This month we called on three readers wholive in wet, coastal states to test midpriced rain jackets. We asked them to fish in the rain, do yard work during downpours, and wear each jacket in the shower. Testers check for leaks, breathability, fit, and tight cuff closure. After all the votes were in, two jackets stood tall. Testers included Jerome McCauley of St. Johns River, FL, Sam Potter of the Columbia River Basin of Oregon, and Gerald Skeen, who fishes Puget Sound in Washington. They each rated the jackets in a number of categories on a scale of 1 to 10 - 10 being the best.

Cabela's Mountain Paclite Parka: $150; (800) 237-4444; cabelas.com

1. Construction: How well made is this product? Are there any loose threads?  Are all the seams strong? Could the pockets tear?  Do your hands fit in the pockets?  Are the inside materials comfortable on your skin? How dose the overall construction compare with the other jackets?

Skeen (9) Very comfortable and stylish. I attempted to stress and pull apart the pocket seams and all held fast.

McCauley (9) It had a loose fit for bulky clothing. Two front chest pockets add additional storage. Large hand pockets are easy to get hands into. Nylon mesh carry bag with snap attachment is a nice feature for carrying the jacket.

Potter (9) Considering that the Cabela's Paclite Shell is extremely lightweight, I am impressed with the overall construction. There are seams that potentially could be double stitched or have more obvious seam welding for added strength but the stitching used over most of the jacket appears to hold up well. The one area that could use the double seam or be strengthened is around the sleeve cuffs. That being said, I like the rubberized Velcro cuff tightening system for the wrists, as they tend to be more durable than most I have used before.

2. Performance: How does this product perform? Can you stay dry even if you stand in a shower?  How well does the jacket breath?  Will the outside layer of the jacket repel water, or after long exposure to rain does water absorb into the fabric? Do the pockets fill with water in heavy rain?  Can water run down your neck if the front of the jacket is closed? How is the visibility when the hood is up?  Are the zippers easy to reach?

Skeen (9) No water leakage anywhere. Material repelled water as designed. No water absorbtion.

McCauley (8) All the zippers seemed difficult to open and close. I needed both hands to make operation easier.

Potter (8) All the zippers on the Paclite shell are waterproof and when zipped up completely do a great job at keeping the rain out. The hood system is excellent at providing multiple ways of cinching it around your face and head and the small bill on the hood directs water away from getting inside the face area during a heavy downpour. While I like the function of the tightening cuffs and I am able to get them fairly tight, water tends to seep inside a bit where the fabric folds under the cuff tightening system if your arms or hands are not hanging straight down. The shoulder zipper on the jacket is hard to zip and unzip since you can only use one hand to zip it. Even when using your left hand to pull on the sleeve and tighten the sleeve when zipping the shoulder zipper is hard to do.

3. Durability: If used continually how long will this jacket last?  Can it be torn in normal use?  Will the zippers last?

Skeen (9) Very well made and durable and should hold up well. Fabric has a nice feel, almost soft to the touch.

McCauley (10) Heavy duty material appears well-made. Zippers difficult pull tension possibly could cause a problem. But zippers will last for 100 years. Material will not tear will normal use – no way! This jacket is made for heavy duty use

Potter (8) The zippers are durable and well designed for long-term use. The cuff seams are a bit weak and over time seem like they would be the weakest part of the jacket. Under typical use the Paclite shell seems to be well worth the cost and should hold together well.

4. Innovation: Is this product an original in its conception?  Is it a take-off of a competitive product?  If any, what makes it different from the other jackets?

Skeen (9) Style and color indicate more than basic utilitarian features. Zipper seal should function very well.

McCauley (8) Modern design – nice looking jacket and color.

Potter (9) The jacket has features built into its construction normally only found on full jacket systems, making it a unique product for being such a lightweight shell.  While the hood system features methods found on other more expensive jackets and is not completely unique, I wouldn't change a thing about it.

5.Value: How would you rate the performance versus price of this product in comparison with the other three?

