Malingerer.
Yeah. Just apply a little Turtle Wax and buff it.Turga, you don't need a rain jacket...you have that hard shell to keep you nice and dry!
I second the usefulness of the Houdini as a wind breaker. Walked almost 10 days in rain and mist, and its durable water repellent (DWR) treatment was exactly perfect for use with an umbrella (and, yes, I know the OP question is for a jacket). I also used it for around town in the cooler evenings or on trail in the brisk mornings.I have a Houdini and it is definitely only a lightweight wind jacket. Not waterproof at all. It might withstand a short light mizzle, but that’s all. Great for wind though!
I bought a Houdini as a replacement for a similar jacket that took a wander somewhere without me. I carried the earlier version in Norway some years ago and wore it mainly in the mornings when there was regularly a light drizzle, and as a wind-breaker in the evenings. I had a North Face three layer goretex jacket for when it rained, and I would be taking the same approach in similar circumstances using a Macpac jacket made from eVent fabric.I have a Houdini and it is definitely only a lightweight wind jacket. Not waterproof at all. It might withstand a short light mizzle, but that’s all. Great for wind though!
I’m heading back to do another Camino this summer and need to buy a new rain jacket...I’m NOT interested in a poncho as I’ll be wearing this same jacket throughout the year when back at home. My old rain jacket doesn’t seem to keep me dry any longer....In your opinion, which is the best rain jacket and why?
I'm pretty experienced long distance walker, several Caminos and more - my reco by far is Arc'teryx. They make several levels but the quality is second to none - oh and "Made in Canada!"I’m heading back to do another Camino this summer and need to buy a new rain jacket...I’m NOT interested in a poncho as I’ll be wearing this same jacket throughout the year when back at home. My old rain jacket doesn’t seem to keep me dry any longer....In your opinion, which is the best rain jacket and why?
Try washing your old jacket with Nikwax TechWash and then reproofing with Nikwax TX Direct spray on. It has kept my jacket going for some extra years. I have no commercial interest in the product. I am just a satisfied customer..
I agree..... just purchased a jacket, Patagonia' from ERI yesterday and that was the service person's recommendation....
Waterproofness, lightness, comfort.
I have a Rab jacket which is a waterproof softshell. It's done the CP and the CI both included a full day of heavy rain and I was perfectly dry. But it is so comfy I wear it all the time at home (UK) and I love it.
I bought a Killtec rain jacket on the ferry. I live on Vancouver Island and it has kept me dry this past few weeks. It is light weight, attractive and keeps me dry. I paid around $100 on sale.I’m heading back to do another Camino this summer and need to buy a new rain jacket...I’m NOT interested in a poncho as I’ll be wearing this same jacket throughout the year when back at home. My old rain jacket doesn’t seem to keep me dry any longer....In your opinion, which is the best rain jacket and why?
I have a question for all you rain jacket enthusiasts who do not like Ponchos. Cost aside of course. I have met a few people (not many at all) who have told me that the used the proper rain cover that either came with their backpack/rucksack/mochilla or bought even a better one.They said that in heavy rain their packs still got wet. Is this because the person did not put the cover on properly or because people start stuffing their packs in every which way that the cover did not protect the pack as it was designed to do. Or is this definitely a possibility. I have never used a cover so I really have no idea. Thanks
Arc’teryx are fine jackets no doubt but the problem I have is you need to sell your car to by one. For the Camino there are so many fine rain jackets to choose from for a fraction of the price. I choose a Columbia w/pit zips, pockets, storm flap, and foldable hood. Others like Marmot, Mountain Hardware, North Face, and Patagonia in my neighborhood are also very good just up to what you like. All in the $75-$110 range on sale.Arc'teryx makes very fine rain jackets. They have several levels, all waterproof but if you want the creme de la creme, have a look at the Alpha or Beta SV jackets. Be sure to have the paramedics on the line before you look at the price tag, however...
I have worn Marmot Precip on 3 caminos and have been very happy with it; waterproof, lightweight and agree the hood folding into collar is great. I wear it as an extra layer in the cool mornings and nights as well as a rain jacket when necessary.One nice feature of Precips is that the hood folds into the collar. When windy but not raining the jacket can be worn as a windbreaker without the hood blowing around. Even if you don't go for the Precip look for this feature.
