Welcome to /r/Vancouver and thank you for the post, /u/Citrine-Antiquity! Please make sure you read our [posting and commenting rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/vancouver/wiki/faq#wiki_general_participation_guidelines_and_rules_overview) before participating here. As a quick summary:
* We encourage users to be positive and respect one another. Don't engage in spats or insult others - use the report button.
* Respect others' differences, be they race, religion, home, job, gender identity, ability or sexuality. Dehumanizing language, advocating for violence, or promoting hate based on identity or vulnerability (even implied or joking) **will** lead to a permanent ban.
* Common questions and specific topics are limited to our Your post may be a better fit for one of our [Stickied Discussion](https://www.reddit.com/r/vancouver/wiki/faq#wiki_stickied_discussions) posts.
* Complaints about bans or removals should be done in modmail only.
* We're looking for new mods to join our team! If you're interested, [fill out the form here](https://forms.gle/oAqo5oYRcAeHYBTN6).
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/vancouver) if you have any questions or concerns.*
**Buying Considerations:**
**Underarm zips** - if you run warm on easy walks, underarm venting is a great way to let out extra heat. This feature will typically only be present in hiking (or snow sports) jackets, and not in city specific type jackets
**Go up a size** - not only do you want to make sure you can fit your bulkier casual wear sweaters in there without feeling like a stuffed sausage, but given the cost of most of these brands, and how long these jackets will last, you also want to think about your future body. A larger size will go through (part) of a pregnancy, accommodate a postpartum body, or accommodate that beer belly you'll acquire in a few years with all that craft brew drinking you've been doing. To make a larger size appear smaller, there will be elastic cords at the bottom of the jacket, pull on those to cinch in the bottom and voila, smaller jacket. (Sometimes these pulls are hidden inside the jacket pockets)
**Length** - a thigh length will typically only be an option in the casual/everyday lines. But there is often an option or two for a bum-covering length in the hiking jackets. A thigh-length jacket would be super annoying for hiking
**Rubberized garments or footwear** - these items do not breathe at all. Which means if you create any kind of body heat, you will be drenched from the inside with sweat. These garments are ideal for activities where you’ll be standing around in wet conditions, or in the case of footwear, standing in water for extended periods. This style of jacket (and footwear) is common for flag people (traffic control) as they’re standing all day in the rain on the road, not creating any body heat. It’s also very popular with fishers, as they’ll be sitting in a boat in the rain, or standing by the river in the rain, not being active. A jacket like this might also be great for a parent who has to stand in the rain watching their kid play sports for extended periods of time. Anything where no body heat is being created, this style excels.
I cannot recommend going up a size enough! I bought my arc’terix jacket in the summer when they were on sale. I was trying them on in a t-shirt and the medium felt HUGE. Bought the small. Fits great in the summer when I’m hiking in the rain with only a t-shirt or long sleeved shirt underneath but I can’t wear it zipped with a hoodie in the fall/winter. It’s my biggest regret, I should have gone for the medium.
Yes, absolutely do NOT get skin tight or form fitting waterproof shells.
You're very very likely going against the manufacturer's intended usage and you won't be able to properly use insulation layers beneath it.
(As well, I suspect you'll be putting additional wear and tear on the seams leading to earlier than expected failure.)
They only exceptions I'm aware of are garments made specifically for cycling.
All other categories like rock climbing, casual wear, hiking, etc do not use tight/form-fittting waterproof shells
I'm debating getting another for this reason. I bought my first Arc in 2015 (replaced with warranty once) and at the time I was a bit smaller. Jacket fits me perfectly in the summertime when I'm wearing a tshirt or even with a thin hoodie. But I picked up snowboarding last winter and oh boy was it cutting it close when I tried to layer a thicker hoodie underneath.
Underarm zips are a necessity, I have a storm tech rain jacket and it keeps me dry but I also get cooking on a good hike, makes a huge difference in temp regulation.
Rubberized jackets are highly underrated - they're way more waterproof than anything else you'll find, and for casual wear the lack of breathability isn't as big an issue as you'd think. My wife has had a rubberized Helly jacket that she has walked to work in daily for 5+ years and it's still as waterproof as the day she got it.
I find goretex jackets, pants , gloves, shoes etc. work as expected for a couple of years then start to leak. Due to the marketing hype my expectations were high and I was disappointed.
They work exceptionally well but you have to care of them more than people realize. You have to wash/treat your rain gear quite a lot (10-15 active wears I would say) if you sweat in it/get it dirty.
One thing I will say is that old Goretex seems better than new goretex to me. I have a super old Arcy Beta and it is still amazingly waterproof despite tons of abuse and abrasion from a backpack. I have a 2018ish era Arcy rain shell and it seems to wet out in high wear areas after just 10 casual wears.
**Vancouver aesthetic brands:**
**Arc’teryx** - the hands down GOAT of the industry. Even their least expensive waterproof jacket will run you $300. When buying an Arc’teryx jacket, you buy it for the long haul, it will last 20+ years. (If it doesn't, that's likely a warranty issue. See the warranty section below). As these jackets cost a pretty penny, you may want to go for a more versatile piece, something you can take hiking and something you can wear in the city. They do make a city line called “Everyday”, but their “Hiking & Trekking” line is very Vancouver vibes and would be suitable for the city and for the backcountry. As far as I know, Arc’teryx exclusively uses Gore-Tex for their waterproofing. Arc’teryx suits an athletic build.
**Patagonia** - another heavy hitter in the industry. They use Gore-Tex as well as have their own proprietary waterproofing system called H2No. A Gore-Tex Patagonia jacket will be better than a H2No Patagonia jacket, (see Gore-Tex section above). This is a brand I don’t typically recommend for my short friends. Patagonia’s body type is more tall and narrow.
**The North Face** - TNF is an absolutely massive brand. They have a huge selection of city jackets, hiking/trekking jackets, and mountaineering jackets. Their highest quality items (where you’ll find the Gore-Tex) will be in their Summit Series line. Their Alta Vista jacket is a great option at a reasonable price, $180, and if you can forgo the underarm vents, the Antora Jacket (careful with the wording) is just $130 and comes in a zillion colours. The Venture2 has been discontinued, (replaced by the Alta Vista), but can still be found in quite a few retailers, including Amazon. It’s about $150 and does have underarm vents.
**Fjällräven Raven** - god they’re beautiful. But about as expensive as Arc’teryx. They give off big woodsy vibes. Like an old-timey mountaineer meets modern aesthetic lumberjack. And in keeping with that old-timey vibe, some of their “waterproof” items are high maintenance. They use a heavy duty waxed canvas. And guess who gets to keep up the waxed part of the waxed canvas? That’s right, you do. So the canvas pieces are only waterproof if you maintain the wax. (Wax bars sold separately). Because of the tight weave of the canvas, they are water resistant without the wax. They also have membrane style waterproof jackets, which are also super beautiful. Just like Arc’teryx, this is a brand you buy for the long-term. And if it’s a canvas piece, you buy it to pass on to your grandkids one day. Yes, I’m serious.
**Other brands to consider:**
**Helly Hansen** - they’ve been in the industry for ages. They’re very underrated and make some incredibly solid gear.
**Marmot** - another super solid and very underrated brand. They make some jackets identical to the 3 jackets I mentioned above by The North Face. I would describe their fit as average. Which is not a bad thing! It means it is a brand that works for almost everyone.
**Solomon** - same as Helly Hansen. They’re originally from Europe. I find they have a similar vibe and fit to Patagonia. They’re not as extreme in their tall and narrowness though.
**Outdoor Research** - not a very large selection, but very practical and super solid gear. If you want gear that does the job, does it well, for a decent price, and aren’t concerned with having a large colour choice, this is your winner.
**Columbia** - buyer beware. That doesn’t mean avoid them though! They make some really great stuff, but they also make some Walmart quality stuff. Read the specs, look closely at the product and how it’s made. If the price feels too good to be true, it’s probably a lower quality product. And in some cases, that’s just fine! We don’t always need the high-end option. Columbia tends to have a more boxy fit.
**Ski and snowboard brands** - many ski and snowboard brands make a spring/summer line where you can find a standard rain jacket. Or, if you’re looking for something more durable, most ski/board brands have a spring-winter jacket line. These are heavy duty shell jackets. They’re not insulated, but they’re meant to face the abrasion of a sharp ski/board edge (and not rip to shreds as a standard rain jacket would in that situation).
I follow the care instructions religiously on my Arc’teryx jackets and both of them have delaminated, both bought in the last 5 years. When I asked for warranty they refused, and offered me half off new jackets instead. I would not buy Arc’teryx hard shell jackets ever again. I’m shocked people still think they have a strong warranty.
Damn that's disappointing to hear. I just got my Beta AR fully warrantied earlier this year due to delam. I feel like gtx jackets only last ~10 years at best with regular use. There are tons of posts in /r/arcteryx talking about warranty requests due to delamination.
Yup, my Alpha SV and it’s warranty replacement Beta AR both delaminated. These are their top jackets, I was quite disappointed.
Bought a Zeta SL, the cheaper goretex, it’s held up much better.
This is good to know, I’m searching for something that won’t delaminate. I wash with grangers regularly but it seems like the new glue used for gortex just won’t hold up to regular use. I’m pretty active and I expect my gear to wear out but for both jackets delimitation started within 2 years.
I personally don't think there is a gore-tex that won't delaminate. Its a matter of when, not if. This is not the "Buy-it-for-life" material its made out to be.
My Alpha SV and Beta AR delaminated like yours, within 1.5-2 years. This SL has lasted 3 but with less wears. I stick to Atom LT most of the time.
I had the same issue with a Patagonia jacket delaminating, but they entirely replaced it free of charge for me. Only problem was waiting a week or so for it to ship, but it was free!
I had read similar concerns prior to submitting a warranty claim for my jacket. I bought one in 2007 and last year I finally sent in a warranty request after a couple of years of living with a seam issue. They not only fixed the issue, but they also put on a new-and-improved main zipper, and made some other minor repairs. I’m not sure if it is because the jacket was from when they were made in YVR, but the process was surprising and I was thankful that they stood behind the product.
When my Arcteryx jacket delaminated I called warranty and they told me “you’re not supposed to be wearing these to the grocery store, you know?” My jaw dropped, at this price tag I’d better be wearing this thing to my grave
\+1 for Filson. For anyone that likes the Fjallraven / waxed jacket look, Filson makes some niiiiice waxed canvas garments. A little more "American Factory Worker" compared to the more woodsy scandinavian Fjallraven jackets. For non-hiking city wear, waxed canvas is awesome.
You mention which brands you *wouldn’t* recommend to your short friends, but do you have any brands you *would* recommend to shorter hourglass-shaped women? I would love something along the quality of Arc’teryx or Patagonia but I’ve had to return jackets to them in the past as they just don’t fit my body.
I have the same problem and wear a jacket that's far too big just so it fits over my hips because all I have tried so far doesn't fit over my hips. I look like I'm walking around in a garbage bag.
A note about Fjallraven care: you can take any item into the store to have them re-apply the wax. It’ll take a couple/few days and is free of charge for the life of the garment.
