Ultra-lightweight rainwear you won't miss this season 2018
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
Rainwear, which is said to be an essential item among outdoor wear, is packed with new items this year as well. Continuing from last year, I would like to check out the new releases that are annually.
The models featured this time are mainly new releases and model changes for the 2018 Spring/Summer season. So, if you'd like to know the entire lineup that's on sale this year, I think you'll be even more fond of it if you also read last year's introduction article (Ultra-light rainwear you shouldn't miss this season 2017)
As usual, the basic premise for picking up is whether you want them to try on everything in the store and try them on. Based on this research, I will be starting to actually review comparisons, so the models mentioned here are literally the No. 1 candidates for this season. However, even with similar specs, some of them were unfortunately not caught on the appearance and whether or not there were any slight designs. This is a story that relies solely on a person's sense, so please read with a broad heart if you think, "No, that's just this."
table of contents
table of contents
- Topic 1: The evolution of GORE-TEX® ACTIVE is incredible
- Topic 2: Stretchy material makes it extremely mobile and rainwear is incredible
- Topic 3: Lightest, specializing in races, super comfortable... There are a lot of other models too, too.
Topic 1: The evolution of GORE-TEX® ACTIVE is incredible
There is no sign of the popularity of more active and light activities, such as trail running and speed hiking, which have become a major trend in recent years. Taking this trend, rainwear has been reduced in weight at an incredible speed. I feel like I've been saying this for the past few years, but it's become commonplace to find that rainwear weighing in the 200g or less, or even less, is so obvious that it's hard to tell where it's lightweight.
However, regarding the "KING OF Waterproof and Breathable Material", there was no denying that there was a slight delay in the competition for lightweight materials. The old (old) GORE-TEX® ACTIVE product for high-load activities has not yet become a heavy competition.
the GORE® C-KNIT™ backer technology, which has been introduced to make up for the delay, has limited lightness, and the GORE-TEX® SHAKEDRY™ products are not suitable for the general public due to their durability and price, and in that sense, it was hard to say that both of them would slash the competition so far.
It is certainly easy to imagine that it is not possible to easily let go of the "iron wall waterproofing" brand image that has been built up for a long time by simply riding the trends.
This giant has finally lifted his own back. the GORE-TEX® ACTIVE that has evolved this season . To put it simply, it is easy to understand if you consider that the previous GORE-TEX® ACTIVE, which was created to maximize breathability, has been further improved, lightweight, and comfortable by using a lining made with GORE® C-KNIT™ backer technology.
Actually, when C-KNIT appeared, I suddenly thought about how I was casually fantasizing, "If it had ACTIVE's breathability and the comfort of the C-KNIT lining, it would be the best." This is now becoming a reality in front of us, so beyond surprise, our mouths remain loose.
As usual, this year, the debut season will be released only from a limited number of brands, and although prices are still not yet high, this will likely settle in the future. This time, we will introduce two particularly hot models.
NORRONA bitihorn Gore-Tex Active 2.0 Jacket
Weight★★☆ Waterproof★★★ Breathable★★★ Comfort★★ Function★☆☆
NORRONA, which has produced many models that are particularly high-spec models that can withstand particularly harsh environments among stylish Nordic brands, has been completely renewed with the lightweight series "bitihorn." Among these, this new waterproof jacket uses the evolved GORE-TEX® ACTIVE, which in addition to outstanding breathability, it is extremely comfortable to wear and has a lighter, lighter than ever before. It is probably the lightest of several models that have been released for the first time this year, using GORE-TEX® ACTIVE. In addition, as usual, I don't have to worry about the tension and the lifting of the hem due to the lifting of the arms. Of course, it is not only GORE-TEX®, but also durable and waterproof. I've seen a lot, but I have to say that this is the most popular model this season.