Skeen (9) Gore Tex reputation is a plus when comparing with other jackets.

McCauley (8) In line with others (except the Columbia jacket.)

Potter (10)  The Paclite Shell seems to have the best fit for comfort at areas like where the main zipper comes up around the neck and the soft felt-like padding there, the hood system and its ability to be precisely adjusted, the rubberized storm flaps providing water repellency to the main zipper system, and its handsome look. I would consider the Cabela's Paclite Shell to be my favorite out of the four jackets for function and performance.

6. Benefits: What was the greatest benefit of this product?

Skeen Appearance and waterproof features

McCauley Very heavy material should be long lasting.

Potter The hood system on the Paclite Shell is second to none for such a lightweight product. The small bill in the hood is easy to manipulate and is excellent at keeping the rain from running down your face. The cinch cords in the hood are very well designed and keep a tight yet comfortable seal around my face while retaining excellent visibility through the face hole. The cinch cords also allow me to precisely adjust the hood from many angles, making for a perfect fit every time even when changing the hood configuration.

7. WorstAttribute: What was the worst attribute of this product?

Skeen No way to store hood in the collar area. No dual access to inside clothing area.


McCauley Zippers were very hard to open and close. They seemed too stiff.


Potter The left shoulder pocket is hard to zip and unzip without putting in extra effort.

8. Would you buy this product?

Skeen Maybe

McCauley Maybe

Potter Yes

9. Why or Why Not?

Skeen Most stylish of all the others, so more appropriate for a variety of activities. I liked the cuff closure, too.  

McCauley If zippers are redesigned for easier use I might buy it. Appear to be a quality product, despite this problem.

Potter The Paclite Shell has features that are typically only found in much more expensive products. I like that it is lightweight and stows away in a small pouch that can be taken anywhere. With high quality waterproof zippers, a superb hood system, and quality construction, this Paclite waterproof shell from Cabela's rivals products that are double the price.

Columbia Waypoint Shell: $120; (503) 985-4000; columbia.com

1. Construction:

Skeen(8) Pockets are easily accessible. Well made, but orange/brown color was not desirable for me, however younger age groups might be attracted to this color. Dual access to the inside, and hood compartment are both pluses.  

McCauley (6) More form fitting – not as much room for bulky clothing. Wrist adjustment was Velcro only, no elastic. Made in Vietnam. Model tag says "titanium", nylon mesh lining, 100% polyester lining, appears to be well made; no gore tex, hand zippered pockets open 11 inches each, Velcro tabs over main 3 zippers is large, heavy duty and easy to operate with one hand. Large hood.

Potter (3) Seams seem strong; however there are threads and irregular stitching in several areas. The jacket is functional, pockets work well, and is comfortable to wear.  The inner waterproof lining has defects causing it to leak near the neck area with little water pressure hitting the outside. Due to the lack of seam quality and the fact that it leaked right away, I would consider this jacket to be the least well-made construction of the four tested.

2. Performance:

Skeen (7) No water leakage anywhere. Material repelled water as designed. No absorption. Zippers were difficult to use on main zipper due to Velcro interference. I did not like the cuff closures.

McCauley (1) Outside layer of the jacket did not repel water. Pockets do not fill with rain water but the water did run down my neck when the front of the jacket was closed. The visibility is OK with the hood up. The zippers are easy to reach. This jacket failed the water test! For ventilation – since jacket has no nylon webbing inside on back area is 2-13 inch zippered mash lined vents under each arm,  running from bicep to under arm pits.

Potter (3) Got wet right away from deteriorated waterproof lining on the back of the neck area. Breathability is good but the outside layer repels water poorly and where the obvious leaks are the jacket retains moisture in the fabric.

3. Durability:

Skeen (9) Appears to be well made and durable. Very probable for long term use.

McCauley (5) Normal wear OK but it would get warm quickly if exercising. Machine wash. This is a lightweight jacket but material appears tear resistant.

Potter (3) Because the jacket leaked right away in obvious places where the waterproof lining is deteriorating, I would consider the durability poor on this product.

