If I would live in Murica, I would definitely go with a jacket from:
http://www.freeridesystems.com/
100% produced in America, materials too. 389$ for a Jacket is maybe a bit over your budget, but you can write a message to the owner, either over TGR or via e-mail and he will give you the (TGR) promo code. I think thats about 20-30% off. Result: Around 300 bucks for a really solid and long lasting jacket.
nwt3k.com makes really nice stuff too, but maybe a little bit too pricey for you?
I am not really happy with the durability of the big brands, aka. The North Face, Patagonia and Flylow. I made my worst experience in BC with a Flylow jacket.
Atm I am using two different Armada jackets and both are well made and really durable. But Armada 3L Goretex stuff is pretty pricey.