Mountain Equipment Impella Jacket
Weight★★☆ Waterproof★★★ Breathable★★★ Comfort★★ Function★☆☆
This is the latest GORE-TEX® ACTIVE rainwear from Mountain Equipment, a brand from the UK that is also well known for its high-end, uncompromising manufacturing. This was also the best in terms of speed and light activity applications, and personally I was confused by the bitihorn above until the very end. What's amazing about this is that the outer material is the "GORE Micro Grid Backer" that has been used in the lining of GORE-TEX® PRO and other materials, so I can imagine it to be even more highly breathable and durable. Personally, I've won the best in terms of how well it fits when I put it on, but no matter which one you choose, I'm sure I'll never regret it. It's absolutely amazing!
Topic 2: Stretchy material makes it extremely mobile and rainwear is incredible
Rain gear is made from hard, rough fabric, and we have to throw away these stereotypes at the end of this year. The trend of rainwear called "lightweight and stretchy" has been seen a lot since last season, and this year it's finally becoming more and more difficult to overlook. Here are three popular models of stretchy rainwear.
RaidLight Hyperlight MP+ Jacket
Weight★★★ Waterproof★☆☆ Breathable★★☆ Comfort★★☆ Function★★★
I've been interested in this since last year (released in 2017), but this year I realized once again how amazing it is, so I've picked it up a bit late. First of all, I am truly amazed at how light it is, at 115g, thanks to its unique laminated membrane and the two-layer structure of the outer material. Due to its thinness, the inner bib can be seen. The shoulders and sleeves are made very tight, but despite this, there is no discomfort when swinging your arms, as it is stretchy throughout the fabric. Other things like reinforced shoulders to cover the low durability that is due to the thin fabric, and the left arm is made of watches visible while wearing the jacket, making it worthy of respect for not only lighter, but also for the ease of use of runners.
MONTANE Minimus Stretch Ultra Jacket
Weight★★☆ Waterproof★★☆ Breathable★★☆ Comfort★★☆ Function★★★
MONTANE, which has been boldly taking on new technologies on a daily basis, has been working on stretching rain jackets since early on. The Minimus Stretch Ultra Jacket, which appeared last season, has been further lighter and has been brushed up for running purposes. The VIA Trail series is designed for trail running, but the cutting is not too tight, and it also comes with two pockets (and there is a hole in the earphone cord), so in that sense it is good that it can be used for a wide range of running activities, not just races. Another great feature is that they pay attention to small areas such as snap buttons located at the chest and hem to prevent them from flapping even when the zipper is fully opened, and reflections seen on the front and back.
Black Diamond Fine Line Stretch Rain Shell
Weight★☆☆ Waterproof★☆☆ Breathable★☆☆ Comfort★★★ Function★★☆
Since Black Diamond is mainly resistant to climbing activities, and to put it in a way that has a large amount of activity, it's understandable that they will develop stretchy rainwear at this time. Despite its slim size, it is easy to lift your arms, and the three-dimensional cutting is sturdy, so there is less hem lifting, making it easy to use even when wearing a harness. Also, unlike running, the large hood with a brim that is designed to be a helmet, making it easy to adjust, and even more exciting, it has a packable design on the chest pocket. But what's amazing is this affordable price. The clean silhouette and clean look are also attractive. However, BD jackets generally have a longer length and you choose your body type, and the fact that it's not that expensive in terms of waterproof and breathable specs is probably the price.
THE NORTH FACE Optimist Jacket
![[The North Face] Optimist Jacket Men's](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61gYlQ5ndzL._SS300_.jpg)
Weight★★☆ Waterproof★☆☆ Breathable★★★ Comfort★★ Function★★★
A few seasons ago, THE NORTH FACE opened the door to "3-layer ultra-lightweight rainwear" with its own unique material, HYVENT Flyweight. It seems to be popular, and every year, the range of variations has steadily expanded depending on the purpose. this Optimist jacket has been released in addition to main strike trail hoodie While using the same HYVENT Flyweight, the outer material is also highly stretchy, making the silhouette sharper and easy to move. It seems to be used well for activities that require a lot of energy, but as for the finer designs, such as the two large pockets that emphasize convenience and the included stuff sack, it's not too light and is perfect for wearing on the street.
