staehpj1

Okay so the super $$$ Shake Dry fabric is being phased out over the next few years as PFC are going to be phased out. They already stopped making the fabric, but apparently have a stock pile for a couple years of production. By all reports it is great stuff.

There are other fabrics like Pearl Izumi Pro Barrier (Pi Dry) that are new or newish and have good reviews.

I never liked the Goretex of the old days and generally have avoided it in favor of plain old non breathable coated nylon or just DWR treated nylon. Depending on the trip I have most often used something more like a wind shirt than a rain jacket. I tended to avoid locales and times when constant rain were likely and when it came any way I just got wet and worried more about wind chill than staying dry.

All that said I am curious about these newer fabrics and their application for both my daily rides and for touring, bearing in mind that I have already pretty much foresaken traditional rain gear. The price of admission is pretty steep for Shake Dry. The PI stuff isn't so bad price wise. Anyone with experience with these garments care to comment on them?

GhostRider62

GORE‑TEX INFINIUM™ resists a light drizzle for about 20-30 minutes before wetting out.

L134 

Shake Dry is the real deal. I just ordered a second as a back up despite the cost. I also have a Shake Dry cap. Even without rain they are excellent as windbreakers and really are more comfortable than things that don't breath. I know you like UL and these are that. I bought mine after touring with a guy who had one and said he never got wet or cold on a trip with a lot of both. I was mostly wet and cold with my Showers Pass jacket that would wet out, weigh a ton and not keep me very dry. The only disadvantage to the cap over a rain hood is that it doesn't keep one's ears warm. For me, both the jacket and cap are worth the cost even if only as windbreakers for warmth. As far as I am concerned, anything that can wet out is a no go. I've never been happy with the Showers Pass but, until now, didn't think there was anything better out there.

StarBiker

I have an Outdoor Research Furio that is pretty tough Gortex. I am not cycling like you folks are though. Just looking at the at shake dry......I never cared for tight cycling clothing. Never cared for cycling clothing......(Yes the shake dry is not bike specific.)

pakeboi

I'm also looking for non cycling specific rain jacket for general use including casual cycling . Breathable , Lightweight / Summer weight . Packable .
I was looking at the ShowerPass Syncline CC Jacket but have read some negative reviews .
But a general purpose rain jacket like that is what I'm looking for .

MarcusT

Avoid 'Mac in a Sac'. A waterproof, breathable jacket that packs very small, but my experience has been; not very waterproof