You’re out on an all-day hike or a long climb or trail run or ride in the mountains. The weather forecast looked pretty good before you set out—but no one shared that memo with the wind that just started hammering your summit ridge, or the spitting rain and hail now pelting you as you contemplate the sudden drop in temperature and the miles between you and shelter. The question now is: What’s in your pack?

If you’re smart, it’s an ultralight jacket that takes up little space, but is about to gift you with just the right amount of weather protection when you need it.

This article offers my expert tips on how to choose the best ultralight shell for your needs, followed by my freshly updated picks for the best models on the market today, based on real-world, backcountry field testing and my 30 years of experience reviewing outdoor gear and apparel, including more than 10 years running this blog and previously the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine for 10 years.

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

Ultralight Jackets Explained

What is an ultralight shell jacket? There’s no consensus definition, and considerable variation among today’s models. But basically, the term “ultralight jacket” explains their primary advantage: They weigh under about 10 ounces—and some a fraction of that—and are very packable, often stuffing down to the size of a fist. In other words, they are usually less than half the weight and bulk of a standard waterproof-breathable jacket. While a few may be partly or even fully waterproof, many are water-resistant and windproof, providing a minimum level of protection from the elements.

While these jackets, also known as ultralight wind shells, are marketed primarily to runners, they are often a better choice than a heavier, bulkier rain jacket for dayhikers, climbers, and lightweight/ultralight backpackers who don’t expect to encounter heavy rain. I’ve used many of the models reviewed here for lightweight dayhikes and some of the more durable models for backpacking and climbing when the forecast threatened no more than light showers.

Although they certainly look very minimalist, they deliver all the protection you need from wind and light rain—the conditions many of us often encounter far more often than full-on storms. Some of them are partly or fully waterproof-breathable, and kept me dry in steady rain; but they lack the full hood coverage, features, and degree of waterproofing that a heavier rain jacket provides, and I don’t recommend ultralight jackets for hours or days of sustained rain.

The truth is, because standard, heavier, waterproof-breathable shells are, by definition, not as breathable as shells that are simply water-resistant, they are not the best choice for activities where you sweat a lot, like running or rigorous uphill hiking with a pack on, because they often cause you to get soaked from perspiration. Waterproof-breathable shells have their place, for sure. But they are heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than an ultralight jacket, in addition to being generally less useful in the situations we commonly encounter in the backcountry.

The notion seems counterintuitive, but it’s possible to have too much of a jacket. If you rarely pull on a rain jacket because it’s too much for most circumstances you encounter, then you need an ultralight jacket.

Whether you’re a dayhiker, backpacker, ultra-hiker, runner, or climber, when you choose the right ultralight shell for your activity and climate, it will probably become the jacket you grab and actually wear most often—and possibly the most versatile piece of outerwear you own, useful in a layering system tailored to any season and multiple outdoor sports.

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How to Choose an Ultralight Jacket

While many ultralight shells are similar in appearance and weight, they can vary significantly in functionality.

Simply put, the best ultralight jackets for trail running may be different from the best models for cool-weather hiking, climbing, or ultralight backpacking, and your choice will also depend on the typical weather you encounter.

Here’s what to look for:

• Breathability vs. weather resistance. Ultralight jackets generally trade off fully waterproof protection for better breathability. However, models in this category can vary greatly in how each balances breathability and wind protection, and some have partially or completely waterproof fabrics while remaining ultralight and packable. But “waterproof” in an ultralight jacket doesn’t generally equal the protection of a two-layer or three-layer, heavier waterproof-breathable jacket (like Gore-Tex); sustained hard rain can cause it to wet through.

• Hybrid vs. uniform shell. “Hybrid” in this context refers to the shell blending some fully waterproof-breathable fabric—usually in the shoulders, torso, and hood—with more breathable, non-waterproof fabric in the sides and underarms, allowing the jacket to release body heat and moisture in areas not likely to receive much direct precipitation. These jackets are versatile for a wide range of conditions and activity levels. By “uniform” shell, I mean either a water-resistant soft-shell fabric or a waterproof-breathable fabric—but one or the other, not a hybrid combination of both.

• Insulated or not. While it’s not usually the case, ultralight jackets occasionally feature a light amount of strategically placed insulation—typically in the torso—making them more of a cool-weather, fall through spring garment, but also versatile for everything from climbing bigger mountains in summer to aerobic activities like running, Nordic skiing, or hiking and snowshoeing in winter.

• Hood or no hood. For the most part, I find a simple, uninsulated shell hood almost essential in an ultralight jacket—it provides a noticeable boost in warmth and weather protection at very little cost in terms of weight, bulk, or dollars. Many ultralight shells, but not all, have a hood or a hooded version, and this comes down to personal preference as well as typical usage: If you need a shell simply for local runs of an hour or two in wind or cool temps, with a chance of a light shower, you may not need a hood. If you’re heading into the mountains for hours or days, you probably want a hood.

The Best Ultralight Jackets

I’ve listed the following jackets in order from lightest to heaviest.

My advice: Look at each of the reviews below to narrow your choices to the two or three that sound best for your needs, and then go to the complete reviews of those jackets to help you make your pick. You will support my work on this blog by purchasing any of these jackets through the affiliate links provided here or in the complete reviews, at no cost to you; in fact, you’ll usually find the best prices at those links. Thanks for doing that.

I encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences with any of these jackets, or another ultralight shell that you like, in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.

Stay dry, happy, and safe. See my “5 Expert Tips For Buying a Rain Jacket for Hiking”
and all reviews of rain jackets at The Big Outside.

Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell
Why it’s special: Lightest and most packable protection from wind and light rain.
$199, 3.5 oz./99.2g (men’s medium)
blackdiamondequipment.com

The more I wore the Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell—the lightest and most packable hooded shell in this review—the more I liked and used it. Those outings ranged widely, including running the Grand Canyon 42 miles rim to rim to rim in one day in early October, a five-day June trek through Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains, a September weekend of rock climbing in cool temps and gusty wind at Idaho’s City of Rocks, and mountain biking through a sudden downpour. And not only does this shell perform well, but it may be the greenest ultralight wind shell on the market.

The Distance Wind Shell has a basic suite of features found in other ultralight shells: It stuffs easily into its one zippered chest pocket, packing down tosmaller than a baseball, and has elasticized cuffs, an adjustable hem, and an adjustable, helmet-compatible hood. But it replaces a traditional DWR (durable, water-resistant) fabric treatment with a PFC-free, water-repellent finish that gets permanently hyper-fused to the fabric fibers, making it more durable and greener than DWRs. Best of all, of course, its breathability and weather resistance compare with the best in this category.

See my complete review of the Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell at backcountry.com or blackdiamondequipment.com.

Plan your next great backpacking adventure using my expert e-books.
Click here now to learn more.

Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell Hoody
Why it’s special: Great balance of high breathability, low weight, packability, weather resistance, and durability.
$165, 5.1 oz./145g (men’s medium)
backcountry.com

After sweating hard on a hot and humid June morning hiking up the brutally steep headwall of Huntington Ravine on Mount Washington, we hit the cool wind in the mountain’s alpine terrain—so I pulled on my Kor Airshell Hoody and it tamed that wind while breathing so well that the wet sun shirt against my skin dried out quickly. And that pattern of sweating and hitting wind continued throughout that two-day hut trek in New Hampshire’s Presidential Range.

A midweight ultralight wind shell at a hair over five ounces,the highly packable Kor Airshell Hoody balances its two superpowers of low weight and excellent breathability with respectable weather resistance and durability, as I also found wearing it running hilly trails and hiking from the Boise Foothills to early spring backpacking trips on a section of the Arizona Trail and in Arizona’s Aravaipa Canyon. Besides its breathability, the ultralight, recycled, 20-denier Pertex Quantum Air ripstop nylon fabric lends the Kor better durability than the lightest ultralight shells.

