Comparison Review: A mountain-loving woman compares ultra-lightweight rainwear
Written by Mioko Matsubara
In this 2018 article, we've introduced a selection of must-have rainwear for this season What's so good about ultra-lightweight rainwear? Who is it suitable for? ", and from there, we've selected three pieces that we'd like to wear this season.
table of contents
Finally taking on the lightweight clothing world
Until now, I've always put safety first by using standard rain gear to keep out the cold and avoid hypothermia from exposure to wind and rain. However, I often go to low mountains and do day hikes on sunny days, so I've been feeling the urge to try lightweight clothing... So I finally decided to give lightweight clothing a try
The criteria are under 200g, and since I get hot easily, I chose them based on loose criteria such as breathability, comfort, and a nice appearance. I understand that there may be more requests, such as "Be more professional! Look at the details more! Consider the price more!", but I would be happy if you could just take it as an example and think, "Oh, I see, there's another way to look at it..."
table of contents
- About the items tested this time
- Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
- Impressions of each model
- summary
About the ultra-lightweight rainwear we compared this time
For this comparison, we used the criteria mentioned above, but also took into account various other factors such as brand, type of material, thickness of fabric, pockets, and whether or not there is ventilation, and as a result, we have narrowed down the candidates for comparison review to the following three items
Although all of them serve the purpose of being lightweight jackets for summer mountain climbing, the new North Face model is a light all-around jacket, Norrona is for speed hiking, and Mountain Hardwear is for trail running, so each model focuses on different areas
Normally, it would be fair to compare all activities, but due to various circumstances, this time I only did a summer mountain hike and a run around my neighborhood
Test environment
- Iwaki (1,625m above sea level, climbed from the 8th station trailhead at approximately 1,250m), one of Aomori Prefecture's 100 famous mountains, in early June 2018. There was no snow. The weather was cloudy and foggy. The temperature near the summit was approximately 13°C. The test was performed wearing a quick-drying T-shirt over a merino wool base layer under the rainwear
- The rainwear was worn while jogging on the beach in the early July of the same year. The temperature was approximately 30°C. The test was conducted with a quick-drying T-shirt worn underneath the rainwear (simulating humid conditions)
- Since it was a climate where rain was rare, we tested it by simulating light and heavy rain using a typical shower
Evaluation criteria
- Waterproofness: Since rainwear is gear that protects you from the rain, waterproofness is the most basic evaluation point
- Windproofness: How windproof (insulating) is the fabric in windy conditions such as on ridges?。
- Breathability...Don't just focus on the specs, but also how well it keeps your body dry in stuffy conditions
- Comfort: Not only is it comfortable to wear, such as the feel and fit, but it also means that there is no tightness when swinging your arms.
- Weight: Literally the weight of the jacket. The lighter the better
- Functionality: Overall usability, including the construction of pockets, hood, sleeves, hem, etc., and storage capacity
- Design... This is entirely subjective. Above all, it feels good to be able to wear something stylish
Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
| comprehensive evaluation | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
|---|---|---|---|
| item |  THE NORTH FACE Optimist Jacket |  NORRONA bitihorn ultralight dri3 Jacket (photo and link for MENS) |  Mountain Hardwear Leroy Jacket (Unisex Model) |
| Reference price | 27,000 yen | 42,120 yen | 21,600 yen |
| waterproof | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Windproof | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Breathability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Functionality | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Design | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Specifications | |||
| item | THE NORTH FACE Optimist Jacket | NORRONA bitihorn ultralight dri3 Jacket | Mountain Hardwear Leroy Jacket (Unisex Model) |
| weight | 195 | 120 | 171 |
| material | HYVENT Flyweight | dri3 | Dry Q Core |
| Waterproof (mm reference) | 20,000mm | 20,000mm | private |
| Moisture permeability (g/m2/24h reference) | 40,000g/m2/24h (B-1 method) | 20,000g/m2/24h | private |
| Layer | 3 layers | 3 layers | 2.5 layers |
| Cuff (sleeve) | Two-stage adjustment with buttons and elastic rubber | Elastic rubber | Velcro |
| Security pocket inside the right chest ventilation | One on the left chest (also serves as ventilation) | One on the left chest | |
| Ventilation | Two from the chest to the armpit | One on the left chest | none |
| Storage | Storage bag included | Nothing in particular | Packable into chest pocket |
Impressions of each model
THE NORTH FACE Optimist Jacket
The comfort of this jacket is unmatched! Perfect for light outdoor activities
Here's what I like about it
- Large ventilation for comfort and no stuffiness
- There is a pocket inside the right ventilation
- Sleeves are buttons instead of Velcro
- Good design, color and shape
Here's △
- Low water repellency
- The low collar allows water to get in easily
- When wearing the hood and fastening the drawstring at the back of the head, the area around the face is loose
Ventilation contributes greatly
Without any hesitation, I chose The North Face rainwear. Why? Because it has large ventilation
When I wore it on Mt. Iwaki, the temperature was low at around 10°C, and the altitude was not so high, but as I walked it gradually got hotter and hotter, and eventually I started to get sweaty and stuffy. I immediately opened both ventilation vents to full blast. It was so cool!
If you unbutton the sleeves and let in the outside air, the air will circulate, making your body even cooler and more comfortable
The presence or absence of ventilation was a major consideration for me, as I get hot easily.
When I went jogging on the beach, it was extremely humid from the start, and the temperature was high and hot, so of course I left the ventilation open. Even in the evening, it was 30°C and I was wearing rainwear, so it was really hot.
It's not the same as Mt. Iwaki. Some people are bothered by sweat and stuffiness and stay in their rainwear, but if you open the front zipper and let the rainwear air out a few times, most of the sweat will go away
I was worried about waterproofness and water retention, but The North Face has it covered
What bothers me is how quickly the rain soaks into the fabric. Even a light rain soaks into the fabric, and even more so in heavy rain
In this case, the rainwear will retain moisture, so if you are exposed to the wind or rain for a long time, your body is likely to get cold. I have to hand the victory to Norrona and Mountain Hardwear in this case. The low collar and loose hood are also a concern
However, I also like the fact that the product doesn't emphasize the "we've made it ultra-light" feel, such as the beautiful and cute colors and the intricate design of the secret mesh pocket built into the right ventilation, and the fact that the price is reasonable is also a good thing
