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This is interesting - I've been looking for the ultimate lightweight waterproof and warm jacket. So far I've settled on: http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/me

This is interesting - I've been looking for the ultimate lightweight waterproof and warm jacket. So far I've settled on: http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-insulated-torrentshell-jacket?p=83715-0&pcc=1128 http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-insulated-torrentsh... My criteria: - I don't want any bulk, puffy jackets are unwieldy to carry - I need it to be reasonably waterproof - say I don't get wet for 15-20 minutes in moderate rain. This rules out most softshells. - I need it to be warm, just waterproof doesn't cut it in New England weather. This rules out most rain jackets. - If it'll last long or has a good warranty, I can tolerate up to 300-400 bucks - I need it in US extra small (34-36" chest) - I need it to be breathable, otherwise I get sweaty when I'm riding a bike for transit What I don't like about the patagonia one is mostly the latter issue about breathability. Theoretically it's breathable, and definitely more so than other jackets I've owned, but it can't keep up. I end up widening the wrist holes and zipping down a little, which isn't the worst, but wind + sweat gets REALLY cold after a while. What I really need is pit zips, I think. It also /could/ be warmer but I think that would ruin the versatility of the jacket - I don't want it to be unusable in spring and fall. Looking at this, it seems very close. Seems thin and lightweight (couldn't find exact measures). They have the pit zips. Removable hood is great. Front visor seems to extend pretty far. The insulation hopefully is good, though not proven like primaloft or goose down. No x-small for men, plus the already loose ski-style fit means this is probably going to not fit small / skinny guys like me. How it deals with washing and being wet is a question. Warranty is a question. Quality of stitching / how the material holds up is another one. This could be great, or not, too early to tell IMHO. But definitely a contender!

oftenwrong 11y ago
Waterproof and breathable are at odds with each other, no matter what the manufacturers claim. You would be better served by multiple jackets. When you need waterproof, wear a rain shell as your outer layer. When you need wind blocking, wear a wind shell as your outer layer. When you need warmth, wear an insulated jacket (under a shell as a midlayer if necessary).
throwaway21816 11y ago
http://store.tripleaughtdesign.com/Apparel/Jackets http://store.tripleaughtdesign.com/Apparel/Jackets Check TAD out, they do XS and have all sorts of jacket options for you. The quality is also super solid.
forgotpwtomain 11y ago
Waterproof and warmth aren't usually a useful thing to mix. Because when you really need it to be water-proof you likely don't care that much for the insulation (although you do care about wind-resistance), where as when it's really cold - it really makes no difference whether it's waterproof or not. I tend to get a light non-insulated (but wind-resistant) shell and a light down-jacket - which in my experience works under all but the most extreme conditions.

oftenwrong 11y ago

Waterproof and breathable are at odds with each other, no matter what the manufacturers claim. You would be better served by multiple jackets. When you need waterproof, wear a rain shell as your outer layer. When you need wind blocking, wear a wind shell as your outer layer. When you need warmth, wear an insulated jacket (under a shell as a midlayer if necessary).

throwaway21816 11y ago

http://store.tripleaughtdesign.com/Apparel/Jackets http://store.tripleaughtdesign.com/Apparel/Jackets Check TAD out, they do XS and have all sorts of jacket options for you. The quality is also super solid.

forgotpwtomain 11y ago

Waterproof and warmth aren't usually a useful thing to mix. Because when you really need it to be water-proof you likely don't care that much for the insulation (although you do care about wind-resistance), where as when it's really cold - it really makes no difference whether it's waterproof or not. I tend to get a light non-insulated (but wind-resistant) shell and a light down-jacket - which in my experience works under all but the most extreme conditions.