[A self-paying comparison review without any consideration] What is the best lightweight rainwear this season? Lightweight, less stuffy, and ease of use - we compared first-class lightweight rainwear.

Not only during the rainy season, but when hiking with the weather changes easily, you should never forget about rental wear, a must-have outerwear for the mountains, which is essential to prevent wetness and cold.

Before I knew it, I've always written about this site about every other year, but this year I'd like to start comparing and reviewing the familiar rainwear for mountaineering.

lighter and more compact than ever before , but also have waterproof and less stuffy finishes, and are perfect with no need to worry about details. Let's take a look at the 2021 summit of Outdoor Gearzine's latest rainwear.

Select a comparison candidate

This time, we chose models that are relatively light (below 250g) among the wide range of rainwear sold in the market, and are the best outdoor rain gear other than durability, as well as being the best in outdoor rain gear. This model is sure to be suitable for a day trip from spring to autumn, from 2-3 nights to climbing. On the other hand, there are some models that are not enough if you are thinking about long-term expeditions, hard activities, or want to use them in the winter. Within that range, the "strongest candidate" model we chose this time came in the following fifth place.

mont-bell storm cruiser jacket

This is a classic rainwear for mountaineering, so it is a benchmark in Japan by outdoor manufacturers. Overseas, this brand is popular among UL hikers because of its careful construction that keeps its robustness and eliminates waste. This time, we will be holding the average new faces in front of us.

Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket

helium jackets were created as emergency rain jackets for rock climbers , but due to their lightweight nature and high basic performance as a rain jacket, they have become used by hikers who are looking for lightweight. This season's update uses Diamond Fuse technology, which has excellent tear strength, making it lightweight yet durable.

Patagonia Storm 10 Jacket

This is a promising new product that uses the unique waterproof and breathable membrane, H2No Performance Standard, which has become much more reliable over the past few years, and is not only a balanced balance in terms of waterproof and breathability, but also lightness and comfort.

THE NORTH FACE Pumper Jacket

Waterproof, breathable, lightweight, and comfortable rainwear, using the extremely thin GORE-TEX® Active™ C-Knit Backer of 15 denier. As it was developed for experts who want high performance over the long term in harsh environments, there is no compromise on quality or price. What is the essential ability?

Mountains and Roads UL Rain Hoody (Sosui)

Unique and innovative ultra-lightweight rainwear from a domestic garage manufacturer that has now gained tremendous trust from UL hikers. While taking the plunge out zippers and pockets, the necessary functions are retained, creating a unique charm. In a sense, it is a difficult item to compare, but I hope that by shedding light on the differences between the two and other models, we can bring out the appeal of this rain gear.

Test results and spec comparison table

Impressions of each model

THE NORTH FACE Pumper Jacket

If you look at the price, you're definitely number one overall. A luxurious French-like piece made by a top chef using the finest ingredients generously.

This is ◎

• Not easily stuffy
• Comfortable to wear
• Ease of movement
• Water repellent and waterproof
• Double zipper on the front

This is △

• The cord lock on the back of the hood is loosened
• The gap around the hood
• Pocket only for chest

My first impression I felt was that this rainwear is made from luxurious high-end, high-end materials, from fabric to fine parts, so you could even hear people say "unfair" from somewhere.

The GORE-TEX® Active™ C-Knit Backer is used as the breathable waterproof material. It is one of the excellent waterproof and breathable fabrics that combines lightweight, weather resistance and comfort, with high waterproofness, excellent breathability, and a supple, soft-to-skin lining (although the price is also incredible). Furthermore, although the thin outer material, 15 denier, has not been made public, whether it is made of nylon, texture, or peeks out with a magnifying glass (photo below), it appears to be a "microgrid backer" fabric that has been used for the lining for a long time at GORE-TEX PRO, which is well known for its excellent durability (the same as the Impellor Jacket released by Mountain Equipment several years ago). The characteristic of this outer material is that it is relatively low density, making it light and highly breathable. The stuffiness inside the clothes will be more refreshing than you might think. Despite this, it is both abrasion resistant and snuggly resistant, so it is more durable than you might imagine. Furthermore, I was surprised at how water repellent it was so high that it didn't deteriorate even if you continued to shower it with a strong shower for a long time.

Fabrics aren't the only ones that use plenty of high quality materials. The front zipper is smooth and waterproof, and in addition, it has a highly durable, freezing-resistant vislon zipper with double zippers (photo below). The opening of the front is easy to adjust, allowing for even more flexible humidity and temperature control.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Furthermore, the uncompromising construction can be seen everywhere, not only in the selection of materials but also in the construction. What I particularly liked was the ease of movement of the upper body and the less stressfulness. Despite the lean, slim silhouette, your clothes will not flapping or tense due to the movement of your upper arms. This is due to the ingenious three-dimensional cutting that calculates movement, typified by the gusset crotch-like parts placed under the armpits (such as the crotch of climbing pants), which are arranged under the armpits (similar to the crotch of climbing pants), which reduces significant stress when taking action (photo below).