With a comfortable fit and soft fabric, an elasticized hood with a low-profile brim that provides decent coverage, elasticized hem and cuffs, and two zippered hand pockets—more than found on many competitors—it’s a great choice for dayhikers, trail runners, climbers, and others who mostly need good breathability but may encounter a range of weather conditions short of sustained, hard rain.

See my complete review of the Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell Hoody.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell Hoody at backcountry.com or rei.com.

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Outdoor Research Shadow Wind Hoodie
Why it’s special: Combo of high breathability and comfort, weather resistance, packability, and durability.
$140, 5.8 oz./164.4g (men’s medium)
backcountry.com

We expect a lot of our ultralight wind shells: We want them to breathe well when we’re hiking or running uphill while, of course, blocking the wind effectively—and feel good. On trail runs, dayhikes, and a backpacking trip from southern Utah’s canyon country in spring to the mountains of Southwest Idaho, in a wide range of weather that challenges any outer layer to keep you comfortable, the Shadow Wind Hoodie did just that quite well.

The Shadow’s distinguishing component is its lightweight but durable, 20-denier, stretch-woven fabric: Impressively breathable and resistant to light precipitation, it feels softer against skin than most ultralight shells—especially the lightest out there, which can feel a bit like a plastic petroleum product.

But it offers so much more, too. The trim fit provides space for a couple of base layers plus light insulation and very good stretch lets this jacket move with you—great for hiking, running, climbing, and other activities. The close-fitting, under-the-helmet hood is adjustable—uncommon in an ultralight shell—protects your face well and stows inside the collar. The Shadow also has three zippered pockets. Just an ounce or two heavier than the lightest hooded wind shells, it stuffs inside the chest pocket to about the size of a softball.

See my complete review of the Outdoor Research Shadow Wind Hoodie.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Outdoor Research Helium Wind Hoodie at backcountry.com, rei.com, or outdoorresearch.com.

Get the right pack for you. See “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs”
and the “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks.”

Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket
Why it’s special: Very light and packable waterproof-breathable shell.
$170, 6 oz./170.1g (men’s medium), $180, 6 oz. (women’s medium)
backcountry.com

In the world of waterproof-breathable outerwear, the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket pushes the extreme low end in weight and packability—very appealing to hikers, ultralight backpackers, and trail runners. I’ve worn this six-ounce hooded shell on trail runs and hikes in my local foothills, in weather ranging from biting wind and temps in the 30s to heavily falling, wet snow for over two hours. I also wore it at times on an early September, five-day backpacking trip on the Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier National Park, where it fended off heavy mist and cool winds, and through cold wind and some light rain showers on a five-day hike in The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park in early March—and for trips with no serious rain in the forecast, it saved me from carrying twice the weight and bulk in a standard rain jacket.

Constructed from 30-denier ripstop nylon, waterproof-breathable Pertex Shield, it employs Diamond Fuse technology, which uses yarns with diamond-shaped filaments that lock together, lending it relatively good durability and snag-resistance for a fabric this light. It fought off dumping wet snow while I ran and hiked and didn’t build up too much moisture inside; but breathability is not exceptional. It has an adjustable hood, comfortable fit, and one zippered chest pocket that the shell stuffs inside. For anyone needing a just-in-case ultralight shell for wind and rain, the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket delivers waterproof protection in a compact package at a good value for its performance and low weight.

See my complete review of the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s Helium Jacket at backcountry.com or rei.com, or a women’s Helium Rain Jacket at backcountry.com or rei.com.

Which puffy should you buy? See “The 12 Best Down Jackets” and
“How You Can Tell How Warm a Down Jacket Is.”

Rab Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket
Why it’s special: Lightweight and packable waterproof-breathable shell.
$165, 7.7 oz./219g (men’s medium)
backcountry.com

This ultralight rain shell kept me dry while backpacking through wind-driven rain and hail in a thunderstorm on the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. At just 7.7 ounces/219 grams and packing down to the size of a softball, it was also a perfect choice for wind protection and just in case of rain (which only fell early one morning, before we got up) while backpacking the Grand Canyon’s Gems Route.

Rab’s 20-denier, 2.5-layer Proflex stretch-woven waterproof nylon fabric also breathes well, and the adjustable hood offers decent face protection. If you generally avoid severe weather, the Downpour Light delivers all the protection you need in a lighter, more packable design that’s far less expensive than that high-end rain shell that’s overbuilt for your needs.

See my complete review of the Rab Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a Rab Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket at backcountry.com or rei.com.

Planning your next big adventure? See “America’s Top 10 Best Backpacking Trips”
and “The 25 Best National Park Dayhikes.”

Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody
Why it’s special: Warmest ultralight jacket with good weather resistance and breathability.
$280, 9 oz./255g (men’s medium)
rei.com

The warmest and only insulated shell in this review, the Atom SL Hoody has been a go-to piece for me in situations as varied as backpacking in August in Canada’s Kootenay National Park and in October in Idaho’s White Cloud Mountains; scrambling a 10,000-foot peak in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains and hiking to the very windy summit of 10,243-foot Mount Washburn in Yellowstone National Park in September; and numerous times Nordic skate-skiing in temps in the 20s and 30s.

Essentially an ultralight wind shell with some strategically placed insulation, it delivers just enough warmth for being active in cool temps without causing you to overheat. Credit the fleece under the arms and 40 grams of insulation in the torso, but no insulation in the hood or on the outside of the sleeves, where there’s just windproof shell fabric that breathes reasonably well. Arc’teryx’s Coreloft synthetic insulation is very compressible, retains heat when wet, and dries quickly. The adjustable hood stays put on your head, with or without a helmet. Whether I was standing on a windblown 10,000-footer, carrying a backpack through the mountains in conditions that shifted frequently between warm sunshine and overcast with cold wind, or perspiring profusely while skate-skiing, the Atom SL keep me warm but didn’t make me too hot. It’s ideal for cool to cold temps or anyone who gets cold easily in moderate temperatures.

See my complete review of the Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody at rei.com or arcteryx.com.

See all trail-running gear reviews and outdoor apparel reviews at The Big Outside.

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The Wind River Range, Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, and the Grand Canyon (all numerous times now). Utah’s High Uintas Wilderness, Montana’s Beartooths, and Colorado’s Weminuche. Glacier National Park and the Tetons. The Canadian Rockies. Southern Utah’s Owl and Fish canyons, Buckskin Gulch, and Paria Canyon. The John Muir Trail and Wonderland Trail. Iceland’s Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails. New Hampshire’s Presidential Range and New Zealand’s Milford Track, Routeburn Track, and Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

These are just some of the places where I’ve recently tested the backpacking gear and apparel that I’ve reviewed at The Big Outside—so that I can give you honest and thorough, field-tested opinions that help you find the best gear for your adventures.

And that’s exactly how I came up with the following picks for today’s best backpacking gear.

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

Three decades of testing outdoor gear and apparel—including formerly as the lead gear reviewer and Northwest Editor of Backpacker magazine for 10 years and even longer running this blog—have refined my ability to identify gear that’s truly outstanding, at the cutting edge technologically, and a good value.

In this freshly updated review, I share my top picks for a basic backpacking gear kit, from several of the best packs, tents, boots, and sleeping bags, including suggestions for backpackers on a budget—because everyone has different needs and preferences—to a favorite rain shell, the best trekking poles, down jackets, and air mattresses, the camp kitchen, and water treatment.

Much of the gear in this story links to my complete review of it, where you can get more details and find links to online retailers for purchasing it. Purchasing through the “Buy it now” affiliate links below or affiliate links in each complete review supports my work on The Big Outside, at no cost to you—in fact, you’ll usually find the best prices at those links. Thank you for doing that.

Please share your questions or thoughts on my gear picks in the comments section at the bottom of this story; I try to respond to all comments. And please forward this story to other backpackers you think might find it useful.