4. Innovation:  

Skeen (8) I did not like the hard weather brim and visor. Rain barrier may be innovative but not as well known as Gore Tex

McCauley (5) Don't see any

Potter (3) While I like the general design of the jacket, I do not see any new innovations with it.  I do like the roll-away hood, however, and this is somewhat innovative from the other jackets tested.

5.Value:

Skeen (9) At $35 less than all the others, this jacket is the best value but not the most desirable.

McCauley (5) Water leakage a NO-NO!

Potter (1) Fit and style are excellent; however the fact that it leaks badly would cause me to give this jacket the least performance rating of the four jackets tested.

6. Benefits:

Skeen The jacket shed water and did not leak in any way.

McCauley Water leakage a NO-NO!

Potter Style. This jacket looks great. Roll-away hood. Being able to stow the hood away is also a good feature of this product.

7. Worst Attribute:

Skeen Velcro fasteners on main zipper prevented easy zipping. I did not like the cuff closures.  

McCauley Jacket gets warm fast closed up sitting in my house at 70 degrees F.

Potter The jacket leaked from the beginning. The waterproof lining seems to deteriorate quickly causing it to lose its function of staying dry.

8. Would you buy this product?

Skeen No

McCauleyNo

Potter No

9. Why or Why Not?

Skeen I did not like the color and I am not familiar with materials used as rain barrier.

McCauley Leaked water!! Looks like tome that the material on the outside area (base of neck and upper shoulder was saturated with water but other areas made of different material were not.

Potter The jacket's waterproof inner material deteriorates from the outer fabric. The jacket leaks badly and is no longer waterproof.

 Patagonia Rain Shadow Jacket: $150; (800) 638-6464; patagonia.com

1. Construction:

Skeen(9) Pockets appear to be reinforced and durable. Well finished seams and zippers.  

McCauley (8) Loose fit accommodates bulky clothing

Potter (10) Excellent seams and quality zipper construction makes this jacket deserve a 10. Pockets are strong and have large openings. It is the best constructed jacket of the four tested.

2. Performance:

Skeen(9) No water leakage anywhere. Material repelled water as designed. No absorbtion.

McCauley (8) No mesh lining inside is a negative. Passed water test!

Potter (9) The jacket performs well in wet conditions and keeps me dry. Large waterproof armpit zippers allow me to easily vent the jacket and let it breath. The outside fabric repels water very well. The hood system is ok but does not fit snuggly around the face area as some of the other jackets.

3. Durability:

Skeen (8) Zippers seal very well and are finished securely. High probability for long term use

McCauley (8) Machine wash – looks like will wear well. Appears to be a quality product.

Potter (2) As the jacket leaked from the start and looking at the deterioration of the waterproof layer I would have to say the durability is questionable. The outside fabric itself seems like a quality material that would hold up to regular use and the zippers seem to be of good construction.

4. Innovation:  

Skeen (9) Product is not Gore Tex, so I am not confident in long term repellence. Dual inside access is a plus. Elastic cuffs feel good.

McCauley (8) Had some nice features, like hood and air venting.

Potter (5) The fold-away hood system is unique from the other jackets tested but there is nothing that sticks out with being totally unique.

5.Value:

Skeen (9) Compares very well in overall considerations.

McCauley (8) In line with others, except Columbia.

Potter (1) Because the jacket did not make it past the first test of keeping the water out I would rate it as the worst of the jackets tested.

6. Benefits:

Skeen Green multi-use color is appropriate for cammo outifts during hunting sessions along with daily use activity.

McCauley Lightweight, but functional for climbing – able to wear safety helmet with ease. Lots of air vents.

Potter This is a stylish looking jacket and the color combination of the orange and gray look great.

7. Worst Attribute:

Skeen No hood in the collar area.

McCauley More mesh lining for back would be preferable.

Potter The jacket leaked from the very first use where the waterproof material deteriorated and looks as it will continue to loose it's waterproof properties in other places.
  