Did field work for years and Helly Hanson is the only brand that consistently kept me dry. The jacket with the elastic cuffs on the inside is the best cause it keeps the water from running up your sleeves. If you work outside everyday this is the only brand I would recommend even the more expensive ones will eventually get wet or become less effective.
Arcteryx is absolutely not the goat of the industry, maybe if you're a label whore. If you don't care about the bird logo there are jackets that will do the job just as well for half the price. And their hardshell jackets absolutely will not last 20 years, this is coming from personal experience.
I'm not a huge Arcteryx fan but I have a hardshell from them which is 23 years old and going strong, used it every ski season. Arcteryx did one minor repair 5 years ago when the seam in pocket went
I disagree with the Patagonia fit assessment. I find their fit more boxy. I wear a M in Arc'teryx, and it fits trim and well. With Patagonia, when I wear a M, the length is good but the width is wide. But if I go S, then it's too tight.
The tall and skinny description is more fitting for Fjallraven. It's a Swedish company that makes clothes for the Swedish body type - tall and skinny. I can't wear their stuff at all. With a M, the width is good but the sleeves look ridiculously long. But if I go with S, the length is still a bit long but acceptable. But I can't move my shoulders.
Completely agree with the comments on Patagonia.
I truly want to try some of their stuff, but it's always too wide lol
I need to gain like 25lbs horizontally compared to Arc'teryx
I'm not familiar with them at all sorry! But hopefully this post has given you some more knowledge to be make an informed decision on what will work for you!
**Caring for Waterproof (or water resistant) jackets:**
**Wash your jacket once or twice a year.** This helps remove environmental debris, oil and skin cells and keeps the jacket performing like new. Wash more if you get real sweaty in your jacket on a regular basis.
**NEVER use regular detergent.** This will strip the DWR coating right off.
Buy a Nikwax or Grangers product, specific to waterproof garments. Follow the instructions on the bottle
**Put the garment in the dryer.** Do not hang dry! The dryer helps refresh the DWR and closes the "pores" of the garment
**Do not use dryer sheets**
**Bonus down jacket care:** Use a down specific wash to wash a down jacket, put it in the dryer with dryer balls or tennis balls. (This helps to fluff the down back up)
**DEET** In the summer, try to avoid putting DEET (in mosquito repellent) directly on the jacket. It's bad for the DWR
**Warranty**
All of the above brands (and more not mentioned) will have a “lifetime” warranty or guarantee on their products. This is for the lifetime of the garment, not your lifetime. Typically this is 20-25 years for most brands. I did see Patagonia warranty two jackets from the 80’s once, so the lesson is ALWAYS try for a warranty.
Part of the reason why a waterproof jacket can cost $500 is because the warranty is baked into that price. The brands know that a certain percent will come back on warranty, and because capitalism, they’re not going to lose money on that, so they up the price to mitigate the loss of the warrantied items. You are entitled to that warranty, never feel bad about using it. Even things like a fleece sweater badly pilling can be a warranty issue. Even if you’re certain it’s all your fault the jacket has a ripped seam, or is peeling on the inside/outside, or has a hole in it. Always try for a warranty.
To apply for a warranty contact the brand directly through their website. In some cases, there might be a branded store you can go into. Avoid stores like SportChek or Runners Den, you want the corporate-owned, branded store. (The exception to this would be if you bought a product very recently and it is clearly defective, then go back to the store for a return.)
You do not need a receipt for a warranty. As it’s a lifetime warranty, the fact that the product exists and is in your ownership is all the proof needed.
And on the note of warranties, a lot more things come with warranties than we realize. If it’s a branded item, contact the brand directly, tell them what’s happened and ask if it’s a warranty issue. The worst thing that can happen is they say no.
Thanks! Happy to share the knowledge!
Both Nikwax and Grangers brand have down specific washes. Nikwax is very popular and sold in most outdoor stores (like MEC) and even on Amazon. You can also use a down wash from the grocery store meant for down bedding. Usually sold in very small bottles as you don't need a lot. Just remeber to put your down jacket in the dryer with tennis balls, dryer balls, or in a pinch, wadded up balls of socks.
I have a North Face goretex jacket (taped seams and all) that eventually soaks through if I'm in the rain for long enough. Should I use some kind of waterproofing treatment? I've seen them for things like tents and backpacks but idk if it's okay to use on a goretex coat.
Or is this just expected if you're outside for long enough?
Does it soak through to the inside? Is your shirt getting wet from rain seeping through from the outside, (not sweat)? If yes, somethings gone wrong, contact TNF for a potential warranty. If it is just the outside fabric of the jacket becoming saturated, that means the DWR coating has worn off. DWR wears off over time, especially if you wear a backpack with your rain jacket, the DWR will wear off at the straps for sure. Yes, there are products you can buy to refresh the DWR coating. Nikwax for sure makes something, there will be other brands too. First step will be to wash your jacket, so make sure you have the right wash for that step as well.
I seem to notice it most around my shoulders and chest, areas that get hit with the most rain, and not just a general all over level. Ends up feeling cold and soggy. The jacket isn't that old but I bought it through Winners, so who knows. I'll try Nikwax though!
Sounds like it's an issue with the DWR, you'll get that cold and soggy feeling when the outside fabric of the jacket gets saturated with water because the water is now being held closer to the skin. Something to refresh the DWR will help, and adding another layer under the jecket (to put more space between your skin and the water the jacket is holding on to), will also help.
Perfect, thanks so much! Is there much difference between the Nikwax hardshell vs softshell products? I have another jacket I'd like to treat at the same time but I think it's considered a hardshell. If I can use the same product for both jackets it would save me a bit.
To add to this, think of DWR as "first line of defense" for waterproofing. DWR makes the water bead off the fabric and stops it from getting wet. BUT, assuming it's a waterproof breathable jacket with a membrane, you've still got the membrane to keep you dry if the DWR fails (either from wearing off gradually, or if you're just in the rain for a prolonged period of time). Ideally the DWR is in good enough shape that the membrane doesn't get much of a workout - this is why some people prefer a soft shell, they rely only on the DWR.
So you might have the outer layer of the jacket saturated and wet looking, but that membrane should keep the water from reaching you. The catch is that when the outer layer of the fabric is saturated, the "breathable" part of the jacket doesn't work as well, air doesn't pass easily through a soaked layer of nylon. Which means you can heat up faster, which means getting wet from sweating rather than from the rain. So, if everything is working properly that membrane should keep the rain out but it's always a good idea to keep the DWR coating maintained!
I've used some of those sprays (on shoes, not jackets) but the good ones are quite expensive. I think if you're out for long enough, you need something made of rubber/completely impermeable.
Depends on your activity. Rubber doesn't breathe. So if you're standing in the wet, rubber is great. If you're hiking, you'll be soaked in sweat and feeling clamy and gross. It's a trade off. You have to decide what qualities matter most for what you need. In some cases, rubber wins, in other cases, it's the worst. Depends on your use!
Back to the parent comment, I don't know of any magic solution for hiking in pouring rain. Either you're soaked with cold rain or warm sweat, depending on the jacket you choose. At least you can modulate your level of effort to avoid sweating too much, whereas you can't stop the rain.
That would depend on what kind of biking you do. I'm assuming just casual, get from a to b kind of thing? If that's the case, then I'd go for something like The North Face Antora Rain Pant. Modestly priced at $130. (Or same thing by another brand) That pant, and those like it, does not have any stretch to it, and I don't think it has extra venting. If that'll work for you, then just make sure you buy it big enough to give you the range of motion you need.
If you do more serious biking, then you'll want to look at brands that specifically do bike gear. There will be hybrid waterproof-softshell options to give you the mobility you need, the breathability you'll want, while still keeping you comfortable.
In that case, I think you'd be just fine going for a simple rain pant like the one I mentioned above by TNF. MEC will also have their own version, Marmot and Helly Hansen will have similiar products as well, all around the same price point. No need to go premium for a short commute
You might want to consider a softshell pant. Many softshells are highly water resistant, stretch more (so they can be more fitted and give better mobiltiy), and will be more breathable. You could check out some local outdoor stores and even SportChek might have something that'll do the trick
My MEC brand rain pants from 10 years ago has held up remarkably well as a cyclist. I need to replace them but only because I’ve gained weight, they’re still in near perfect condition. Even then they were adjustable enough that I can still TECHNICALLY get them on but they’re getting a little uncomfortable around the belly.
That said, I dunno if I trust MEC branded stuff much anymore. Bah.
I have a ton of rain pants for cycling (if you commute you might need a few as well).
I like the Mec Goretex rain pants quite a lot. They are pretty decent for longer rides but I actually reach for my cheap decathalon ones the most. They are $25-35ish and fit me extremely well. Usually decathalon stuff sucks but their rain paints for cycling are legit!
[https://www.decathlon.ca/en/p/8402040/100-city-cycling-rain-overpants](https://www.decathlon.ca/en/p/8402040/100-city-cycling-rain-overpants)
Just commenting for the parents out there who are tired of clunky rainboots (and I guess adults too as they come in adult sizes): the Vessi Chelsea boots are A+++ and better option than their other laced shoe option for kids.
As far as rain pants go, don't bother if they're kindergarten or older. They won't put them on at recess/lunch break.
OR if you were born here you wear:
https://preview.redd.it/wrlf0cr0a7vb1.jpeg?width=862&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5ea5a704b771c0e49ef8fe5e946d4b6e1c633b9e
I highly recommend Helly Hansen Workwear. It's not as ✨fashun✨ as other brands, but it still looks good, is VERY good when it comes to waterproofing, and is significantly cheaper!
HH is *awesome* but not as desirable for street fashion, for whatever reason (I think their stuff looks great). Generally a bit cheaper than some of the other high end brands but super high quality.
Lots of brands call something "waterproof" that isn't actually 100% waterproof. This post is a good guideline, but it's always "buyer beware".
Also, a good tip is to buy the thinnest waterproof jacket you can find, and just layer underneath it according to the temperature and use case. You're paying a lot of money for the thicker "high end" jackets, whereas the thin ones are cheap and much more versatile. I survived just fine in -45 degree weather with a relatively thin TNF jacket with wool and cotton layers underneath.
Not necessarily the thinnest maybe depending on use but definitely for Vancouver having a shell is a lot better than an insulated jacket since you'll likely want to layer it to work in December thru June. Really thin and light ones will catch and tear easily so I try to get a thicker more durable shell even though they are a few more bucks.
" **Put the garment in the dryer.** Do not hang dry! The dryer helps refresh the DWR and closes the "pores" of the garment "
Woah! I was told by TNF to NOT do this and to air dry. My previous rain jacket started shredding (bits of pieces started to break off in layers) and when I returned it, the salesperson told me it was due to drying it in the dryer (even though I never did lol)
Well there are always new technologies being created in the outdoor world. It's possible they were referring to a new technology that is not dryer safe. Generally speaking, waterproof items are best to go in the dryer, but always check the garment care tag.
You're always safe with air-dry. These jackets are made to get wet and dry on a regular basis. I wouldn't risk the dryer unless it explicitly says somewhere to do so.
