Backpacking rain/snow shell.

i have a shell and it gets really annoying because you have to layer up a lot and you get really chilly. i would get a light insulated jacket that is versatile.

that has nothing to do with what he asked...

don't need or want any insulation. already have wool and down midlayers and a pretty tech softshell, just need a true waterproof shell that I hope I won't ever need to wear. And being able to resort ski in it too would be a nice perk. seems like my options are a super light rain shell or a normal 3layer winter shell, and im curious what people think about these options.

ArcTeryx Alpha FL is fucking cash

I bike in an REI basic model rain shell and it keeps me dry and breathes well with vents, and has decent pockets. My only experience with rain shells is REI and Northface so I recommend the basic model of both of those. Might be a tad pricey, but well worth it if you get a decent amount of wet weather. And remember most of the time being cold is related to wind chill, so with a few layers underneath these shells you will be warmer than you think.

I own a Trew jacket (pow funk working man) and it is great in rain. I skied with it in straight downpours and I stayed dry, very dry. I use it a rain coat in warmer weather too. The shell is pretty heavy, making it amazing in durability, it has really stood up to some abuse wonderfully, but because of the thicker fabric it can get pretty warm compared to the more technical arc teryx type rain shell. Despite that I prefer the heavier shell, I work my gear pretty hard and I expect it to hold up to a beating, so for me Trew is it. If you are less rough on your stuff go with a lighter gauge jacket, it will pack easier and be a bit cooler for hikes. All that aside these shells are pretty expensive if you are looking to save a buck by a few reusable ponchos they are really useful and easy to pack as well as cheap. I have a few of those for out door activities, usually for when I forget my coat.

I have a Trew Powfunk, but I'm thinking of picking up a cosmic as a dedicated rainshell/backcountry skiing coat. Any input on this?

i've owned a trew pow funk, bellows, and cosmic. for a light backcountry shell the cosmic is hands down the best of all of them. it packs to about half the size of the other two and is just as bomber and waterproof

to OP, a dedicated rain jacket is gonna be best for hiking and backpacking since it will weigh nothing and pack down to the size of your fist, but if you want a jacket you can shower in and take skiing in the rain then i recommend a trew cosmic

the north face terkko jacket is probably your best bet, you need look no further!

Patagonia Torrentshell for a dedicated backpacking/hiking/around town shell. good vents, packs in on it's self which is great for throwing it in a pack for the day.

Patagonia Primo Jacket, it has a long, slim cut unlike from what I've seen from Trew. 3 Layer Gore-Tex wont let any water through and breathes incredibly well. Packs smaller than any other ski jacket I've had but I still wouldn't bring it on long backpacking trips.

I'm not just a patagonia whore, everything they make is perfectly dialed. I've never had a complaint about any piece I've bought from them.  

From personal experience, I wouldn't recommend a winter shell for a rain coat. I've done it before, and was much too hot, even with just a tee shirt under it. I was dry, but sweating on the inside.

I know Helly Hanson makes some good rain coats as well, can't remember any models, but I've owned a few, and they were amazing.

LL bean all day my dude. Life time warranty no questions asked and their product is comparable to any I've tried. Check them out.

this is what im worried about.

I found a sick helly hanson rain shell at a used equipment store for $12, packs down pretty good, back and pit vents, bout 33 inches, purple and blue, think im just gonna get a nikwax waterproofing kit and see if I cant get by with that setup this summer and save my money for some arc'teryx and/or trew next year.