One thing we didn’t touch on in this video: the environmental impact of each jacket. For many years, companies have used long-chain fluorocarbon-based treatments for DWR. While super effective and highly durable, the by-product of this type of DWR is toxic and persists in the environment. Companies like Patagonia have been searching for alternatives, but as of yet the best bet is a slightly altered version of this treatment that’s more environmentally friendly, though far from perfect. The alternative to DWR would be a non-woven jacket like the Frogg Toggs - but non-woven materials are WAY less durable than woven, and so the entire jacket winds up in the landfill far sooner. Also not environmentally friendly. If this has you feeling bummed out, don’t be. Outdoor companies are investing heavily in research into better DWR treatments. In the meantime, just care for your gear and patch it as needed - regardless of which jacket you buy.
Wouldn't another reason for the price difference be Patagonia's commitment to fair trade labor practices causing a significant increase off the price to manufacture? A major plus, in my opinion!
please do not buy new waterproof clothing from patagonia, if anything, look for a used one or get stuff from companies that do not use 'forever chemicals' (PFCs) which are cancerogenic
@@elizabethdodson8691 That might be a factor, but I think the brand name is really the issue... If Patagonia sold air there'd be a least a 40% markup over other _air sellers._
I think it is worth mentioning the Patagonia warranty. I had a 10yr old Patagonia rain coat that started to delaminate after very light use - I live in San Diego. That jacket lost its ability to repel water so I ordered an on sale Columbia jacket for around $20. The Columbia jacket kept the rain off but it felt like wearing a trash bag. Fabric was not breathable and it did not have the pit zips - it did have wrist velcros and pockets... so maybe a better choice than the Frogg Toggs. But then, on a whim, I reached out to Patagonia, who gave me a $200ish credit for my old jacket. They apologized for the failure of their product (even though it was over 10 years old), and I got an new Patagonia rain jacket. Put that thing to good use over the 2022/2023 San Diego record wet winter and I can absolutely say that it is worth the money! This falls into the buy it for life category for me and it is infinitely more comfortable doing things like taking the pup for a walk on those rainy days! Environmental impact aside, a breathable rain jacket is a real quality of life improvement. Here's to hoping the future leads to more environmentally conscious breathable waterproof fabrics.
I was gonna call BS on the "light use" until I saw you copped that you went through the Amazonian rainforest conditions of San Diego this year. Seattle has NOTHIN on us. I just argued above that this was a great company and not like the NIKE's out there. You just put the nail in the coffin on that one. That makes you a customer for life...good on them.
I had a similar, but negative experience with Patagonia warranty on their toreent shell H2No jacket that delaminated. After the fabric wouldn't hold the water and weird stains appeared on the inside, I contacted Patagonia and they've acknowledged the known delamination issue. Instead of offering me a new jacket, they asked for the copy of original receipt. That was unexpected, and after I couldn't find it, they offered me a gift certificate in the lowest amount that this jacket was ever sold (probably at the end of the season) - $68. That certificate was only goid at their stores. The only decent thing I was able to buy with that amount, after adding $10 of my own money is a himing shirt(which I love btw). Needless to say, I never bought another Patagonia item and switched to Arc'teryx whose warranty and support has been awesome.
I just got a brand new Slate Sky in Wavy blue in a medium.. I had a five year old Rainshadow I got in large and was always to big. They actually send me a label to return my Rainshadow. Upon receipt they were like pick any other rain jacket $200 or less and we got you. I seriously paid nothing. $200 for two professional jackets. The customer service was amazing, better than Apple. Just buy Patagonia with one caveat. They make clothing for lanky people like the girl here in the video (she’s not exactly lanky) I am however. Amy cousin who’s kinda bigger seems to not dig Patagonia and I think it’s the slimmer/trimmer fit. Columbia makes great cheaper rain year if you’re a big dude. The watertight II is great for light rain. Anyways.
A couple things I use in addition to a nice rain jacket is unlined non-insulating rain mitts (if it's cold and my gloves are in danger of soaking through), with or without insulating gloves under them, and a billed cap for keeping rain off my glasses. When it's warmer, I find the hood acts like a sweat box, and I get much better ventilation if I keep the hood down and put on a rain hat instead. Yes, that is extra pieces of gear but they do make the rain hiking experience far less miserable for me, and I recommend everyone give them a shot if they can.
Plus one for using a hat in the rain! I pretty much always hike with a hat anyway, so it’s not any extra weight for me anyway. Even with it being a goretex hat, I’ve never had any times where it’s been too hot to wear.
Pit zips are so underrated! Idaho is beautiful. We miss the Miranda bloopers at the end of your videos! I love my basic Marmot Precip. Maybe a follow-up video on how to care for your rain jacket (or waterproof gear)? Specific washes to use, causes for delamination, etc. Nothing worse than pulling your rain jacket out of the closet and have it literally be falling apart and flaking. Great video Miranda and Team!
Thirding the excellence of the Precip. I'm fat and my Precip Eco is a 2X, but it only weighs 8.7oz, so the difference between that and the Frogg Toggs is ridiculously minimal.
Marmot precip is a great middle ground. It’s packable (light), has full features (hood stuffs into collar, pit zips, adjustable sleeves and hood, etc), waterproof, and inexpensive. You can usually find these of clearance somewhere for about $60.
I've known Frogg Togg to run large because it was to be more accommodating to more bulkier clothing, under the shell. This worked well for me when riding a motor cycle with thicker, more-protective clothing.
I have both a Frog Toggs and a high end rain jacket; love them both. Which one goes depends on forecast. Frog Toggs biggest shortcoming is lack of ventilation. However, don't sell the water proofing short as I have tested mine in shower and stayed totally dry.
I bought the Torrentshell last year after doing a ton of research, wanting to get a good, durable rain jacket that would work for daily life and outdoor adventures. It was only around $150 when I bought it so a bit less expensive and so far I have loved it! A great feature that Miranda didn’t mention is it zips into its own pocket for easy storage!
I recently bought the torrent shell after hiking with a cheaper rain jacket for years. My first hike with the torrent shell I discovered what it feels like to be dry. 😂 I'm also in the PNW with its 6 months of rain.
Miranda .. you are a breath of fresh air for your generation. I am impressed you have found your niche in the world which shares your love for the outdoors. The positively joyous presentation of your material is endearing. People in so many different ways can be a voice of their generation .. and you are someone not only who I follow, but also my daughter and granddaughter.
The regular Frogg Toggs is the way to go in my opinion. I have the OR Helium that I always take backpacking and will always take until it fails one day. I just spent so much on the OR I'm taking it. It does pack down a lot smaller than the Toggs but I keep it on the outside of the pack anyway so size doesn't matter. If you don't have the money to blow just buy the Frogg Toggs. Many through hikers have backpacked an entire through hikes with it, with a few patch jobs but still.
OR Helium (and Outdoor Research products in general) beats Patagonia in all ways. But one thing that is especially important for me - it's quiet. Torentshell and Precip were both driving me crazy because of how squicky and loud are they
In terms of lasting for years: I bought my Torrentshell in 2016, and worn it lots. I've washed and renewed the DWR a handful of times, but otherwise no issues whatsoever. it's great.
@@peaksandpaws wash the jacket with soap flakes (or Nikwax Tech Wash), rinse, then wash it again with Nikwax TX Direct. I'll say to mind your expectations though. It'll never be as good as it was from the factory now. Say what you like about PFCs (they're really bad, no doubt), but modern DWRs just aren't as good.