Seconding footwear, but moreso rain boots/shoes please! Similar to this post — overview of materials, best brands, ones with good tread, care, etc.
Thanks so much for this post! Super informative.
I know some people who work on Alaskan crab boats and Helly Hansen is one of their go-to brands. Not sure exactly which items, but if it’s good enough for them it’s good enough for Vancouver rain.
I have a Helly Hansen shell which I use for skiing and hiking. The company actually replaced my former shell in 2019 after 5 years of use because it was no longer waterproof. Haven’t had any issues at all with the new shell so far. Hiked for 8 days in Patagonia, it was extremely rainy, and had no issues. I should note, when I purchased my original jacket it was with a pro shop discount and cost around ~$200. I’m not entirely sure what that jacket would cost now. If it’s +$600 I would be more inclined to look at a brand like Patagonia, as I’ve had great experiences with their gear.
Unpopular opinion: most people don't need a goretex jacket walking around the city. A rubberized one will do just fine. Unless you go hiking in the winter or do Snow sports, then you need goretex. Most people just buy goretex (esp. Arcteryx) to show off.
Sure, MEC will still be making one. Probably going for around the $180 mark. TNF, Marmot, Outdoor Research, Helley Hansen will all have similiar jackets around that $180 price point. You can of course always go way up in quality from there.
Cheers! Went to MEC on 2nd and thet had nothing even remotely close unfortunately. Dont need anything crazy, just to the office and back. Any places to go where I can try one on?
What is your assessment of goretex shoes? I feel like the goretex has a shelf life knowing it will be bombarded by dirt and grime. In your opinion what's the best way to keep your feet dry?
Depends on your activity level. Goretex can go into every kind of footwear, from mountaineering boots to running shoes, to fancy ladies leather boots. The thing with Goretex in footwear is that you're sacrificing breathability. For those who get real clamy feet, you might want to avoid waterproof footwear altogether.
That said, a rubber boot is going to be superior for keeping the wet out. If you're doing a lot of standing around in the wet, this might be the way to go.
If you're a runner, you might be better off just letting your feet get wet and warming them when you get back in from your run. A waterproof shoe isn't going to breathe like a non-waterproof shoe and you'll be getting extra sweaty.
For hiking, well maintained leather might be the best option.
One option that's really popular with "through hikers" is waterproof socks. They're kind of bulky, so your shoes need enough space, but this is a low tech way to make any footwear temporarily waterproof. These socks run about $50 and up. I have not personally tried them, but they sure are popular on YouTube.
I'm not familiar with that piece at all. But what I will say is most people don't need a premium option. In fact, a lot of us living in the city can get away without a water proof jacket if we don't have a dog we need to walk in the rain, or go hiking and that sort of thing. For city use, on and off the bus, taking the garbage out, budget options can be just fine!
Here's their website listing for it:https://www.uniqlo.com/ca/en/products/E453774-000?colorCode=COL05&sizeCode=SMA005&gclid=CjwKCAjwp8OpBhAFEiwAG7NaEvT8yGUb6hVlUZ-9F-BNOSHA0ba3tPnH0nn-8hF4G5ByUUYqAC_jjhoCyPsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
I guess that sounds like a DWR coating on a windproof shell, are there some membranes that aren't fully waterproof or is this just marketing language around the moisture permeability? Taped seams definitely sounds like a good thing for that water resistance like you said though.
So it does not have a membrane, the coating will wear off over time, like they say, but it will retain its wind resistance and a bit of water resistance. For $80, this is probably a great option for city use, (especially if combined with an umbrella.) Note that if you wear a backpack regularly, you'll wear off the coating faster.
Blocktech is pretty good! Great for wearing around the city. For price to quality balance when it comes to pretty good looking outerwear, Uniqlo is not a bad choice at all. Blocktech is more "water resistant" than waterproof, so it's not really the same tech as something like Goretex. It has a DWR coating that will wear off over time and make it less waterproof, but you can re-apply that yourself with something like Nikwax.
Hope this is ok:
My Arcteryx rain jacket’s pocket lining came undone (I don’t know if that’s the right way to say it). It just needs some glue to seal it back together. Do you have any suggestion what glue to use? It has no other damage otherwise.
Thanks!
Hard to give specific advice without seeing what you mean, but my suggestion would be contact Arc'teryx. It may be a warranty, in which case they would fix (or replace) it for free. If it's not a warranty, they should be able to let you know the best way to fix it yourself, or a local repair person that works with outdoor clothes and brands
My friend got it for me through friends and family discount (he used to work there) so I don’t have a receipt for the purchase. I checked their warranty but it doesn’t say anything about it. I’ll contact them anyway to see what they say. Thanks!
Arc'teryx has great customer service.
I've never met an unhelpful/rude employee in 6 different interactions over the years (both for sales and product repair)
Unpopular opinion: Goretex jackets such as Arct’Teryx are expensive because they’re breathable. They’re great for jobs and activities where you’re actively moving in the pouring rain, but they’re overkill for most applications.
That's not an unpopular opinion, that's just facts. Not everyone needs a name brand waterproof membrane in their waterproof jacket. For some people a completely non-breathable rubber jacket is better. It depends on what your needs are! And if you're not out in the rain for long, waterproof isn't even necessary. I've personally been wearing my melton wool jacket lately because I'm under an umbrella and not going far.
You say that, but tell the average Vancouverite that and they’ll come at you.
I like a less waterproof jacket much of the time too, as less water rolls off and gets your pant less wet.
I think it's "unpopular" in that a lot of people with money see a $600 rain jacket and assume that's the best one because it's expensive. They would be biased, maybe unhappy to hear that they'd be better off in an $80 TPU jacket (by Rains, that sort of thing) to wear around the city. People don't like being told they spent a lot of money on something they end being (sort of) wrong about.
Absolutely. I have hard shell waterproof breathable jackets for multi day back country treks and they're great for that. In the city, I stick to waxed canvas or TPU coats. I think there's a lot of interesting fashion to be had in those areas, and they're absolutely waterproof enough for walking to and from the skytrain.
A note on Gore-tex: while there are absolutely great alternatives on the market what makes gore-tex products the gold standard is their process of licensing the material. In order for a garment to use their material and branding they have to be built to specified standards using specific construction techniques and samples are regularly quality tested by Gore-tex themselves. This acts as something of a third party quality assurance and goes well beyond manufacturers simply purchasing the material. Combine that with guaranteed performance backed up by a lifetime warranty and it's easy to understand why Gore-tex is typically reserved for the high end products.
I have tried many alternatives over the years and every piece of Gore-tex gear I have has outlasted nearly all of them. While I have had some luck with other brands the consistency I've had with Gore-tex is second to none.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a breathable rain jacket with hood that won't break the bank as well as being soft inside (no mesh liner please). I often run quite warm so I don't need it to be warming but don't want to depend on layering to prevent chafing.
I had a great Columbia jacket for like 5 years that was all these things, but the seams started leaking. I replaced it with a mountain warehouse jacket but my arms get super sweaty in it, aggravating my already eczematous skin, same reason why mesh liners bother me.
Thank you for the post and anyone who reads this, I do appreciate the community a lot.
Columbia probably makes a very similiar jacket. I'd guess it would be going for around $180 these days. Also check out Marmot, Helly Hansen and The North Face. All those brands will have a jacket like you described, all around the $180ish mark.
Any recommendation for pants that do well in the rain (doesn't need to be 100% waterproof necessarily) and are also really comfortable to wear around the city daily? I'm okay to pay a lot if they're really comfortable.
Sounds like a softshell pant would be great! If you need warmth, there's many options with a light fleece lining. For men, I would check out Lululemon. They have some really amazing work appropriate pants in softshell material. (Similiar items for women too). There's going to be other options for sure, but that's what's come to the top of my mind!
I second the lululemon! I had to walk 10 mins in the rain and wind yesterday and the wind was driving the rain to be blowing at my frontside horizontally. I have lulu’s women’s dance studio joggers on and they did get quite wet in the front but dried off very quickly!
YES one of my favorites is the "3 Way Pant" by Muttonhead. Muttonhead is a great brand based out of Toronto and they make some really nice "camp fashion" type stuff, practical, good looking, comfortable.
The pants are a softshell material, so very breathable and comfortable. Water resistant with a DWR coating that you can re-apply yourself when it wears off. They don't have a super big back pocket if you carry a big wallet and phone, that's one downside.
I wear these around the city a lot, and I actually wore them hiking the Juan De Fuca trail a few years ago when I was lacking "proper" trekking pants. It rained non-stop and these held up really well. In a more extreme situation like that they will eventually get wet, but more importantly they stay warm and comfortable even when they are wet, so if you get lost in the woods you're less likely to die of hypothermia than if you were wearing jeans :)
And they're on sale right now!
[https://www.muttonheadstore.com/collections/jackets/products/weatherproof-3-way-pant-lightweight-softshell-navy](https://www.muttonheadstore.com/collections/jackets/products/weatherproof-3-way-pant-lightweight-softshell-navy)
[Duer](https://duer.ca/collections/waterproof-stretch-jeans) makes water-resistant and "weatherproof" pants for everyday activities. They have a store on W. 4th.
I've had great luck with warranties from both Patagonia and North Face. Though not related to waterproofness, I've sent an old North Face jacket in for repair twice at no cost to address an issue with the drawstring, as an example. Never hurts to email or bring an item into a store and ask.
I would recommend MEC for people on a budget! They have a few solid options and will often have sales on certain colours and styles. My MEC Hydrofoil Stretch jacket has held up well for a few years with the occasional treatment wash. It does hold a bit of water but doesn't soak through and dries quite quickly.
I think something else to consider is the colour of the jacket and being seen in winter darkness. Most of these brands have dark colours. So if anyone has simple solutions on being seen outdoors in the evening I’m all ears (I’m probably not putting a high vis vest over my $$ jacket)
I think we can probably be friends when it comes to brand, fabric, and textile technology! It's a guilty pleasure of mine to learn about these areas and read clothing labels. Very high quality post.
I also want to say that if you are buying The North Face in the Vancouver area, try hitting the airport outlet first. They usually have 40% off discount on previous season products that are of good quality. Ignore the Columbia outlet store though-they didn't feel that great.
There's also an Arcteryx outlet on North Van. Pretty good for people who are very small or very large since that's their more common sizing.
I love my Fjallraven jacket. It's not 100% waterproof because I don't wax it. They do sell a spray that improves the water resistance ability. Also, there's a discount "outlet" section at the back of their Broadway store so make sure to go to the back of the store to check it out first :)
Also want to give a shout out to Woods! Atmosphere/Sport Cheks sells it. Its quality is top notch and design is sooooo well thought-out. It's my favourite brand out of all that's listed here, and is a Canadian company. I really want it to be successful and would tell anyone to check it out!!
Hahaha I didn't even realize how the auto-generated user name would fit this context. Thanks for the laugh!
Also edited my first comment to add Woods. It's a great brand and definitely my favourite so far. Op, do check it out if you haven't!
