Ultra-lightweight rainwear you won't miss this season 2017
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
table of contents
- "Lightweight and easy to use" 7 lightweight rainwear that emphasizes balance
- What's the best ultra-lightweight rainwear? What kind of person is it suitable for?
- What is ultra-lightweight rainwear?
- 1. It's incredibly light and thin
- 2. Flexible, easy to move in, and comfortable to wear
- 3. High breathability keeps you dry even when you sweat
- 4. Waterproof and windproof to withstand sudden rain and wind
- 5. Incredibly small and highly packable
- 6. Wear it on a sunny day and there's no need to take it off afterwards
- 7. Perfect for everyday wear and a variety of outdoor activities
"Lightweight and easy to use" 7 lightweight rainwear that emphasizes balance
Rab FLASHPOINT JACKET
Weight ★★☆ Waterproof ★★☆ Breathability ★★☆ Comfort ★★☆ Functionality ★★☆ Versatility ★★★
This jacket won first place in our comparison tests in 2015 and 2016, combining lightness (185g), weather resistance, functionality, and design at a high level, making it an unquestionably recommended item. Though it's a bit pricey, the the TJAR . The ultra-thin fabric, made with three layers of "Pertex Shield +," now considered the standard for ultra-lightweight membranes, offers a good balance of waterproofness, breathability, and durability, and it held up well in last year's test, even in relatively severe weather. The hood can be precisely adjusted at three points: at the back of the head and on both sides of the face, making it even more suitable for mountain climbing than other models. The slim fit reduces chafing and discomfort even during intense movement.
OUTDOOR RESEARCH HELIUM HYBRID HOODED JACKET
Weight ★☆☆ Waterproof ★☆☆ Breathability ★★☆ Comfort ★★★ Functionality ★★☆ Versatility ★☆☆
Since its inception as a pioneer of ultralight rainwear, the Helium series has continued to expand with the addition of the lightweight "II" and the high-performance "HD." This year, the "HYBRID" has been added to the lineup. While maintaining the lightweight and highly breathable waterproof performance of the highly reliable "Pertex Shield+," the "HYBRID" adds a water-repellent soft shell under the arms, achieving greater mobility and breathability than ever before while maintaining a slim silhouette. While the soft shell isn't strictly waterproof, it doesn't qualify as "rainwear." For those chilly, unpredictable weather conditions when a soft shell isn't a good idea, but carrying rainwear would be too bulky, this is the perfect windproof and waterproof jacket to wear while on the move. Having one on hand expands your options for a variety of situations, making it a useful jacket in many ways
MAMMUT AEROSPEED JACKET
Weight ★☆☆ Waterproof ★★☆ Breathability ★★☆ Comfort ★★☆ Functionality ★★☆ Versatility ★★☆
The previous model (DRYTECH FREEFLIGHT JACKET), which was released last year, has already been revamped with a new name. From actually wearing it, the fabric and cut are almost the same as the previous model, and the stylish silhouette that's characteristic of Mammut, the outer fabric that's not unnecessarily rough, and the overall supple feel of the fabric are very appealing. So what exactly has changed? The main change is the addition of hand pockets on both sides. This has resulted in a slight increase in weight, which may be a drawback for active use such as trail running. However, on the other hand, it could be considered an improvement in usability for gentler activities or as an everyday jacket, so opinions on this point will vary depending on the user's purpose
Karrimor Beaufort 3L Jacket
Weight ★★☆ Waterproof ★☆☆ Breathability ★★★ Comfort ★★☆ Functionality ★☆☆ Versatility ★★☆
This season marks the launch of the "Aerial Series," a lightweight fast-packing model series from British outdoor brand Karrimor. Despite its relatively limited track record in this field, this jacket boasts a water resistance of 15,000mm, breathability of 50,000g, a three-layer construction, and a subtle stretch, all while weighing a respectable 180g. Its specs are comparable to those of the top packs. When I tried it on, I found the body width to be not too tight, and the two hand pockets made it seem more suited to hiking than running. In addition to its excellent breathability, the buttons on the collar prevent flapping even with the front zipper open, providing excellent ventilation