I love the torrentshell! I’ve worn it skiing and stayed super warm, I’ve worn it during downpours and stayed totally dry, and I’ve worn it rowing out in the rain and the pit zips helped me keep from overheating! It’s definitely expensive, but my parents got it for me as a Christmas gift which was awesome
I'm still wearing my Early Winters GoreTex shell from 198X. I just touch it up with DWR every Fall. Wear it skiing, climbing, hiking, winter backpacking. Summertime rainwear is a poncho, also used as a tarp to sleep under, it's more effective in PNW non-winter weather.
'Some of the worst hiking weather that you can possibly experience'- Cuts to literally every hike I've had the UK xD . If you wanna test out your rain gear, get yourself to Wales, rain is almost as garunteed as daylight!
Brother we feel you up in Seattle lmao. I ride MTB and hike year round. You absolutely need to spend up on quality gear to enjoy it year round. But once you get your setup dialed in it can almost be more enjoyable at times. That feeling of being the only one at a beautiful viewpoint that's normally busy in the summer is awesome.
I have used the Frogg Togg poncho for years. Also I survived a hurricane with it and used it as a slight extra insulation during a snow storm. It does require some gentle care. As a side I also had a high end rain jacket. So my conclusion is to get both. The light weight for ul backpacking and the other one for no worries backpacking.
I have the frogg togg xtreme lite and I find it to be a pretty good middle road for a budget rain jacket. It usually costs around $50, but you get something more durable and light weight, and it has pockets which one of them acts as a stuff pocket. Mine hasn't gone through a full season of hiking/backpacking, but I am finding it to be a nice addition to my layering system, despite there being the same issue with breathability as the cheaper model.
I actually just got the Torrentshell in November! I haven't spent a long time out in it but I have been out fairly briefly in very heavy rain and I stayed nice and dry without the sweaty dampness I get from my Gore-Tex jacket. My family and I have also had Frogg Togg rain suits for many years! They mostly live in our camping kit so they're always handy, but we also take them on hikes because they're lightweight and wonderfully effective. We've had the same suits for multiple years and its true they do have some small tears, but they're ungodly ugly anyway so that doesn't matter much - most of our holes are in spots where the rain doesnt cause much issue. We have like XL or 2XL and they're massively oversized so I haven't had the shallow hood issue; if anything the hood is always falling over your face. We cut the bottoms off of the pants too. All that is to say, Frogg Toggs aren't pretty, but they're fantastic for what they are - cheap, effective, and truly waterproof - but of course there are downsides to anything so cheap!
I’ve been using frog togs for 5 years in Colorado summer camping. I just bought my third set a couple of weeks ago, I’m getting two seasons out of them. I’ll buy 8 of them before I get to the Patagonia price.. couple tips: get the larger size, yes they do rip easily. Get a set for your kids and keep them on even after rain stops, they inevitably will sit on wet ground and soak their pants even once the rain stops. The pants are invaluable, they’re well worth it!
Good review. You hit on the key point - which is application. In AZ where I live and spend a lot of time outdoors, I just have no use for something like the Patagonia. The rain is typ[ically short and sporadic with the exception of the monsoon. Then warmth is not really an issue - it's plenty hot, but keeping dry through the storm until the evening when it all stops until the next afternoon. WHen it gets cold, then you need different gear altogether.
As you say, I always carry the Frogg Toggs rain jacket at the bottom if my packs as emergency gear when rain is unlikely or insignificant. It’s light, compacts well, and is cheap. I save my higher quality jackets - heavier and bulkier - for hikes and backpacks where rain and snow are likely to be serious. That has worked well for my 50 years of hiking and backpacking, although years ago I carried a cheap poncho for situations where my Frogg Toggs now suffices.
Worth checking out the frogg toggs Xtreme lite jacket. More durable, better featured like pockets and peaked hood and better fitting as well as lighter than the usual one but with all the same benefits. If it had pit zips it would be pretty much perfect.
I have both the REI Rainier and the Marmot Precip. They work great for western Oregon weather and pack down small enough to toss in any bag, including my fishing kit, and I spent less than $75 for each.
Headed to Alaska, researching outerwear for rain. Frogg Toggs are on my list but this video makes me rethink it, I definitely love me some pockets!! May have time to add some in, as I’m a pretty good seamstress.
Awesome video! Would have loved to see a middle of the road jacket tested along with these. Although I'm glad you mentioned some in the video as that's really helpful. I ended up going with a small cottage company for my rain jacket. I wanted something lightweight and didn't want a DWR coating to maintain. Plus I didn't want to spend $200. I landed on a LightHeart Gear rain jacket. It's got a nice hood with cinch, Velcro wrist closures, huge pit zips and pockets. Plus it only weighs about 6oz and and cost me $125. Without being breathable it can get warm in hot weather, but those huge pit zips really help. As for durability... I've been unfortunate enough to crash my bicycle in the rain and slid more than a few feet down the sidewalk and to my surprise, the jacket only ended up with a very small hole literally burned through it from the friction of being between my body and the pavement. I'd say that's pretty darn good.
I think a better comparison of the two would be to use the Frogg Togg most comparable to the Patagonia. I'd venture to guess you'd still see a big difference in price and yet regardless of the outcome the information may be more valuable to the more budget minded consumers.
yeah they have a few different lines of jackets. I forget which one I got, but it had pockets, and it lasted for years before it wore out. It proved itself more waterproof and longer lasting than gore-tex jackets I've owned. They are loud, stiff and uncomfortable, those are the main downsides.
Thanks for the great video with your honest feed back on both jackets. I came across this video at the exact right time as my wife and I have been trying to upgrade or hiking gear and we have had a VERY wet spring and summer this year. We don't let rain stop us from enjoying the beauty of the outdoors, but we would like to be as comfortable as possible when we are out hiking.
Torrentshell is a jacket that I could recommend if you only want one that works in most occasions and holds up for years. I really like my torrentshell for downpours, icy rain and wet snowfall. It is my go-to for worst weather. And pit zips are awesome. But, if the weather is milder and not much chance of hours of rain or snowstorms, a lighter jacket like frogg togs would be nicer to carry around "just in case".
Thanks for the honest review. I've seen so many testimonials concentrating on the weight, over comfort and utility. For a humble suggestion, try a Buffalo-Systems Mountain Shirt next to skin. No underlayers. Made in Sheffield England, its a windshirt and pile fleece combined and essentially acts as a wetsuit in wet weather.
the pato is the best purchase ever, not only for hiking but everyday. Here in melbourne we have four seasons in one day and it just works. I've have mine for 3 years and it looks brand new still. Highly highly recommend
Love my Marmot Precip. Pit zips are a dealbreaker in warmer weather. I will stick my arms out of them creating like a waterproof vest. It looks silly but it's cooling. Also internal and external pockets, adjustable hood and cuffs, packs into its own pocket. Fantastic for the price, especially during a marmot sale.
I have a AUD$600 Macpac rain jacket. I put it through its paces in New Zealand in February and it did not disappoint. I LOVE IT and truly believe it was worth every cent. It rained on and off the whole 2 weeks we were there but were still able to do all of the hikes we had planned. It even held out -4degC winds!
I've been looking at the patagonia for years but couldn't decide if it was worth it... this video is super helpful! I've loved my REI Rainier jacket for the past 5 or so years - it's a similar shape and features of the patagonia. I'll probably upgrade to the patagonia one after my REI one lived its' life.
These gear testing videos are awesome! Not going to lie, I have the Arc'terix rain jacket and it's amazing! But I also really like the old REI eVent jacket (which they don't have anymore).
