Need recommendations for new tough rain shell

[DaveM]

I need a new rain shell, looking for recommendations for brands I may not know about. Current shell is the Fjallraven Skogso, which I love! The fabric is a tough poly cotton blend or something. Lots of pockets, good fit, excellent hood etc. My only gripe is that its a waxed shell and while it works great in light rain/cold-mist etc, it always lets me down in full rain after about 15 minutes (I re-wax often). FJallraven has an eco shell line that is full waterproof and I think similarly tough material, but they are expensive (even for Fjallraven). Looking for some alternatives along the same line: Tough fabric like material, but fully waterproof, no treatments required.

 

[Hilldweller]

I have a Duluth Trading Whaleback for cold weather wetness. For warm I have one of their lighter coats. Both keep me bone-dry.
The Whaleback is really really warm btw.

 

[dusmw]

Orvis Hunting jacket (also have pants) you won‘t get wet and they breath.

Men’s PRO ToughShell Jacket

When you need the best thorn resistance in an unsurpassed hunting jacket, reach for the Men’s PRO ToughShell.

www.orvis.com

 

[Choff]

Carhart has a new jacket and bibs that are tough
Defender series

 

[ventura911]

I like my Carhartt Storm Defender.

 

[DaveM]

I like my Carhartt Storm Defender.

I love Carhartt's fabrics and general styles but nothing ever fits me right. I think I'm too small/light for their gear. It's a lesson I keep "learning" every time I try something from them. Duluth looks to be the same, all made for bigger guys.

 

[pluton]

If the OP, or anyone, is the kind of person for whom rain jackets tend to last 20 or 30 years (like me), get one that uses Gore Tex as the breathable barrier. All the other Gore Tex competitors, like DryVent, Entrant, MemBrain, H2ono, etc , etc, probably won't last past about the 15 year mark. At some point, they disintegrate and turn to powder.
Of course, if you tend to trash rain gear in a few years, it doen't matter. The less durable materials will be fine.

 

[gatorgrizz27]

Kuiu makes really, really good rain gear and isn’t tailored for “dad bods”.

I have two of their older jackets, this one is supposed to be extremely durable.

KUIU Kutana Storm Shell Jacket | Gunmetal

Best Use: Midweight, Packable Rain GearThe Kutana Storm Shell Jacket features a new microporous hydrophobic membrane from Toray that breathes even when activity level is low and absorbs very little water for incredibly fast dry times. The durable stretch nylon 6/6 face fabric offers great tear...

www.kuiu.com

 

[yfarm]

Try a company whose only business is raingear for commercial uses: Grundens, Helly Hansen

 

[grizzlypath]

I gave up on breathable jackets and fell back on what fisherman use in my hometown- full blown rubber. For when you no ******** don't want to get soaked. Grundens Rain Jacket.

Downside: no pockets, not breathable, heavy duty so not super flexible

Upside: absolutely not permeable

Works for me since I have some classic raincoats and shells I use day-to-day, but they usually all require saturation before providing water resistance which is annoying.

 

[DaveM]

Kuiu makes really, really good rain gear and isn’t tailored for “dad bods”.

I have two of their older jackets, this one is supposed to be extremely durable.

KUIU Kutana Storm Shell Jacket | Gunmetal

Best Use: Midweight, Packable Rain GearThe Kutana Storm Shell Jacket features a new microporous hydrophobic membrane from Toray that breathes even when activity level is low and absorbs very little water for incredibly fast dry times. The durable stretch nylon 6/6 face fabric offers great tear...

www.kuiu.com

That Kutana jacket looks like what I'm after. But man it's Fjallraven expensive! Need to find a used one.

 

[gatorgrizz27]

That Kutana jacket looks like what I'm after. But man it's Fjallraven expensive! Need to find a used one.

They aren’t, but they run pretty decent sales regularly. I‘ve bought almost everything I have from them on sale. Sign up for their email list and they will let you know. I think you also get 20% off one item for your birthday IIRC.

 

[Sparky09]

I have the Keb Eco-Shell and it’s nice. Seems very durable so far. It’s the little things like a two way zipper and slightly longer back for bending over. I bought it used, but I’d probably pay full price if I lost it tomorrow.