8. Would you buy this product?

Skeen Maybe

McCauley Yes

Potter No

9. Why or Why Not?

Skeen I have no experience with Rain Barrier H2no on a nylon shell, and I didn't notice a guarantee of waterproof seals.

McCauley Quality product and functional for specific use.

Potter The jacket leaked badly from the very first use.

L.L. Bean Stowaway Rainwear Jacket: $150; (800) 441-5713; llbean.com

1. Construction:

Skeen (9) Well made and very basic utilitarian design for more extreme use. Pockets not easily accessible due to cover flap, but that may be desirable in extreme weather.

McCauley (10) Large flap over out zipper plus two metal snaps at neck area, lots of inside webbing for air flow; extreme weather construction

Potter (9) The jacket is very well made with good stitching, including extra stitching around start and end seams.  Pockets are strong, the jacket fits well and is generally comfortable. The only issue with construction is a comfort issue, where the main zipper slightly scratches the neck area.

2. Performance:

Skeen (9) No water leakage anywhere. Fabric repelled water as designed. No water absorption. .

McCauley (10) Good fit, comfortable bending and reaching out while wearing. Very nice looking jacket, kept me warm at 45 degrees F with only a T-shirt on.

Potter (9) The jacket stays nice and dry in heavy rain. However, not having waterproof zippers can cause hard sideways rain to penetrate the pockets and main zipper over a long period of exposure time. The well-made storm flap for the main zipper makes it very difficult to get water to penetrate the zipper and it is only when lots of body movement in hard working conditions is happening that this may happen in my experience. The additional inner lining makes this jacket warmer than the other three tested. The inner liner, if wet, also causes the jacket to retain moisture inside longer if it does get wet (usually due to wearing the jacket in rain without properly zipping and sealing it up). The double zipper system allows added functionality but makes initially zipping the jacket up slightly more cumbersome.

3. Durability:  

Skeen (9) Double zippers are heavy duty with generous flap and snaps. Basic traditional design will probably contribute to long term service.

McCauley (10) This is a top quality jacket, appears to be long lasting, machine washable. Well constructed, heavy duty large main zipper. Two zipper pull tabs on exterior.

Potter (9) The LL Bean jacket seems to be very durable as seams are well done and this is often where I experience some of the first failures with a jacket.  The zippers tend to catch on the storm flaps and over time cause damage to the flaps, causing me to give this jacket a slightly lower durability rating.

4. Innovation:  

Skeen (5) Very basic and plain utilitarian jacket built to last.

McCauley (10) Advanced design makes this feel like a custom made jacket. Inside zippered pocket easy to get to, open and close.

Potter (4) The jacket does not seem to have much in the innovative area; however there is a difference from the other jackets tested in that it has more of a inner lining making it a bit warmer.

5.Value:

Skeen (8) Competitive features and price

McCauley (10) It was the best of the 4 jackets I tested!

Potter (5) Performance vs price with other jacket in general is good but vs the other three tested the only advantages is the warmth and quality of seam construction. While it is as well constructed as the others it somewhat lacks in performance compared to the other three.

6. Benefits:

Skeen Appears very storm-worthy

McCauley Comfort, good fit, easy open/close zippers

Potter The addition of extra inner lining making the LL Bean jacket warmer than the others tested. The seam construction is also very durable and an excellent benefit of this product.

7. Worst Attribute:

Skeen No hood storage compartment. Shortage of pockets. Left inside pocket appears to not be attached near the top of pocket.

McCauley None!

Potter The zippers and storm flaps tend to bind and will eventually damage the storm flaps and fabric. The double zipper pull is cumbersome to initially zip up and therefore I would say the zipper systems are the worst attribute of this product.

8. Would you buy this product?
Skeen Maybe

McCauley Yes

Potter No

9. Why or Why Not?

Skeen If I wanted a utilitarian work style, this would be my choice, but I don't work any more. I just fish.

McCauley Looks, comfort and features!

Potter I don't like the zipper system because it binds on the fabric.