I have an Altus poncho that has served me well and cheap rain pants I picked up in some tiny outdoor shop. Can’t remember what town it is in but it is owned by this really nice older gentleman. It is right near the municipal albergue in a row of stores. I t think there is a cafe a few doors down. Wish I could remember the name. In my 3 CF strolls I always stop in.Pack covers do not keep your pack dry. You are right. And breathable rain jackets do not keep you dry in a full day of rain. Far from. I think most of the people commenting here in this thread have not walked the camino in rain season. A 100% water proof rain poncho with sleeves is the only thing that can keep you and your pack dry in a full day of heavy rain. Everyone who walked in rainy season knows that. And you have to pair that with gaiters and rain pants too. In summer you can just bring the poncho.
I agree that the Packa is a great design, but @Sjp007 is looking for a rain jacket that can be also be worn at home. I wouldn't want to be wearing a Packa when I'm home.Looked at this item and it certainly looks good. However you still have to remove your pack to put it on or take it off, and the pack requires its own cover. I found THE PACKA accomplishes both without removing the pack. It's light weight and keeps you and your pack dry.
Do you not have to remove your pack to get out the poncho? A pack cover is an easy option, but in any case pack contents need to be in a waterproof liner/stuff sac. In the end it is all a matter of personal taste and what your equipment starting point might be.Looked at this item and it certainly looks good. However you still have to remove your pack to put it on or take it off, and the pack requires its own cover. I found THE PACKA accomplishes both without removing the pack. It's light weight and keeps you and your pack dry.
Do you not have to remove your pack to get out the poncho? A pack cover is an easy option, but in any case pack contents need to be in a waterproof liner/stuff sac. In the end it is all a matter of personal taste and what your equipment starting point might be.
Of course, the best and easiest way I know to stop it raining is to stop, get out one's rain jacket etc, and put it on! It is bound to stop raining shortly afterwards.This ability to quickly put on and take off the poncho is handy when the day has intermittent rain. When I used to use a rain jacket, I would always delay either putting it on or taking it off because it was a bit of a hassle, and I wanted to 'make sure' the rain wouldn't stop or start back up.
Of course, the best and easiest way I know to stop it raining is to stop, get out one's rain jacket etc, and put it on! It is bound to stop raining shortly afterwards.
On a serious note, I have observed that many places in Spain and elsewhere in Europe have some light early morning rain. One approach I now take is to wear very light jacket (currently the Patagonia Houdini) or a rain vest (currently a bicylists vest from Mont) in the morning. If it starts to seriously rain, then I will consider getting my rain jacket out.
I'm pretty content with my Marmot Precip.
Ratio price/quality very good.Women's PreCip Eco Jacket
On the 20th anniversary of our best-selling PreCip Rain Jacket, meet the environmentally conscious and high-performing next generation: the lightweight Women's PreCip Eco Rain Jacket. The waterproof/breathable, PFC-free Marmot NanoPro™ recycled nylon face fabric lasts longer than ever, thanks...www.marmot.com
If you want a high quality jacket that you can wear years and years I can recommend the Mammut brand.
An example.Ridge HS Hooded Jacket Women
A textile companion for alpine adventures. The Ridge HS Hooded Jacket is a sophisticated 3-layer GORE-TEX® jacket for high alpine activities. This waterproof, wind-resistant hard shell is just as at home on stormy peaks as it is in snow or rain. The Ridge has a number of sophisticated features...www.mammut.com
Bought it for my first Camino in 2011 and wore it constantly afterwards at home.
Comes with a price.
EXCEPT I hate, hate, hate the hood, that falls low over my eyes no matter what I do.
... I hate, hate, hate the hood, that falls low over my eyes no matter what I do.
I, who usually stay in Europe for 2 or 3 months, require a multi-purpose rain jacket. It must also be my windbreaker, a jacket to keep me warm on the streets, be suitable both for church on Sundays and for an evening restaurant dinner, even to be worn indoors.I’m heading back to do another Camino this summer and need to buy a new rain jacket...I’m NOT interested in a poncho as I’ll be wearing this same jacket throughout the year when back at home. My old rain jacket doesn’t seem to keep me dry any longer....In your opinion, which is the best rain jacket and why?
Hit up your closest MEC in Canada, they have excellent advice on care of gorges clothing, which includes some of the products mentioned above.That’s why I like amazonbut good point
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