Ultra-lightweight rainwear you won't miss this season 2017
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
Did you say it's under 100g? So, how comfortable is it to wear? What's the world of surprisingly light and compact, ultra-lightweight rainwear that has been actively featured on this site for about two years now, when it was excellent below 300g until just a few years ago? Now, even if you lower than 100g, you will get the above reaction, and this year, as usual, it has evolved as badly as ever.
This trend continues since last year, but as usual, there is an increasing number of products that combine features that suit a variety of activities, not only lighter, but also less likely to get stuffy, more comfortable to wear, and easier to move around. Above all, this year, the number of brands and items that have entered the market has been incredible, even more than last year. From full-scale mountaineering brands to running brands, the biggest feature of this year is that many new products from many brands appear like a star and compete for the sake of their own.
This year, we have checked out a variety of ultra-lightweight rainwear, which is a symbol of the dog-year-old outdoor gear evolution, and have compiled a list of popular models, which are becoming an annual tradition, so we'd like to take a look.
As usual, the basic premise for picking up is whether I wanted it (or bought it without thinking).
However, this time, we have lowered the ultra-lightweight standard to around the early 200g, as the target model has expanded too much under the previous standard of "approximately 300g". In fact, most common mountain climbing rainwear in recent years has achieved considerable performance even at around 300g. As a result, some of the models that were chosen as ultra-lightweight rainwear up until last year will be featured in a special feature on rainwear for full-scale mountain climbing, which will be announced at a later date.
table of contents
table of contents
- "Lightness is justice" 8 ultra-light rainwear for run, bike and racing
- "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?
"Lightness is justice" 8 ultra-light rainwear for run, bike and racing
Berghaus Hyper 100 Jacket
Weight★★★ Waterproof★★☆ Breathable★★☆ Comfort★★★ Function★☆☆ Versatility★★☆☆
The most highlight of this season is the "world's lightest 3-layer" waterproof and breathable jacket (according to the brand) that won unmatched gold at two exhibitions, the 2016 OutDoor Show and the ISPO 2017. This is a supreme item, with innovative technology generously introduced by the cutting-edge product development team "MtnHaus Design Team," a British representative comprehensive outdoor brand.
Of course, the editorial department got it at the same time as it was released. The moment I put it on, it was as light as I expected (97g for size M) and the supple feel of the skin, and it was as if nothing had been put on it. The previous model (Vapor Light Hyper Shell Jacket) was lighter at 85g, but since it was 2.5 layers, the lining had to be settled in a vinyl-like texture, which is a major advance. The Hydroshell Elite Pro, an even more innovative material than ever, is the company's lightest and most highly breathable waterproof membrane , and although the specifications have not been announced, it can be expected to be waterproof and comfortable than the previous model.
It's not just lightness that will surprise you. The unique three-dimensional cutting allows for a natural feel around the shoulders and a minimalist design, and the hybrid hood and cuffs are made of rubber and flaps that prevent rain from entering as much as possible, despite being lighter. This game, which is world-class lighter and has the functionality, with the addition of an inner pocket (which was not found in the previous model), is the best recommendation of this year for those who prefer short, high-performance activities, such as trail running or short-term speed hiking.
THE NORTH FACE Strike Trail Hoodie (or Strike Jacket)
Weight★★★ Waterproof★★☆ Breathable★★★ Comfort★★☆ Function★☆☆ Versatility★☆☆☆
The North Face's latest release has been quickly introducing a lineup focused on fast packing and trail running since around last season, and is an ultra-thin, ultra-lightweight waterproof shell that is also designed for use in races. The unique material "HYVENT Flyweight (3 layers)" continues from last year, with reliable specifications, with 20,000mm water resistance and 40,000g breathability. Furthermore, the current model has eliminated the pockets, and reduced the Velcro cuffs, drawstrings for adjusting the hem and hood to the limit, resulting in the company's lightest weight in 110g. Of course, the smooth, three-layer lining is as comfortable as ever and extremely comfortable to wear. The features that are specialized for running, such as clear colors that allow lace bibs to be seen through, are the most attractive features for race-oriented people.
The Strike Jacket introduced last year is also on sale. This is also widely recommended as an ultra-lightweight model that is balanced to make it easy to use not only for running but also for hiking and street wear.
Salomon BONATTI PRO WP JKT
Weight★★☆ Waterproof★★☆ Breathable★★☆ Comfort★★☆ Function★★★ Versatile★☆☆
As expected of a top mountain lace brand, this BONATTI PRO WP JKT was impressive with its detailed features that made you think so. First of all, the suppleness of the outer material, which is not too crisp than necessary, is a great element for running. The gusset placed on the back is a MotionFit structure that pursues freedom of movement, allowing for outstanding ease of movement despite its slim silhouette. It is packed with features that are perfect for running, such as a rubber hood that fits your forehead and prevents water from entering, a reflector that is safe even in the middle of the night, a packable design that can be stored without a stuff sack, and a chest button that prevents fluttering even when the water stopper zipper is open.