Teton Bros. Breath Jacket
Weight ★☆☆ Waterproof ★☆☆ Breathability ★★★ Comfort ★★★ Functionality ★★☆ Versatility ★★☆
This model has been around since 2016, but its ultra-lightweight rainwear, made with Polartec Neoshell, offers an excellent balance of exceptional breathability, comfort, and ease of movement, and it remains appealing even today (I wish they'd release more Neoshell products). This model is a stripped-down version of the company's summer standard, the Tsurugi Lite Jacket, designed for running and fastpacking, further reducing weight to the bare minimum. If you're looking for more all-around versatility, the Tsurugi Lite Jacket might be a better choice. In any case, this jacket boasts not only the high breathability of Neoshell, but also excellent ventilation thanks to a diagonal double zipper on the front and slit ventilation under the armpits. Designed for activities that produce more sweat, it promises breathable comfort even in low mountains or midsummer. As always, the color and silhouette are lovely
NORRONA bitihorn dri 1 Jacket
Weight ★☆☆ Waterproof ★★☆ Breathability ★★☆ Comfort ★★☆ Functionality ★★★ Versatility ★★☆
This ultra-lightweight rainwear, made with Norrona's proprietary 2.5-layer dri1 material, has only seen new colors added in 2017, but its performance remains the same. Its unique look and functionality remain unmatched. Ultra-lightweight, extremely comfortable, with plenty of pockets and excellent ventilation, this is a unique piece that takes a unique approach to perfecting all the essential features currently considered in lightweight rainwear
MONTANE MINIMUS JACKET
Weight ★☆☆ Waterproof ★★☆ Breathability ★★☆ Comfort ★★☆ Functionality ★★★ Versatility ★★☆
Montane's standard ultra-light rain shell, which promotes fast and light performance, has been on the market for about two years and has not undergone any major changes this year. However, even if its specs have declined, its overall construction remains outstanding, making it a top pick this year. PERTEX Shield+ is a standard waterproof and breathable material that has been adopted by many manufacturers in recent years, emphasizing lightness. What makes it superior to other models is its meticulous attention to detail, such as the deliberately roughened surface that makes the backpack easier to wear, the excellent three-dimensional cut for comfort, the ample chest pocket, and the hood and mouth guard that are carefully designed to provide reliable protection from rain and wind. While ventilation would be appreciated, it's well worth the trade-off for its light weight
What's the best ultra-lightweight rainwear? What kind of person is it suitable for?
What is ultra-lightweight rainwear?
Of course, there have been many lightweight rainwear models produced up until now. However, at the time, they still had many issues, such as being sticky to the touch and prone to becoming stuffy, and the reality was that even though they were light, they were still difficult to use. However, in recent years, with the spread of high-intensity, short-duration activities such as trail running and fastpacking, many brands and material manufacturers have begun jackets made from lightweight, highly breathable, waterproof and breathable materials that activities. As a result, we now have a wide variety of models to choose from that are not only light, but also vary in comfort and ease of use to suit your purpose and style.
1. It's incredibly light and thin
Traditional rainwear for mountain climbing weighs around 400g to 500g. On the other hand, most rainwear that is positioned as ultra-lightweight weighs just the outer layer in the low 200g range or less . Nowadays, it is not uncommon to find models that weigh less than 100g, which is much lighter than a 350ml can of juice.
