Sierra Designs Vortex Parka

This jacket has all the features of a TNF Mountain Light parka, but the price was much better. I bought my wife one as well since Campmor had them so cheap. Our first time out in them was in the Redwoods during the horrible El Nino spring of 1998. The jackets wetted out after one day, but we remained dry inside. When we got home we used some Gore spray on them and they have been fine ever since.

During numerous wilderness outings, including five days on the Juan De Fuca Marine Trail on the coast of Vancouver Island, these jackets have worked without a single problem. No zipper failures. No rips, and more important, NO DRIPS. The Core Vent system keeps us cool, but the placement of these "pit zips" up near your chest does let heavier rain inside. When completely enclosed in this jacket I still don't sweat enough for it to get me wet.

This jacket was a bargain and still looks new after a lot of use. They have been in rain forests as well as snowshoeing in Idaho and they work just fine in all seasons and all types of weather. If you find them on sale you probably should pick one up. Heck, get your wife one too.