Zach. They are both very good jackets. It all depends what you are looking for when it comes to bells and whistles. Depending on the model one might have more than the other. The fabric and coatings in both jackets will perform similarly in waterproof-ness and breathability. Good luck!

I have this jacket from a few years back and it works just as good in a downpour now as it did when i first put it on. It was adequate pockets and the pit zips are a huge factor. It has been tough so far i have not had any rips or pack wear and have used it on many backpacking trips with a heavy pack and lots of bush whacking. It packs down nicely and with the price you just can't beat it.

Bought a Mountain Hardwear rain jacket a few months ago, it developed a tear in the lower side, then the pocket ripped out, and I also found a thin linear tear in the hood, with all 3 I can honestly say I do not know how they happened, I do not remember getting snagged, nor have I ever had anything like this happen. Mailed to MH, they said it was my fault, these were not covered by warranty, and that I had to be aware of how these basically jacket falling apart incidents occurred, they said they would patch it and send it back to me. Back country offered to take it back after I wrote to them about the problem, I would say, do not get MH, very flimsy stuff, plus an unproffesional, uncaring, and not solving their manufacturing problem warranty department. I am a 70 year old man who basically used it twice a day to walk his dog in the rain, I would hate to see what happens when it is worn in a hiking situation. Kudos to Back Country for offering to correct the problem.

You found your shell right here with the Epic Jacket, for the price it can not be beat!! The Epic is very well built, big pockets and pit zips (you want those for sure!)- I have had one for 3 years now and it still sheds water like it did when it was new! Seems to me you will need a medium or possibly a large, depending on your sleeve length and so on, check the sizing chart on this page to be sure. If you need to spend under $100 let me suggest to you the Sierra Designs Hurricane HP ($73.96)- it has pit zips, pockets and a good reputation. Be weary of anything under $70, from my experience they just can't build them to last at that cost...