2. Flexible, easy to move in, and comfortable to wear
The supple feel is non-stiff. The smooth lining feels instantly recognizable when you put your arms through it. While traditional rainwear had given up on the usual comfort, ultra-lightweight rainwear has made a surprising improvement. Previously, light rainwear inevitably felt slippery against the skin, causing discomfort when sweating. However, with the release of GORE-TEX® C-KNIT™ Backer Technology (hereafter referred to as C-KNIT) in 2015, so-called three-layer constructions, which use a solid lining instead of a laminate, have become mainstream, resulting in a consistently smooth and comfortable feel despite the ultra-lightweight nature of the garment . Other models have also emerged that use stretch fabrics for ease of movement, offering a major advantage: not only are they lightweight, but they also comfortably support active activities that involve a lot of sweating.
3. High breathability keeps you dry even when you sweat
Originally designed for activities such as trail running and cycling (short bursts of movement without carrying large loads of luggage), ultra-lightweight rainwear is made from materials and constructed to have relatively higher breathability than conventional, regular rainwear . This makes ultra-lightweight rainwear comfortable even during intense movement or midsummer activities, making it the perfect outerwear that combines comfort with weather protection.
Incidentally, in terms of breathability, not only are material manufacturers such as eVent, Pertex, Neoshell, and GORE-TEX® developing their own high-performance materials, but outdoor brands are also developing their own high-performance fabrics, resulting in fabric products with an increasingly diverse range of performance and features. Furthermore, the breathability of clothing itself is also affected by the thickness of the fabric and the ventilation structure, so in the future, the key to clothing comfort will likely be not just the quality of the materials, but also the overall construction of the clothing .
4. Waterproof and windproof to withstand sudden rain and wind
Despite being so thin and light, recent models still offer sufficient waterproofing to withstand normal rain and wind. Looking at the "water pressure" used to measure durable waterproofing numerically, for example, Pertex Shield+, a representative lightweight material, has a water pressure of 20,000mm. It's said that 10,000mm is necessary to protect against heavy rain, so it's perfectly usable for day hikes and low-altitude mountain climbing. However, just to be clear, it's not necessarily sufficient for long-term mountaineering, in rainy areas, or in storms on mountains above 2,000m, so don't assume that this is the only gear you can use for all kinds of mountain climbing. It's best to consider it for calm environments like day hikes and trail runs, or for short, intense activities .
5. Incredibly small and highly packable
Example of how the OUTDOOR RESEARCH HELIUM HD Jacket fits. Even clothing with pit zips can fit into this size
Despite all these features, it folds up small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. This compact size is nothing but an advantage for anyone who wants to keep their luggage as minimal as possible
6. Wear it on a sunny day and there's no need to take it off afterwards
It's flexible and easy to move in, and its high waterproof, breathable, and windproof properties mean that it can be used in ways that go beyond just rain gear. In other words, it can be used as a regular outer layer, like a windshell . For example, you can put it on on a chilly morning, and there's no need to take it off when you're climbing a steep forest or on a ridgeline, or when a sudden rain shower hits. This means that even if you're not particularly lazy, you can enjoy the huge time-saving benefits, which is very much appreciated.
7. Perfect for everyday wear and a variety of outdoor activities
Originally, this type of clothing was developed with intense exercise in mind, such as running and biking. Even now, as its range of uses has expanded, it is still ideal for a variety of outdoor activities. Many of the styles and designs are slim, easy to move in, and stylish, and can be worn comfortably both as outerwear for running and as everyday wear, so you can wear it in a variety of ways with just one piece. It's sure to become a staple in your wardrobe.
We also recommend this article about rainwear.
- Check out the types of rainwear and how to choose them before purchasing
- Rainwear for mountaineering that you can't miss this season [for hiking and trekking]
- Comparison review: Which rainwear you should have if you're going to climb? ?
- Comparison review: We compared ultra-lightweight rainwear that is great for mountain climbing and running [2016SS]
Related reading
Ultra-lightweight rainwear you won't miss this season 2018
Comparison review: We compared ultra-lightweight rainwear that is great for mountain climbing and running [Summer 2016]
Comparison review: Comparing the popular ultra-light rainwear [2015SS]
10 recommended hard shell jackets I've never been able to get this year [2016-2017]