One of the hood adjusters doubles as a way to roll up and secure the hood when you dont need it. We wouldnt necessarily recommend using this as a wind-blocker, but you could in a pinch. Hiking towards a rainstorm along the Colorado Trail. Weight: 6.3 oz.Waterproofing: Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5 layerHH: 20,000 mmMVTR: 20,000 g/m/24hr. We guarantee our products, materials, and installation to be of the highest quality available anywhere, and offer warranties with all of our services. The jacket isnt flawless when it comes to weather resistance, however, as it tends to let a little water in during prolonged exposure to heavy rain. This rain shell could be more waterproof, though, and youll want to reapply a DWR coating regularly to keep it from wetting out. You want a jacket that moves as comfortably as you move. Youre in the right place! These ratings, called moisture vapor transmission rates (MVTR), are measured in grams per square meter over 24 hours (g/m/24hr). Unlike other lightweight shells, this one can take the abuse of constant use, too. But, this is a minimalist model made for ultralight hikers, backpackers, trail runners, and climbers. Im 511 and 175 pounds, and the medium-sized Versalite fits me perfectly. The bottom of the Versalite overlaps with rain paints by a comfortable margin. And for those of you truly adventurous, the Light Weight Tarp Wide is a very lightweight option for shelter that can be configured into a variety of setups. Another bonus of Zeo-Line's quick-drying properties is the ability to wash it everyday and have it dry and ready to wear the next morning. Fully-Adjustable Hood: The Versalite has a 3-way adjustable hood: a velcro tab on the top to control the brim, a drawcord on the back to widen peripheral vision two drawcords at the sides to adjust the hoods fit to your face. With an articulated fit, it has just enough room to ensure maximum mobility. Roll over image to zoom in Finally, does the jacket youre considering have a chin protector and wicking fabric? Firstly, it has peristaltic underarm vents. Complete with a solid, fully adjustable hood, the Drypoint comes with just the right amount of features to be functional. Other than its weather resistance, this jacket is virtually flawless. Bottom-Line: Less waterproof and breathable than other options on our list, but perfect for buyers keen to keep costs to a minimum. For this reason, adjustable closures (adjustable hem, neck, and cuffs) are the way to go. Out of the garments below, the Plasma 1000 Jacket, Superior Down and Ex Light Anorak provide roughly the same amount of warmth. When it gets cold, wet, or both, pull these mitts out and pull them over your hands. Just because you are going ultralight doesn't mean you need to leave essential items at home all together. The most essential piece of gear to be wet-weather-ready is a waterproof jacket. DWR sprays are best for this because they only deposit the waterproof coating on the outside of the jacket. During light or intermittent periods of rain, the jacket has never wet out on me. If youre ready for rain, a day hiking under some clouds can be fun. Speaking of ultra waterproof-breathable rain jackets, the Ultimate Direction Ultra is just that. Youll be looking good on a windy summit and it wont be flapping in the wind since its snug against your skin. Hi Noel. The Montbell Storm Cruiser is lightweight, has great storm resistance, and is full of features. And, the inside of that fabric is textured, so if youre working hard it wont give you that clammy next-to-skin feel. In truth, however, you just have to figure out what you want your jacket to do for you, then find the jacket that does all those things within your budget. The outer shell is made with an ultrathin material that is surprisingly strong and provides excellent wind proofing. Weight: 5.4 oz. Need a reliable rain-blocker that wont break the bank? What did you think of our recommendations? A rain jacket with a hole wont keep water out, so durability is especially important for hikes with a lot of bushwhacking or scrambling, or for other high-abrasion activities. The higher level of durability that the Storm Cruiser provides makes it our #1 recommendation for people just starting to make a foray into ultralight. Theyre all useful to increase airflow and cool you down. It also comes in many color choices. Always looking for a new adventure in a part of the world Ive never visited. With an MVTR of 43,000, this waterproof jacket is seriously breathable, so you wont overheat when hiking hard. Bottom Line: With outstanding weather resistance and all these features packed into less than half a pound, Montbell hit the nail on the head. Its hood