Want to read about the many places I’ve backpacked while testing gear? See my All Trips List or use the search box (main menu, above), and check out my e-books to America’s best backpacking trips, including the Teton Crest Trail and The Best First Backpacking Trip in Yosemite, and my Custom Trip Planning page to learn how I can help you plan your next great backpacking trip.

Click on any product name to read its review. Click any “Buy it now” link to purchase it.

Backpacks

Best Overall: Osprey Atmos AG 65 (buy it now) and Aura AG 65 (buy it now), both $370, 4 lbs. 11 oz./2.13kg.
Best Weight-to-Performance Ratio: Granite Gear Blaze 60, $300, 3 lbs. 4 oz./1.47kg. Buy it now.
Best Price-to-Performance Ratio: Gregory Paragon 60 (buy it now) and Maven 58 (buy it now), $270, 3 lbs. 12 oz./1.7 kg.
Best-Fitting Ultralight: Osprey Exos 58 (buy it now) and Eja 58 (buy it now), both $280, 2 lbs. 14 oz./1.3kg.
Best For Heavy Loads: Gregory Baltoro 65 (buy it now) and Deva 60 (buy it now), both $350, 4 lbs. 14 oz./2.21kg.

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Best Ultralight Pack

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider
$379, 1 lb. 15 oz./878.8g

Many ultralight packs lack the support for carrying more than about 25 pounds comfortably. HMG’s Windrider handles up to 35 pounds, its 55 liters deliver the capacity for a week between resupplies, and it weighs much less than some best-selling competitors. Its tough Dyneema Composite Fabrics is fully waterproof and built to survive the apocalypse. The fixed suspension comes in four sizes and the simple harness system works. Its minimalist design, durability, capacity, comfort, and low weight will appeal to many backpackers who prefer hiking over simply hauling.

Read my full review of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider and see all of my picks for the best ultralight backpacks.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider at hyperlitemountaingear.com.

I’ve helped many readers plan unforgettable backpacking and hiking trips.
Want my help with yours? Click here now.

Tents

Best Two-Door Tent That Pitches with Trekking Poles: Slingfin 2Lite, $505, 2 lbs. 10 oz./1.19kg. Buy it now.
Best 2-Person Ultralight: MSR Freelite 2, $465, 2 lbs./907.2g. Buy it now.
Sturdiest and Roomiest 2-Person Ultralight: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2, $699, 1 lb. 2 oz./510.3g. Buy it now.
Best Solo Ultralight: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid-1, $599, 16.8 oz./476.3g. Buy it now.
Best Value Solo Ultralight: Gossamer Gear The One, $255, 1 lb. 2 oz./510g. Buy it now.

Great Balance of Space, Features, and Weight

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
$550, 2 lbs. 11 oz./1.22kg

For years, the Copper Spur HV UL2 has remained a leading choice for backpackers seeking an ultralight tent that doesn’t compromise on sturdiness or livability. While some would call it merely “lightweight,” semantics aside, it sports an abundance of features and space for a freestanding, two-door shelter well under three pounds, starting with the most conspicuous: two awning-style doors that can be set up in rain to allow cooling ventilation without getting wet inside or rolled up for maximum ventilation and stargazing. The DAC Featherlite hubbed poles create steep walls that make the tent feel roomier than its 29 square feet, 40-inch peak height, and 88-inch length. It pitches easily, the two vestibules are spacious and ventilation excellent, and the Copper Spur has abundant interior pockets. Very few freestanding, two-door tents strike such a space-to-weight balance.

Read my full review of the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 at backcountry.com or another version of the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL series at backcountry.com.

Get the right gear for your trips. See “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs”
and “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents.”

Shoes and Boots

Best Lightweight Shoes: Danner Trail 2650, $190, 1 lb. 7.5 oz./666.2g Buy them now.
Best Lightweight Backpacking Boots: Scarpa Rush Mid GTX, $199, 2 lbs./907.2g Buy them now.
Best Midweight Backpacking Boots: Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX, $250, 2 lbs. 5 oz./1.05 kg Buy them now.
Most Breathable and Sticky: La Sportiva TX3, $159, 1 lb. 9 oz./708.7g Buy them now.
Best Trail Running/Ultralight Hiking Shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 6, $155, 1 lb. 3 oz./538.6g Buy them now.
Killer Value: Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof, $180, 1 lb. 13 oz./822g Buy them now.

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Sleeping Bags

Best Down Bags: Feathered Friends Hummingbird and Egret UL, $549-$629, 1 lb. 5 oz.-1 lb. 9 oz./595.3g.-708.7g. Buy a Hummingbird UL 30 or 20 now or an Egret UL 30 or 20 now.
Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30, $510-$540, 1 lb. 6 oz./623.7g-669g. Buy a Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30 now.
Marmot Hydrogen 30, $399-$419, 1 lb. 9.4 oz.-1 lb. 11 oz./720g-770g. Buy a Marmot Hydrogen 30 now.
Sea to Summit Spark Pro -9C/15F, $649-$689, 1 lb. 11 oz.-1 lb. 14 oz./765.4g-861g, and Spark Pro -1C/30F, $549-$579, 1 lb. 6 oz.-1 lb. 8 oz./619g-672g. Buy a Sea to Summit Spark Pro now.
Best Ultralight: Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 32 or Hyperion 20, $430-$580, 15 oz.-1 lb. 6 oz./425.2g.-623.7g. Buy it now.
Best Winter Bag: Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0, $700-$740, 2 lbs. 7 oz.-2 lbs. 11 oz./1.11kg.-1.22kg. Buy it now.
Best Budget Sleeping Bag: Kelty Cosmic Synthetic 20, $110-$120, 3 lbs./1.36kg. Buy it now. Or Kelty Cosmic Down 20, $170-$200, 2 lbs. 7 oz./1.11kg. Buy it now.

Plan your next great backpacking adventure using my expert e-books.
Click here now to learn more.

Best Value Down Bag

Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30F/-1C
$265-$285, 1 lb. 12 oz./793.8g

When shopping for sleeping bags, it’s helpful to compare certain key specs: temperature rating, type and amount of insulation (or fill), total weight, and, of course, the price. Using those metrics, the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30F/-1C looks really good, with RDS-certified, flourine-free, 650-fill-power down, enough warmth for many backpackers on typical overnight temps of summer in most mid-latitude mountain ranges (except for people who tend to get cold more easily), and a cut that delivers more generous space than many bags—all at a weight south of two pounds and it packs down to 7×13.5 inches. Among down bags, this is a good price for a bag of this quality. It also comes in 15-degree and 0-degree versions.

Read my full review of the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30. 

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or a women’s Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30F at backcountry.com, or other versions of the men’s and women’s Bishop Pass bags at backcountry.com.

Click on any product name to read its review. Click any “Buy it now” link to purchase it.

Best Rain Shells

Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell
$189, 10 oz./283.5g
Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Full-Zip Pants
$179, 9 oz./255.1g

Few places test rain gear as brutally as New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, where rain is almost as prevalent as oxygen. In some of the heaviest and most relentless wind-driven rain I’ve encountered over four decades of hiking and backpacking, on two classic hut treks and one long dayhike—the Routeburn Track and Milford Track and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing—Black Diamond’s Fineline Stretch Shell and Full-Zip Pants performed impressively.

For two straight days and most of a third day on the Milford, the jacket and pants never left my body. While water did penetrate both layers in spots—and in fairness, I believe those conditions would overwhelm any high-quality waterproof-breathable shells (and companions with Gore-Tex shells suffered the same fate)—they prevented me from getting soaked and cold. Credit goes to BD’s 2.5-layer BD.dry waterproof/breathable/windproof technology, which also has adequate breathability for all but very warm three-season trips.

With a one-hand-adjustable, climbing-helmet-compatible hood, the DWR-sealed pit zip vents, a waterproof front zipper, tough 50-denier fabric, and two zippered hand pockets—all at just $180 and 10 ounces/283.5 grams (men’s medium)—the Fineline Stretch Shell is a full-on technical, three-season rain shell.

Read my complete review of the Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell and Fineline Full-Zip Pants.

