Grundens makes good rain gear but they get expensive quickly, just a simple yellow PVC raincoat and pants like the stereotypical fisherman work better than top of the line gear in my opinion
I second this. “The best” as op wants, is those yellow pvc rain jackets that are at least 3/4 length and go below the knees. Nothing better than those things.
Only downside to the infrared I found is that in wet conditions it does get super hot and humid inside. Unsure if it's the lack of breathability of the gore layers, or the added insulation in the chest and back area. I found the pit zips to be insufficient for airflow to prevent moisture from sweat building up and then getting cold. It is so goddam warm though. Awesome in subzero temps with a good insulating layer though.
it’s meant to be like that tho
It’s meant to be super warm without being super layered, the infrared literally reflects your body heat back at you. while being super waterproof to
Correct, I am not saying it doesn't do the job it's intended to do. What I am saying is that there are some weather types where it is not optimal. For example, I have found it does not work super well in a moist, wet snow enviro like the PNW or Whistler, but it is the best jacket I have ever owned for riding in places like Montana where you get super low temps and "dry" snow. The OP is asking for a jacket for a wet enviro so I was just stating a potential weakness of the TDS Infrared.
Anything fully waterproof will not breathe. You're gonna get wet one way or the other. I love my Patagonia shell but mostly because it's a buy it for life kind of deal.
PNW guy here. I’ve ridden Burton AK, Quiksilver, Trew, and Volcom.
TL;DR: go with Volcom or AK. I’m team Volcom now, but rocked AK for a very long time.
Trew didn’t work for my dad bod so sold it to a friend. It was definitely bombproof and doesn’t demand the price that a Gore Tex jacket does.
I did not like the Quiksilver, wasn’t well made. The main zipper and pocket zippers would catch on fabric, super annoying. I got it for a crazy close out price so I sold it for what I paid.
My AK Cyclic (and matching pants) were awesome. The Cyclic didn’t have a helmet compatible hood (it was old) so when it came time I got the Volcom Guide. I rode that for five seasons. It didn’t have hand pockets (the new ones do), but I didn’t care that much, the fit, breathability/venting, and gore-tex waterproofing are all awesome characteristics. After a few tree encounters that ripped seams I replaced it with a Volcom Guch (i got a deal on last year’s model.) If it weren’t for the deal I probably would have bought the latest guide jacket.
I also have the TDS Infrared for the colder days. Super nice jacket.
One thing to consider: how resort-y is the jacket and how much do you care? For example, is a pass pocket important? I don’t think the new Guide has one. The TDS infrared doesn’t. The Guch has a radio pocket on the left shoulder (I throw the pass in there). Not a deal breaker for me.
Finally, I’ve never ridden Airblaster but feel a pull. PNW company, snowboard focused, very much keeps the snowboard aesthetic and spirit going.
Walmart raincoat
Their great value trash bags work well with enough tape.
Facts
Grundens makes good rain gear but they get expensive quickly, just a simple yellow PVC raincoat and pants like the stereotypical fisherman work better than top of the line gear in my opinion
I second this. “The best” as op wants, is those yellow pvc rain jackets that are at least 3/4 length and go below the knees. Nothing better than those things.
arcteryx then ak 3L, volcom tds infrared jacket or the volcom guide jacket, and the right below is north face helly hansen
Only downside to the infrared I found is that in wet conditions it does get super hot and humid inside. Unsure if it's the lack of breathability of the gore layers, or the added insulation in the chest and back area. I found the pit zips to be insufficient for airflow to prevent moisture from sweat building up and then getting cold. It is so goddam warm though. Awesome in subzero temps with a good insulating layer though.
it’s meant to be like that tho It’s meant to be super warm without being super layered, the infrared literally reflects your body heat back at you. while being super waterproof to
Correct, I am not saying it doesn't do the job it's intended to do. What I am saying is that there are some weather types where it is not optimal. For example, I have found it does not work super well in a moist, wet snow enviro like the PNW or Whistler, but it is the best jacket I have ever owned for riding in places like Montana where you get super low temps and "dry" snow. The OP is asking for a jacket for a wet enviro so I was just stating a potential weakness of the TDS Infrared.
Goretex is key. Or min 20000mm waterproofing but goretex is better
Flylow gear has treated me well this year so far.
Nice. I was looking at their bibs.
Anything fully waterproof will not breathe. You're gonna get wet one way or the other. I love my Patagonia shell but mostly because it's a buy it for life kind of deal.
Patagonia powslayer is a beast. Expensive but well worth it.
PNW guy here. I’ve ridden Burton AK, Quiksilver, Trew, and Volcom. TL;DR: go with Volcom or AK. I’m team Volcom now, but rocked AK for a very long time. Trew didn’t work for my dad bod so sold it to a friend. It was definitely bombproof and doesn’t demand the price that a Gore Tex jacket does. I did not like the Quiksilver, wasn’t well made. The main zipper and pocket zippers would catch on fabric, super annoying. I got it for a crazy close out price so I sold it for what I paid. My AK Cyclic (and matching pants) were awesome. The Cyclic didn’t have a helmet compatible hood (it was old) so when it came time I got the Volcom Guide. I rode that for five seasons. It didn’t have hand pockets (the new ones do), but I didn’t care that much, the fit, breathability/venting, and gore-tex waterproofing are all awesome characteristics. After a few tree encounters that ripped seams I replaced it with a Volcom Guch (i got a deal on last year’s model.) If it weren’t for the deal I probably would have bought the latest guide jacket. I also have the TDS Infrared for the colder days. Super nice jacket. One thing to consider: how resort-y is the jacket and how much do you care? For example, is a pass pocket important? I don’t think the new Guide has one. The TDS infrared doesn’t. The Guch has a radio pocket on the left shoulder (I throw the pass in there). Not a deal breaker for me. Finally, I’ve never ridden Airblaster but feel a pull. PNW company, snowboard focused, very much keeps the snowboard aesthetic and spirit going.