I miss the Miranda bloopers at the end too! I have a frog toggs jacket and pants that I’ve had for a few years and they work pretty well. It’s a men’s jacket that’s a bit oversized so the hood and sleeves cover everything. The thing I don’t love about frogg toggs is the massive amount of space they take up in your pack. They do not pack down small but they have kept me dry so far. And I like that you don’t get sweat underneath the jacket like you do in other rain jackets.
I have both! I absolutely love my Patagonia Torrentshell but also have a couple of Frogg Toggs for emergency inclement weather but honestly I really don't care for the feel of the FT's.
Frogged tog is good for most folks, unless you're going through heavy briars it will hold up fine, packs well too. Not really windproof, keep that in mind.
If you really wanted pockets and a good hood was that the right model of Froggtoggs for this comparison? You should have used the FROGG TOGGS Classic Pro Action Waterproof Rain Jacket. I have Pro Action ($29) version and it comes with me on bad weather backpacking. My expensive OR Gortex Jacket stays home.
Great video! Just as the point you made at the end of the video with the Frogg Toggs being meant more as an emergency rain shell and the Patagonia being the more reliable rain jacket, it's why I have two rain jackets. I got something more durable than the Frogg Toggs and use the Outdoor Research Helium as my ultralight rain shell for backpacking and day hikes, and use my Patagonia Calcite, very similar in features to the Torrentshell, as my everyday rain jacket.
I just edited my comment as realized it's actually the Patagonia Calcite Jacket, which is a GORE-TEX shell, that I have. not the Rainshadow. I recall part of the reason I went with it over the Torrentshell was because it also had a chest pocket which is really nice to have on a everyday jacket. I'm also in the PNW and it's held up really well to the frequent rain here.
@@rockjays7926 sweet! I’ll likely buy one of those. I’m in San Diego but have friends in PNW and wanted to buy one that’d be good for PNW. Which is the most breathable of the ones you own for jogging in rain?
i've had several frogg toggs. the build quality is highly inconsistent but, i've found the heavier ones tend toward better . i had an ultra light set that came apart at the seams coming out of the package
I tried out the Torrentshell at home and found it more crinkly and less breathable than the REI XeroDry jacket… so it went back. The REI rain jacket was more comfortable to wear, too. I tried FroggToggs too and sold them - very hot, uncomfortable and crinkly! But cheap and light. Definitely a race-off.
I keep a Storm Racer in my pack, it’s very light, very trustworthy. It’s my usual very cold & rainy/snowy running shell, but it stays with me for emergencies. If I’m leaving home on a rainy day it’s my 3L Rainshadow, which still looks & performs like new after a few years. The bit of stretch & aqua guard zips add comfort and value. Upgrading all shells to 3L w PFC free DWR & 100% recycled shell fabric was a great move Patagonia made. A 3L shell lasts so much longer & feels less sticky/plasticy on bare skin in warmer temps. Pit zips are a must, if you’re wet inside from sweat it defeats the purpose. The Storm Racer has a whole chest ventilation panel w the double zip config, so it’s my usual “fast n feather light” hiking & scrambling shell as well. If either takes significant damage I’ll just send them back for repair. If you send something back several times staying true to keeping it out of the landfill they’ll likely offer a replacement for the current version or it’s equal, & recycle the old one. The performance, durability & warranty justify the price. The SR was sent to me as a tester, but if I had paid the $270 MSRP it would’ve been worth the investment, especially since I don’t just run in it. The Torrentshell’s 3L upgrade made it more of a legit shell, not just a rain jacket, so it can take quite a bit more than many will take it for. The overall durability & versatility’s been enhanced. And again, if you get a bit overzealous with it they’ll happily repair or replace & recycle.
I got my marmot jacket a few years ago for a trip to Costa Rica and have gotten tons of use out of it and will wear it for years. Just used it for a 5k run in iffy weather.Highly recommend.
First thing: Love this video! I own the a Patagonia Torrent Shell and even though it is expensive, I live in the PNW and use it all the time. I don't think I could do a rain jacket without pit zips moving forward. Second thing: Miranda, if you have or are vomiting that color of pink without eating something that pink, please seek medical attention! lol
My current Goretex is US military surplus. Dirt cheap, excellent protection, much lighter than my REI Goretex, plus really cool camo patterns. I'd love to see some reviews of military surplus gear compared to typical recreational hiking gear.
Scottish weather means we walk in a lot of rain, and sometimes in sleet (that soft, sticky, drenching near-snow). My favourite waterproof for horrible weather is a child size black, mesh-lined, 4000 hydrostatic head thing I bought second hand. It is not very breathable or lightweight but it is reliable. I've found a more expensive, more breathable version soaked through in heavy rain in our lovely British weather. I've just invested in a lined, heavy OEX raincoat which is more breathable but seems to stay waterproof and which has pit zips.
$200 is not really that expensive for a good rain jacket. $500+ now that's expensive! But Patagonia do make some nice gear. And the $100 price range just doesn't keep me dry for long, an hour maybe at most.
Would have loved to see you compare patagonia or frogg toggs to a zpacks or lightheart gear rain jacket, which are more cottage ultralight companies to compare durability because they would have been a similar price point to patagonia.
Nice. I have both. I love the Patagonia. Love the pit zips and fit is great on me. The Torrentshell 3L goes on sale often and I was able to pick one up for $104 at REI. The Frogg Toggs was a great first rain kit. Really light and effective but poofy and no pockets.
I just made a similar change from Frogg Toggs to a Stio Ender PACLITE jacket with similar features and price (on sale). I look forward to a successful trial run soon in the Spring Idaho weather. Thanks for this video. Patagonia has become my go-to source because of their environmental awareness.
I bought the Frogg Togg jacket as my first purchase of rain gear a few years ago. I quickly found out I didn't like it for any sort of outdoor activities where I'm actually moving around or doing stuff. I think its more suited for very short term use or maybe like at a ballgame or something.
I'm really liking the Mountain Hardwear Goretex Paclite shell, it's ridiculously light and disappears in my pack until I need it. The fact that it packs down so small means I don't really have to worry about it taking up a lot of space in my small motorcycle bag, and can easily go on top of my protective jacket when rain inevitably comes on one of my Oregon country rides.
I use this one too for riding a bicycle to and from work. I think it is the “Exposure 2” by MHW but is also the GoreTex PacLite material. Super easy to bring with you every day everywhere.
I'm not a hiker or backpacker, but I do ride an ebike to get around all year round in every kind of weather in western NY. Having used some very nice membrane-based rain shells, these days I've mostly gone old-school: Waxed cotton. My experience with membrane-based shells is that after a few years the DWR has worn off and the membrane has degraded and no matter what you do to them they never work as well after that point. Plus I've had wet backpack straps force water back through the membrane. A decent waxed cotton jacket, though, you can reproof over and over and over, and each time it will protect you just as well as new, and you can keep doing it until the fabric disintegrates. The down sides are that it is on the heavier side, it's warm for summer wear, and it doesn't breath super well (though a light fabric lining does a decent job preventing condensation).
I've been using the classic Frogg Toggs jackets for years and they've been excellent. Definitely not the most durable but bang for the buck and their relatively light weight, no complaints.
I've got a North Face rain jacket that's been great for the past few years, but the best thing about it is the silence. I do a lot of kayaking in it in the winter mornings, and the last thing I want to do is listen to myself krinkle for an hour.
