Anyone got good recommendation for a nice rain/technical jacket? I'm looking anywhere from $150-$270 to spend. I got gift cards to apply towards them. I probably find some of these models on sale at random websites for 15-20% off if they got my size. I'd like it to be light as possible without much sacrifice to breathability and waterproofness. The one I currently uses makes me feel wet at pressure points from the backpack, and I get hot in it fast. I been using it for 5 years, so I'm ready for a new one.

I bought one from LL Bean. Gore-Tex, mesh liner, breathes well, has stayed dead dry in some major downpours, fits into it's own pocket. I over sized it, as I also wear it in the winter as a wind shell. Great product for my use, though if people look close they may mistake me for a yuppy that escaped his cubicle and wandered outside. http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/63188?feat=68624-pprrtop

I ended up rolling the dice on the Marmot Nano AS. I only paid $85 out of pocket for it, so we'll see how it performs this year in those Smoky Mountain rain.

REI has that jacket for 285!!!!! I'll just send you my money from now on and have you shop for me. Glad you got a deal like that, I bet you'll be happy with it.

I'll let you know! I had gift cards from Christmas so that erode the cost on my end to $85. I couldn't pass up buying what looks like a sweet rain jacket for the price of $85. I could have easily gotten the Pre-Cip or another model without paying anything, but felt the risk of buying more pricier jacket for little cost (talking full retail vs. what i pay) was worth the leap of faith, ya know?