Three rain layers, one wet season
After a season of testing, the cheapest jacket kept me driest. Pit zips matter more than the membrane.
Western Oregon rain is rarely a downpour; it is eight hours of drizzle while you sweat uphill. That changes what a good jacket looks like.
| Jacket | Weight | Vents | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget poncho-style shell | 290 g | Pit zips | Driest overall |
| Three-layer membrane | 410 g | None | Wet from the inside |
| Wind shirt + umbrella | 180 g | — | Great on gentle trails only |
The expensive membrane jacket breathed less than I sweated, so I ended up wet anyway. The budget jacket with long pit zips let me dump heat on the climbs.
What stays in the pack
- A light shell with real vents
- A dry base layer in a bag for the drive home
- Rain pants only below freezing