Great comparison and not knocking either for their attributes for certain situations. I have a Marmot…whatever you said…I’ve only used it a couple of times because a. I try to avoid backpacking in the rain, b. If there is a chance, I have an emergency poncho. That said, I first time snowshoe backpacked and brought my North Face shell as I was certain the day out was going to be snow/rain and I didn’t completely trust the Marmot. It was and am so glad I had absolute water proof protection and many of the Patagonia features. My only fail were my REI waterproof gloves. Not waterproof. Also want to shout out about my ULA Circuit pack, not an affiliate, just like it so far. No protection for it and though they won’t say waterPROOF, everything stayed dry in my pack. That was with about 5 hours of slush pounding down on it.
I have a Froggy Toggs rain coat l bought at least 15 years ago and it has pockets and a slightly extended hood . I guess they're cutting cost these days but it's still in fine condition. As infrequently as l need it I think it's the better deal .
Great review! Froggtogg has many different styles of jackets and rainwear other than this $20 jacket. If you don’t hike much and want a lightweight waterproof jacket then this one might be for you. I purchased my Froggtogg Tekk Toad at BassPro for $59.99… It literally has everything the Patagonia has in this video except the zippered arm pit and I stay warm until it hits the low 50 degree temps.. I agree that you do get what you pay for however popular brands will always cost you more. Explorer your options like you explore the world.
My Frog Toggs has pockets but it is several years old. I use as something to throw in my pack and also in my car if needed. The Patagonia looks like a good choice though for a thru-hike or longer hike.
I've had the Frogg Toggs Ultralight Rain Suit (jacket and pants) since 2017. No problems with either. I rarely use them, but often have them with me. They usually just stay in my truck for emergencies and then I toss them in my camping gear.
FroggToggs also has quite a variety of styles as well. For $40 there’s the RiverToads, a BIG step up. And then there’s their FTX, which is arguably on par with the Patagonia, but still half the price. They also have other colors if you don’t like pink. So much FUD.
I would love to see more Pam and Miranda Content. I know pam had a baby recently which can make backpacking harder but. I miss seeing your guy's duo hikes.
I have an REI rain jacket that is 24 years old and still works great. The middle layer of extruded Teflon (Gortex) breathes water vapor out and keeps liquid water out. I live in Arizona, so we don't get rain every day, but torrential downpours are the occasional possibility. This jacket predates DWR, of which I'm glad, and don't understand the need for DWR if the middle layer is already waterproof. Also, DWR breaks down over a number of years and becomes a disgusting sticky surface. You can scrub it off with a detergent solution, but I'd rather not have it in the first place. So I'm happy with my old Gortex jacket which comes down to just above the knees and has extra long sleeves, hood, chin guard, vent holes with velcro to open or close, and several pockets inside and out. That being said, I ALWAYS have a $3 rain poncho in my hiking pack, and will use that for the lighter rains.
You should check out Lightheart gear. I use a rain skirt and combo shoulder/pack cover in warm weather and stay very cool. If its cold I will put a rain jacket on under. The system prevents wet through on shoulders. I have never found a rain jacket that doesn’t wet through and is breathable in all day use.
Great review! I have the Columbia Women's Arcadia II and I love it. I have two (having bought a too large size but still use it for rainy dog walks and guests in need). Works so well, I tried a few others that did not work nearly as well. Looking forward to more gear reviews.
I like Frogg Toggs for a lightweight shell when I'm fishing. My shell has pockets, too. It works much better than Gore-Tex. I've put my Frogg shell through the ringer in very tough conditions and it doesn't leak even after stuffing it in and out of a vest hundreds of times and hiking miles through streamside brush in heavy rain. You can even repair rips with duct tape! I'm on my 2nd one. The 1st one lasted 5yrs before it wore out. At this price point, I'll go with Frogg Toggs every time. I'd be scared to death to rip a $200 jacket on a spruce limb or some such obstacle.
Love my torrentshell and matching rain pants that come in a short length! I much prefer to buy quality once, and it feels like it's gonna keep my dry for a lot of years :)
I have worn my frog toggs for several years with no tears. I took them (includes the pants) on the John Muir Trail, into the desert, into the mountains. I made pit vents by opening the side seam and installing velcro tabs on both jacket and pants. I wear a billed visor under the hood which keeps the rain out of my face. I can't afford the expensive brand name gear so am very happy with my frog togs.
i dont understand why frogg togs doesnt just add pit zips or better yet full length pit zips to their jackets, they would instantly be the most popular item on the market
I bought the very first frog togs back before they even put a zipper on the front wore them out over a decade. Bought another set and am still using them 18 years later. I do use them for three seasons only though.
If you're a fair weather day hiker then get the Frogg, if you're all season hiker or camper invest in something better. I got a LL Bean gortex jacket on clearance, 40%off
Great work and thank you for your videos. I'm primarily a cyclist and have found that Showers Pass jackets, gloves and socks do a great job. Showers Pass is out of Portland Oregon where rain is abundant. I love Patagonia 'Better Sweater' stuff, but wish they used two way zippers for pants pocket access and ventilation. I haven't found anything (Gore-Tex, E-Vent, Artex, etc) that doesn't cause some inside dampness. Your thoughts on what's best to reduce or eliminate condensation please.
![[MV] A leap of faith...ความเชื่อใจครั้งสุดท้าย (From "Petrichor the series")](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/U1piZH2CNXA/mqdefault.jpg)
One thing we didn’t touch on in this video: the environmental impact of each jacket. For many years, companies have used long-chain fluorocarbon-based treatments for DWR. While super effective and highly durable, the by-product of this type of DWR is toxic and persists in the environment. Companies like Patagonia have been searching for alternatives, but as of yet the best bet is a slightly altered version of this treatment that’s more environmentally friendly, though far from perfect.
The alternative to DWR would be a non-woven jacket like the Frogg Toggs - but non-woven materials are WAY less durable than woven, and so the entire jacket winds up in the landfill far sooner. Also not environmentally friendly.
If this has you feeling bummed out, don’t be. Outdoor companies are investing heavily in research into better DWR treatments. In the meantime, just care for your gear and patch it as needed - regardless of which jacket you buy.
Fjallraven leads the pack in this regard.
Wouldn't another reason for the price difference be Patagonia's commitment to fair trade labor practices causing a significant increase off the price to manufacture? A major plus, in my opinion!
please do not buy new waterproof clothing from patagonia, if anything, look for a used one or get stuff from companies that do not use 'forever chemicals' (PFCs) which are cancerogenic
I have an old Frogg Toggs ultralite with lots of duct tape on it. It's still usable.
@@elizabethdodson8691 That might be a factor, but I think the brand name is really the issue... If Patagonia sold air there'd be a least a 40% markup over other _air sellers._
I prefer the Frogg Toggs because I like to say “frogg toggs”.
You’re fired.
@@MirandaGoesOutside Alright, well... guess I gotta go beg MrBeast for a job now.
😂 I love that!! Frogg Toggs Frogg Toggs Frogg Toggs!😀 You're right, it IS fun!!
🐸 Toggs !!!!!!
I think it is worth mentioning the Patagonia warranty. I had a 10yr old Patagonia rain coat that started to delaminate after very light use - I live in San Diego. That jacket lost its ability to repel water so I ordered an on sale Columbia jacket for around $20. The Columbia jacket kept the rain off but it felt like wearing a trash bag. Fabric was not breathable and it did not have the pit zips - it did have wrist velcros and pockets... so maybe a better choice than the Frogg Toggs. But then, on a whim, I reached out to Patagonia, who gave me a $200ish credit for my old jacket. They apologized for the failure of their product (even though it was over 10 years old), and I got an new Patagonia rain jacket. Put that thing to good use over the 2022/2023 San Diego record wet winter and I can absolutely say that it is worth the money! This falls into the buy it for life category for me and it is infinitely more comfortable doing things like taking the pup for a walk on those rainy days! Environmental impact aside, a breathable rain jacket is a real quality of life improvement. Here's to hoping the future leads to more environmentally conscious breathable waterproof fabrics.
