I recently moved to France for my studies and I’m an intermediate hiker living in a cold region with medium mountains around 2000m. I’m looking to buy some durable winter gear during the sales. I have everything except for shoes and a third layer, specifically a raincoat. I’m searching for one that’s breathable, waterproof, windproof, and has pit zips, usable year-round. I’ve been considering Millet’s range, priced between €100 and €600. Is it worth splurging on an expensive model, or should I stick with my current €90 Quechua MH500 M from Decathlon? Options include the Fitz Roy JTK M (€110), Mungo II GTX 2.5L JTK (€180), and Seneca GTX 3L JTK (€210). Any advice would be appreciated!
I faced a similar dilemma in the US Rockies. Years ago, I invested in an expensive Mountain Hardwear Gore-Tex shell. Despite the high price, it was a great decision. It has lasted many years, keeping me warm and dry, showing only minor wear. It’s definitely an investment in your comfort and enjoyment outdoors.
I own the Decathlon MH500 and it has performed exceptionally well in extreme conditions. Before upgrading, consider how it holds up in the upcoming hikes, especially since you can trade it in through Decathlon’s Second Life program to help fund a new purchase.
@Winslow
Thanks for your input! I plan to see how the MH500 holds up in the cold on an upcoming hike before deciding whether to upgrade.
All breathable raincoats eventually leak in prolonged rain. I switched to fully waterproof, non-breathable jackets which are cheaper and effective, albeit less comfortable due to sweating. However, quick-drying underlayers can mitigate this.
@Bliss
I’m considering switching to a poncho for better coverage. Have you tried this?
Oli said:
@Bliss
I’m considering switching to a poncho for better coverage. Have you tried this?
Yes, I use a large poncho that covers both me and my pack during downpours. It’s very effective and easy to manage. I recommend the Rain Jacket by LightHeart Gear for similar protection.
Invest in a high-quality membrane shell with a good warranty. Look for features like durability, pocket placement, and color preference from a brand known for customer service, then compare prices within those parameters.
A €100 raincoat should suffice, especially if paired with good mid and base layers. More expensive gear is primarily beneficial for extreme conditions like mountain climbing or professional use.
The difference in membrane jackets often boils down to construction quality and durability, not necessarily basic function. Gore-Tex is well-regarded, but many brands offer comparable quality. Consider environmental impact as well.
When choosing gear, consider not just the product but also the brand’s warranty and customer service. Buying from a co-op like REI can offer additional benefits like annual dividends from your purchases.