I picked up both jackets today; Mountain Hardwear Exponent for $56 CAD and the Marmot Adonis for $120 CAD. Trying to decide which to keep.

MHW: https://www.atmosphere.ca/categories/me ... olor%5D=01

Marmot: https://www.atmosphere.ca/categories/me ... olor%5D=60

I can't seem to find much info on the VaporDry on the MHW, and the NanoPro on the Marmot seems to be better than some Gore-Tex (but not all Gore-Tex) based on these articles... unless I'm misinterpreting.

Article 1: https://www.paddypallin.com.au/blog/all ... f-fabrics/

Article 2: http://www.sunrisegear.com/2014/05/marm ... e-tex.html

It also looks like both of these are 2.5 layer, and I've been reading 3 layer is the way to go if you can afford it... but does that really make a huge difference? I'll be using it for mostly canoe tripping in Algonquin, but also for day hiking on vacations (going to Madeira in March)

Does anyone have experience with either of these jackets? Is the NanoPro worth the $120 compared to the $56 for the MHW?

I think I have the mtn hardware jacket. It's a raincoat and works like one. It does not breathe, but that's not why I purchased it. I bought it to keep the rain out and to be light. I've only used it for one season, but it worked well.

rab

I find the breath ability of Goretex and similar materials to be basically laughable. Personally I would save the money myself. $56 is a good price for a good quality jacket.

Thank you both rab and Petit.Conan

Both jackets have the pit zips so that should definitely help with airflow even if the jackets themselves aren't extremely breathable.

If anyone else has one of these jackets would love to get some more opinions as well

I’d say the two jackets are very similar—in weights, features, etc.

Both are lightweight rain jackets, suitable for your travel statement.

I’d go with the $56 MHW.

_________________
Brian
http://www.JohnstonPursuits.ca

 

Thanks, that seems to be the consensus so far

I put more value in the waterproof breathable materials than many of the responses you are seeing here and on AA. Compared to a non-breathable coat that is actually waterproof the waterproof breathable materials are orders of magnitude better.

That doesn't mean they are magic and the pit zips are still very important for venting but the waterproof breathable fabrics really do breath. Perhaps the best example I can offer is that even kneeling in 2" of water in the pouring rain the first week of May with the temperature just above freezing my pants will stay dry under my North Face Dryvent rain pants. What's more is if my pants get wet while not wearing the rain pants, they will dry out once I put the rain pants on.

_________________
No, your other left!
Loon Island Outdoors
"Like" my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LoonIslandOutdoors

I'd go with whatever is the most comfortable, especially in the shoulders/sleeves - if the intent is to wear it paddling.

Less breathable materials with good pit zips will be fine in summer, who cares if you're damp if it's plus 20. Shoulder seasons - for me - is when materials like Gore-Tex make a difference. In shoulder seasons though, a generic paddling jacket with sealed cuffs will keep you more comfortable than a Gore-Tex rain jacket.

For me, I have a Kokatat Gore-Tex pullover for paddling and a Marmot rain coat for camp, hiking, city, etc. The Marmot may even be the one you posted. I didn't pay much for it on sale at Atmosphere.

Also, both my Gore-tex items (the pullover and a Kokatat drysuit) are certainly breathable.