What jacket?

Ok, I have been looking into getting a new jacket because I have some nicer layering clothes now and I think I can save a ton of space in my pack by getting one of these new fancy light weight jackets. My old one basically fills a pack by itself and leaked on me the last time it rained on me.

I don't entirely understand this layering buisness, and by that I mean I think sitka wants me to buy 4 jackets and layer them?!

I do think a jacket needs to be windproof and waterproof. (I don't want a jacket and separate rain jacket)

Basically I need an exterior layer to my system and I am currently wearing the following (all or part depending on the temp).

Underarmour coldgear shirt
Firstlite shirt
Firstlite sweater (slightly heavier shirt)
Firstlite vest
Fleece pullover

A good coat could make the fleece pullover not needed except in extreme cold...but these fancy sitka, kuiu, etc., coats don't seem to have much insulation really...so I don't know. I was looking at the sitka cloudburst. Kuiu guide DCS, but I worry that its not as windproof and the waterproofing will wear off in a year or two. I know there are a bunch of others out there too.

I live in NM, where it doesn't rain much, but I still don't want to get wet when it does.

What do you guys think is the perfect layer to finish my system?

Danny

I have been using a hodge podge of new layers this year. I bought a Russell Gale jacket for the outside layer. It is supposed to be semi-waterproof. I have only had it in drizzle and snow and it did okay. It cuts the wind good. One complaint is that the zippers made way too much noise when walking. I took the little strings off the end of them that were flapping and that fixed it.

I am not ready to pass final judgement, but so far it's been okay. There iare several camo patterns to chose from unlike sitka.

I too am in need for a pure rain coat that is light to keep in the pack...

Danny: For cold weather hunting all you really need is some top quality military spec's long johns like "Morgan" brand stuff, smartwool socks, insulated gortex boots, Gortex waterproof pants, a nice shirt and a good quality Gortex jacket. You can spend a ton of money on the big money brands or you can just go to... or on-line to Cablea's and get some of their MTO50 stuff which last forever. It will make your backpack a bunch lighter using the Gortex gear and wearing it from the get go and leaving all those layers at home ...IMO

))))------->

I'm in NM and carry Cabellas Rain Suede with me most times when hunting.If it's going to be real cold I have a Kings Mountain parka that is great.Real windy or snow,Cabellas Berber fleece with wind shear,but I still carry the Rain Suede for back up if it gets wet out/thaw.