See all of the latest gear reviews at The Big Outside.

Down Jackets

Best Down Jacket: Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket, $409, 11 oz./311.8g Buy it now.
Best Synthetic Jacket: Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody, $349, 14 oz./397g Buy it now.
Best Ultralight Down Jacket: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoody, $360, 8.8 oz./249.5g Buy it now.
Best Ultralight Synthetic Jacket: Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody, $329, 9 oz./255.1g Buy it now.
Versatile Down Jacket: Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket, $295, 15 oz./425.2g Buy it now.

Which puffy should you buy? See “The 12 Best Down Jackets” and
“How You Can Tell How Warm a Down Jacket Is.”

Trekking Poles

Best Overall: MSR Dynalock Ascent, $190, 1 lb. 1 oz./481.9g Buy it now.
Best Ultralight: Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ, $210, 12.7 oz./360g Buy it now.
Most Versatile: Leki Makalu FX Carbon, $230, 1 lb. 1.9 oz./508g Buy it now.

Need a good headlamp? See “The Best Headlamps.”

Air Mattresses

Best All-Around Air Mat: Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated and XT Extreme, $219-$249, 1 lb. 1 oz.-1 lb. 9 oz./482-709g. Buy it now.
Best Comfort-to-Weight Balance: Nemo Tensor Insulated Air Mattress, $200-$230, 13 oz.-1 lb. 5 oz./369-595g. Buy it now.
Best Ultralight: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT, $200-$240, 11.5 oz.-1 lb. 1 oz./326-482g. Buy it now.
Best Inflatable Pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Ultra Light, $50-$55, 2.5 oz./71g. Buy it now.

What do you really need for backpacking?
See my “Essentials-Only Backpacking Gear Checklist.”

Camp Kitchen

Best Ultralight Pot: MSR Titan Kettle 1400ml, $70, 5.4 oz./153g, or Titan Kettle 900ml, $65, 4.4 oz./126g. Buy it now.
Best Cook Set: Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Collapsible One-Pot Cook Set, $146, 19 oz./527g. Buy it now.
Best Solo Stove: Jetboil Flash, $145, 13 oz./369g. Buy it now.
Best Family/Group Stove: MSR Windburner Group Stove System, $260, 1 lb. 4 oz./567g. Buy it now.
Best Bear Canister: Bear Vault BV500, $95, 2 lbs. 8 oz./1.1kg. Buy it now.

Buy smart with my pro tips on buying a backpack, backpacking tent,
hiking shoes or boots, a rain jacket, and a sleeping bag.

Best Ultralight Stove

MSR PocketRocket 2
$50, 3 oz./85g (4 oz./113.4g with plastic case, included)

Backcountry stoves come in a variety of designs these days. But in many respects, the simplest design remains the most versatile and reliable, and the PocketRocket 2 continues to embody everything a backpacking stove should be. It fires up easily every time, boils water fast, has good flame control for wilderness gourmands, weighs next to nothing, and costs less than many of its best competitors.

Whereas some types of stoves have limitations on what you can cook with them, you can use the PocketRocket 2 for cooking almost anything, almost anywhere, for any size party (or more than one stove for a large group). That may explain why it’s so popular.

Read my full review. The PocketRocket Deluxe ($85) adds a piezo push-button igniter, but as with that feature on other stoves, its performance can be erratic.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase an MSR PocketRocket 2 at backcountry.com or cascadedesigns.com.

I can help you plan the best backpacking, hiking, or family adventure of your life.
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Water Treatment

Best Pump Filter: MSR Hyperflow, $150, 9 oz./255g. Buy it now.
Best Gravity Filter: Katadyn BeFree Gravity 6L or 10L Filter, $115-$145, 9-10 oz./255-284g. Buy it now.
Best Filter Bottle: Lifestraw Go, $35-$50, 650ml to 1L, 7.8-8.6 oz./221-244g. Buy it now.
Best Ultralight Personal Filter: Katadyn BeFree Water Filtration System 0.6L, 1L, or 3L bottle, $45-$80, 2.5-3.5 oz./71-99g. Buy it now.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

Was this review helpful? Get full access to ALL stories at The Big Outside.
Join now and a get free e-book! ]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/the-best-backpacking-gear-of-2018/feed/ 23 27582 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/the-best-backpacking-gear-for-the-john-muir-trail/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/the-best-backpacking-gear-for-the-john-muir-trail/#comments Wed, 28 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=14007 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

So you’re planning to thru-hike the John Muir Trail and making all of the necessary preparations, and now you’re wondering: What’s the best gear for a JMT hike? Having thru-hiked the JMT as well as taken numerous other backpacking trips all over the High Sierra—mostly between late August and late September, which I consider that the best time to walk the Sierra, to avoid snow and the voracious mosquitoes and blazing hot afternoons of mid-summer—I offer the following picks for the best ultralight and lightweight backpacking gear and apparel for a JMT thru-hike.

Indisputably one of the best backpacking trips in America—and among the very best I’ve taken over three decades of backpacking, including the 10 years I spent as Northwest Editor and lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine and even longer running this blog—the JMT meanders for 211 miles through the magnificent High Sierra, from Yosemite Valley to the summit of the highest peak in the Lower 48, 14,505-foot Mount Whitney (where backpackers must then descend another 11 miles to finish the trip at Whitney Portal trailhead). See my story about thru-hiking the JMT in seven days.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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With few opportunities to resupply along the trail—and given the generally dry weather in the Sierra in summer—you can easily and should hike the JMT with the lightest gear that works for you (or that you can afford). Maximum pack weight will depend on how many days you spend on the trail and your food weight, but it’s quite feasible to keep your base pack weight (everything but food and water) within 15 pounds or less—and certainly no more than 20 pounds—without compromising safety or comfort in camp.

See my stories “Thru-Hiking the John Muir Trail: What You Need to Know,” “Thru-Hiking the John Muir Trail: The Ultimate, 10-Day, Ultralight Plan,” and “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” my Custom Trip Planning page to learn how I can help you plan your JMT thru-hike and any trip you read about at The Big Outside, and my expert e-books to backpacking trips in Yosemite and other parks.

The following suggestions for major gear items would also be solid picks for almost any backpacker who wants to go lighter and hike more comfortably in many mid-latitude mountain ranges in summer—although items like your tent and footwear would depend on the typical weather and bugs (and time of year).

Most recommendations below have a link to my full review of each. Click on the name of any product to buy it; those are affiliate links, meaning you can support my work on this blog by purchasing through them, at no cost to you.

Please share your thoughts on these gear suggestions for the JMT, or your own suggested gear, in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.

Planning to hike the John Muir Trail?
Click here for expert, detailed advice you won’t get elsewhere.

Backpack

For a backpack, I like a few models that weigh under three pounds: two top-loaders with traditional features like lots of external pockets, the Osprey men’s Exos 58 or 48 ($260, 2 lbs. 11 oz. for the Exos 58) and women’s Osprey Eja 58 or 48 (read my review) and the Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 and Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL ($250, 2 lbs. 11 oz. for the 50+5, read my review); and two mimimalist, utralight packs, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider ($349, 55L, 1 lb. 15 oz., read my review) and Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 ($315, 60L/3,661 c.i., 1 lb. 14 oz., read my review).

See my picks for the best ultralight backpacks.

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Tent

In late summer, outside the buggy season in the High Sierra, I prefer using a backpacking tarp shelter like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 ($699, 1 lb. 2 oz., read my review), Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp ($229-$249, 10.5-15.5 oz., two sizes), and Slingfin SplitWing Shelter Bundle ($355, 1 lb. 5 oz., read my review). I often sleep under the stars on a clear night, but a tarp, besides protecting you from rain and some wind, can trap a surprising amount of warmth underneath it on a calm night.