Nice I’m from inland empire and was finally going to cough up spending on a jacket especially now that we in June jackets go on sale
Own the Patagonia. Buy once, cry once, absolutely applies. It’s expensive; but, it’s good, so far best I’ve owned. I’m 67 yo.
I was gonna call BS on the "light use" until I saw you copped that you went through the Amazonian rainforest conditions of San Diego this year. Seattle has NOTHIN on us. I just argued above that this was a great company and not like the NIKE's out there. You just put the nail in the coffin on that one. That makes you a customer for life...good on them.
I had a similar, but negative experience with Patagonia warranty on their toreent shell H2No jacket that delaminated.
After the fabric wouldn't hold the water and weird stains appeared on the inside, I contacted Patagonia and they've acknowledged the known delamination issue. Instead of offering me a new jacket, they asked for the copy of original receipt. That was unexpected, and after I couldn't find it, they offered me a gift certificate in the lowest amount that this jacket was ever sold (probably at the end of the season) - $68.
That certificate was only goid at their stores. The only decent thing I was able to buy with that amount, after adding $10 of my own money is a himing shirt(which I love btw).
Needless to say, I never bought another Patagonia item and switched to Arc'teryx whose warranty and support has been awesome.
I just got a brand new Slate Sky in Wavy blue in a medium.. I had a five year old Rainshadow I got in large and was always to big. They actually send me a label to return my Rainshadow. Upon receipt they were like pick any other rain jacket $200 or less and we got you.
I seriously paid nothing. $200 for two professional jackets. The customer service was amazing, better than Apple. Just buy Patagonia with one caveat. They make clothing for lanky people like the girl here in the video (she’s not exactly lanky) I am however. Amy cousin who’s kinda bigger seems to not dig Patagonia and I think it’s the slimmer/trimmer fit.
Columbia makes great cheaper rain year if you’re a big dude. The watertight II is great for light rain. Anyways.
A couple things I use in addition to a nice rain jacket is unlined non-insulating rain mitts (if it's cold and my gloves are in danger of soaking through), with or without insulating gloves under them, and a billed cap for keeping rain off my glasses. When it's warmer, I find the hood acts like a sweat box, and I get much better ventilation if I keep the hood down and put on a rain hat instead. Yes, that is extra pieces of gear but they do make the rain hiking experience far less miserable for me, and I recommend everyone give them a shot if they can.
Plus one for using a hat in the rain! I pretty much always hike with a hat anyway, so it’s not any extra weight for me anyway. Even with it being a goretex hat, I’ve never had any times where it’s been too hot to wear.
(if) you can get them, the salomon bonatti flip mitts are amazing.
I was fortunate enough to get a Patagonia Torrent Shell Jacket at a Seattle Goodwill for $30. I love this comparison.
Pit zips are so underrated! Idaho is beautiful. We miss the Miranda bloopers at the end of your videos! I love my basic Marmot Precip. Maybe a follow-up video on how to care for your rain jacket (or waterproof gear)? Specific washes to use, causes for delamination, etc. Nothing worse than pulling your rain jacket out of the closet and have it literally be falling apart and flaking. Great video Miranda and Team!
I love my Marmot which was $90.
Thirding the excellence of the Precip. I'm fat and my Precip Eco is a 2X, but it only weighs 8.7oz, so the difference between that and the Frogg Toggs is ridiculously minimal.
Marmot precip is a great middle ground. It’s packable (light), has full features (hood stuffs into collar, pit zips, adjustable sleeves and hood, etc), waterproof, and inexpensive. You can usually find these of clearance somewhere for about $60.
@LisaBlooper Bro! Take a breather!😂😂
I've known Frogg Togg to run large because it was to be more accommodating to more bulkier clothing, under the shell. This worked well for me when riding a motor cycle with thicker, more-protective clothing.
I have the Torrentshell and that thing kept me completely dry while walking around a few waterfalls in Iceland! It’s a great jacket!
The newer 3-layer model of the Torrentshell is one of the most durable and by far the best under $200 rain gear around for men women and children
I have both a Frog Toggs and a high end rain jacket; love them both. Which one goes depends on forecast. Frog Toggs biggest shortcoming is lack of ventilation. However, don't sell the water proofing short as I have tested mine in shower and stayed totally dry.
I bought the Torrentshell last year after doing a ton of research, wanting to get a good, durable rain jacket that would work for daily life and outdoor adventures. It was only around $150 when I bought it so a bit less expensive and so far I have loved it! A great feature that Miranda didn’t mention is it zips into its own pocket for easy storage!
The Rainshadow was a slightly better version that stretched and looked better but for some reason they quit making them. They were only like $20 more.
I recently bought the torrent shell after hiking with a cheaper rain jacket for years. My first hike with the torrent shell I discovered what it feels like to be dry. 😂 I'm also in the PNW with its 6 months of rain.
Miranda .. you are a breath of fresh air for your generation. I am impressed you have found your niche in the world which shares your love for the outdoors. The positively joyous presentation of your material is endearing. People in so many different ways can be a voice of their generation .. and you are someone not only who I follow, but also my daughter and granddaughter.
The regular Frogg Toggs is the way to go in my opinion. I have the OR Helium that I always take backpacking and will always take until it fails one day. I just spent so much on the OR I'm taking it. It does pack down a lot smaller than the Toggs but I keep it on the outside of the pack anyway so size doesn't matter. If you don't have the money to blow just buy the Frogg Toggs. Many through hikers have backpacked an entire through hikes with it, with a few patch jobs but still.
I’ve had my OR Helium for seven years now and it’s the best I’ve had hands down. When it fails I’ll probably try to buy another of the same one 😅
OR Helium (and Outdoor Research products in general) beats Patagonia in all ways. But one thing that is especially important for me - it's quiet. Torentshell and Precip were both driving me crazy because of how squicky and loud are they
In terms of lasting for years: I bought my Torrentshell in 2016, and worn it lots. I've washed and renewed the DWR a handful of times, but otherwise no issues whatsoever. it's great.
How do you renew the DWR? Because I have a rain jacket from The North Face that used to be really great, but now it isn't waterproof at all anymore.
@@peaksandpaws wash the jacket with soap flakes (or Nikwax Tech Wash), rinse, then wash it again with Nikwax TX Direct.
I'll say to mind your expectations though. It'll never be as good as it was from the factory now. Say what you like about PFCs (they're really bad, no doubt), but modern DWRs just aren't as good.
@@Jedwoods Great! Thank you so much. I'll look into that stuff.
Thanks for the deal on LMNT. I’ve been wanting to try it but didn’t want a full box of an untried flavor. This is perfect!
I love the torrentshell! I’ve worn it skiing and stayed super warm, I’ve worn it during downpours and stayed totally dry, and I’ve worn it rowing out in the rain and the pit zips helped me keep from overheating! It’s definitely expensive, but my parents got it for me as a Christmas gift which was awesome
Eddie Bauer rain 🌧️ jackets are good they have a few different ones and there’s always a sale some just under 100 bucks
I'm still wearing my Early Winters GoreTex shell from 198X. I just touch it up with DWR every Fall. Wear it skiing, climbing, hiking, winter backpacking. Summertime rainwear is a poncho, also used as a tarp to sleep under, it's more effective in PNW non-winter weather.
'Some of the worst hiking weather that you can possibly experience'- Cuts to literally every hike I've had the UK xD . If you wanna test out your rain gear, get yourself to Wales, rain is almost as garunteed as daylight!
