Less than a pound?
Less than a pound?
I've seen a bunch of posts around here that say aside from shelter, pack, and sleeping set up, you should seriously consider upgrading anything that weighs over a pound.
I say carry what you are comfortable carrying. If the jacket works for you, take it.
If you're talking about a simple rain shell, a pound is a little on the heavy side. A cheap Red Ledge jacket at a surplus store weighs about 14 oz, I think. Some popular, more expensive shells are around 12 oz. You can get closer to 8 oz with a few lightweight options that are probably going to cost over $100. Frogg Toggs are light and cheap, but not too durable.
"Throw a loaf of bread and a pound of tea in an old sack and jump over the back fence." John Muir on expedition planning
Just got my Montbell thermawrap (8 ounces). I hate the grind but the paycheck sure pays off.
I have an older Montbell Thermawrap in XL. Weighs about 11 oz and seems as warm as my old 200wt Campmor fleece.
IMO the question isn't specific enough for anything but random scatter-shot answers. Shell or warmth layer jacket? If the latter, what's the lowest temp it might be used at? What other warm upper body clothing items can augment it? Is it being used to augment sleeping bag warmth? Will you wear it while actually hiking (if a warmth layer) or only in camp or at breaks? If a shell, how breathable must it be vs. how truly water resistant? Need venting (pit zips), and how important is that? Okay to have a shell where the water proof finish must be periodically reapplied?
Gadget
PCT: 2008 NOBO, AT: 2010 NOBO, CDT: 2011 SOBO, PNT: 2014+2016
Sorry what i meant was how much should a shell weigh? The one i am looking at weighs in at 14 oz. Just some standard Pac Lite. Think it should do the job.
Under a pound for shells and puffies is OK in my book. I'm really happy with my 6 oz Dri ducks jacket ($15) and my 8 oz down jacket ($too much).
-milkman
got soul?