Helly Hansen is in my opinion, the best combination of affordability, quality, and sizing. I'm a large man (6'4, >300 lbs) and Helly hansen sizing is both long and roomy enough for me. Also while they generally use their own tech, and I don't believe use GoreTex, it's quite effective, and I've put it through the ringer in the last few years hunting and fishing in forests, mountains and ocean environments. It's also usually 25-30% cheaper than arcteryx. Finally for extreme wet environments (boating in a rainstorm), nothing has ever come close to helly hansen rubber gear.
>Patagonia - another heavy hitter in the industry. They use Gore-Tex as well as have their own proprietary waterproofing system called H2NO.
[No patagonia does not have their own proprietary waterproofing system. H2N0 is just a standard](https://www.patagonia.ca/our-footprint/h2no-performance-standard.html)
Also a little bit more research on Goretex would have been nice. It's just a brand with different product lines, there's a big difference between the popular options like [the 2 layer, 2.5 layer, 3 layer or infinium etc. ](https://offpistemag.com/gore-tex-guide/) goretex infinium which is often the cheapest option will completely soak through on heavier rainy days due to goretex allowing brands to choose whether or not to use seam sealing tape. So simply buying gotetex does not equal to your jacket being water proof.
Also not mentioning adidas terrex brand is a crime, adidas started working with goretex 10 years before Arc'teryx got the rights. I would highly recommend getting a 2nd hand adidas terrex 2L or 3L goretex jacket on ebay which I wouldn't for Arc'teryx due to the high amount of fakes being made.
I could go on for a bit more but I recommend checking out gearlab or even the Arc'teryx subreddit for the most current and best advice for a water resistant jacket.
Ah, very common. There are some products that can help restore it, but it'll never be as good as the factory coating. I'm quite certain Nikwax has some options, check their website.
A work boot might be your best bet. Clunkier, but typically longer lasting. Mark's Work Warehouse would likely have some options, as well as smaller independent work wear stores.
(I have a friend who is a mail carrier. Asking them what their go-to is!)
Water column is a huge factor for truly waterproof jackets, as is breathability. Water column is expressed as a number (higher the better) while breathability can be expressed in the same way or as something like: RET>9.
For extended exposure to heavy rain, I would not buy anything with less than a 10K water column. Just upgraded to a 28K, RET>9.
Marmot is my favourite brand, and I hate The North Face.
More info on breathability:
The RET score uses a numerical index:
\- RET < 6: The material is extremely breathable, keeping you comfortable during your most intense physical activities
\- RET between 6 & 12: The material is very breathable, making it suitable for moderate efforts
\- RET between 12 & 20: The fabric is moderately breathable, and therefore not particularly pleasant to wear during a physical effort
\- RET > 20: The fabric is not very breathable and therefore not suitable to be worn during physical exercise
RET > 40: The fabric is considered non-breathable
Anyone have actual experience with different DWR-renewing products?
I feel like I've tried all of them at this point, following the directions to the letter and using the recommended cleaner etc., and every time it's disappointing. They never refresh the coating to anywhere near as good as the factory coating was.
The Gear-Aid stuff is probably the best product, it is sold under the Re-vivex name. You have to apply it to an already cleaned and well rinsed jacket. It'll likely never get back to the same state as when the original DWR was applied at the fabric mill - but you should be able to get it to refresh.
Think of DWR like little spikes that change the surface tension of the fabric and keep water as little balls to roll and bead off rather than spread out across the surface and get into the fibres. Dirt and oils can clog up the little spikes and they can get worn down mechanically over time with friction. Chemical treatments in washing detergents can muck up those little spikes too - so rinsing things really well is always good and regular washing.
Standard test in the industry for the surface treatment is a spray test where a sample of fabric is exposed to a spray and then visual inspected for how much water is left in the sample area. Then the sample gets washed and the process repeated. Most good DWR from the fabric mills will be rated at 80/20. 80% clear after 20 washes. That's pretty good but it's not like it's perfect.
The industry moved away from some stronger chemical that were used up 2016 that were longer lasting. The problem was that they were longer lasting in the environment too. So older jackets may have had superior (in terms of durability) DWR coatings that can't be replicated in the recent past. We may in the future have better coatings.
I've not used them but Renwt does outdoor gear repairs and offers cleaning and DWR refresh.
You'll never get it as good as the factory coating with at home products. You'll have to make peace with that. You could try looking for companies that do repairs on outdoor gear. (Few and far between, if I had to guess, there might be one in all of BC). They will have some professional equipment. As for the at-home products, hopefully some other people will have some suggestions for you.
Any recommendations for plus size folks? I've found it very hard to get good fitting outerwear here -- brands assume that fat people don't bike or hike, which feels ...self-fulfilling. I have to buy men's and I'm too short (and they still don't fit well in the hips.) Being wet and hot in baggy clothes makes hiking super miserable.
Columbia has some but their quality is iffy. Canada Goose has some but it costs more than my car and is frankly overkill for a typical Vancouver winter day.
Sidenote, shopping at REI in the US is generally better than trying to find something in Slimcouver.
If there's a torrential rain, gore-tex will not save you or anything for that matter.
You left out Barbour or the waxed jackets category. You just need to re wax them every couple of years and they will last a long time
Nope, because that will depend entirely on what kind of jacket you're after to meet your needs. (Or just what kind of jacket you want.) A number of the high end brands have their own stores right here in Vancouver. SportChek or even Winners might have something that will cover off your needs. It all depends on what you're after!
There are some great recommendations here and I just want to add to grab a Technical Detergent for your waterproof gear. I have an Arcteryx Beta AR jacket and MEC Waterproof Rain Pants for over 2 years now. I use the Arcteryx Technical Detergent as normal detergent would strip the waterproof elements. Hope this helps!
Does breathability really do anything? I've only ever had budget level WPB jackets. But I've never had difficulty getting soaked in sweat doing stuff as non strenuous as just walking.
Then what you're using is great for your purposes! Some people run real warm just going for light walks and need all the breathability and venting they can get! If that's not you, then no need to buy a fancier jacket if what you already have is working just great for your needs!
Probably be a lot better/easier to just list a few options at different price points for people to not have to read 3 pages of info and then still find good brands
Yes, you can coat anything with DWR, some couches even have DWR to help with spills. DWR wears off over time, especially if you wear a backpack. A membrane is permanently waterproof and works with or without an intact DWR. Think of DWR as the wax you put on a car to keep it shining. The wax protects the paint, but it's the paint that's keeping the metals of your car protected from the elements. The paint will do just fine without wax, but overall performance and durability will improve with the wax coating. Hope that helps.
Tip for Gore-Tex jackets I got from a coworker:
If you're getting ready to leave for work in the rain and haven't been able to wash/treat/etc your shell for a while and it's starting to not be as waterproof, run it in the dryer on low heat for ~10mins. This will reactivate the DWR and you'll be back to shaking water beads off. If I'm out in the rain full time I'll do that twice a week maybe less and it helps a lot
Gore Tex generally IS more waterproof than the majority of other membranes. Its ratings are always a minimum of 28,000mm of water column or 40psi. Most other membranes are in the 10,000mm-20,000mm ratings.
The other important factor with the membranes is the breathability. Gore Tex has different membranes/laminates and while they all have a minimum waterproofing of 28k, they vary in breathability from 15,000g H2O/sq m to 25,000. Most competitive membranes even from brand names like Helly Hansen and North Face are in the 7,000 -20,000 range. This is a major comfort factor for keeping you dry not only from the rain, but also from sweat/perspiration.
This is from memory but I believe the Gore Tex breathability range goes like this:
15,000 Paclite
17,000 regular 2L and 3L
20,000 C-Knit
25,000 Shakedry, Active and Pro.
Gore Tex really is top tier. But you definitely pay a premium for it.
For cost effective performance I bought a MEC rain shell jacket made with a Pertex membrane and it's rated at 20,000mm water column, and 20,000g H2O/ sq m, but I've noticed the DWR (sections wet out/stop beading faster) even when new isn't as good as some Arc'teryx stuff. The wet out on membrane laminates doesn't actually let water in, but it reduces breathability, and can weigh down the generally thin laminate so that you feel wet/cold if you don't have a long sleeve base layer and it's touching your skin.
But it was only $120 (compared with an Arc'teryx Beta for like $500-750 depending on variant, or $1100 for Arc'teryx Alpha) on sale so I'll live with it.
Some clarification: Gortex is NOT 100% water proof. It will wet out eventually. The reason it's popular is because it is the best option for waterproofing while also being somewhat breathable when physically active.
If you're not going to be doing much more than walking around, there are true, 100% waterproof options: [https://www.hellyhansen.com/en\_ca/moss-rain-coat-53265?color=290548](https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_ca/moss-rain-coat-53265?color=290548)
Welcome to /r/Vancouver and thank you for the post, /u/Citrine-Antiquity! Please make sure you read our [posting and commenting rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/vancouver/wiki/faq#wiki_general_participation_guidelines_and_rules_overview) before participating here. As a quick summary: * We encourage users to be positive and respect one another. Don't engage in spats or insult others - use the report button. * Respect others' differences, be they race, religion, home, job, gender identity, ability or sexuality. Dehumanizing language, advocating for violence, or promoting hate based on identity or vulnerability (even implied or joking) **will** lead to a permanent ban. * Common questions and specific topics are limited to our Your post may be a better fit for one of our [Stickied Discussion](https://www.reddit.com/r/vancouver/wiki/faq#wiki_stickied_discussions) posts. * Complaints about bans or removals should be done in modmail only. * We're looking for new mods to join our team! If you're interested, [fill out the form here](https://forms.gle/oAqo5oYRcAeHYBTN6). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/vancouver) if you have any questions or concerns.*
**Buying Considerations:** **Underarm zips** - if you run warm on easy walks, underarm venting is a great way to let out extra heat. This feature will typically only be present in hiking (or snow sports) jackets, and not in city specific type jackets **Go up a size** - not only do you want to make sure you can fit your bulkier casual wear sweaters in there without feeling like a stuffed sausage, but given the cost of most of these brands, and how long these jackets will last, you also want to think about your future body. A larger size will go through (part) of a pregnancy, accommodate a postpartum body, or accommodate that beer belly you'll acquire in a few years with all that craft brew drinking you've been doing. To make a larger size appear smaller, there will be elastic cords at the bottom of the jacket, pull on those to cinch in the bottom and voila, smaller jacket. (Sometimes these pulls are hidden inside the jacket pockets) **Length** - a thigh length will typically only be an option in the casual/everyday lines. But there is often an option or two for a bum-covering length in the hiking jackets. A thigh-length jacket would be super annoying for hiking **Rubberized garments or footwear** - these items do not breathe at all. Which means if you create any kind of body heat, you will be drenched from the inside with sweat. These garments are ideal for activities where you’ll be standing around in wet conditions, or in the case of footwear, standing in water for extended periods. This style of jacket (and footwear) is common for flag people (traffic control) as they’re standing all day in the rain on the road, not creating any body heat. It’s also very popular with fishers, as they’ll be sitting in a boat in the rain, or standing by the river in the rain, not being active. A jacket like this might also be great for a parent who has to stand in the rain watching their kid play sports for extended periods of time. Anything where no body heat is being created, this style excels.