If you want a two-person tent, get one that weighs under three pounds, like the MSR Freelite 2 ($465, 2 lbs., read my review), the Nemo Hornet Osmo 2p ($430, 2 lbs. 1 oz., read my review), the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 ($480, 2 lbs. 3 oz., read my review), the Slingfin 2Lite, which can pitch with trekking poles ($505, 2 lbs. 10 oz. or 2 lbs. 6 oz, read my review), or if you’ll accept higher weight for more space, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 ($550, 2 lbs. 11 oz., read my review).

My top picks for a solo ultralight are two that pitch with trekking poles, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid-1 ($599, 16.8 oz., read my review) and the Gossamer Gear The One ($255, 1 lb. 2 oz., read my review). For a solo ultralight tent that’s semi-freestanding, check out the Nemo Hornet Osmo 1p ($400, 1 lb. 13 oz., read my review).

See “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents,” all backpacking tent reviews at The Big Outside, plus “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “How to Choose the Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent For You.”

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Sleeping Bag

For backpacking the JMT in late summer, I carry a down sleeping bag rated around 30 degrees F, with a high down fill rating (800 or above), because it’s warmer, lighter, and more packable than a synthetic bag or down bag with lower fill quality (if also more expensive), and well suited to the dry Sierra summers, where there’s little risk of getting a bag wet.

People who get cold more easily may want a bag rated 20 to 25 degrees, although you can wear layers to supplement the bag’s warmth.

My favorites are the Feathered Friends men’s Hummingbird and women’s Egret UL (30-degree, $609, 1 lb. 6 oz., read my review), the Therm-a-Rest Hyperion (32-degree, $490, 1 lb. 1 oz., read my review), the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30 ($480, 1 lb. 6 oz. , read my review); and the Marmot Hydrogen 30 ($399, 1 lb. 9.4 oz., read my review).

Looking for an affordable down bag? I recommend the men’s or women’s Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30 ($245, 1 lb. 12 oz., read my review).

See “Pro Tips for Buying Sleeping Bags,” “10 Pro Tips For Staying Warm in a Sleeping Bag” and all sleeping bag reviews at The Big Outside.

Want to tackle the JMT?
See “Thru-Hiking the John Muir Trail: What You Need to Know.”

Insulation

When nighttime lows will generally remain above freezing, as is usually the case on the JMT at least into mid-September, take an ultralight puffy jacket like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer  2 Down Hoody ($360, 8.8 oz., read my review), the Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody ($360, 10 oz., read my review), the Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody ($329, 9 oz., read my review), or the warmer Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket ($389, 11 oz. , read my review) or Himali Accelerator Down Jacket ($330, 12.5 oz., read my review).

See “The 12 Best Down Jackets,” “How You Can Tell How Warm a Down Jacket Is” and all puffy jacket reviews at The Big Outside.

Plan your next great backpacking adventure in Yosemite and other flagship parks
using my expert e-books.

Rain Shell

On the John Muir Trail—or anywhere in the High Sierra—in summer, where rain occurs only rarely and most often as a passing (although possibly quite intense) thunderstorm, you don’t need the kind of super-technical (and heavier) rain shell you might use in, say, in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest or the Northeast. In fact, if you generally head out in warm, dry weather—common in many Western mountain ranges in summer—you may only need a less-expensive and ideally lightweight shell, like the Black Diamond Fineline Rain Shell ($189, 10 oz./283.5g, read my review), an impressive value in part because it has an adjustable, full-coverage hood, a feature sometimes lacking in moderately priced rain jackets, and solid rain protection even for wet environments.

Another option for backpackers who rarely see rain is an ultralight, waterproof-breathable rain jacket, like the Rab Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket ($165, 7.7 oz., read my review) or the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket ($170-$180, 6 oz., read my review).

See all reviews of rain jackets and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside, “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets,” and my “5 Expert Tips For Buying a Rain Jacket for Hiking.”

See “10 Great John Muir Trail Section Hikes.”

Shoes and Boots

If all of your gear is light, on a well-constructed trail like the JMT that’s often dry in summer, get lightweight, highly breathable, non-waterproof boots or low-cut shoes like the PCT-inspired Danner Trail 2650 ($170, 1 lb. 7.5 oz., read my review), the La Sportiva TX3 ($159, 1 lb. 9 oz., read my review), or trail runners like the Hoka One One Speedgoat 6 ($155, 1 lb. 3 oz.), also available in a very light mid-cut, the Hoka One One Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX ($180, 1 lb. 9 oz., read my review).

If you prefer more supportive footwear that’s still relatively light, I recommend two shoes that are a super value and come in waterproof-breathable and non-waterproof, mid-cut and low-cut models: the Hoka One One Anacapa series shoes ($155-$185, 1 lb. 10.5 oz.-2 lbs., read my review), and the Oboz Katabatic series ($145-$190, 1 lb. 9 oz. to 2 lbs., read my review).

See all reviews of hiking shoes at The Big Outside.

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Trekking Poles

Trekking poles should be essential gear on any backpacking trip, but for the JMT—if you’re going lightweight or ultralight, as you should be—get very light poles that are ideally adjustable and very packable. Among the best are the folding and adjustable Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ ($220, 12 oz./pair, 105-125cm, read my review), the collapsible and adjustable Gossamer Gear LT5 ($195, 10 oz./pair, read my review), and the folding, adjustable MSR Dynalock Ascent Poles ($190, 1 lb. 1  oz./pair, read my review).

If you want to use a tent that pitches with trekking poles—eliminating the significant weight of tent poles from your pack—make sure your poles are sufficiently sturdy and telescope out to the needed length for pitching your tent; those poles are also usually collapsible (rather than folding or fixed).

See “The Best Trekking Poles” and my stories “How to Choose Trekking Poles” and “10 Best Expert Tips for Hiking With Trekking Poles.”

Get the gear that’s right for you. See my specific tips on buying a pack, tent, boots, and sleeping bag and all reviews of backpacking gear, ultralight backpacking gear, and hiking gear and all stories about backpacking the John Muir Trail at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my stories “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be,” “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” and “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-book versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/the-best-backpacking-gear-for-the-john-muir-trail/feed/ 16 14007 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/5-pro-tips-for-buying-the-right-rain-jacket-for-the-backcountry/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/5-pro-tips-for-buying-the-right-rain-jacket-for-the-backcountry/#comments Wed, 19 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=22704 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

Choosing a waterproof-breathable rain shell for hiking, backpacking, climbing, or other outdoor activities can seem daunting. Prices range from under $100 to over $500, and weights from less than half a pound to over a pound. Some are loaded with features, others so minimalist they may seem like just a step above a trash bag with arm holes. You’ll also find the full gamut of opinions on them from reviewers and consumers.

Here’s what I’ve learned from testing dozens of rain shells while hiking and backpacking through soaking rains all over the world over a quarter-century of testing and reviewing gear, formerly as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine for 10 years and even longer running this blog: The right backcountry rain shell for you depends more on you than on any jacket—and our needs as backcountry users vary as much as our budgets.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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Many hikers, backpackers, climbers, and others buy a rain jacket based on price, brand, the recommendation of a trusted reviewer, experienced advisor, or friend, or the consensus of several consumer reviews. That’s not a bad strategy, and it’s sometimes successful. But it’s really an incomplete strategy. As with almost any consumer product, buying a rain shell you will be satisfied with comes down to considering how and where you will use it and understanding the subtle differences between them.

Follow these tips and I think you will find the perfect rain jacket for your adventures. Please share your own tips or questions in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.

Ready to buy? See “The Best Rain Jackets For Hiking and Backpacking“
and “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets.”

No. 1 Decide What It’s For

This is the logical first step when buying any consumer product, but one nonetheless often overlooked with backcountry apparel. Ask yourself: How much of a rain jacket do I really need?

If you generally head out in warm, dry weather—common in many Western mountain ranges in summer—you may only need a less-expensive shell, or you might be better off with an ultralight rain jacket (which vary in price). On the other hand, if you routinely find yourself in sustained rain and widely ranging temperatures, especially on multi-day trips, you’ll be happier—not to mention more comfortable and safer—with a shell that delivers reliable protection from rain and wind as well as good or exceptional breathability (more on that below).

