Looking for a good hiking jacket

Right now I just wear my Levi's military style jacket but I find that during the more intense hikes I overheat quickly. Need something light and breathable but also keeps me semi warm. I hike around Oregon so rain and somewhat wind proof would be a plus. Don't want to spend too much as I'm already trying to upgrade most of my gear already XD

 

Gortex gets a lot of hype. There are other breathing fabrics. I like zipped arm pits (adjustability). Oregon? Assuming you have a REI membership? Checkout their sales.

 

I bought an REI jacket for ~300 all-in a few months ago and I've been loving it. Armpit vents, wrist pocket, rain/wind skirt, and a bunch of other features. I've had this out in the rain and the snow and have worn it with mountain hardware & kuhl mid-layers and cotton base layers and have been warm on hikes in the teens with a wind chill in the mid single digits.

They're heavily discounted right now if you are in the market. I bought an XL and it is roomy - perfect for layering. If you like your jackets tight you may want to size down. I had a gift card and was going to put it towards an Arc'Teryx jacket but I saw the quality and price of the REI branded stuff I took a chance and am glad I did.

 

The trick is to wear layers. I like a something on the skin like UnderArmor or similar and a goretex shell

I didn't start out as a gear snob but I kinda ended up with some expensive clothes. I got tired of buying cheap stuff and then not using it because it either didn't fit or perform as desired. Buy once, cry once.

I have several shells in various thicknesses- Arc'teryx, Helly Hansen, etc. Yes they were expensive but I've gotten literally years and hundreds of miles out of them

No cotton whatsoever. It'll weigh you down and keep you cold the instant it gets wet

If you keep hiking you'll figure out what works over time. That's the progression.. it take trail time to learn and refine your gear.

Have fun out there

 

Never been to an REI. Ill look in to it tho.

Not a huge fan of layers. Honestly probably wouldn't even be wearing a jacket if it wasnt raining or windy as fuck like it was on the coast a few days ago.

This was the last thing I was looking at last night. Kinda ugly though.

$96 Columbia Men's Watertight II Front-Zip Hooded Rain Jacket, Black, Medium

https://www.amazon.com/Columbia-Wat...1673183844&sprefix=hiking+jack,aps,175&sr=8-3

 

Regardless of what you buy, pit zips ftw. I will no longer consider any outdoor jacket or shell without them. For the record, the majority of my work day is spent outside year round.

 

Sounds like you dont need a jacket per se but what you need is a breathable rain shell/jacket. They are light weight, water proof and wind proof. If you need more warmth wear a heavy shirt or sweater underneath. Do a search for rain shells and you’ll find dozens of different ones.

 

Ya I'm just learning that there is a difference lol. I think that columbia one is probably my best bet for my price range. Went to cabelas and tried one on. Didn't have the color i wanted otherwise I wouldve bought it.

 

Columbia makes good products. I have a Columbia parka with a zip out liner. It’s waterproof and wind proof and if cold out I just zip in the liner and stay as warm as toast.

 

A hiker that isn't into layers? <Shrug> You're in Oregon so how do you manage one jacket that is light enough for coastal hikes but also warm enough to go up into the mountains in winter? The point of layers is that conditions and temperatures vary so you start with a light shell, then build layers as conditions change.

 

My body just runs warmer than most and can overheat quickly if im wearing too much. And if I was going to the mountains id just wear my normal levi jacket. Its all i wear while im working in the below 0 freezer at work. Its just too warm for regular winter weather while hiking.

 

I agree 100%. If you don’t layer you’ll either be too hot or too cold. No “jacket” will keep you both warm when it’s cool/cold and cool when it’s hot out. I know no outdoor enthusiast that doesn’t stay comfortable with layering.

 

I have everything from a down REI, Patagonia, Eddie Bauer, Colombia etc.

It’s really all preference, always best to layer up with a packable down jacket.

 

Can confirm that the Columbia Watertight is a good hiking jacket. I have the version 1 though I think, but I like it. It's lightweight, blocks the wind and rain, and it conveniently packs into one of its pockets to stow in my backpack when I'm not wearing it. REI probably has as good or better options, but for more $$$. I haven't had an REI near me until recently, so I have bought a lot of gear from the Columbia outlet store and been pleased with all of it.


If you don't like wearing layers, I think you're either misunderstanding or misusing the layer system. But maybe that's a topic for a different discussion.

 

The more I exert myself outdoors, the more I value breathability over "water proof" materials. GoreTex and similar fabrics keep you dry from the rain, but once you're breaking a sweat, they really suck at getting the moisture out of the jacket. Good for walks, not for runs or heavy hiking.

I found an Eddie Bauer "puffer" coat that was rated very high for breathability, and it is fantastic. It probably isn't the best under a hard rainstorm, but I typically don't go out in heavy rains. I guess I could put a rain shell over my jacket.

Recommend putting "breathability" at the top of your jacket shopping requirements. Spend a little more to get a better product.

 

Be careful about rain shells and rain jackets. They will keep you dry but you might burn alive inside. I'm on the east coast (Charlotte), and I hike often. Unfortunately winter is our rainy season, and I have a very active dog so I bought a rain jacket this year to stay dry. The jacket I get definitely keeps me dry, but if it's much more than a big walk around the neighborhood I come back sweaty.

This is the one I got:

https://www.rei.com/product/137308/rei-co-op-xerodry-gtx-jacket-mens

 

Look into first lite or Kuiu. a bit pricey but they're quality products. Possibly even Mtn opps merino line.

 

Arcteryx Beta AR

 

Ya im not paying $600 for a jacket lmao. Ive realized everything looks too warm and wont work the way i want for a price that isnt ridiculous. Just gonna stick with what I have.