Need a new Goretex shell

“My old TNF Mountain Light needs to be replaced. I was going to get a new Mountain Light with the XCR finish, but thought I would ask for other suggestions.

I won't consider anything that is not Goretex. If you have experience with a newer Gortex shell please share.”

“I forgot to add that I need a jacket with pit zips for ventilation.”

“Go Red Ledge - for the price - best deal i've found yet and performs really well.

If you've got cash to truly brun, then Arc'teryx is really hard to beat. $$$$$”

“I can't find a Red Ledge with Goretex.”

“I have the arcteryx alpha sl - it's a two layer pac-lite gortex. I've had it for about a year and love it. It's minimal, so it may not be a good replacement for a mountain light.”

“I think XCR is being replaced by Pro Shell, so you can probably find some good deals on XCR.”

“Garfun, The alpha sl, looks good, but it might be a bit short. Thanks.

T Mac, Ha, it looks like I skipped a generation in shell material.”

“Campmor has the Mountain Light for $250.”

“Gore tex does not work the way they say it does. It keeps water out fine but it does not “breathe”. If the pores are so small that water can’t pass through how are they not clogged up by the glue they use to laminate it? If it “breathes” why do you need the pit zippers and other ventilation openings? Save your money and get a coated fabric with good vent openings. I have the gore tex stuff to cover me horn to hoof and I wouldn’t buy it again. I don’t use it backpacking ever.”

“ArcTeryx do longer shells if you really want to go that way.

http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/appareldetail.cfm/ARC6067”

“It might not be durable enough for true mountaineering (I am assuming that is what you are doing with it), but have you looked at a eVent shell? eVent is more breathable than any Gore material.”

“Mtn Gal, I have been wearing Goretex for over a decade. I would not own rain gear with any other membrane.”

“Bacpac, you are sold on goretex and that’s fine, it is your money after all. But these are words for others to consider. I still would not spend the dough. The rain coat I used in southeast Alaska was water proofed with just surface applied chemicals. Re application was needed after washing but it worked fine. Southeast AK is rain forest. The only way it could get wetter would be to jump in the ocean. Goretex does keep water out. It does not “breathe”.”