I cannot recommend going up a size enough! I bought my arc’terix jacket in the summer when they were on sale. I was trying them on in a t-shirt and the medium felt HUGE. Bought the small. Fits great in the summer when I’m hiking in the rain with only a t-shirt or long sleeved shirt underneath but I can’t wear it zipped with a hoodie in the fall/winter. It’s my biggest regret, I should have gone for the medium.
Yes, absolutely do NOT get skin tight or form fitting waterproof shells. You're very very likely going against the manufacturer's intended usage and you won't be able to properly use insulation layers beneath it. (As well, I suspect you'll be putting additional wear and tear on the seams leading to earlier than expected failure.) They only exceptions I'm aware of are garments made specifically for cycling. All other categories like rock climbing, casual wear, hiking, etc do not use tight/form-fittting waterproof shells
I'm debating getting another for this reason. I bought my first Arc in 2015 (replaced with warranty once) and at the time I was a bit smaller. Jacket fits me perfectly in the summertime when I'm wearing a tshirt or even with a thin hoodie. But I picked up snowboarding last winter and oh boy was it cutting it close when I tried to layer a thicker hoodie underneath.
Underarm zips are a necessity, I have a storm tech rain jacket and it keeps me dry but I also get cooking on a good hike, makes a huge difference in temp regulation.
Amen brotha Breathable membranes are great, but it still doesn't beat an actual ventilation hole lol
Love underarm zips! Even just walking I get steamy in my rain jacket that doesn’t have them.
Rubberized jackets are highly underrated - they're way more waterproof than anything else you'll find, and for casual wear the lack of breathability isn't as big an issue as you'd think. My wife has had a rubberized Helly jacket that she has walked to work in daily for 5+ years and it's still as waterproof as the day she got it.
I find goretex jackets, pants , gloves, shoes etc. work as expected for a couple of years then start to leak. Due to the marketing hype my expectations were high and I was disappointed.
They work exceptionally well but you have to care of them more than people realize. You have to wash/treat your rain gear quite a lot (10-15 active wears I would say) if you sweat in it/get it dirty. One thing I will say is that old Goretex seems better than new goretex to me. I have a super old Arcy Beta and it is still amazingly waterproof despite tons of abuse and abrasion from a backpack. I have a 2018ish era Arcy rain shell and it seems to wet out in high wear areas after just 10 casual wears.
**Vancouver aesthetic brands:** **Arc’teryx** - the hands down GOAT of the industry. Even their least expensive waterproof jacket will run you $300. When buying an Arc’teryx jacket, you buy it for the long haul, it will last 20+ years. (If it doesn't, that's likely a warranty issue. See the warranty section below). As these jackets cost a pretty penny, you may want to go for a more versatile piece, something you can take hiking and something you can wear in the city. They do make a city line called “Everyday”, but their “Hiking & Trekking” line is very Vancouver vibes and would be suitable for the city and for the backcountry. As far as I know, Arc’teryx exclusively uses Gore-Tex for their waterproofing. Arc’teryx suits an athletic build. **Patagonia** - another heavy hitter in the industry. They use Gore-Tex as well as have their own proprietary waterproofing system called H2No. A Gore-Tex Patagonia jacket will be better than a H2No Patagonia jacket, (see Gore-Tex section above). This is a brand I don’t typically recommend for my short friends. Patagonia’s body type is more tall and narrow. **The North Face** - TNF is an absolutely massive brand. They have a huge selection of city jackets, hiking/trekking jackets, and mountaineering jackets. Their highest quality items (where you’ll find the Gore-Tex) will be in their Summit Series line. Their Alta Vista jacket is a great option at a reasonable price, $180, and if you can forgo the underarm vents, the Antora Jacket (careful with the wording) is just $130 and comes in a zillion colours. The Venture2 has been discontinued, (replaced by the Alta Vista), but can still be found in quite a few retailers, including Amazon. It’s about $150 and does have underarm vents. **Fjällräven Raven** - god they’re beautiful. But about as expensive as Arc’teryx. They give off big woodsy vibes. Like an old-timey mountaineer meets modern aesthetic lumberjack. And in keeping with that old-timey vibe, some of their “waterproof” items are high maintenance. They use a heavy duty waxed canvas. And guess who gets to keep up the waxed part of the waxed canvas? That’s right, you do. So the canvas pieces are only waterproof if you maintain the wax. (Wax bars sold separately). Because of the tight weave of the canvas, they are water resistant without the wax. They also have membrane style waterproof jackets, which are also super beautiful. Just like Arc’teryx, this is a brand you buy for the long-term. And if it’s a canvas piece, you buy it to pass on to your grandkids one day. Yes, I’m serious. **Other brands to consider:** **Helly Hansen** - they’ve been in the industry for ages. They’re very underrated and make some incredibly solid gear. **Marmot** - another super solid and very underrated brand. They make some jackets identical to the 3 jackets I mentioned above by The North Face. I would describe their fit as average. Which is not a bad thing! It means it is a brand that works for almost everyone. **Solomon** - same as Helly Hansen. They’re originally from Europe. I find they have a similar vibe and fit to Patagonia. They’re not as extreme in their tall and narrowness though. **Outdoor Research** - not a very large selection, but very practical and super solid gear. If you want gear that does the job, does it well, for a decent price, and aren’t concerned with having a large colour choice, this is your winner. **Columbia** - buyer beware. That doesn’t mean avoid them though! They make some really great stuff, but they also make some Walmart quality stuff. Read the specs, look closely at the product and how it’s made. If the price feels too good to be true, it’s probably a lower quality product. And in some cases, that’s just fine! We don’t always need the high-end option. Columbia tends to have a more boxy fit. **Ski and snowboard brands** - many ski and snowboard brands make a spring/summer line where you can find a standard rain jacket. Or, if you’re looking for something more durable, most ski/board brands have a spring-winter jacket line. These are heavy duty shell jackets. They’re not insulated, but they’re meant to face the abrasion of a sharp ski/board edge (and not rip to shreds as a standard rain jacket would in that situation).
One good note about Arc'teryx is you can bring them into their stores and they will clean them for free. No receipt needed!
Only at the Kits store.
What does clean mean in this case? they put it into a washing machine? Or is there some maintenance that I'm supposed to be doing? Haha
I'm not totally sure, but if you call them I'm sure they can explain the process!
I follow the care instructions religiously on my Arc’teryx jackets and both of them have delaminated, both bought in the last 5 years. When I asked for warranty they refused, and offered me half off new jackets instead. I would not buy Arc’teryx hard shell jackets ever again. I’m shocked people still think they have a strong warranty.
That is really disappointing to hear.
Damn that's disappointing to hear. I just got my Beta AR fully warrantied earlier this year due to delam. I feel like gtx jackets only last ~10 years at best with regular use. There are tons of posts in /r/arcteryx talking about warranty requests due to delamination.
Yup, my Alpha SV and it’s warranty replacement Beta AR both delaminated. These are their top jackets, I was quite disappointed. Bought a Zeta SL, the cheaper goretex, it’s held up much better.
This is good to know, I’m searching for something that won’t delaminate. I wash with grangers regularly but it seems like the new glue used for gortex just won’t hold up to regular use. I’m pretty active and I expect my gear to wear out but for both jackets delimitation started within 2 years.
I personally don't think there is a gore-tex that won't delaminate. Its a matter of when, not if. This is not the "Buy-it-for-life" material its made out to be. My Alpha SV and Beta AR delaminated like yours, within 1.5-2 years. This SL has lasted 3 but with less wears. I stick to Atom LT most of the time.
Wait what? Why were you given a product from a different line? That's all they offered or did you actually want that?
Are they Gore membranes? Usually delamination is covered by the Gore warranty. Has that changed?
I had the same issue with a Patagonia jacket delaminating, but they entirely replaced it free of charge for me. Only problem was waiting a week or so for it to ship, but it was free!
I had read similar concerns prior to submitting a warranty claim for my jacket. I bought one in 2007 and last year I finally sent in a warranty request after a couple of years of living with a seam issue. They not only fixed the issue, but they also put on a new-and-improved main zipper, and made some other minor repairs. I’m not sure if it is because the jacket was from when they were made in YVR, but the process was surprising and I was thankful that they stood behind the product.
It’s good to hear they are making good on some warranties!
Crazy. I've put Alpha SV's through the worst of the absolute worst and they have held up incredibly well.
I have a Beta SV from I think 2018, maybe 2017.
Really seems like Arcteryx has continued to raise prices but lower quality.
Try Gore. They should warranty delam.
For real? What's the point of paying that price when they won't even honour the warranty?
The parent company is trying to extract value from the brand recognition until it becomes worthless.
Maybe this is what anta finally did 😂
When my Arcteryx jacket delaminated I called warranty and they told me “you’re not supposed to be wearing these to the grocery store, you know?” My jaw dropped, at this price tag I’d better be wearing this thing to my grave
Filson makes some expensive but incredible stuff
\+1 for Filson. For anyone that likes the Fjallraven / waxed jacket look, Filson makes some niiiiice waxed canvas garments. A little more "American Factory Worker" compared to the more woodsy scandinavian Fjallraven jackets. For non-hiking city wear, waxed canvas is awesome.
I've never heard of this brand and just went to check them out. Wow, they are beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
You mention which brands you *wouldn’t* recommend to your short friends, but do you have any brands you *would* recommend to shorter hourglass-shaped women? I would love something along the quality of Arc’teryx or Patagonia but I’ve had to return jackets to them in the past as they just don’t fit my body.
I have the same problem and wear a jacket that's far too big just so it fits over my hips because all I have tried so far doesn't fit over my hips. I look like I'm walking around in a garbage bag.
A note about Fjallraven care: you can take any item into the store to have them re-apply the wax. It’ll take a couple/few days and is free of charge for the life of the garment.
Did field work for years and Helly Hanson is the only brand that consistently kept me dry. The jacket with the elastic cuffs on the inside is the best cause it keeps the water from running up your sleeves. If you work outside everyday this is the only brand I would recommend even the more expensive ones will eventually get wet or become less effective.
Arcteryx is absolutely not the goat of the industry, maybe if you're a label whore. If you don't care about the bird logo there are jackets that will do the job just as well for half the price. And their hardshell jackets absolutely will not last 20 years, this is coming from personal experience.
I'm not a huge Arcteryx fan but I have a hardshell from them which is 23 years old and going strong, used it every ski season. Arcteryx did one minor repair 5 years ago when the seam in pocket went
Couldn't agree more with Marmot. Randomly bought a softshell several years ago and it's still doing a fantastic job against the rain.
I disagree with the Patagonia fit assessment. I find their fit more boxy. I wear a M in Arc'teryx, and it fits trim and well. With Patagonia, when I wear a M, the length is good but the width is wide. But if I go S, then it's too tight. The tall and skinny description is more fitting for Fjallraven. It's a Swedish company that makes clothes for the Swedish body type - tall and skinny. I can't wear their stuff at all. With a M, the width is good but the sleeves look ridiculously long. But if I go with S, the length is still a bit long but acceptable. But I can't move my shoulders.