The hood is large enough to fit a helmet on, and the brim is made of hard material that stretches straight, so it can thoroughly rinse out rain from the front. The drawcord fits in a three-dimensional way at one point on the back of the head, making it easy to adjust.

However, in other respects, this hood is the only thing that can be said to be the only thing that makes it difficult to satisfy. Although it is appreciated that the stretchable sides can be easily removed and placed on even if the front zipper is raised up to the top, it cannot be brought into contact with the face perfectly, leaving room for cold air and rain to enter. Furthermore, the cord lock on the back of the head is made of simple foam rubber, which is a concern that it tends to loosen easily.

This flagship rainwear is truly packed with the North Face's seriousness, as it retains the bare minimum necessary elements to carry out light and fast actions in hard situations, while also generously using technology to eliminate waste whenever anything else can be solved through materials and technology.

Even though it is highly breathable, due to the nature of GORE-TEX, its heat retention power is not quite as low as an outerwear, so it can be used in a wide range of situations, from hiking in the middle of summer to traversing under low temperatures. The high performance and versatile construction of all of these products will surely show performance worth the price.

mont-bell storm cruiser jacket

The peace of mind of the rainwear colossus, which continues to evolve. If you just want to protect yourself from the rain, this is it.

This is ◎

• In addition to high water pressure resistance, water repellent properties that repel water droplets
• Breathability
• Highly sealed and easy to adjust hood
• Ease of movement is improved compared to before

This is △

• It's rough and comfortable to wear
• Loose fit
• The brim of the hood is easily broken by the wind

Mont-bell Storm Cruiser Jacket , the rainwear leader who is unstoppable and may not know about mountain climbers in Japan . The great thing about being said like that is that it is that it is silly pursuing functionality as rain gear.

It uses 20 denier GORE-TEX three-layer fabric with a very high water resistance, so there's no need to worry about waterproofing and durability. Furthermore, the unique cutting pattern "K-Mono Cut™" introduced in the latest update has been further improved by reducing seams. The adjustable sleeves, hem and hood are also highly sealed, so it is safe to say that the waterproofness of all of the comparisons I have seen this time is the least appealing item.

Especially when it comes to making the hood, I think the level of perfection is close to ideal, except for the hardness of the brim. There is a Velcro fastener and a cord lock on the top of the head, and two on the left and right sides on the chin, so it has an extremely high degree of adjustability that allows you to adjust the fit in a total of four locations. It has a comfortable fit and perfectly shuts out the rain, making it the best item out of all the clothing I've reviewed this time (photo below).

However, on the other hand, the "no mistake" design that many manufacturers have used as references can sometimes be seen as boring. It's human.

For example, a silhouette that matches the majority of Japanese people is loose, even though it is designed to be layered and has plenty of room to help them move, and I find it a concern for the fluttering activities that are quick to move (photo below. I'm surprised that this makes it even more spacious.) Regarding comfort, even if the lining uses GORE® C-Knit™ backer technology to make it more flexible and comfortable to the touch, the outer material, which is waterproof and water-repellent, remains relatively stiff. However, we are very pleased that the aforementioned "K-Mono Cut™" has improved ease of movement.

There's no need to worry about rain protection and comfort, and it's also versatile enough to be used all year round, as long as you're only looking for the classic "mountain climbing" activity. Since one piece can play a number of roles, this alone will not cause any dissatisfaction for the majority of climbers. However, personally, I have a clear question as to whether this is the first item I really want to see "now." The eternal luxury troubles of the Giants, which have become so classic, have not disappeared this year either.

Patagonia Storm 10 Jacket

Despite its lightness, it never forgets safety and comfort, and the silhouette is also good. A well-balanced piece that gives a sense of high quality

This is ◎

• A lean fit
• Excellent comfort
• Highly water-repellent and waterproof
• Lots of pockets and packable design make it easy to use

This is △

• There are many pockets, so you can feel a little stuffy
• The hood brim is short and facing downwards, making it vulnerable to rain from the front

First of all, it is so soft and supple that you wouldn't expect from a three-layer fabric, and you'll be amazed at how comfortable it feels the moment you put it on. When you put it on, the body and armholes are a little tight, but it doesn't really feel cramped. Overall, the slim and sophisticated silhouette is wonderful, and when you put it on, your mood naturally rises.

