My old rain jacket gave up the ghost during a downpour last Tuesday

I was walking home from the bus stop, and it was pouring, like really coming down. About halfway there, I felt a cold spot on my shoulder, and then my whole back just got soaked. The waterproof coating on my trusty old jacket (which I got for maybe $25, five years ago) had finally worn off completely. I was left holding a wet, clingy piece of nylon. I had to wring it out over my sink when I got home, which was a mess. So now I'm on the hunt for a new one, but I don't want to spend a ton. Has anyone found a decent rain shell that actually keeps you dry without costing a fortune? I'm looking at stuff under $50, but I'm worried it'll just fall apart again.

3 comments

3 Comments

sarah_hart12d ago

That exact thing happened to my favorite jacket last fall. I ended up finding a plain Columbia shell on sale at an outlet store for right around your budget. It's not fancy, but the seams are taped and it's kept me bone dry through a whole winter of dog walks. The key for me was checking the tags for actual waterproof ratings, not just "water resistant.

james_campbell126d ago

That's a really good point about checking the actual waterproof rating. I used to just grab whatever looked okay, but a bad soak on a hike changed my mind for good. @oscarc53 is onto something with the coating wearing off too, makes you wonder how many "waterproof" things just aren't built to last. Taped seams seem like a non-negotiable now if you want to stay dry for more than one season.

oscarc5312d ago

I read an article a while back that said the waterproof coating on cheaper jackets can totally wear off from body oils and sweat over time, not just rain. @sarah_hart has the right idea looking for taped seams, that's a big deal for keeping water out. Maybe check for a used higher-end brand like Patagonia on a resale site, you can sometimes score a deal. I had a friend find a great one that way after his cheap one failed just like yours.