REI Ultralight Raincoat shell Review

"This is for the ultralight waterproof raincoat, I forget the exact name, but it's the very simple Elements kind, weighs under 1lb, has a little stuff sack.

THe waterproofing didn't last long. I took it out in some light rains and it performed fine in the first few months, but just today (12-22-2005) we had some heavy rains in the SF Bay Area, and the jacket was wetting thru on the wrists and shoulders, and I returned it to the local REI and walked out with another brand. The staff told me that the waterproofing needs to be renewed every year or so, but I'd only used the jacket a few times in the rain, and they were very surprised and told me that they'd never had one of these returned.

I'm thinking I was just unlucky, but still REI can do better, so I'm giving this a 3."

"Had this jacket, used it in Costa Rica, i was very happy with it, breathed very well. I ended up taking it back though because of a defective zipper. As always, REI customer service/return policy is second to none!.. Thinking about getting another one now as my annual AT section hike is approaching, and i want to ditch my poncho!"