Brother we feel you up in Seattle lmao. I ride MTB and hike year round. You absolutely need to spend up on quality gear to enjoy it year round. But once you get your setup dialed in it can almost be more enjoyable at times. That feeling of being the only one at a beautiful viewpoint that's normally busy in the summer is awesome.
I love my Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap. Packs into it's own pocket, lightweight, and great in rain.
I have used the Frogg Togg poncho for years. Also I survived a hurricane with it and used it as a slight extra insulation during a snow storm. It does require some gentle care. As a side I also had a high end rain jacket. So my conclusion is to get both. The light weight for ul backpacking and the other one for no worries backpacking.
You should do more of these educational comparisons that highlight important gear differences; I dig it.
Its not an educational comparison, its a commercial for Patagonia. She didnt even order the right size Frogg then complained it was too small...
I have the frogg togg xtreme lite and I find it to be a pretty good middle road for a budget rain jacket. It usually costs around $50, but you get something more durable and light weight, and it has pockets which one of them acts as a stuff pocket. Mine hasn't gone through a full season of hiking/backpacking, but I am finding it to be a nice addition to my layering system, despite there being the same issue with breathability as the cheaper model.
I actually just got the Torrentshell in November! I haven't spent a long time out in it but I have been out fairly briefly in very heavy rain and I stayed nice and dry without the sweaty dampness I get from my Gore-Tex jacket. My family and I have also had Frogg Togg rain suits for many years! They mostly live in our camping kit so they're always handy, but we also take them on hikes because they're lightweight and wonderfully effective. We've had the same suits for multiple years and its true they do have some small tears, but they're ungodly ugly anyway so that doesn't matter much - most of our holes are in spots where the rain doesnt cause much issue. We have like XL or 2XL and they're massively oversized so I haven't had the shallow hood issue; if anything the hood is always falling over your face. We cut the bottoms off of the pants too. All that is to say, Frogg Toggs aren't pretty, but they're fantastic for what they are - cheap, effective, and truly waterproof - but of course there are downsides to anything so cheap!
the barbie pink color is my favorite and I need more outdoor companies to make more stuff in pink.
I’ve been using frog togs for 5 years in Colorado summer camping. I just bought my third set a couple of weeks ago, I’m getting two seasons out of them. I’ll buy 8 of them before I get to the Patagonia price.. couple tips: get the larger size, yes they do rip easily. Get a set for your kids and keep them on even after rain stops, they inevitably will sit on wet ground and soak their pants even once the rain stops. The pants are invaluable, they’re well worth it!
Good review. You hit on the key point - which is application. In AZ where I live and spend a lot of time outdoors, I just have no use for something like the Patagonia. The rain is typ[ically short and sporadic with the exception of the monsoon. Then warmth is not really an issue - it's plenty hot, but keeping dry through the storm until the evening when it all stops until the next afternoon. WHen it gets cold, then you need different gear altogether.
As you say, I always carry the Frogg Toggs rain jacket at the bottom if my packs as emergency gear when rain is unlikely or insignificant. It’s light, compacts well, and is cheap. I save my higher quality jackets - heavier and bulkier - for hikes and backpacks where rain and snow are likely to be serious.
That has worked well for my 50 years of hiking and backpacking, although years ago I carried a cheap poncho for situations where my Frogg Toggs now suffices.
Worth checking out the frogg toggs Xtreme lite jacket. More durable, better featured like pockets and peaked hood and better fitting as well as lighter than the usual one but with all the same benefits. If it had pit zips it would be pretty much perfect.
I’m team umbrella! Well, both actually, do an ultralight rain jacket and an ultralight umbrella👍
I have both the REI Rainier and the Marmot Precip. They work great for western Oregon weather and pack down small enough to toss in any bag, including my fishing kit, and I spent less than $75 for each.
Headed to Alaska, researching outerwear for rain. Frogg Toggs are on my list but this video makes me rethink it, I definitely love me some pockets!! May have time to add some in, as I’m a pretty good seamstress.
If I could find warmth plus rainproof with pockets, even better for evening when not hiking.
i can’t decide between the Marmor Precip and the Torrentshell. What you think about the Precip in comparison to the Torrentshell?
Awesome video! Would have loved to see a middle of the road jacket tested along with these. Although I'm glad you mentioned some in the video as that's really helpful. I ended up going with a small cottage company for my rain jacket. I wanted something lightweight and didn't want a DWR coating to maintain. Plus I didn't want to spend $200. I landed on a LightHeart Gear rain jacket. It's got a nice hood with cinch, Velcro wrist closures, huge pit zips and pockets. Plus it only weighs about 6oz and and cost me $125. Without being breathable it can get warm in hot weather, but those huge pit zips really help. As for durability... I've been unfortunate enough to crash my bicycle in the rain and slid more than a few feet down the sidewalk and to my surprise, the jacket only ended up with a very small hole literally burned through it from the friction of being between my body and the pavement. I'd say that's pretty darn good.
I think a better comparison of the two would be to use the Frogg Togg most comparable to the Patagonia. I'd venture to guess you'd still see a big difference in price and yet regardless of the outcome the information may be more valuable to the more budget minded consumers.
yeah they have a few different lines of jackets. I forget which one I got, but it had pockets, and it lasted for years before it wore out. It proved itself more waterproof and longer lasting than gore-tex jackets I've owned. They are loud, stiff and uncomfortable, those are the main downsides.
Thanks for the great video with your honest feed back on both jackets. I came across this video at the exact right time as my wife and I have been trying to upgrade or hiking gear and we have had a VERY wet spring and summer this year. We don't let rain stop us from enjoying the beauty of the outdoors, but we would like to be as comfortable as possible when we are out hiking.
Torrentshell is a jacket that I could recommend if you only want one that works in most occasions and holds up for years.
I really like my torrentshell for downpours, icy rain and wet snowfall. It is my go-to for worst weather. And pit zips are awesome.
But, if the weather is milder and not much chance of hours of rain or snowstorms, a lighter jacket like frogg togs would be nicer to carry around "just in case".
Thanks for the honest review. I've seen so many testimonials concentrating on the weight, over comfort and utility.
For a humble suggestion, try a Buffalo-Systems Mountain Shirt next to skin. No underlayers. Made in Sheffield England, its a windshirt and pile fleece combined and essentially acts as a wetsuit in wet weather.
That Patagonia jacket is awesome I have a marmont jacket Gore-Tex pretty much just like that
Great video (as usual)! Many thanks to Miranda and all the crew!
I still have my Helly Hanson bought 15 years ago and it is still going good..... just 😊
I live in Scotland...so rain 🌧️
the pato is the best purchase ever, not only for hiking but everyday. Here in melbourne we have four seasons in one day and it just works. I've have mine for 3 years and it looks brand new still. Highly highly recommend
Love my Marmot Precip. Pit zips are a dealbreaker in warmer weather. I will stick my arms out of them creating like a waterproof vest. It looks silly but it's cooling. Also internal and external pockets, adjustable hood and cuffs, packs into its own pocket. Fantastic for the price, especially during a marmot sale.
Ya i took mines to Taiwan, which can be hot, and rain all sudden, and or if you go hike the mountains.😃 It's also decently light and packable
i can’t decide between the Marmor Precip and the Torrentshell. What you think about the Precip in comparison to the Torrentshell?
I have a AUD$600 Macpac rain jacket. I put it through its paces in New Zealand in February and it did not disappoint. I LOVE IT and truly believe it was worth every cent. It rained on and off the whole 2 weeks we were there but were still able to do all of the hikes we had planned. It even held out -4degC winds!