is also only adjustable in one spot, as well. The jackets fabric a thin two-layer GORE-TEX Windstopper + 10-denier ripstop nylon combo is far more breathable than that of my retired Marmot PreCip and or the Frogg Toggs Ultralite jacket I tried briefly. Look for a very packable rain jacket, ideally one that packs into its own pocket. Consider if you use the pockets on a rain jacket while hiking. If your garment doesnt shed moisture adequately, it will feel colder, heavier, and wont be as waterproof until it dries. How Montbell squeezed all of these great features into the Versalite while keeping the jacket at featherlight 6.4 ounces is remarkable. Look for rain jackets that arent too tight. If youre going backpacking on the Appalachian Trail during the rainy season youll probably want a more durable rain jacket with high levels of waterproofing. Ventilation comes in the form of armpit zips, side zippers, core vents, mesh pockets, the main zipper, or other various ventilation holes built into a jacket. This combination makes the Storm Pack great for overnight excursions and the Alpine Packs well suited for multi-day trips. The rain shells below are what we recommend to users looking to lighten their load. If you do, look for water-resistant zippers to ensure no rain sneaks in when youre not using them. ZEO-LINE Light Weight Round Neck Shirt Men's, ZEO-LINE Light Weight U-Neck Shirt Women's, Merino Wool SUPPORTEC Walking Short Socks, Super Merino Wool Light Weight Tights Men's, Super Merino Wool Light Weight Tights Women's, Super Merino Wool Light Weight Round Neck Shirt Men's, Super Merino Wool Light Weight Round Neck Shirt Women's. The Ultra is very breathable and waterproof, but what makes it stand out is its array of well-designed features. And, it only has one pocket. And when things warm-up, you can release those hatches to let in a little air. It can be adjusted at multiple points, has a stout brim, and doesnt block our peripheral vision when we snug it up around our heads. Keep in mind, the Versalite is an ultralight jacket and is made with a thin and lightweight 10-denier nylon. Pit Zips: Arguably my favorite feature of this jacket, the Versalites 16.5-inch armpit zippers allow hikers to zip and unzip as they please, letting in air to manage breathability and body temperature throughout their hike. Weather Resistance Rating: 4 out of 5 stars, The 16.5-inch pit zips are great for breathability. 2. The Montbell Versalite is one of the very best rain jackets for backpacking and hiking available. Our sleeping bags are well known for the comfort they provide in a lightweight, compact package. The lightest model in our review is the Patagonia Houdini Air (4.1 oz. Thats fine with me, though, as it performs very well in most rainy situations and has the features to manage any of the precipitation that seeps through. Still, I believe this lightweight material enhances its breathability, which is a trade-off Im happy to accept. If its packable, after all, youll not only save space but also be more likely to bring it with you. The Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 Stretch sits somewhere between a standard rain jacket and a technical hardshell. No matter what the activity, thats why you wear it. There are certainly more outright weather-resistant options in this review, but we decided to include this one since its so darn light and offers reasonable rain protection. Because, when your body builds up heat, you can open your jacket for mechanical venting. Theyll keep your hands just warm enough without causing you to overheat. The hook-and-loop tab that adjusts hood brim height doubles as a way to roll up and secure the hood, too. The Zeta SL has a trim fit, yet it doesnt sacrifice mobility. ), which relies on a DWR coating for weather resistance. For activities like backcountry skiing or winter mountaineering, youd be better off with a true three-layer hardshell. This jacket stands out in durability, waterproofing, and fit. Ventilation is often considered in conjunction with breathability. Its a pitty Marmot discontinued their 2014 Marmot Essence which was a perfect UL 175gr rain jacket, always stayed in the bottom of my pack for the just in case situation and was half the price of the Versalite. But we think its worth the price. The Versalite does well in light to moderate precipitation, but can wet out in long exposure to heavy rain. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Products Using it less often will increase the lifespan of your investment. 