Furthermore, thanks to the fine three-dimensional cutting that assumes movement of the joints, its mobility is not hindered. The fabric has a slight stretch, making it surprisingly stress-free when it comes to movement. The most appeal of this model is its "high quality as a clothing item" that combines this stylishness and ease of movement. Patagonia's unique fabric, "H2No Performance Standard," is a great success in terms of waterproofing and sweat removal. It was not particularly excellent, but it was water-repellent and waterproof than I expected, and as I walked at a relaxed pace it was less stuffy and more comfortable.

Another thing that beats this model over the others is the ease of use of pockets and storage. There are three pockets in total. The two large hand pockets on the front are large enough to fit easily even when spreading your hands, so if you want to put them in, they have a lot of storage space. The size of the pockets means that even if you leave it on in the rain, you can store all the things you need while you are on the move. The chest pocket is packable and can also be used as a storage bag, making it compact.

Overall, rainwear has few drawbacks, but the drawback is that it is that because there are many pockets, the front becomes less likely to fall out, and as a result, it is difficult to feel the swelling is not easy. In fact, I had never felt this before comparing it this time, but the difficulty of moisture removal due to the presence of pockets is surprisingly large.

Also, I'm a little curious about the structure in which when the hood is tightened to fit the shape of the head, the brim will fold and face down. It's fine if you wear a separate cap or something similar, but when you look down, the brim function will significantly decrease, and if you wear glasses, water droplets will accumulate until you can't see in front of you. This requires care.

This rain jacket is designed to be worn when climbing skis during the remaining snowy seasons, and is thin and lightweight, yet safe and functional. From classic to modern activities, from hiking, trekking, fast packing and spring skiing, this may be one of the most extensive ranges in this comparison. In addition to its good balance, its quality as a jacket and comfort make it impossible to forget this piece. If you can relate to these points, you will surely find a satisfying purchase.

Mountains and Roads UL Rain Hoody (Sosui)

A unique " value "

This is ◎

• Light, thin and compact
• No zippers, no stress and comfortable to wear
• There are no unnecessary parts so it's less likely to get stuffy than expected

This is △

• Durability due to ultra-thin fabric
• The hassle of taking off and taking off
• There is no zipper or pocket so it is difficult to use with anything other than rain gear.

No front zippers, pockets or other parts are found. Is it okay the moment you see it? This is a boldly made rainwear that omits the various "natural" items that have been found in rain jackets up until now.

Of course, it's just light. It weighs 109g in size S, and about half the weight of other jackets. It is lighter than a cotton T-shirt. Its lightness is hard to say, even if it's a worn-out phrase, "it's like you'll forget you're wearing it." In fact, after I put it on in the rain, I forgot to take it off, and when it started raining again, I realized, "By the way, I was wearing it." One of the major factors that make you forget that you're wearing it is that you don't feel the unnatural "bending" of the fabric due to the lack of the front zipper or pockets mentioned above, such as the unnatural "bending" of the fabric and the "thickness" of the pockets.

Furthermore, the effects of this extreme cut-off are not only light and comfortable to wear, but also have an impressive effect of increasing waterproofness. There are literally several places where the stitching is carried out, with only the hood, neck, body side, and waist. There is no stitching around the shoulders, especially when it is exposed to a large amount of water and pressure from the backpack. I am sorry for the skill of putting together this easy-to-speak but difficult-to-make method that can be easily explained but difficult to achieve by eliminating zippers and sewing points as much as possible.

The fabric is lightweight yet durable and waterproof and breathable, and is made from three layers of Pertex Shield Pro, which is extremely thin, and is highly water-repellent and waterproof. What surprised me even more, it was this thinness, and it was more than the specifications of clothing, made up of just one simple piece of fabric that eliminates unnecessary pockets, making it less stuffy than the specifications of clothing. Before trying it out, I had imagined that I could not adjust the opening and closing with the zipper, so I thought I might feel stuffy no matter what, so this was a new positive discovery.

I realized that it is a rainwear that is full of new discoveries and is fun to wear. The performance as rainwear is more than sufficient for ultra-lightweight, and if you hike or fast packing for a few days, it can protect you from rain even in serious bad weather.

However, taking into account its solid capabilities, it is undeniable that this clothing is a piece that is chosen by the person who is using it. In the first place, it is difficult to take off and cannot be used as a jacket, and it cannot fit your hands or items, so if you want to use it in a wide range of situations, you will find yourself wondering what you should do. In that sense, it is a scary piece of clothing that you can just recommend, like Montbell, "Take this with you without saying anything," and is lightweight and fast, making it a great item for people who don't get in the way when they are actually using it, don't need anything other than preventing the rain, and can only be considered unnecessary for everything else. You should also be used to using thin fabrics.

With this in mind, if you're looking to get some ultra-lightweight rainwear of this class, there's no doubt that the UL Rain Hoody is one of the most powerful pieces of the 100g model you've tried so far.

Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket

The original lightweight rain jacket is even more reliable with a new material that is lightweight and compact yet extremely durable.

This is ◎

• Lightweight and durable
• Easy to move around and stress-free to wear
• stylish
• Packable

This is △

• Both waterproof and breathable are not very good
• The lining becomes sticky when worn on bare skin
• Pocket only for chest
• The front zipper is stiff

This classic lightweight rain jacket is still the best in terms of its lightness, below 200g, and can be said to be the driving force behind the lightweight boom that continues to this day. As we continue to be a long-selling product, we are steadily overcoming the disadvantages of being light.

It uses the same Pertex Shield 2.5 layer as the previous version, while achieving a slightly lighter weight, and a new technology called "Diamond Fuse Technology" has been added. This is because the woven yarn is woven at a high density with diamond-shaped yarn, which has a tear resistance of five times better than the previous version, and has a structure that is resistant to friction and snags, achieving excellent durability despite the thinness of the fabric itself (photo below).

However, that's the only thing that can be noted is that, and in this comparison, I left an impression that it was one step away from both waterproofness and stuffiness. This is the only 2.5-layer model this time, so it may have been a handicap, but in situations where you sweat, even if you have the uneven coating on the lining, you still notice the stickiness and it feels like your sweat will be slow to come out (photo below). Due to the weight reduction, there is no ventilation, so there is no way to deal with it. The wrist is loose, so moisture is barely released from it, but on the other hand, it is easier for rain to enter through the wrist.

This jacket's only chest pocket is also used as a storage bag, making it compact to the size of your palm. It is also lightweight, so it is perfect as rainwear to keep in your bag.

This rainwear may not be an option for long periods of long traverses when rain is fully anticipated. On the other hand, I want to take it with me, but I want to reduce my luggage and make it lighter! If you are someone who is thinking of this, or if you carry this clothing with you as a charm when you are in an unexpected bad weather, as it is a day trip, you will feel grateful for the time being. It is lightweight, so you may want to use it for trail running or fast packing, but if you are constantly sweating, you will noticeably lose sweat, so it's better to choose more breathable clothing. There's no need to worry about hiking or trekking.

summary

There are a lot of other interesting models of rainwear for hiking, and it's a shame to finish off this fifth place, but I can't escape budget and time constraints at any time. In any case, there are generally standard types in terms of construction, so no matter which one you choose, you may not be able to disappoint your expectations. However, if you look at the details, there are subtle differences in usability depending on each concept, and a carefully selected piece will surely make it an irreplaceable piece for you.

If you're greedy about everything, we recommend THE NORTH FACE Pumper Jacket If you want to have a wide range of activities, focusing on light activities, we recommend the Patagonia Storm 10 jacket , and if you want something that's definitely worth doing for normal climbing, we recommend the Mont-bell Storm Cruiser jacket If you can easily save yourself from the rain with minimal equipment, there's nothing better than the UL Rain Hoody (Sosui) Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket may have been too bad for comparison this time. However, its lightness, storage capacity, and comfortable fit, making it easy to use as a windshell, are sure to be useful for always putting it in your backpack to survive temporary bad weather.

I'm sure most people who are reading this article are trying to seriously consider this to avoid regretting the expensive purchase, but I hope that this article will be of some help and that you will find a piece that will satisfy you.

[Additional information] About the rain jacket comparison review

Test environment

From May to June, we tested a day trip with ups and downs on a trail in Kitashinshu, Nagano Prefecture, walking around wearing each item. In addition to wearing it in the rain for waterproofing, we also conducted shower tests to help prevent heavy rain.

Rating points

This time, we evaluated each rain jacket based on the following seven evaluation criteria.

1. Waterproofing...the first thing to consider as rainwear. Not only is the water resistance of the fabric, but it also comprehensively evaluates whether rain is less likely to get inside the clothing when it is actually raining.
2. Resistant to get stuffy... Breathability evaluations may be published by each brand, but the conditions may not be the same. For this reason, we evaluated the ease of feeling of stuffiness during activities, including not only the moisture permeability of the specs, but also ventilation due to ventilation.
3. Comfort: We appreciate the comfort of the item, such as the feel and fit when worn.
4. Mobility: We evaluate the comfort of wearing during movements, such as whether it is easy to move around without stress when moving your upper body.
5. Durability: Evaluates the strength of the fabric against friction and scratches, the ease of breakage of parts, and the low deterioration caused by washing. This is only for reference only as it is a short-term, subjective evaluation.
6. Usability: We appreciate the overall usability at a practical level, including ease of adjustment of the hood, sleeves and hem, as well as ease of pockets and packing.
7. Weight and compactness... We appreciate the weight and compactness when stored.