I've been looking at the patagonia for years but couldn't decide if it was worth it... this video is super helpful! I've loved my REI Rainier jacket for the past 5 or so years - it's a similar shape and features of the patagonia. I'll probably upgrade to the patagonia one after my REI one lived its' life.
I got the torrent shell and love it!
These gear testing videos are awesome! Not going to lie, I have the Arc'terix rain jacket and it's amazing! But I also really like the old REI eVent jacket (which they don't have anymore).
Thanks for the video, Miranda! So happy Tammy and I got to meet you Thursday at Halcyon, best of luck in the future!
I miss the Miranda bloopers at the end too! I have a frog toggs jacket and pants that I’ve had for a few years and they work pretty well. It’s a men’s jacket that’s a bit oversized so the hood and sleeves cover everything. The thing I don’t love about frogg toggs is the massive amount of space they take up in your pack. They do not pack down small but they have kept me dry so far. And I like that you don’t get sweat underneath the jacket like you do in other rain jackets.
I'm seeing a number of requests in the comments for the bloopers at the end to return! Okay - we can make that happen. 😊
Good luck beating the Torrent shell. I was never completely dry in a rain jacket untill I got one
I have both! I absolutely love my Patagonia Torrentshell but also have a couple of Frogg Toggs for emergency inclement weather but honestly I really don't care for the feel of the FT's.
Frogged tog is good for most folks, unless you're going through heavy briars it will hold up fine, packs well too. Not really windproof, keep that in mind.
I have the Torrentshell and l’m verry happy with it!
If you really wanted pockets and a good hood was that the right model of Froggtoggs for this comparison? You should have used the FROGG TOGGS Classic Pro Action Waterproof Rain Jacket. I have Pro Action ($29) version and it comes with me on bad weather backpacking. My expensive OR Gortex Jacket stays home.
Thanks for the middle ground suggestion at the end :)
Bought my Torrentshell last Spring ... I love it all the time
Great video! Just as the point you made at the end of the video with the Frogg Toggs being meant more as an emergency rain shell and the Patagonia being the more reliable rain jacket, it's why I have two rain jackets. I got something more durable than the Frogg Toggs and use the Outdoor Research Helium as my ultralight rain shell for backpacking and day hikes, and use my Patagonia Calcite, very similar in features to the Torrentshell, as my everyday rain jacket.
What do you like better about the Rainshadow than the torrent shell reviewed here?
I just edited my comment as realized it's actually the Patagonia Calcite Jacket, which is a GORE-TEX shell, that I have. not the Rainshadow. I recall part of the reason I went with it over the Torrentshell was because it also had a chest pocket which is really nice to have on a everyday jacket. I'm also in the PNW and it's held up really well to the frequent rain here.
@@rockjays7926 sweet! I’ll likely buy one of those. I’m in San Diego but have friends in PNW and wanted to buy one that’d be good for PNW. Which is the most breathable of the ones you own for jogging in rain?
i've had several frogg toggs. the build quality is highly inconsistent but, i've found the heavier ones tend toward better . i had an ultra light set that came apart at the seams coming out of the package
I tried out the Torrentshell at home and found it more crinkly and less breathable than the REI XeroDry jacket… so it went back. The REI rain jacket was more comfortable to wear, too. I tried FroggToggs too and sold them - very hot, uncomfortable and crinkly! But cheap and light. Definitely a race-off.
The torrentshell gets less crinkly over time. It's bombproof as well.
I keep a Storm Racer in my pack, it’s very light, very trustworthy. It’s my usual very cold & rainy/snowy running shell, but it stays with me for emergencies. If I’m leaving home on a rainy day it’s my 3L Rainshadow, which still looks & performs like new after a few years. The bit of stretch & aqua guard zips add comfort and value. Upgrading all shells to 3L w PFC free DWR & 100% recycled shell fabric was a great move Patagonia made. A 3L shell lasts so much longer & feels less sticky/plasticy on bare skin in warmer temps. Pit zips are a must, if you’re wet inside from sweat it defeats the purpose. The Storm Racer has a whole chest ventilation panel w the double zip config, so it’s my usual “fast n feather light” hiking & scrambling shell as well. If either takes significant damage I’ll just send them back for repair. If you send something back several times staying true to keeping it out of the landfill they’ll likely offer a replacement for the current version or it’s equal, & recycle the old one. The performance, durability & warranty justify the price. The SR was sent to me as a tester, but if I had paid the $270 MSRP it would’ve been worth the investment, especially since I don’t just run in it.
The Torrentshell’s 3L upgrade made it more of a legit shell, not just a rain jacket, so it can take quite a bit more than many will take it for. The overall durability & versatility’s been enhanced. And again, if you get a bit overzealous with it they’ll happily repair or replace & recycle.
I got my marmot jacket a few years ago for a trip to Costa Rica and have gotten tons of use out of it and will wear it for years. Just used it for a 5k run in iffy weather.Highly recommend.
First thing: Love this video! I own the a Patagonia Torrent Shell and even though it is expensive, I live in the PNW and use it all the time. I don't think I could do a rain jacket without pit zips moving forward.
Second thing: Miranda, if you have or are vomiting that color of pink without eating something that pink, please seek medical attention! lol
Always entertaining. Thanks for the fun, educational video.
My go to waterproof jacket is the Paramo Alta. Its warmer and heavier, but if you have to rely on something working its always the one I go for.
My current Goretex is US military surplus. Dirt cheap, excellent protection, much lighter than my REI Goretex, plus really cool camo patterns. I'd love to see some reviews of military surplus gear compared to typical recreational hiking gear.
Especially since some outdoor gear brands have government contracts.
Scottish weather means we walk in a lot of rain, and sometimes in sleet (that soft, sticky, drenching near-snow). My favourite waterproof for horrible weather is a child size black, mesh-lined, 4000 hydrostatic head thing I bought second hand. It is not very breathable or lightweight but it is reliable. I've found a more expensive, more breathable version soaked through in heavy rain in our lovely British weather. I've just invested in a lined, heavy OEX raincoat which is more breathable but seems to stay waterproof and which has pit zips.
$200 is not really that expensive for a good rain jacket. $500+ now that's expensive! But Patagonia do make some nice gear. And the $100 price range just doesn't keep me dry for long, an hour maybe at most.
Would have loved to see you compare patagonia or frogg toggs to a zpacks or lightheart gear rain jacket, which are more cottage ultralight companies to compare durability because they would have been a similar price point to patagonia.
Nice. I have both. I love the Patagonia. Love the pit zips and fit is great on me. The Torrentshell 3L goes on sale often and I was able to pick one up for $104 at REI. The Frogg Toggs was a great first rain kit. Really light and effective but poofy and no pockets.
I just made a similar change from Frogg Toggs to a Stio Ender PACLITE jacket with similar features and price (on sale). I look forward to a successful trial run soon in the Spring Idaho weather. Thanks for this video. Patagonia has become my go-to source because of their environmental awareness.
I bought the Frogg Togg jacket as my first purchase of rain gear a few years ago. I quickly found out I didn't like it for any sort of outdoor activities where I'm actually moving around or doing stuff. I think its more suited for very short term use or maybe like at a ballgame or something.
You are so right. More people need to see this. Frogs Toggs rock for the price.
I'm really liking the Mountain Hardwear Goretex Paclite shell, it's ridiculously light and disappears in my pack until I need it. The fact that it packs down so small means I don't really have to worry about it taking up a lot of space in my small motorcycle bag, and can easily go on top of my protective jacket when rain inevitably comes on one of my Oregon country rides.