1316 Lakewood Ave SE, Suite L-1 From mobile and durable hardshells to ultralight rain jackets for high-alpine adventurers, our list has something for everyone! Its breathable enough that it can be used as a wind shell and is the lightest model on our list that comes with pit zips. And if the sun is shining, this jacket packs down into the tiny included stuff sack. We wouldve liked to see pit zips, but at least there is some ventilation via the chest pocket and hand pockets. The measurement is given in millimeters and measures how high a column of water on the fabric can be before the water starts to penetrate the fabric. Ideally, it will have at least 2 adjustment points, but 3 is better. Even if youve never been caught out in a crazy storm while on a hike, your luck will run out at some point. Click for large image. The Houdini Air does a good job in light rain and is the perfect jacket to throw in your pack on a nice summer day just in case. MEN'S VERSALITE JACKETWOMEN'S VERSALITE JACKET. And, it does this while keeping the price affordable. Required fields are marked *. The Enlightened Equipment Visp is an ultralight 3-layer waterproof-breathable rain shell. As I mentioned earlier, the Versalites 10-denier fabric doesnt offer the best water resistance. Please use this form to request a quote for service for your home or business. Though they take a little force to zip and unzip (due to their waterproofing), I never worry that theyll come off track or tear the nylon if I pull too hard. Even worse, the zipper pull might dig into your hips under your hip belt. The Gore-Tex Infinium fabric is ultralight, packable, and ultra-breathable. Unlike many budget jackets, which all too often feel like flappy trash bags with arms, the Groundbreaker has a trim tailored-feeling and athletic fit that leaves very little fabric to flail in the wind. However, its light weight, packability, and low cost make the ideal just in case jacket to carry on iffy weather days. Generally, this means jackets made with 20d or thicker ripstop outer fabric. Its as simple as that. The Groundbreaker wouldnt be our top pick for heavy rain or when hiking hard and fast its 2-layer design means its always likely to leave you damp either from precipitation or sweat in either of these conditions. Above 20,000 mm (Montbell Storm Cruiser, Arcteryx Zata SL, Montbell Versatile, REI Drypoint, REI XeroDry, MH Exposure/2, Ultimate Direction Ultra) is only necessary for extremely heavy rain think extended monsoons with strong winds. Generally, fabrics in the range of 16,000-20,000 mm (EE Visp, Marmot Precip Eco, OR Helium) tend to be adequate for all but the most torrential downpours. Looking for a true all-rounder that wont weigh down your pack when not in use? Closures will ultimately dictate how well you can batten down the hatches with a jacket. The Zeta SL has a great non-helmet-compatible hood, too. The REI Drypoint GTX is a lightweight, highly functional, and cozy shell. 8.3 x 5.1 x 2.6 in (21.0 x 13.0 x 6.5 cm). When hes not out on a trail somewhere, you can find him cruising on his bike or drinking coffee on a patio in Denver, Colorado. The outer layer of the Versalite is made from Ballistic Airlight nylon ripstop, which is woven in such a way that protects against tearing and abrasion while still letting the fabric stretch and breathe. He has logged over 10,000 miles bike touring all over the United States, too. Before that, well introduce you to the 12 best lightweight rain jackets of the year. This design makes it less breathable and less waterproof than other jackets on our list (to be expected at this price point, of course), but it performed well enough in heavy rain to earn its spot. Montbell retail store offers a wide variety of products. But what makes one model a better option than another? This is one of the lightest rain jackets we tested and the least expensive in the sub-7-ounce category. It does have some downsides, though. You can have the most breathable or lightest rain jacket in the world, but if it doesnt keep you dry then whats the point? In this guide to the best lightweight rain jacket on the market, well explain everything you need to know. The stitching on this jacket is flawless. Bottom-Line: Youre not going to find a more capable hardshell in this price range. Its clear that this jacket was thoughtfully engineered and masterfully designed, which is what I have come to expect from Montbell gear. No need to fold this jacket up neatly or baby it; its durable enough to pack tightly away. But, it is on the more weather-resistant end of the wind jacket spectrum. Waterproofing: 3-layer 7D ripstop nylonHH: 20,000 mmMVTR: 75,000 g/m/24hr. My decision came down to two popular ultralight rain jackets: the Outdoor Research Helium II and the Montbell Versalite. I am a member, but I have not set a password yet. Most waterproof: Montbell Versalite, Montbell Storm Cruiser, and