>>2636978Very informative post. I would suggest that if you are going to buy an expensive waterproof jacket, that it serves multiple purposes (hiking, biking, backpacking, even skiing). In that respect, a hard shell with a waterproof-breathable membrane sandwiched in the middle is the most versatile. You can always respray the water repellent coating on (if you have to have the water bead).
Also consider design features such as a hood that fits over helmets, pit or wrist zips, ski pass pocket, location of other pockets, etc. that fit your needs. Obviously no one jacket can do it all, but if I had to pick just one, it would be the Arc'teryx Rush ski jacket. Get it on sale, slightly larger than you think you need and it will serve you through all seasons for many years, falls from skiing, scraping through the trees on the bike, torrential rain to well below freezing. The only drawback is that it feels like a hardshell - like wearing a semi rigid shell that makes a lot of noise.
If you haven't tried Shakedry, it is amazing. But as mentioned, it's about as durable as tissue paper. You take one fall in a Shakedry jacket and it's trash. Too bad they are not producing it anymore, nothing really compares to it.
