I used a Red Ledge rain jacket on my 2004 AT thruhike but it’s finally giving up the ghost. Any recommendations on the best current rain jackets for weight/functionality? I’m well aware I’ll end up wet when I hike in the rain - just looking for your preferences. Thanks!
Squish
I’ve never found anything more ‘waterproof & breathable’ than a $1 plastic emergency poncho. They fit over small packs & will actually keep you & your pack dry versus leaky parkas & pack-covers. Furthermore, you can’t beat the price, size or weight - maybe 1 ounce…
Along with the poncho, I carry a Marmot Dri-Clime Windshirt.
Happy Trails!
freebird
Almost every sporting goods store & nearly all outfitters. Walmart carries them & even some supermarkets have them. Rips/tears are easily fixed with duct tape, but I usually buy a couple extra (@ $1 apiece you can’t go wrong) for backups during a thru-hike. They come in various fluorescent colors so you can color coordinate - if you’re into hiker fashion 
freebird
Your welcome Squish - hopefully you’ll get some feedback from other hikers on the best lightweight parkas on the market right now. My problem with rain jackets/parkas (& rain pants) is that unless conditions are really chilly, I’m always sweating in them. I have never carried rain pants for this reason. I’ll take wet over sweat any day. I only use my poncho in heavy, cold rain. Otherwise, I just enjoy the natural shower as I walk… Happy Trails!
freebird
This is probably a silly question, but it seems like a good time to ask. The parkas that cover both the hiker and the pack – does anyone else find those almost impossible to put on? How do you get it to cover the pack, and slide down behind you?
Hickory Stick
Hickory Stick. Most people call those ponchos. Most people do find those impossible to put on. You do not see a lot of those for long on the trail. They are hard to put on and it is hard to keep them on. If there is any wind at all you become a kite. Yes, I thought a poncho would be a good idea a long time ago. But as with most people it doesn’t last long.
Canoe Man
I’m seeing all kinds of deals on Goretex and eVent jackets with new materials ready to hit the shelves. We found a 13.5 oz women’s REI Kimtah in eVent at REI marked down from $229 to 159. They didn’t have a comparable men’s version, so I turned to the intertubes. There I found an 8oz Marmot Nano in Gore PacLite at Campsaver.com, marked down from $250 to 163. Still spendy, but lightweight, windproof and dry!
Willy
The great thing about ponchos are they double as a pack cover when your hiking and a ground sheet for your tent when your sleeping, and shade in the desert when your lunching. its a very underated bit of equipment.
The Hobo
Thanks, Canoe Man and Hobo. I thought maybe I was missing a long-hidden backpacker secret that was only to be let out to those who visited the dali lama. At least I know it’s not just me. I can see it, though, as a multi-use item.
Hickory Stick
< http://www.thepacka.com/ > These are a bit pricey, but I did read/hear some good reviews. Might be the answer…? :tongue
Lady Di
Thanks all. Willy, that’s very much the type of info I was hoping to hear. I’m a believer in spending on gear if it works really well and especially if I can get off-trail use. I’ll check the Nano out!
Squish
Willy: What are the new raingear fabrics you referred to? I thought eVent was the ultimate.
Everyone: How well does Pertex work as raingear?
Thanks, Nunam
Nunam
My Frogtog has over 4,000 miles and doing great. It does have some holes covered with ducktape but it weighs nothing and breaths. I’ve tried everything and this thing is awesome.
Papa Smurf
Light weight, will keep you dry and very light. For $ 50 bucks this rainsuit is hard to beat. I used Frogg Togg on my 2008 thru hike.
Hammer
The Sportsmans Guide web site has the entire Frog Tog rainsuit, black paints and burnt orange jacket on sale for $26!!! They are incredible. As light as a dried leaf. When I first got them, I almost couldn’t believe they were for real… Now, I’m hooked! Also, BassPro has the tan colored suit available for $29 (top only though)… Good luck!
PS. Don’t waste your hundreds of dollars on an item your going to beat the poop out of! I was going to use my North Face Gore-Tex ACR for this AT… but realized… its only the AT… not the rainforest.
MOJO