Ultimate Direction UltraBest for breathability: Enlightened Equipment Visp, Montbell Versalite, and Montbell Storm CruiserLightest: Patagonia Houdini Air, Enlightened Equipment Visp, Outdoor Research Helium, Montbell Versalite, and Ultimate Direction Ultra. Your email address will not be published. This makes the water bead up when rain lands on your jacket and thus allows it to shed that moisture. Interested to see where the industry goes in another 25 years! About Us | Weight: 12.5 oz.Waterproofing: 2-layer GORE-TEX HH: 28,000 mmMVTR: 15,000 g/m/24hr. Marmot has made the Precip for close to 20 years, but theyve updated it to include 100% recycled ripstop nylon in the construction. Lots of little reductions in weight add up! Its made with 40d ripstop nylon face fabric, thats the thickest face fabric used in any of the jackets we reviewed. Basically, MVTR attempts to measure how much moisture can pass through a fabric. Best Camping Knife for Outdoor Adventures, Best 4-Person Tent For Comfortable Camping Trips, Best Hiking Belt For Outdoor Adventures In 2022, Best Camp Shoes For Taking The Load Off 2022, Best Tent For Rain And Wind: Ideal Shelters for Bad-Weather. Despite weighing under 7 ounces, the Versatile is loaded with features: hook and loop wrist cuffs, hip-belt compatible chest pockets, and an internal hem adjuster. We also found, however, that the interior can get a little clammy and it tends to wet out faster than more expensive 3-layer Gore-Tex models. Many of the ultralight jackets on this list are hip-belt compatible, but not all of them. Youll see ratings ranging from 15,000 (Zeta SL, REI XeroDry) to 75,000 (Enlightened Equipment Visp) here. Home | Conversely, if the wind picks up and temperatures drop, I can tighten up the waist, velcro the wrist cuffs, and cinch the hood snug to trap my body heat and stay warm. At the bottom, youll even find detailed buying advice to help you find the best model for your needs, budget, and adventure type. This is a 100% reliable way to cool off when youre working hard. This alleviates many unforseen issues and coordination conflicts, while providing the best product available. If so, the ultra-breathable Enlightened Equipment Visp is the shell for you! Stash one of these in your pack and hit the trail no matter what the weathers doing! I trek into the wilderness, geek out about gear, and travel with the least amount of baggage as I can. Weight: 10 oz.Waterproofing: 3-layer GORE C-KNIT Backer Technology, 20-denier Ballistic ripstop nylon with DWR finishHH: 50,000 mmMVTR: 35,000 g/m/24hr. Bottom-Line: Though this jacket is expensive, we think its worth the price for a dependable shell designed for active pursuits.. Both nylon and polyester are hydrophobic, but if they arent DWR-treated the jacket will eventually wet out. If you've read our article about Down Fill Power (and if you haven't go read it now! At $199, the Montbell Versalite isnt a budget purchase by any stretch of the imagination, but its worth the price tag for those in search of a compact, breathable, full-featured ultralight rain jacket. The Zeta SL (click here for womens version) performed very well across every category we tested, so we had to give it the award for most versatile rain jacket. Our Zeo-Line baselayers are made with polyester, which has been treated with a wicking agent to promote moving moisture away from your skin and drying quickly. We have a variety of options for sleeping. Whats the point of carrying waterproof gear all that time if it doesnt do what you need it to do when needed? The SCs textured backing doesnt feel clammy against your bare skin and the pit zips come in handy when you crank up the pace, too. Im going to Google the Western Arthur Range right now. In fact, its the most expensive on this list. The hood can also roll up and be secured down by the velcro tab. Meaning, just because it is 1000 fill powder doesn't make it magically warm. Wonderful place. Services | This ultralight shell also has stowable waterproof mitts. It holds up well in storms and breathes surprisingly well. They need regular cleaning withtech wash to help refresh the DWR coating. As always feel free to share this article with friends and family looking to upgrade their hiking wardrobe. The treatment keeps the fabric from saturating with water. All Rights Reserved. From state-of-the-art down jackets and sleeping bags, to innovative rain gear and everything in between, these are the painstakingly crafted pieces that define who we are, and what it means to hit the trail ultralight. Weight/Packability Rating: 5 out of 5 stars, The Versalite is worth the splurge for hikers and backpackers looking to lighten their load. So while nothing in this review