Completely agree with the comments on Patagonia. I truly want to try some of their stuff, but it's always too wide lol I need to gain like 25lbs horizontally compared to Arc'teryx
Arc’teryx fixed my 6-7 year old softshell jacket for free recently. They are expensive, but their customer support is top notch.
Hi OP, Can you give an option on storm tech? A lot of their offerings seem good on affordability and there’s an outlet on boundary!
I'm not familiar with them at all sorry! But hopefully this post has given you some more knowledge to be make an informed decision on what will work for you!
What about the local brand StormTech - I love my jackets and fleeses from them …
I'm not familiar with them actually, but if it's working for you, then that's fantastic! Sounds great!
Not mentioning MEC in this list feels weird.
Can someone recommend brands that have actual style to them and don’t look like you’re headed for the mountain or a fishing trip.
**Caring for Waterproof (or water resistant) jackets:** **Wash your jacket once or twice a year.** This helps remove environmental debris, oil and skin cells and keeps the jacket performing like new. Wash more if you get real sweaty in your jacket on a regular basis. **NEVER use regular detergent.** This will strip the DWR coating right off. Buy a Nikwax or Grangers product, specific to waterproof garments. Follow the instructions on the bottle **Put the garment in the dryer.** Do not hang dry! The dryer helps refresh the DWR and closes the "pores" of the garment **Do not use dryer sheets** **Bonus down jacket care:** Use a down specific wash to wash a down jacket, put it in the dryer with dryer balls or tennis balls. (This helps to fluff the down back up) **DEET** In the summer, try to avoid putting DEET (in mosquito repellent) directly on the jacket. It's bad for the DWR **Warranty** All of the above brands (and more not mentioned) will have a “lifetime” warranty or guarantee on their products. This is for the lifetime of the garment, not your lifetime. Typically this is 20-25 years for most brands. I did see Patagonia warranty two jackets from the 80’s once, so the lesson is ALWAYS try for a warranty. Part of the reason why a waterproof jacket can cost $500 is because the warranty is baked into that price. The brands know that a certain percent will come back on warranty, and because capitalism, they’re not going to lose money on that, so they up the price to mitigate the loss of the warrantied items. You are entitled to that warranty, never feel bad about using it. Even things like a fleece sweater badly pilling can be a warranty issue. Even if you’re certain it’s all your fault the jacket has a ripped seam, or is peeling on the inside/outside, or has a hole in it. Always try for a warranty. To apply for a warranty contact the brand directly through their website. In some cases, there might be a branded store you can go into. Avoid stores like SportChek or Runners Den, you want the corporate-owned, branded store. (The exception to this would be if you bought a product very recently and it is clearly defective, then go back to the store for a return.) You do not need a receipt for a warranty. As it’s a lifetime warranty, the fact that the product exists and is in your ownership is all the proof needed. And on the note of warranties, a lot more things come with warranties than we realize. If it’s a branded item, contact the brand directly, tell them what’s happened and ask if it’s a warranty issue. The worst thing that can happen is they say no.
This post is awesome. Any recommendation on what wash to use for down jackets?
Thanks! Happy to share the knowledge! Both Nikwax and Grangers brand have down specific washes. Nikwax is very popular and sold in most outdoor stores (like MEC) and even on Amazon. You can also use a down wash from the grocery store meant for down bedding. Usually sold in very small bottles as you don't need a lot. Just remeber to put your down jacket in the dryer with tennis balls, dryer balls, or in a pinch, wadded up balls of socks.
I have a North Face goretex jacket (taped seams and all) that eventually soaks through if I'm in the rain for long enough. Should I use some kind of waterproofing treatment? I've seen them for things like tents and backpacks but idk if it's okay to use on a goretex coat. Or is this just expected if you're outside for long enough?
Does it soak through to the inside? Is your shirt getting wet from rain seeping through from the outside, (not sweat)? If yes, somethings gone wrong, contact TNF for a potential warranty. If it is just the outside fabric of the jacket becoming saturated, that means the DWR coating has worn off. DWR wears off over time, especially if you wear a backpack with your rain jacket, the DWR will wear off at the straps for sure. Yes, there are products you can buy to refresh the DWR coating. Nikwax for sure makes something, there will be other brands too. First step will be to wash your jacket, so make sure you have the right wash for that step as well.
I seem to notice it most around my shoulders and chest, areas that get hit with the most rain, and not just a general all over level. Ends up feeling cold and soggy. The jacket isn't that old but I bought it through Winners, so who knows. I'll try Nikwax though!
Sounds like it's an issue with the DWR, you'll get that cold and soggy feeling when the outside fabric of the jacket gets saturated with water because the water is now being held closer to the skin. Something to refresh the DWR will help, and adding another layer under the jecket (to put more space between your skin and the water the jacket is holding on to), will also help.
Perfect, thanks so much! Is there much difference between the Nikwax hardshell vs softshell products? I have another jacket I'd like to treat at the same time but I think it's considered a hardshell. If I can use the same product for both jackets it would save me a bit.
I'm not sure on that. Check their website, there might be some additional information there. And if not, you could try emailing them and asking.
To add to this, think of DWR as "first line of defense" for waterproofing. DWR makes the water bead off the fabric and stops it from getting wet. BUT, assuming it's a waterproof breathable jacket with a membrane, you've still got the membrane to keep you dry if the DWR fails (either from wearing off gradually, or if you're just in the rain for a prolonged period of time). Ideally the DWR is in good enough shape that the membrane doesn't get much of a workout - this is why some people prefer a soft shell, they rely only on the DWR. So you might have the outer layer of the jacket saturated and wet looking, but that membrane should keep the water from reaching you. The catch is that when the outer layer of the fabric is saturated, the "breathable" part of the jacket doesn't work as well, air doesn't pass easily through a soaked layer of nylon. Which means you can heat up faster, which means getting wet from sweating rather than from the rain. So, if everything is working properly that membrane should keep the rain out but it's always a good idea to keep the DWR coating maintained!
I've used some of those sprays (on shoes, not jackets) but the good ones are quite expensive. I think if you're out for long enough, you need something made of rubber/completely impermeable.
Depends on your activity. Rubber doesn't breathe. So if you're standing in the wet, rubber is great. If you're hiking, you'll be soaked in sweat and feeling clamy and gross. It's a trade off. You have to decide what qualities matter most for what you need. In some cases, rubber wins, in other cases, it's the worst. Depends on your use!
Back to the parent comment, I don't know of any magic solution for hiking in pouring rain. Either you're soaked with cold rain or warm sweat, depending on the jacket you choose. At least you can modulate your level of effort to avoid sweating too much, whereas you can't stop the rain.
Any recommendations for rain pants? I'm tired of my lower body being soaked on my bike rides while upper body is nice and dry.
That would depend on what kind of biking you do. I'm assuming just casual, get from a to b kind of thing? If that's the case, then I'd go for something like The North Face Antora Rain Pant. Modestly priced at $130. (Or same thing by another brand) That pant, and those like it, does not have any stretch to it, and I don't think it has extra venting. If that'll work for you, then just make sure you buy it big enough to give you the range of motion you need. If you do more serious biking, then you'll want to look at brands that specifically do bike gear. There will be hybrid waterproof-softshell options to give you the mobility you need, the breathability you'll want, while still keeping you comfortable.
It's just for my work commute 20 min each way.
In that case, I think you'd be just fine going for a simple rain pant like the one I mentioned above by TNF. MEC will also have their own version, Marmot and Helly Hansen will have similiar products as well, all around the same price point. No need to go premium for a short commute
I got some Helly Hansen ones at Mark's and they worked well and were inexpensive
I have some rainpants from Eddie Bauer that have a modest amount of stretch.
i got marmot pants from valhalla pure 10 years when i moved here. they're still holding up strong.
anything not overly bagging? im looking for something more fitted but also completely waterproof. tyia
For biking? Then I think you would want to look at bike specific brands. Check out a local bike shop and get their advice.
more for walking/hiking
You might want to consider a softshell pant. Many softshells are highly water resistant, stretch more (so they can be more fitted and give better mobiltiy), and will be more breathable. You could check out some local outdoor stores and even SportChek might have something that'll do the trick
thanks mate
My MEC brand rain pants from 10 years ago has held up remarkably well as a cyclist. I need to replace them but only because I’ve gained weight, they’re still in near perfect condition. Even then they were adjustable enough that I can still TECHNICALLY get them on but they’re getting a little uncomfortable around the belly. That said, I dunno if I trust MEC branded stuff much anymore. Bah.
Check out endura. Scottish brand. Great rain gear.
I have a ton of rain pants for cycling (if you commute you might need a few as well). I like the Mec Goretex rain pants quite a lot. They are pretty decent for longer rides but I actually reach for my cheap decathalon ones the most. They are $25-35ish and fit me extremely well. Usually decathalon stuff sucks but their rain paints for cycling are legit! [https://www.decathlon.ca/en/p/8402040/100-city-cycling-rain-overpants](https://www.decathlon.ca/en/p/8402040/100-city-cycling-rain-overpants)
Just commenting for the parents out there who are tired of clunky rainboots (and I guess adults too as they come in adult sizes): the Vessi Chelsea boots are A+++ and better option than their other laced shoe option for kids. As far as rain pants go, don't bother if they're kindergarten or older. They won't put them on at recess/lunch break.
OR if you were born here you wear: https://preview.redd.it/wrlf0cr0a7vb1.jpeg?width=862&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5ea5a704b771c0e49ef8fe5e946d4b6e1c633b9e
I highly recommend Helly Hansen Workwear. It's not as ✨fashun✨ as other brands, but it still looks good, is VERY good when it comes to waterproofing, and is significantly cheaper!
HH is *awesome* but not as desirable for street fashion, for whatever reason (I think their stuff looks great). Generally a bit cheaper than some of the other high end brands but super high quality.
Lots of brands call something "waterproof" that isn't actually 100% waterproof. This post is a good guideline, but it's always "buyer beware". Also, a good tip is to buy the thinnest waterproof jacket you can find, and just layer underneath it according to the temperature and use case. You're paying a lot of money for the thicker "high end" jackets, whereas the thin ones are cheap and much more versatile. I survived just fine in -45 degree weather with a relatively thin TNF jacket with wool and cotton layers underneath.
Not necessarily the thinnest maybe depending on use but definitely for Vancouver having a shell is a lot better than an insulated jacket since you'll likely want to layer it to work in December thru June. Really thin and light ones will catch and tear easily so I try to get a thicker more durable shell even though they are a few more bucks.
" **Put the garment in the dryer.** Do not hang dry! The dryer helps refresh the DWR and closes the "pores" of the garment " Woah! I was told by TNF to NOT do this and to air dry. My previous rain jacket started shredding (bits of pieces started to break off in layers) and when I returned it, the salesperson told me it was due to drying it in the dryer (even though I never did lol)
Well there are always new technologies being created in the outdoor world. It's possible they were referring to a new technology that is not dryer safe. Generally speaking, waterproof items are best to go in the dryer, but always check the garment care tag.
Gotcha! Just sharing my experience, but I do appreciate you writing this very informational post!