In short: Choosing the right jacket is, first and foremost, a question of how much time you expect to spend wearing it versus carrying it in your pack just in case of rain, as well as consideration of how extreme the weather could get.

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No. 2 What Does the Rain Jacket Weigh?

Weight matters, especially if you’re into ultra-hiking or ultralight backpacking, but for everyone else, too. Today, there’s no reason a three-season shell should weigh more than a pound, period. Jackets heavier than that are usually too bulky, taking up excessive space in your pack, and too warm when wearing them while on the move, causing you to overheat—resulting in you either getting soaked inside the jacket (negating its purpose) or shedding it completely. In fact, even most fully technical rain shells designed for use in any season now weigh under a pound. Jackets heavier than that are designed for winter or casual wear.

Still, don’t assume that the lightest shell is the best choice for your needs. Weight is just one important factor.

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No. 3 Speak the Language

To make an informed choice in rainwear, it helps to know some common terminology:

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of gear reviews and expert buying tips.

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/5-pro-tips-for-buying-the-right-rain-jacket-for-the-backcountry/feed/ 1 22704 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-fineline-stretch-shell-and-pants/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-fineline-stretch-shell-and-pants/#respond Fri, 20 Dec 2024 14:52:24 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=65984 Read on

]]> Rain Jacket and Full-Zip Pants
Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell
$189, 10 oz./283.5g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-3XL, women’s 2XS-2XL
Men’s: blackdiamondequipment.com
Women’s: blackdiamondequipment.com

Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Full-Zip Pants
$179, 9 oz./255.1g (men’s small)
Sizes: men’s XS-XL, women’s 2XS-XL
Men’s: blackdiamondequipment.com
Women’s: blackdiamondequipment.com

Few places test rain gear as brutally as New Zealand’s chronically rainy Fiordland National Park—which is where I put Black Diamond’s Fineline Stretch Shell and Full-Zip Pants through the paces in early December (late spring there) on two classic hut treks where rain occurs almost as prevalently as oxygen: the Routeburn Track and the Milford Track (photo above). In some of the heaviest and most relentless wind-driven rain I’ve encountered over four decades of hiking and backpacking, this jacket and pants performed quite impressively—and I saw their limits.

I wore both the jacket and pants during rainy periods on parts a three-day trek of the Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring and Fiordland national parks, where we had light to moderate rain and wind and the jacket and pants kept me dry while not causing me to overheat at all, although the wind and temperatures in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit also helped keep me cooler.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my expert e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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But the fiercest test of the Fineline jacket and pants came on a four-day trek of the Milford Track in Fiordland, which delivered probably one of the five wettest backcountry experiences I’ve had in four decades of hiking all over the U.S. and around the world: torrential rain for hours a day that swelled waterfalls (creating countless, stunning scenes) and rivers and streams to flood levels that almost stranded us in our last hut. (The hut ranger allowed us to depart and we waded through long stretches of water up to knee-deep on the trail.)

For two straight days and most of a third day on the Milford, the jacket and pants never left my body. While they prevented me from getting soaked and cold, water did penetrate both layers in spots—and in fairness, I believe those conditions would overwhelm any high-quality waterproof-breathable shells. In fact, two of my companions wore Gore-Tex rain jackets and pants from other popular brands—which are significantly pricier than the Fineline shells—and these rainstorms penetrated those shells to a similar degree.

More specifically and most significantly, because my pack’s padded hipbelt was thoroughly waterlogged and tightened around my waist, that belt was effectively pressing water through the waist area of the jacket and pants, wetting the layers underneath them—but not soaking me to the point where I ever felt cold. Also, because the gloves I wore became completely saturated with water for hours (I could wring a stream of water from them), and the jacket’s cuffs, although closed snugly, caught all the rain running off my sleeves and into my gloves, the cuffs and lower sleeves of my base and insulation layers got quite wet.

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Thet takeaway from that: In unavoidable, extreme conditions like that, you have to layer properly under your shells so you’re prepared to remain comfortable even if—or perhaps when—water penetrates them.

I also stayed dry in the Fineline Stretch jacket and the pants on several other days of wet weather:

• I wore both dayhiking the 12.6-mile/20.2-kilometer Tongariro Alpine Crossing on the North Island of New Zealand in late November, on a day of heavy fog, moderate to strong winds, and wind-driven, horizontal rain for the first few hours.
• I wore the jacket for hours every day, mostly for cold wind, but also a little graupel and scattered snowflakes one afternoon on a four-day, 60-mile backpacking trip in Utah’s High Uintas Wilderness in the first week of October.
• And I wore the jacket in a strong, bitter wind under sunny skies on above-treeline sections of a dayhike of the rocky little peak Mount Monadnock in southern New Hampshire in late October.

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Previously called the Stormline, BD’s Fineline Stretch Shell and Full-Zip Pants use the brand’s 2.5-layer BD.dry waterproof/breathable/windproof technology, which, like other 2.5-layer membranes, consists of three parts: a microporous membrane in the middle that keeps precipitation out while providing breathability to release moisture created by your body, sandwiched between a face fabric with a PFC/PFAS-free DWR (durable, water-repellant treatment) to shed water and a half layer print inside for comfort against skin (or your internal layers).

As I described above, the jacket and pants kept me dry through all but the most extreme rain and clearly function well in the weather typically encountered by most backpackers and dayhikers. Although the ambient temperature and wind on the hikes I took in these shells were not conditions that would cause most people to get overheated, the breathability seems adequate for all but very warm three-season trips—similar to many waterproof-breathable jackets that weigh well under a pound. (If you rarely hike in rain or temps below around 60° F/15° C, consider getting a lighter rain jacket. See my picks for the best rain jackets in a wide range of weights and designs.)

The features of the Fineline Stretch Shell elevate it to the level of a full-on technical, three-season rain jacket, particularly the one-hand-adjustable, climbing-helmet-compatible hood, with a brim and a close fit that prevented most of the hard, wind-driven rain from pelting my face, and the DWR-sealed pit zip vents, which I opened at times of lighter rain and less wind to help me avoid breaking into a sweat and getting wet under the jacket. My one criticism of the hood is that, with no helmet on, I had to tighten it to its closest fit to keep the brim from slipping down over my eyes. (Wearing a ball cap helps alleviate that problem, as well as helping to keep rain off my face.)

The Fineline Stretch Shell also has a waterproof front zipper, an adjustable hem and cuffs, and two zippered hand pockets.

Plan your next great backpacking trip on the Teton Crest Trail, Wonderland Trail,
in Yosemite or other parks using my expert e-books.

 

At 10 ounces/283.5 grams for the jacket (men’s medium), which stows into the right-hand pocket and clips to a harness or pack with a carabiner clip loop, and nine ounces/255.1 grams for the pants (men’s small), which pack into their zippered back pocket, both are relatively lightweight and packable for such fully featured shells—most notably for a jacket with pit zips and a technical hood and pants with full-length side zips.

Many comparable shell jackets and pants weigh more—and yet, the Fineline’s 50-denier fabric ensures greater durability than most lighter jackets offer; they’ve certainly survived the level of use I’ve put on them so far very well. The jacket packs down to slightly larger than a liter bottle (and compresses to about a liter) and the pants to the size of a softball.

With underarm gussets and very stretchy fabric that’s relatively soft and supple for a rain shell, the fit is quite comfortable and roomy enough for one or two base layers plus an insulation layer without ever feeling too bulky; I’ve employed all those layering combinations under this jacket on the hikes mentioned above.

The full-length side zippers on the pants enable venting, especially important with waterproof-breathable pants, which, even more than a jacket, can certainly cause you to overheat when hiking with a pack in mild temps and rain. Full-length zippers also make pulling the pants on or off over hiking shoes or boots very easy—negating the cumbersome and slow need to slip footwear off and on, which often results in exposing your legs, socks, and shoes to more rain.

Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell and Full-Zip Pants

Weather Protection

Breathability

Packability

Durability

Weight-to-Performance

The Verdict

With weather protection and breathability that nearly competes with higher-priced rain jackets and pants, the fully featured, lightweight, and packable Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell and Fineline Stretch Full-Zip Pants will meet the demands of many backpackers, dayhikers, climbers, and other outdoors users—at a much lower price than those high-end shells.

4.3

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell at blackdiamondequipment.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com; a women’s Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell at blackdiamondequipment.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com; the men’s Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Full-Zip Pants at blackdiamondequipment.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com; or the women’s Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Full-Zip Pants at blackdiamondequipment.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

See my “5 Pro Tips For Buying the Right Rain Jacket For the Backcountry” and all reviews of rain jackets and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

See also “5 Smart Steps to Lighten Your Backpacking Gear” and my “10 Tips for Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear.”

And don’t miss my popular reviews of “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

Let The Big Outside help you find the best adventures.
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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-fineline-stretch-shell-and-pants/feed/ 0 65984 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rab-downpour-light-waterproof-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rab-downpour-light-waterproof-jacket/#comments Tue, 17 Sep 2024 19:09:11 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=64712 Read on

]]> Ultralight Rain Jacket
Rab Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket
$165, 7.7 oz./219g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL (8-16)
backcountry.com

Two startingly loud, sharp, and sustained crackles of thunder and a flash of lightning gave us about a two-minute warning before the skies opened up while we hiked at well over 11,000 feet on the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains in mid-September. I got Rab’s Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket on and zipped up moments before the thunderhead began bombarding us with wind-driven rain and hail. And this ultralight rain shell kept me dry hiking through that storm and setting up our tent in steady rain and wind once we found a campsite.

I also wore this shell hiking in strong wind on days without rain on the CDT in southwestern Colorado, and during windy times, mostly on warm mornings and evenings in camp, while backpacking the Grand Canyon’s Gems Route in mid-April, where the only rain was early one morning before we got up.

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First of all, worth noting is the jacket’s appeal when not wearing it—and for most hikers, backpackers, and others, a rain jacket spends more time in a pack than on your back: At just 7.7 ounces/219 grams (for a men’s medium), and packing down to the size of a softball (although it doesn’t pack into one of its pockets), the Downpour Light represents one of the lightest and most packable waterproof-breathable rain jackets on the market.

The weather protection owes to Rab’s 20-denier, 2.5-layer Proflex stretch-woven waterproof nylon fabric plus a waterproof front zipper. That fabric provides a bit more durability than the very lightest rain shells or ultralight wind shells but does not compete with heavier (and more featured) waterproof-breathable jackets, some of which are legitimate four-season shells. While it’s not a choice for climbers or backcountry skiers and riders, it’s tough enough for the kind of use it receives in the hands of dayhikers, mountain scramblers, lightweight backpackers, and other three-season users.

Breathability is moderately good: It moved moisture out while I carried a full backpack uphill at elevations between 11,000 and over 12,000 feet, on partly sunny, quite windy days on the CDT in Colorado. While those conditions don’t challenge breathability as much they do as a jacket’s ability to block wind, I had other reasons to believe it has good breathability (enunciated below). Not surprisingly in a shell this light, it has no pit zips for ventilation.

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In the San Juans, my wife hiked in a heavier, Gore-Tex jacket without overheating, too, and that jacket likely blocked the wind better than the Downpour Light—meaning this jacket is more breathable and slightly less windproof than a Gore-Tex jacket: I could often feel some wind coming through the fabric. But in that rapidly shifting mix of sun, clouds, temperature, and wind—a common meteorological stew in the mountains from spring through fall—this jacket was precisely what I needed to maintain a balance of feeling neither too warm nor cold.

The fit is comfortable, with space for layering light insulation underneath and articulated sleeves that allow full freedom of movement without the jacket riding up. The fabric’s backer feels nice against bare arms, too.

Lastly, in a category of jackets that often sport very minimalist hoods, the Downpour Light’s one-hand adjustable hood has a brim that helped keep rain off my face during the thunderstorm, aided by a front zipper that comes up to just below the nose; plus adjustable, hook-and-loop cuffs, and a hem that extends about six inches below the waist. The two spacious, zippered chest pockets sit above a pack’s hipbelt, making them accessible while wearing a pack.

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To be sure, the Downpour Light will not steal the crown of supreme weather protection from heavier, more featured, 3-layer rain jackets—but it’s not designed for severe weather. Rab markets the Downpour Light as a just-in-case shell that’s best for dayhikes or one-day peak scrambles where you face the possibility of some precipitation. I would say it delivers enough protection for multi-day trips where thunderstorms or rain showers are possible, but hours or days of sustained rain is unlikely.

Look at it this way: If you’re generally avoiding severely wet weather, the Downpour Light gives you all the protection you need, in a lighter and more packable design that will be less likely to cause you to overheat than a heavier, more fully featured (and weatherproof) rain jacket—at far less expense than that rain shell that’s overbuilt for your needs.

Rab Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket

Weather Protection

Breathability

Packability

Durability

Weight-to-Performance

The Verdict

Weighing less than half a pound—or half the weight of one low-cut, lightweight hiking shoe—the Rab Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket offers all the weather protection needed by many dayhikers, peak scramblers, and fair-weather backpackers. And at a price that’s less than half that of many high-end, fully featured rain jackets.

4.1

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a Rab Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket at backcountry.com or rei.com.

See “The Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets,” and all reviews of outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rab-downpour-light-waterproof-jacket/feed/ 2 64712 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-north-face-ceptor-jacket-and-bib/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-north-face-ceptor-jacket-and-bib/#respond Mon, 06 Nov 2023 11:50:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=57460 Read on

]]> Winter Shell Jacket and Bibs
The North Face Ceptor Jacket
$430, 1 lb. 9 oz. (men’s medium)
The North Face Ceptor Bib
$410, 1 lb. 12 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes for both: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XXL
backcountry.com

When you love skiing, you commit yourself to enduring almost any weather conditions for your sport—and that requires a shell jacket and pants that really protect you from the elements. Through numerous full days of skiing at Oregon’s Mount Bachelor and the full range of Cascades weather—dumping snow, cold temps and wind, occasional sunshine and, yes, even winter rain—TNF’s Ceptor Jacket and Bib kept my college-age daughter, a former ski instructor, smiling and ripping all day.

Designed for resort and occasional backcountry skiing, the jacket and bibs are both made with TNF’s proprietary, three-layer DryVent waterproof-breathable membrane, which blocks wind effectively and has kept my daughter dry through long days of skiing in all the varieties of precipitation that winter in the Cascades delivers.

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The Ceptor Jacket and Bib excel more for resort skiing, where wind penetrating a shell is a greater concern than sweat escaping it. Still, the DryVent membrane moved moisture from inside to outside well enough to gradually dry my daughter’s base layers when warm sunshine and hard skiing had her sweating through them. However, its breathability doesn’t compare with the best winter touring jackets.

The jacket boasts a full suite of ski shell features, including a snow skirt with gripper elastic, hook-and-loop cuffs, and pit zips that extend from mid-bicep to a couple inches below the armpit, although they’re not as deep as found on some backcountry shells. The spacious, adjustable hood easily fits over a ski helmet—it even accommodates a puffy jacket hood over the helmet and under the Ceptor’s hood. The jacket’s comfortable, standard fit allows room for warm base and insulation layers underneath.

It has four large, zippered pockets, two on the chest and two lower/hand pockets; internal mesh drop-in pockets handy for goggles and items you may want to dry out or warm up, like gloves; and a zippered sleeve pocket, ideal for an RFID ski pass, which features a soft, goggle wipe cloth attached to a lanyard.