is particularly heavy, there is still a wide range in weight represented here. Though the Versalite does a good job at shedding precipitation, small amounts have seeped in on a couple of occasions during prolonged periods hiking in heavy rain. There are some extremely high MVTR ratings on some of these jackets. A minimalist rain jacket at heart, the Versalite does everything I ask of it, without including unnecessary features or adding excess ounces. Home Weight: 13.7 oz.Waterproofing: GORE-TEX Paclite stretch fabric HH: 28,000 mmMVTR: 15,000 g/m/24hr. Wool is a great option for daily usage on multiday trips due to its natural abilities to fight odor. The REI Groundbreaker 2.0 is a great pick for buyers who arent fussed with fancy bells and whistles, and who dont need bombproof waterproofing. For International Shipping,Select country. See why all of our clients are repeat clients with our exceptional service, attention to detail, and workmanship. In this guide, we will be covering the following: A reliable waterproof or water-resistant jacket is essential for any hiking adventure. In the end, I chose the Versalite and have since worn it for over 100 miles in light drizzles, heavy downpours, and everything in between. Amazing whats out there these days.. unthinkable 25 years ago (when I bought most of my gear haha..), Id imagine. Youre likely better off going with a lighter-weight rain jacket and only wearing it in when its actively raining. With fiber, distance is not an issue. That 75,000 g/m/24hr breathability rating is certainly a result of extremely controlled laboratory settings. These lightweight packs have two things in common. Weve broken down some considerations below. A rain jackets most important job is to keep you dry. It uses 20d outer fabric, which is much thicker than some lightweight jackets. Because when its pouring down, youll want to tighten your sleeves, hood, and waist hem to stay as dry as possible. At the start of this hiking season, Id been searching for a new rain jacket after hiking for a couple of years with the underwhelming Marmot PreCip. Breathability ratings are often determined by material manufacturers. Breathability is important when working hard in stormy weather. FREE GROUND SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS ABOVE $50 FOR THE CONTIGUOUS US! We are proud to have worked with many manufacturers and vendors throughout the Southeast to provide the highest quality products and services available to our customers. With all these features for less than 7 ounces, Montbell hit the bulls eye with this one. The smaller your jacket, the more room youll have for other goodies! Bottom-Line: A durable, highly waterproof, and great-fitting jacket. And the DWR will wear off quickest where the backpack rubs, too. Weight: 14.5 oz.Waterproofing: 2-layer waterproof breathable laminateHH: N/A MVTR: N/A. Though it is very breathable, we dont think its necessarily twice as breathable as any other item on this list. This is why it has earned our Editors Choice award for lightweight rain jackets. When precipitation does sneak into the jacket, it can be dealt with by utilizing a couple of the jackets helpful features. They are extremely weather resistant. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); MyOpenCountry is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. The XeroDry GTX is one of the best value Gore-Tex shells youll find anywhere. Our security solutions can keep you apprised of everything that's happening in your facility, in real-time, Also known as Structured Cabling, we have the ability to design, install, repair, and maintain your office data systems. The Versalite comes with its own stuff sack, which is separate from the jacket. The jacket can be jammed into the stuff sack, much like you would with a sleeping bag, without any worry of damaging it. Fully Taped Seams and Waterproof Zipper: Every single seam on this jacket is covered with waterproofing tape, which means precipitation wont seep in along the stitching. Zippered hand pockets have a high utility, but many of the best ultralight rain jackets dont have them. Products | Uptime Authority is proud to offer our superior customer service and skill to all of the Southeast. On any given day he's either backpacking, bikepacking, trail running, or thinking about the next time hell get out there. About Us Im an ultralight backpacker gear nerd. The Groundbreakers 2-layer construction combines a soft polyester shell with a breathable mesh lining. It performs well enough all-around to justify its high price. The jackets Aqua-Tect weather-resistant zipper saves weight by eliminating the need for storm flaps. Hey, I'm Noel. Our Down Sleeping Wrap #2 Long, is