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. The lightness and thinness are incredibly light
- 2. Supple, easy to move around and comfortable to wear
- 3. High moisture permeability to keep you dry even when you sweat
- 4. Waterproof and windproof performance that can withstand sudden rain and wind
- 5. High storage capacity that is impossible to achieve
- 6. Wearing on a clear day and there is no need to take off afterwards
- 7. Perfect for street wear and a variety of outdoor activities
"Lightweight and easy to use" 7 lightweight rainwear that emphasizes balance
Rab FLASHPOINT JACKET
Weight★★☆ Waterproof★★☆ Breathable★★☆ Comfort★★☆ Function★★☆ Versatility★★★
In comparison tests on this site, this is a perfect piece that is highly recommended, with a high level of lightness (185g), weather resistance, functionality and design, and was ranked number one overall in 2015 and 2016. It's quite expensive, but the fact that many runners carry rainwear on TJAR The ultra-thin fabric made from the three-layer Pertex Shield +, which is now the standard for ultra-lightweight membranes, has a good balance of waterproofing, breathability and durability, and in fact, it was able to withstand relatively intense weather even in last year's tests. The hood can be adjusted in three points: the back of the head and the left and right of the face, so it is also thought to be fully used for mountain climbing compared to other models. The slim width makes it less likely to rub even during intense movements and reduces discomfort.
OUTDOOR RESEARCH HELIUM HYBRID HOODED JACKET
Weight★☆☆ Waterproof★☆☆ Breathable★★☆ Comfort★★★ Function★★☆ Versatile★☆☆
This year, the "HYBRID" has been added to the Helium series, which has been increasing the number of variations, from the lightest "II" and the high-performance "HD" genre since the early days of the ultra-lightweight rainwear genre. While maintaining the lightweight, highly breathable waterproof performance of the highly reliable Pertex Shield+, a water-repellent softshell is placed under the armpits to ensure a slim silhouette and achieves greater mobility and breathability than ever before. The softshell part is not waterproof in the strict sense, so it may not be called "rainwear", but the image is a little chilly and unstable in the weather, and a softshell is a bit uneasy, but it's also bulky to wear rainwear, so it's perfect for you to wear it while wearing it as a windproof and waterproof jacket. In a sense, it seems like a convenient jacket that will give you more options in a variety of situations.
MAMMUT AEROSPEED JACKET
Weight★☆☆ Waterproof★★☆ Breathable★★☆ Comfort★★☆ Function★★☆ Versatile★★☆
The previous model (DRYTECH FREEFLIGHT JACKET) that was released last year has already been renewed. When I actually wear it, the fabric and cutting are almost the same as the previous model, and I like the stylish silhouette that is typical of Mammut, the outer material that is not too crunchy, and the overall supple fabric. So what exactly was changed is that it has hand pockets on the left and right sides. This has led to a slight increase in weight, making it a change that could be a negative for active applications such as trail runs. However, on the other hand, if you think of it as a gentle activity or a jacket to use everyday, it can be considered to be more user-friendly, so this may differ depending on the purpose of the user.
karrimor beaufort 3L jkt
Weight★★☆ Waterproof★☆☆ Breathable★★★ Comfort★★☆ Function★☆☆ Versatility★★☆☆
This is the "aerial series," a lightweight model series for fast packing, started this season by the British outdoor brand Karrimor. Although it has not been proven to be a proven track record in this field up until now, it uses a fairly high-performance fabric, with a water resistance of 15,000mm, moisture permeability of 50,000g, 3 layers, and subtle stretching, and weighs only 180g. In terms of specs, it is excellent enough to be unabated by the top group. When I tried on, the body wasn't too tight, and the pockets were made with hand pockets on both sides, making it more suitable for hiking than running. In addition to its outstanding breathability, the buttons on the collar also hold off the flutter even when the front zipper is open, so ventilation is often considered.
Teton Bros. Breath Jacket
Weight★☆☆ Waterproof★☆☆ Breathable★★★ Comfort★★ Function★★☆ Versatile★★☆
This model has been ongoing since 2016, but the ultra-lightweight rainwear that uses Polartec Neoshell, which has an outstanding balance of breathability and comfort and ease of movement, is still attractive even today (I hope more Neoshell products will come out). This model has further reduced the company's summer standard, the Tsurugi Lite Jacket, to the extreme weight reduction, and if you want to make it even more almighty, the Tsurugi Lite Jacket is probably more comfortable. In any case, this not only has the high breathability of Neoshell, but also features a diagonally open front double zipper and slit-like ventilation underarm ventilation, making it easy to use for activities that require more sweating, ensuring comfortableness without getting stuffy even in low mountains or midsummer. As always, the colour and silhouette are also wonderful.
NORRONA bitihorn dri 1 Jacket
Weight★☆☆ Waterproof★★☆ Breathable★★☆ Comfort★★☆ Function★★★ Versatility★★☆
It seems that performance remains the same in 2017, with the addition of new colors, using the 2.5-layer dri1, a unique material from Norona. As always, this unique look and function remains in a unique position. This is a piece full of originality, with a unique approach that delves into the functions necessary for lightweight rainwear that can currently be thought of, such as ultra-lightweight, extremely comfortable to wear, plenty of pockets, and excellent ventilation.