Marmot ZERO Penetrate Jacket
Weight★★★ Waterproof★★☆ Breathable★★★ Comfort★★☆ Function★★☆ Versatile★★☆
Recently, Marmot has been making a distinctive UL-style item, with collaborations with Hiker's Depot Tsuchiya, an important figure in ultra-light hiking in Japan, has released a carefully selected ultra-light rainwear that has been significantly upgraded to the previous model ZERO STORM, which was extremely light.
The unique MemBrain Strata is 2.5 layers, but it is surprisingly not as light as it is noticeable. The water pressure resistance of 20,000mm and breathability of 20,000g is also a good success. Above all, the weight has dropped even further from the previous model to 138g, making it one of the best lightest. Personally, the most interesting thing is the hand pocket, which also serves as ventilation. The exquisite ingenuity that functions as a pocket while ensuring breathability can't help but groan "I see." Furthermore, I am impressed by how well-though the hood is designed to fit perfectly despite the lack of adjustment.
This work has changed from the somewhat ordinary construction of the previous model to a unique model with features that only this one can find, and should be useful not only for trail running, but also for lightness-oriented outdoor activities, including fast packing.
Patagonia STORM RACER JACKET
![[Authorized Dealer Product] Patagonia Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket for Men 24110](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51fVjtYmhEL._SS300_.jpg)
Weight★★☆ Waterproof★★☆ Breathable★★☆ Comfort★★☆ Function★★☆ Versatile★★☆
Patagonia's rain jacket for mountain lace has finally been renewed this year. This model, which was a 2.5-layer model with a slightly inferior weight of 270g, is now completely revamped by a comfortable 3-layer material and a lighter 170g, so it can be said that it has been fully at the forefront.
As always, the company's slim and stress-free three-dimensional cutting is stunning, and the subtle stretch makes it easier to move around. The cuffs are partially elastic, making them both light and fit. The hood can be adjusted to one touch using a cord lock, and a packable design that allows you to store the chest pocket inside out, showing the company's unique personality, not only light, but also overall ease of use.
MONTANE MINIMUS 777 JACKET
Weight★★★ Waterproof★★☆ Breathable★★☆ Comfort★★★ Function★★☆ Versatile★★☆
The lightest waterproof shell of Montain, which won first place overall in a comparison test conducted by the editorial department last year, has not changed since last year. Despite this, he still has a strong ability to overcome. The three layers, which use the lightweight waterproof and breathable membrane "Pertex Shield+", which has been supplied to many brands around the world this year, have a supple and comfortable feel, and keeps the skin smooth and smooth even when sweating, so it won't lose comfort. Not only is the arms swinging when running, but the three-dimensional arms cutting, which ensures high mobility when climbing, is still as amazing as ever. After all, there is no more reliable ally if you use it as equipment for fast packing, trail running, or emergency use, as a way to pursue lightness.
OMM Aether Jacket
Weight★☆☆ Waterproof★☆☆ Breathable★★★ Comfort★★☆ Function★★★ Versatility★★★★
A mountain running jacket that won the 2016 OutDoor Show, renewed in the fall of 2016. Its weight of approximately 200g may not be extremely light, but the jacket's most innovative is its high level of weather resistance, durability and functionality. "eVent" has a long proven track record as a waterproof and breathable membrane that competes with GORE-TEX, and its high breathability makes it seem like the clothing is breathing. The suppleness of the fine fabric, the comfortable three layers of comfortable fit, and the waste-free silhouette made from the calculated three-dimensional cutting inevitably increase your motivation to lace. The hood is easy to fit, cuffs that can be freely adjusted to fit or as a thumb hole, and hem and waist area that are less likely to swell up, making it a unique twist, making it easy to get into, and many people want to buy it despite the high price.
mont-bell versalite jacket
Weight★★☆ Waterproof★★☆ Breathable★☆☆ Comfort★☆☆ Function★☆☆ Versatility★★★
Although it has been a while since its release, it still weighs 168g and is quite competitively light. However, to be honest, I would like to see a slightly better performance improvement in 2017, including breathability, comfort in the lining, the Velcro adjustment mechanism on the left and right hand pockets and the cuffs, but above all, this high cost performance is a special note. It is definitely an easy model for those who are oriented towards light and fast activities such as trail running and fast packing, and who don't want to regret it too much. The figure is also looser than Western models, so it is also recommended for people who fit in it.
Next page: "Lightweight and easy to use" to create lightweight rainwear that emphasizes balance