a great option for people that prefer the weight and space saving benefits of a quilt. Its not the most breathable, but it does have pit zips. Because if it doesnt you might end up with some chafing on your chin! The My Open Country name is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The Versalite isnt going to hold off heavy, prolonged rain quite as well as youd expect from bulkier, heavier rain jackets across the market. These weatherproofed zippers run from my lower lats to halfway up my tricep, which makes venting out my jacket a breeze. These fabrics are usually three layers, with the middle layer being the most waterproof. As of yet, it has shown little sign of wear, and I anticipate that it will continue holding up for many more miles in the future. It doesnt have pit zips either, but those would increase the weight. Youll be able to press on in cold, wet conditions without overheating in this one. Using your jackets for high-output hiking, trail running, or ski-touring? Do you have any questions about the Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket that werent answered in my review? So what do I think about the Versalite overall? Has the same features as many more expensive shells., Weight: 10.6 oz.Waterproofing: NanoPro Eco 100% Recycled Nylon RipstopHH: 10,000 mmMVTR: 17,500 g/m/24hr. For high-output activities, look for breathability from 20,000 to 30,000+ g/m/24hr. The Versatile also comes loaded with features, including pit zips, and still weighs less than 7 ounces! But, we think its worth the price if youre looking for a reliable and durable shell for winter hiking. Contact. Bottom-Line: This isnt a backpacking rain jacket per se, but will give you a surprising amount of protection from an unforeseen shower or two. It compresses down a little bit larger than a 12-ounce soda can, making it an extremely packable piece of outerwear for any hiker or backpacker. Good review mate, thanks. The bottom of the jacket rests well below my hips and cinches tightly about six inches below my rain pants waistline. Bottom-Line: Affordable ultralight rain jackets are few and far between: this is the least-expensive sub-7-ounce waterproof rain jacket youre going to find thats still reasonably durable. When searching for the perfect rain jacket, theres a lot to consider. Contact, info@UptimeAuthority.com But first, we want to touch on the method used to rate the waterproofing qualities of a fabric,Hydrostatic Head. The Helium excels in packability, packing away into its own chest pocket ready when not in use. This means that there will never be a gap in water protection between my jacket and pants, even if I extend my arms fully and pull the bottom of the jacket upwards. What more is there to say? And when youre counting grams while trying to save cash for ramen noodles, who cares about pockets? But since it wont hinder your mobility, you probably wont be so inclined to take it off. Okay, the Houdini Air is not quite a waterproof shell. Hydrostatic head is the standard way of measuring how waterproof a fabric is. I'm a minimalist traveler and ultralight backpacker. Look for a good bill (aka wired peak), too. Hey, Im Noel Krasomil. It also has a three-way adjustable hood, so youll be able to see your surroundings while your head stays dry. Weight: 4.1 oz.Waterproofing: DWR coatedHH: N/AMVTR: N/A. The Versalite, made from GORE-TEX Infinium Windstopper nylon, does an excellent job at blocking wind and preventing chilly gusts from penetrating layers and zapping morale. I have a full range of movement while wearing this jacket and dont feel constricted in any way. The Precip Eco is an inexpensive rain jacket to stash in your pack when there is a chance of showers. In addition, the stretch fabric in the back and sleeves and the ventilation under the arms provide comfort even when you're charging up your favorite trail. It uses a 20,000mm waterproof and breathable membrane with 7d nylon ripstop face fabric. It comes with an adjustable hood, velcro wrist cuffs, and a waterproof zipper. Bottom-Line: With stowable flip mitts, peristaltic pit vents, and loads of other features, its no wonder this ultralight and ultra-breathable jacket is so popular with ultrarunners. Other, more affordable, rain jackets in its weight range like the Helium II or Frogg Toggs Ultralite simply dont offer the same features or performance. Laminated fabrics are multiple layers of fabric that are laminated together. If something is extremely packable you can just leave it in your bag and forget about it. Weight: 6.4 oz.Waterproofing: GORE-TEX INFINIUM WINDSTOPPER waterproof-breathable membraneHH: 30,000 mm MVTR: 43,000 g/m/24hr.
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