Originally Posted by
OneOldSeaDog
I am doing a cross country ride this summer on the Northern Tier and need a new rain jacket. My two finalists are Showers Pass 2.1 and Arcteryx Beta LT Hybrid Jacket. REI has the Arcteryx jacket in stock but not the Summers Pass. Any input from current users would be appreciated.
We have gone through this in the past a few times with varying opinions. Me I am happy with my Mountain Hardwear Chinley 3L but if I were to go with a new one I would probably go with the new Gore Active (WP on the outside) or get a better Neoshell jacket to replace the RAB shell I got (Sugoi makes a nice cycling one).
If I had to pick between the two you have chosen I would go Arcteryx all the way. I have a bunch of Arc. and I love it all. They always make top quality gear that will last and last. Their A2B collection has some great stuff directed at cyclists most especially the commuter crowd but a lot of that stuff looks great off the bike or would work well touring.
7Mesh would be another one to check out as they are former Arcteryx folks who are doing cycling specific stuff. That translates to a fanatical devotion to quality gear with top level fabrics and design but all cycling.