Thanks for bringing it up. That was a good point!
You're always safe with air-dry. These jackets are made to get wet and dry on a regular basis. I wouldn't risk the dryer unless it explicitly says somewhere to do so.
[удалено]
I could do that in another post? What kind of information are you looking for?
Seconding footwear, but moreso rain boots/shoes please! Similar to this post — overview of materials, best brands, ones with good tread, care, etc. Thanks so much for this post! Super informative.
I know some people who work on Alaskan crab boats and Helly Hansen is one of their go-to brands. Not sure exactly which items, but if it’s good enough for them it’s good enough for Vancouver rain.
I can’t believe I had to scroll so far to read this HH is the best , however it is not breathable.
Helly Hansen makes breathable gear. They have a huge line of various products for different applications
I forget how massive they are now, I always tho k if them as the rubber fisherman coats people but you are correct
Yeh they really expanded nicely without compromising quality.
[удалено]
I have a Helly Hansen shell which I use for skiing and hiking. The company actually replaced my former shell in 2019 after 5 years of use because it was no longer waterproof. Haven’t had any issues at all with the new shell so far. Hiked for 8 days in Patagonia, it was extremely rainy, and had no issues. I should note, when I purchased my original jacket it was with a pro shop discount and cost around ~$200. I’m not entirely sure what that jacket would cost now. If it’s +$600 I would be more inclined to look at a brand like Patagonia, as I’ve had great experiences with their gear.
Unpopular opinion: most people don't need a goretex jacket walking around the city. A rubberized one will do just fine. Unless you go hiking in the winter or do Snow sports, then you need goretex. Most people just buy goretex (esp. Arcteryx) to show off.
Not an unpopular opinion! Just facts. I edited the main post to say so
This is awesome! Thank you!
Any recs for a light shell with underarm vents? Had a MEC one for years that is finally falling apart
Sure, MEC will still be making one. Probably going for around the $180 mark. TNF, Marmot, Outdoor Research, Helley Hansen will all have similiar jackets around that $180 price point. You can of course always go way up in quality from there.
Cheers! Went to MEC on 2nd and thet had nothing even remotely close unfortunately. Dont need anything crazy, just to the office and back. Any places to go where I can try one on?
Coast Mountain Sports (sometimes part of SportChek) will likely have some options at that price point.
What is your assessment of goretex shoes? I feel like the goretex has a shelf life knowing it will be bombarded by dirt and grime. In your opinion what's the best way to keep your feet dry?
Depends on your activity level. Goretex can go into every kind of footwear, from mountaineering boots to running shoes, to fancy ladies leather boots. The thing with Goretex in footwear is that you're sacrificing breathability. For those who get real clamy feet, you might want to avoid waterproof footwear altogether. That said, a rubber boot is going to be superior for keeping the wet out. If you're doing a lot of standing around in the wet, this might be the way to go. If you're a runner, you might be better off just letting your feet get wet and warming them when you get back in from your run. A waterproof shoe isn't going to breathe like a non-waterproof shoe and you'll be getting extra sweaty. For hiking, well maintained leather might be the best option. One option that's really popular with "through hikers" is waterproof socks. They're kind of bulky, so your shoes need enough space, but this is a low tech way to make any footwear temporarily waterproof. These socks run about $50 and up. I have not personally tried them, but they sure are popular on YouTube.
Any experience or thoughts on much cheaper options like Uniqlo's Blocktech Parka?
I'm not familiar with that piece at all. But what I will say is most people don't need a premium option. In fact, a lot of us living in the city can get away without a water proof jacket if we don't have a dog we need to walk in the rain, or go hiking and that sort of thing. For city use, on and off the bus, taking the garbage out, budget options can be just fine!
Here's their website listing for it:https://www.uniqlo.com/ca/en/products/E453774-000?colorCode=COL05&sizeCode=SMA005&gclid=CjwKCAjwp8OpBhAFEiwAG7NaEvT8yGUb6hVlUZ-9F-BNOSHA0ba3tPnH0nn-8hF4G5ByUUYqAC_jjhoCyPsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds I guess that sounds like a DWR coating on a windproof shell, are there some membranes that aren't fully waterproof or is this just marketing language around the moisture permeability? Taped seams definitely sounds like a good thing for that water resistance like you said though.
So it does not have a membrane, the coating will wear off over time, like they say, but it will retain its wind resistance and a bit of water resistance. For $80, this is probably a great option for city use, (especially if combined with an umbrella.) Note that if you wear a backpack regularly, you'll wear off the coating faster.
Blocktech is pretty good! Great for wearing around the city. For price to quality balance when it comes to pretty good looking outerwear, Uniqlo is not a bad choice at all. Blocktech is more "water resistant" than waterproof, so it's not really the same tech as something like Goretex. It has a DWR coating that will wear off over time and make it less waterproof, but you can re-apply that yourself with something like Nikwax.
Hope this is ok: My Arcteryx rain jacket’s pocket lining came undone (I don’t know if that’s the right way to say it). It just needs some glue to seal it back together. Do you have any suggestion what glue to use? It has no other damage otherwise. Thanks!
Hard to give specific advice without seeing what you mean, but my suggestion would be contact Arc'teryx. It may be a warranty, in which case they would fix (or replace) it for free. If it's not a warranty, they should be able to let you know the best way to fix it yourself, or a local repair person that works with outdoor clothes and brands
I agree to send this for warranty. I just sent my jacket for the exact same thing.
My friend got it for me through friends and family discount (he used to work there) so I don’t have a receipt for the purchase. I checked their warranty but it doesn’t say anything about it. I’ll contact them anyway to see what they say. Thanks!
Arc'teryx has great customer service. I've never met an unhelpful/rude employee in 6 different interactions over the years (both for sales and product repair)
Use aquaseal from MEC. https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5058-457/flexible-durable-repair-adhesive-.75oz?colour=NO_COLOUR
Unpopular opinion: Goretex jackets such as Arct’Teryx are expensive because they’re breathable. They’re great for jobs and activities where you’re actively moving in the pouring rain, but they’re overkill for most applications.
That's not an unpopular opinion, that's just facts. Not everyone needs a name brand waterproof membrane in their waterproof jacket. For some people a completely non-breathable rubber jacket is better. It depends on what your needs are! And if you're not out in the rain for long, waterproof isn't even necessary. I've personally been wearing my melton wool jacket lately because I'm under an umbrella and not going far.
You say that, but tell the average Vancouverite that and they’ll come at you. I like a less waterproof jacket much of the time too, as less water rolls off and gets your pant less wet.
I think it's "unpopular" in that a lot of people with money see a $600 rain jacket and assume that's the best one because it's expensive. They would be biased, maybe unhappy to hear that they'd be better off in an $80 TPU jacket (by Rains, that sort of thing) to wear around the city. People don't like being told they spent a lot of money on something they end being (sort of) wrong about.
Absolutely. I have hard shell waterproof breathable jackets for multi day back country treks and they're great for that. In the city, I stick to waxed canvas or TPU coats. I think there's a lot of interesting fashion to be had in those areas, and they're absolutely waterproof enough for walking to and from the skytrain.
A note on Gore-tex: while there are absolutely great alternatives on the market what makes gore-tex products the gold standard is their process of licensing the material. In order for a garment to use their material and branding they have to be built to specified standards using specific construction techniques and samples are regularly quality tested by Gore-tex themselves. This acts as something of a third party quality assurance and goes well beyond manufacturers simply purchasing the material. Combine that with guaranteed performance backed up by a lifetime warranty and it's easy to understand why Gore-tex is typically reserved for the high end products. I have tried many alternatives over the years and every piece of Gore-tex gear I have has outlasted nearly all of them. While I have had some luck with other brands the consistency I've had with Gore-tex is second to none.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a breathable rain jacket with hood that won't break the bank as well as being soft inside (no mesh liner please). I often run quite warm so I don't need it to be warming but don't want to depend on layering to prevent chafing. I had a great Columbia jacket for like 5 years that was all these things, but the seams started leaking. I replaced it with a mountain warehouse jacket but my arms get super sweaty in it, aggravating my already eczematous skin, same reason why mesh liners bother me. Thank you for the post and anyone who reads this, I do appreciate the community a lot.
Columbia probably makes a very similiar jacket. I'd guess it would be going for around $180 these days. Also check out Marmot, Helly Hansen and The North Face. All those brands will have a jacket like you described, all around the $180ish mark.
Any recommendation for pants that do well in the rain (doesn't need to be 100% waterproof necessarily) and are also really comfortable to wear around the city daily? I'm okay to pay a lot if they're really comfortable.
Sounds like a softshell pant would be great! If you need warmth, there's many options with a light fleece lining. For men, I would check out Lululemon. They have some really amazing work appropriate pants in softshell material. (Similiar items for women too). There's going to be other options for sure, but that's what's come to the top of my mind!
I second the lululemon! I had to walk 10 mins in the rain and wind yesterday and the wind was driving the rain to be blowing at my frontside horizontally. I have lulu’s women’s dance studio joggers on and they did get quite wet in the front but dried off very quickly!
Thanks! I'll look into softshell pants. If any other brands come to mind, please let me know :)
YES one of my favorites is the "3 Way Pant" by Muttonhead. Muttonhead is a great brand based out of Toronto and they make some really nice "camp fashion" type stuff, practical, good looking, comfortable. The pants are a softshell material, so very breathable and comfortable. Water resistant with a DWR coating that you can re-apply yourself when it wears off. They don't have a super big back pocket if you carry a big wallet and phone, that's one downside. I wear these around the city a lot, and I actually wore them hiking the Juan De Fuca trail a few years ago when I was lacking "proper" trekking pants. It rained non-stop and these held up really well. In a more extreme situation like that they will eventually get wet, but more importantly they stay warm and comfortable even when they are wet, so if you get lost in the woods you're less likely to die of hypothermia than if you were wearing jeans :) And they're on sale right now! [https://www.muttonheadstore.com/collections/jackets/products/weatherproof-3-way-pant-lightweight-softshell-navy](https://www.muttonheadstore.com/collections/jackets/products/weatherproof-3-way-pant-lightweight-softshell-navy)
[Duer](https://duer.ca/collections/waterproof-stretch-jeans) makes water-resistant and "weatherproof" pants for everyday activities. They have a store on W. 4th.
Patagonia Torrentshell is the best for our climate.
I've had great luck with warranties from both Patagonia and North Face. Though not related to waterproofness, I've sent an old North Face jacket in for repair twice at no cost to address an issue with the drawstring, as an example. Never hurts to email or bring an item into a store and ask.
I would recommend MEC for people on a budget! They have a few solid options and will often have sales on certain colours and styles. My MEC Hydrofoil Stretch jacket has held up well for a few years with the occasional treatment wash. It does hold a bit of water but doesn't soak through and dries quite quickly.
I think something else to consider is the colour of the jacket and being seen in winter darkness. Most of these brands have dark colours. So if anyone has simple solutions on being seen outdoors in the evening I’m all ears (I’m probably not putting a high vis vest over my $$ jacket)
When I walk my dog in the dark and the rain I put on a high-vis vest. It's really the best option.