MONTANE MINIMUS JACKET
Weight★☆☆ Waterproof★★☆ Breathable★★☆ Comfort★★☆ Function★★★ Versatility★★☆
MONTANE's standard ultra-light rain shell, which advocates fast and light, has been released about two years ago, and there have been no particular changes this year, but even if the specs are inferior, the overall quality of the product remains as bright as ever, so we've picked it up again this year. PERTEX Shield + is a now standard material that has been used by many manufacturers in recent years as a waterproof and breathable material that emphasizes lightness. What's better than other models is the fine details such as the rough surface that makes it easier to carry a backpack, the excellent three-dimensional feel, the large chest pocket, the hood and the mouth guard part that are well thought out to prevent rain and wind. I'd like to have ventilation, but in exchange for this lightness it's fine.
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 light rainwear made in the past. However, at the time, there were many challenges, such as the texture was sticky and stuffy, and even if it was light, it was still difficult to use. In recent years, due to the spread of short-term activities, which have been gaining a lot of activity, such as trail running and fast packing, many brands and material manufacturers develop jackets made of light, highly breathable waterproof and breathable materials that . As a result, there are now many different models that are not only light, but also have different comfort and usability to suit your purpose and style.
1. The lightness and thinness are incredibly light
Traditional rainwear for mountaineering weighs around 400g to 500g. On the other hand, most rainwear that is considered to be ultra-lightweight types are coated alone, and are in their early 200g or less . It is not uncommon for models that weigh less than 100g, and is much lighter than a 350ml can of juice.
2. Supple, easy to move around and comfortable to wear
It is comfortable to wear without any strain. The smooth lining feels great on the skin that you can see through your arms. The comfort that was previously given up on rainwear is amazingly improved with ultra-light rainwear. With previous rainwear (only light) inevitably, the smooth texture left a feeling of discomfort when sweating. , including the GORE-TEX® C-KNIT™ Backer Technology which was released in 2015 and the so-called three-layer structure, which uses sturdy fabric instead of laminated, has become the mainstream, and despite its ultra-lightweight feel, it always feels smooth and comfortable to the touch . Other models using stretch fabrics that emphasize ease of movement have also been released, and a major feature is that they are not only light, but also provide easy support for active activities that are often sweating.
3. High moisture permeability to keep you dry even when you sweat
Most ultra-lightweight rainwear originally designed for activities such as trail running and cycling (without heavy movements in a short period of time and without carrying large loads) are made of materials and structures that have relatively higher moisture permeability than conventional rainwear . For this reason, ultra-lightweight rainwear can maintain comfort even during intense movements and midsummer activities, and in that sense it is the perfect outerwear that combines comfort with weather performance.
Incidentally, in terms of moisture permeability, not only material manufacturers such as eVent, Pertex, Neoseshell, and GORE-TEX®, but also outdoor brands have developed their own unique high-performance materials, creating fabric products with increasingly diverse performance and characteristics. Furthermore, the breathability of the clothing itself depends on the thickness of the fabric and the ventilation structure, so it will be necessary to look at the overall construction of the clothing that will hold the key to comfort
4. Waterproof and windproof performance that can withstand sudden rain and wind
Despite being so thin and lighter, the latest models are waterproof enough to withstand normal rain and wind. Looking at the "water pressure resistance" used when measuring durability and waterproof performance numerically, Pertex Shield+, a typical lightweight material, has a water resistance of 20,000mm. The water resistance required to prevent heavy rain is 10,000mm, so it is very useful for day trips and low mountain climbing. However, just to be safe, it is not always sufficient for long traverses, rainy areas, or storms in mountains over 2,000m, so it is best not to assume that this will be suitable for any climbing. be best to assume calm environments such as day hiking and trail running, as well as intense short-term activities .
5. High storage capacity that is impossible to achieve
Example of storage of OUTDOOR RESEARCH HELIUM HD jackets. Even pit zippered clothing can be stored in this size.
Despite its features, when folded, it becomes small enough to fit on your palm. This smallness is nothing more than , including trail running and cycling, fast packing and general day climbing.
6. Wearing on a clear day and there is no need to take off afterwards
The fact that it is flexible and easy to move in, and also has high waterproof and breathable properties, it also means that it can be used in a way that does not fit into the frame of rain gear. In other words , it can be used as an outerwear at all times, like a windshell . For example, if you start to wear on a chilly morning, take tough climbs in forests, or get a sudden strong wind on the ridge, or of course, you don't need to take off your clothes. It's great that if that happens, you can enjoy the great benefits of saving time even if you're not a particularly gross person.
7. Perfect for street wear and a variety of outdoor activities
Originally, this clothing was developed with the aim of intense exercise such as running and motorcycles. Even now that the range of uses has expanded, it is still ideal for a variety of outdoor activities. Many of them are stylish and slim in style and easy to move in, and can be worn as an outerwear when running or as a street wear without any discomfort, so this one piece can be worn in a great way . There's no doubt that it's going to be a hit.
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]