I use this one too for riding a bicycle to and from work. I think it is the “Exposure 2” by MHW but is also the GoreTex PacLite material. Super easy to bring with you every day everywhere.
I'm not a hiker or backpacker, but I do ride an ebike to get around all year round in every kind of weather in western NY. Having used some very nice membrane-based rain shells, these days I've mostly gone old-school: Waxed cotton. My experience with membrane-based shells is that after a few years the DWR has worn off and the membrane has degraded and no matter what you do to them they never work as well after that point. Plus I've had wet backpack straps force water back through the membrane.
A decent waxed cotton jacket, though, you can reproof over and over and over, and each time it will protect you just as well as new, and you can keep doing it until the fabric disintegrates. The down sides are that it is on the heavier side, it's warm for summer wear, and it doesn't breath super well (though a light fabric lining does a decent job preventing condensation).
Always love to see a Miranda video!
I've been using the classic Frogg Toggs jackets for years and they've been excellent. Definitely not the most durable but bang for the buck and their relatively light weight, no complaints.
This. Even the most expensive jacket I destroy so the 20 buck one is economical and effective.
I've got a North Face rain jacket that's been great for the past few years, but the best thing about it is the silence. I do a lot of kayaking in it in the winter mornings, and the last thing I want to do is listen to myself krinkle for an hour.
Love this kind of review. You can own this platform. Keep it up! Thanks
Great video! The Patagonia also has a lifetime warranty, big value add!
Great comparison and not knocking either for their attributes for certain situations. I have a Marmot…whatever you said…I’ve only used it a couple of times because a. I try to avoid backpacking in the rain, b. If there is a chance, I have an emergency poncho. That said, I first time snowshoe backpacked and brought my North Face shell as I was certain the day out was going to be snow/rain and I didn’t completely trust the Marmot. It was and am so glad I had absolute water proof protection and many of the Patagonia features. My only fail were my REI waterproof gloves. Not waterproof. Also want to shout out about my ULA Circuit pack, not an affiliate, just like it so far. No protection for it and though they won’t say waterPROOF, everything stayed dry in my pack. That was with about 5 hours of slush pounding down on it.
I have a Froggy Toggs rain coat l bought at least 15 years ago and it has pockets and a slightly extended hood . I guess they're cutting cost these days but it's still in fine condition. As infrequently as l need it I think it's the better deal .
Great review! Froggtogg has many different styles of jackets and rainwear other than this $20 jacket. If you don’t hike much and want a lightweight waterproof jacket then this one might be for you.
I purchased my Froggtogg Tekk Toad at BassPro for $59.99… It literally has everything the Patagonia has in this video except the zippered arm pit and I stay warm until it hits the low 50 degree temps.. I agree that you do get what you pay for however popular brands will always cost you more. Explorer your options like you explore the world.
I think this jacket would be perfect to carry in the summer in the UK…when we have warmth but occasional downpours 👍🏼
MontBell Versalite...best rain jacket I have ever used. I find the 3 layer jackets to be far too warm and heavy in all but the coldest of conditions.
My Frog Toggs has pockets but it is several years old. I use as something to throw in my pack and also in my car if needed. The Patagonia looks like a good choice though for a thru-hike or longer hike.
I've had the Frogg Toggs Ultralight Rain Suit (jacket and pants) since 2017. No problems with either. I rarely use them, but often have them with me. They usually just stay in my truck for emergencies and then I toss them in my camping gear.
Oh and I'm not afraid of putting a bike tire patch on my rain jacket to deal with a tiny hole, but I never have needed to. No holes yet.
FroggToggs also has quite a variety of styles as well. For $40 there’s the RiverToads, a BIG step up. And then there’s their FTX, which is arguably on par with the Patagonia, but still half the price.
They also have other colors if you don’t like pink.
So much FUD.
I would love to see more Pam and Miranda Content. I know pam had a baby recently which can make backpacking harder but. I miss seeing your guy's duo hikes.
I'm so glad i got my new/replacement Marmot rain coat. While not $200, the Marmot is defiantly better than the Fogg I was tempted with
I have an REI rain jacket that is 24 years old and still works great. The middle layer of extruded Teflon (Gortex) breathes water vapor out and keeps liquid water out. I live in Arizona, so we don't get rain every day, but torrential downpours are the occasional possibility. This jacket predates DWR, of which I'm glad, and don't understand the need for DWR if the middle layer is already waterproof. Also, DWR breaks down over a number of years and becomes a disgusting sticky surface. You can scrub it off with a detergent solution, but I'd rather not have it in the first place. So I'm happy with my old Gortex jacket which comes down to just above the knees and has extra long sleeves, hood, chin guard, vent holes with velcro to open or close, and several pockets inside and out. That being said, I ALWAYS have a $3 rain poncho in my hiking pack, and will use that for the lighter rains.
Arcteryx Zeta SL rain Jacket for me and have been loving it since.
Looks like you have on the SheFly pants. Would love to hear your thoughts on those since I just got my first pair and think they are a game changer!!
You should check out Lightheart gear. I use a rain skirt and combo shoulder/pack cover in warm weather and stay very cool. If its cold I will put a rain jacket on under. The system prevents wet through on shoulders. I have never found a rain jacket that doesn’t wet through and is breathable in all day use.
Great review! I have the Columbia Women's Arcadia II and I love it. I have two (having bought a too large size but still use it for rainy dog walks and guests in need). Works so well, I tried a few others that did not work nearly as well. Looking forward to more gear reviews.
I like Frogg Toggs for a lightweight shell when I'm fishing. My shell has pockets, too. It works much better than Gore-Tex. I've put my Frogg shell through the ringer in very tough conditions and it doesn't leak even after stuffing it in and out of a vest hundreds of times and hiking miles through streamside brush in heavy rain. You can even repair rips with duct tape! I'm on my 2nd one. The 1st one lasted 5yrs before it wore out. At this price point, I'll go with Frogg Toggs every time. I'd be scared to death to rip a $200 jacket on a spruce limb or some such obstacle.
I love my Outdoor Research, OR rain jacket. All the features of the Patagonia for about 20% less.
Love my torrentshell and matching rain pants that come in a short length! I much prefer to buy quality once, and it feels like it's gonna keep my dry for a lot of years :)
I have worn my frog toggs for several years with no tears. I took them (includes the pants) on the John Muir Trail, into the desert, into the mountains. I made pit vents by opening the side seam and installing velcro tabs on both jacket and pants. I wear a billed visor under the hood which keeps the rain out of my face. I can't afford the expensive brand name gear so am very happy with my frog togs.
Well, there's also a middle ground. I've been wearing my 50€ Quechua jacket for three years now and it's been pretty great.
i dont understand why frogg togs doesnt just add pit zips or better yet full length pit zips to their jackets, they would instantly be the most popular item on the market
I bought the very first frog togs back before they even put a zipper on the front wore them out over a decade. Bought another set and am still using them 18 years later. I do use them for three seasons only though.
If you're a fair weather day hiker then get the Frogg, if you're all season hiker or camper invest in something better. I got a LL Bean gortex jacket on clearance, 40%off
Great work and thank you for your videos. I'm primarily a cyclist and have found that Showers Pass jackets, gloves and socks do a great job. Showers Pass is out of Portland Oregon where rain is abundant. I love Patagonia 'Better Sweater' stuff, but wish they used two way zippers for pants pocket access and ventilation. I haven't found anything (Gore-Tex, E-Vent, Artex, etc) that doesn't cause some inside dampness. Your thoughts on what's best to reduce or eliminate condensation please.