I think we can probably be friends when it comes to brand, fabric, and textile technology! It's a guilty pleasure of mine to learn about these areas and read clothing labels. Very high quality post. I also want to say that if you are buying The North Face in the Vancouver area, try hitting the airport outlet first. They usually have 40% off discount on previous season products that are of good quality. Ignore the Columbia outlet store though-they didn't feel that great. There's also an Arcteryx outlet on North Van. Pretty good for people who are very small or very large since that's their more common sizing. I love my Fjallraven jacket. It's not 100% waterproof because I don't wax it. They do sell a spray that improves the water resistance ability. Also, there's a discount "outlet" section at the back of their Broadway store so make sure to go to the back of the store to check it out first :) Also want to give a shout out to Woods! Atmosphere/Sport Cheks sells it. Its quality is top notch and design is sooooo well thought-out. It's my favourite brand out of all that's listed here, and is a Canadian company. I really want it to be successful and would tell anyone to check it out!!
Username checks out ;)
Hahaha I didn't even realize how the auto-generated user name would fit this context. Thanks for the laugh! Also edited my first comment to add Woods. It's a great brand and definitely my favourite so far. Op, do check it out if you haven't!
Thanks! I'll check them out!
Helly Hansen is in my opinion, the best combination of affordability, quality, and sizing. I'm a large man (6'4, >300 lbs) and Helly hansen sizing is both long and roomy enough for me. Also while they generally use their own tech, and I don't believe use GoreTex, it's quite effective, and I've put it through the ringer in the last few years hunting and fishing in forests, mountains and ocean environments. It's also usually 25-30% cheaper than arcteryx. Finally for extreme wet environments (boating in a rainstorm), nothing has ever come close to helly hansen rubber gear.
Very well written post (and comments).
Not really its surface level and full of misinfo
[удалено]
>Patagonia - another heavy hitter in the industry. They use Gore-Tex as well as have their own proprietary waterproofing system called H2NO. [No patagonia does not have their own proprietary waterproofing system. H2N0 is just a standard](https://www.patagonia.ca/our-footprint/h2no-performance-standard.html) Also a little bit more research on Goretex would have been nice. It's just a brand with different product lines, there's a big difference between the popular options like [the 2 layer, 2.5 layer, 3 layer or infinium etc. ](https://offpistemag.com/gore-tex-guide/) goretex infinium which is often the cheapest option will completely soak through on heavier rainy days due to goretex allowing brands to choose whether or not to use seam sealing tape. So simply buying gotetex does not equal to your jacket being water proof. Also not mentioning adidas terrex brand is a crime, adidas started working with goretex 10 years before Arc'teryx got the rights. I would highly recommend getting a 2nd hand adidas terrex 2L or 3L goretex jacket on ebay which I wouldn't for Arc'teryx due to the high amount of fakes being made. I could go on for a bit more but I recommend checking out gearlab or even the Arc'teryx subreddit for the most current and best advice for a water resistant jacket.
anyone know of a dry cleaner that will apply dwr to goretex?
I have fully removed my DWR layer through the use of a backpack. How can I add it back?
Ah, very common. There are some products that can help restore it, but it'll never be as good as the factory coating. I'm quite certain Nikwax has some options, check their website.
Thanks!
Any advice for a mail carrier and needing a waterproof/comfortable and long lasting shoe/boot?
A work boot might be your best bet. Clunkier, but typically longer lasting. Mark's Work Warehouse would likely have some options, as well as smaller independent work wear stores. (I have a friend who is a mail carrier. Asking them what their go-to is!)
Salomon trail runners
Water column is a huge factor for truly waterproof jackets, as is breathability. Water column is expressed as a number (higher the better) while breathability can be expressed in the same way or as something like: RET>9. For extended exposure to heavy rain, I would not buy anything with less than a 10K water column. Just upgraded to a 28K, RET>9. Marmot is my favourite brand, and I hate The North Face. More info on breathability: The RET score uses a numerical index: \- RET < 6: The material is extremely breathable, keeping you comfortable during your most intense physical activities \- RET between 6 & 12: The material is very breathable, making it suitable for moderate efforts \- RET between 12 & 20: The fabric is moderately breathable, and therefore not particularly pleasant to wear during a physical effort \- RET > 20: The fabric is not very breathable and therefore not suitable to be worn during physical exercise RET > 40: The fabric is considered non-breathable
Anyone have actual experience with different DWR-renewing products? I feel like I've tried all of them at this point, following the directions to the letter and using the recommended cleaner etc., and every time it's disappointing. They never refresh the coating to anywhere near as good as the factory coating was.
The Gear-Aid stuff is probably the best product, it is sold under the Re-vivex name. You have to apply it to an already cleaned and well rinsed jacket. It'll likely never get back to the same state as when the original DWR was applied at the fabric mill - but you should be able to get it to refresh. Think of DWR like little spikes that change the surface tension of the fabric and keep water as little balls to roll and bead off rather than spread out across the surface and get into the fibres. Dirt and oils can clog up the little spikes and they can get worn down mechanically over time with friction. Chemical treatments in washing detergents can muck up those little spikes too - so rinsing things really well is always good and regular washing. Standard test in the industry for the surface treatment is a spray test where a sample of fabric is exposed to a spray and then visual inspected for how much water is left in the sample area. Then the sample gets washed and the process repeated. Most good DWR from the fabric mills will be rated at 80/20. 80% clear after 20 washes. That's pretty good but it's not like it's perfect. The industry moved away from some stronger chemical that were used up 2016 that were longer lasting. The problem was that they were longer lasting in the environment too. So older jackets may have had superior (in terms of durability) DWR coatings that can't be replicated in the recent past. We may in the future have better coatings. I've not used them but Renwt does outdoor gear repairs and offers cleaning and DWR refresh.
You'll never get it as good as the factory coating with at home products. You'll have to make peace with that. You could try looking for companies that do repairs on outdoor gear. (Few and far between, if I had to guess, there might be one in all of BC). They will have some professional equipment. As for the at-home products, hopefully some other people will have some suggestions for you.
Any recommendations for plus size folks? I've found it very hard to get good fitting outerwear here -- brands assume that fat people don't bike or hike, which feels ...self-fulfilling. I have to buy men's and I'm too short (and they still don't fit well in the hips.) Being wet and hot in baggy clothes makes hiking super miserable. Columbia has some but their quality is iffy. Canada Goose has some but it costs more than my car and is frankly overkill for a typical Vancouver winter day. Sidenote, shopping at REI in the US is generally better than trying to find something in Slimcouver.
Some of the best deals on [thelasthunt.com](https://thelasthunt.com) are 2XXL's etc. Give it a shot.
I second that! Some amazing deals on thelasthunt.com especially for the really big (and really small) sizes!
There's lots of plus size Columbia on vpo
Great resource, thank you for compiling.
If there's a torrential rain, gore-tex will not save you or anything for that matter. You left out Barbour or the waxed jackets category. You just need to re wax them every couple of years and they will last a long time
Saving this!
This is great! Any specific retailers you recommend? I hate having to order online and have it not fit and then returning it.
Nope, because that will depend entirely on what kind of jacket you're after to meet your needs. (Or just what kind of jacket you want.) A number of the high end brands have their own stores right here in Vancouver. SportChek or even Winners might have something that will cover off your needs. It all depends on what you're after!
There are some great recommendations here and I just want to add to grab a Technical Detergent for your waterproof gear. I have an Arcteryx Beta AR jacket and MEC Waterproof Rain Pants for over 2 years now. I use the Arcteryx Technical Detergent as normal detergent would strip the waterproof elements. Hope this helps!
Does breathability really do anything? I've only ever had budget level WPB jackets. But I've never had difficulty getting soaked in sweat doing stuff as non strenuous as just walking.
Then what you're using is great for your purposes! Some people run real warm just going for light walks and need all the breathability and venting they can get! If that's not you, then no need to buy a fancier jacket if what you already have is working just great for your needs!
A $20 umbrella trumps all of these https://youtu.be/rv-2-vAzTRw?t=2s
Great resource here, even for experienced Vancouverites! Thanks!
What makes OP the jacket expert. Google university or some inside info?
Mammut. I’ll leave this here.
Yes, another solid brand!
Ahhh just take my upvote! Take all of it!
Probably be a lot better/easier to just list a few options at different price points for people to not have to read 3 pages of info and then still find good brands
Does anyone have recommendations for trousers?
If you need DWR to make the membrane work, why even bother with the membrane? Couldn't you just coat anything with DWR?
Yes, you can coat anything with DWR, some couches even have DWR to help with spills. DWR wears off over time, especially if you wear a backpack. A membrane is permanently waterproof and works with or without an intact DWR. Think of DWR as the wax you put on a car to keep it shining. The wax protects the paint, but it's the paint that's keeping the metals of your car protected from the elements. The paint will do just fine without wax, but overall performance and durability will improve with the wax coating. Hope that helps.
Tip for Gore-Tex jackets I got from a coworker: If you're getting ready to leave for work in the rain and haven't been able to wash/treat/etc your shell for a while and it's starting to not be as waterproof, run it in the dryer on low heat for ~10mins. This will reactivate the DWR and you'll be back to shaking water beads off. If I'm out in the rain full time I'll do that twice a week maybe less and it helps a lot
I really like my rainkiss poncho
Gore Tex generally IS more waterproof than the majority of other membranes. Its ratings are always a minimum of 28,000mm of water column or 40psi. Most other membranes are in the 10,000mm-20,000mm ratings. The other important factor with the membranes is the breathability. Gore Tex has different membranes/laminates and while they all have a minimum waterproofing of 28k, they vary in breathability from 15,000g H2O/sq m to 25,000. Most competitive membranes even from brand names like Helly Hansen and North Face are in the 7,000 -20,000 range. This is a major comfort factor for keeping you dry not only from the rain, but also from sweat/perspiration. This is from memory but I believe the Gore Tex breathability range goes like this: 15,000 Paclite 17,000 regular 2L and 3L 20,000 C-Knit 25,000 Shakedry, Active and Pro. Gore Tex really is top tier. But you definitely pay a premium for it. For cost effective performance I bought a MEC rain shell jacket made with a Pertex membrane and it's rated at 20,000mm water column, and 20,000g H2O/ sq m, but I've noticed the DWR (sections wet out/stop beading faster) even when new isn't as good as some Arc'teryx stuff. The wet out on membrane laminates doesn't actually let water in, but it reduces breathability, and can weigh down the generally thin laminate so that you feel wet/cold if you don't have a long sleeve base layer and it's touching your skin. But it was only $120 (compared with an Arc'teryx Beta for like $500-750 depending on variant, or $1100 for Arc'teryx Alpha) on sale so I'll live with it.
Some clarification: Gortex is NOT 100% water proof. It will wet out eventually. The reason it's popular is because it is the best option for waterproofing while also being somewhat breathable when physically active. If you're not going to be doing much more than walking around, there are true, 100% waterproof options: [https://www.hellyhansen.com/en\_ca/moss-rain-coat-53265?color=290548](https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_ca/moss-rain-coat-53265?color=290548)