At just over 1.5 pounds, this jacket tilts more toward resort use than the backcountry, where most users would want a lighter, less bulky shell. Still, that’s not so heavy that it disqualifies the Ceptor Jacket for the backcountry; and the few ounces by which it outweighs leading winter backcountry shells is mostly explained by the longer, below-the-butt cut and the snow skirt—reasonable tradeoffs for a few ounces if you want a shell jacket that crosses over between riding lifts and earning your turns.

The Ceptor Bib has a comfortable, roomy yet low-bulk fit aided by adjustable suspenders and an integrated belt, enabling a full range of motion whether skinning uphill in the backcountry or skiing downhill. You can wear warm base layers underneath, augmenting the wind and weather protection a bib inherently provides by rising over the chest and above the waist in back.

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The side zips open from the hips to the upper thighs for good venting when skinning uphill in the backcountry. Their one-way zippers open from the top—held in place by a snap at the top—which makes more sense than opening from the bottom, where snow can more easily enter (flying off poles when skinning uphill). Nonetheless, those should be two-way zips.

Four zippered pockets, including two useful chest pockets and one on each thigh. The internal snow gaiter at the leg cuffs stretches over ski boot tops to seal out snow and the insides of the leg bottoms have reinforced kick patches.

Plus, at under two pounds, the Ceptor Bib’s weight comes within a few ounces of many backcountry bibs of comparable quality.

The jacket and bib are not insulated, which means you can adjust insulation layers as needed for varying temps, conditions, and activity levels when skiing at resorts or in the backcountry.

The durable, 75×160-denier, polyester shell fabric will hold up to hard use better than many lighter shell jackets and pants.

The Verdict

Although there are lighter options for backcountry skiing, The North Face Ceptor Jacket and Bib deliver solid protection in all winter weather for resort skiing while sporting the features, durability, and reasonable weight that allow them to crossover to backcountry ski touring.

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You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this link to purchase the men’s or women’s The North Face Ceptor Jacket and Bib at backcountry.com or rei.com.

See all of my reviews of outdoor apparel that I like at The Big Outside, including “The 10 Best Down Jackets,” “The Best Gloves for Winter,” “The Best Mittens for Winter,” “The Best Clothing Layers for Winter in the Backcountry,” plus “12 Pro Tips for Staying Warm Outdoors in Winter” and “How to Dress in Layers for Winter in the Backcountry.”

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NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-north-face-ceptor-jacket-and-bib/feed/ 0 57460 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-beta-lightweight-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-beta-lightweight-jacket/#respond Wed, 20 Sep 2023 21:07:11 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=60209 Read on

]]> All-Season Shell Jacket
Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket
$500, 13 oz./369g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-3XL, women’s 2XS-2XL
arcteryx.com

From a pair of three-day backpacking trips and some dayhikes in the Canadian Rockies in early August to a four-day trip in the Wind River Range in mid-August and a seven-day hike in Glacier National Park in September, I logged countless hours walking through rain showers, steady rain, intense thunderstorms, and very strong, chilly wind in the Beta Lightweight Jacket. My takeaway: This is one of the most weather-resistant and comfortable all-season shells on the market.

Summer in the northern Rocky Mountains can give you a strong opinion about any rain shell and my trips certainly put Arc’teryx’s Beta Lightweight to every three-season meteorological test imaginable. To cite a few examples…

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I stayed dry wearing it through an intense thunderstorm and the steady rain that followed it on our first day backpacking the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies. And dayhiking the 13-mile Burgess Pass Loop in Yoho National Park in the Canadian Rockies on an overcast day in the 50s Fahrenheit/low teens Celsius, the jacket kept me dry through steady rain showers while hiking above treeline. But almost more importantly, it breathed well enough that the synthetic T-shirt that I soaked with sweat on the humid, steep, fast-paced hike up 3,500 feet in 4.5 miles to Burgess Pass dried out completely on my body within about 20 minutes after I pulled this shell on over it as we started traversing and gradually descending the Burgess Highline Trail.

I also wore it for a few hours or more almost every day in the Winds, mostly to fend off cold gusts probably exceeding 40 mph and occasionally perhaps 50 mph, as well as through an afternoon thunderstorm; I even wore it carrying a backpack uphill to a couple of 11,000-foot passes, hood up and cinched tight, without overheating (largely because of the cold wind). And in Glacier, I wore it through a few hours of steady rain one morning and in sunny but windy conditions and temps in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit/teens Celsius.

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Credit that excellent weather protection to the three-layer Gore-Tex membrane and DWR (durable, water-repellent coating). Arc’teryx bills this jacket as an all-season shell and that’s valid—it’s definitely built for all conditions.

That begins with an athletic fit that never feels bulky while still providing space for layering a midweight puffy jacket underneath in deep cold. I wore it virtually always over just one or two base layers while hiking and this jacket felt great on me—never restricting movement, bunching up, or feeling like a box made of nylon. In other words, it never made me think about it; it just did its job in an unnoticeably comfortable way, which is what good gear should do. (I wore a men’s medium and I’m five feet, eight inches and 150 pounds, with a 38-inch chest and 30-inch waist.)

Besides the design, part of the explanation for its high degree of comfort is the C-KNIT backer on the fabric, which makes the fabric softer and quieter: This jacket isn’t stiff, crinkly, or noisy like some hard shells.

At 13 ounces/369 grams, the Beta Lightweight is what the name asserts: lightweight but decidedly not ultralight, falling a bit north of the median weight for three-season rain jackets for the backcountry and packing down to slightly larger than a liter bottle. (The jacket packs inside either hand pocket, but oddly, neither has a two-sided zipper for that purpose.) But it also transitions smoothly to winter and technical use, thanks to a simple but highly functional set of features.

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Arc’teryx’s one-hand-adjustable, helmet-compatible StormHood, which has a pronounced brim, kept rain off my face, aided by a front zipper that collar that close up over your chin. The two zippered hand pockets are positioned above a pack belt or climbing harness and hold a climbing skin or ski glove; and the one zippered internal pocket is slightly larger than a smartphone.

The 40-denier fabric, which blocked wind very effectively and ensures greater durability than most lighter jackets offer.

The two-way pit zippers slide reasonably easily—like many pit zips—and provide decent ventilation that enabled me to keep hiking uphill with a pack on (albeit in somewhat cool temps). The sleeves have hook-and-loop cuffs and enough length and mobility in the underarm panels to never ride up, even when reaching overhead. The jacket’s adjustable hem extends below the waist, helping to keep the top of my pants dry and never riding up under a pack hipbelt when I bent forward.

As with many waterproof-breathable jackets in this sub-one-pound weight class, I find the Beta Lightweight a little too warm and not quite breathable enough to wear while hiking in mild temperatures, especially when carrying a pack—but that’s not the intended use profile for this shell. If you rarely hike in rain or temps below around 60° F/15° C, get a lighter (and much cheaper) rain jacket. (See my picks for the best rain jackets in a wide range of weights and designs.)

But if you need a shell for any and all weather—and you might encounter it in August, January, or any month in between—the Beta Lightweight fits the bill, as exemplified by many of the situations I wore it.

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Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket

Weather Protection

Breathability

Weight-to-Performance

Packability

Durability

The Verdict

If you can get past the price—and there are good rain shells ranging from $100 cheaper to half the sticker price of this one—the Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket delivers superior weather protection, comfort, features, and durability at a moderate weight in a packable design, making it one of the top all-season shells you’ll find for backpacking, dayhiking, climbing, ski touring, snowshoeing, and other outdoor pursuits.

4.5

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket at arcteryx.com or rei.com, or a women’s Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket at arcteryx.com or rei.com.         .

See “The Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” “5 Pro Tips For Buying the Right Rain Jacket For the Backcountry,” and all reviews of rain jackets and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

See also “5 Smart Steps to Lighten Your Backpacking Gear” and my “10 Tips for Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear.”

And don’t miss my popular reviews of “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-beta-lightweight-jacket/feed/ 0 60209 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mammut-kento-light-hs-hooded-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mammut-kento-light-hs-hooded-jacket/#respond Wed, 04 Jan 2023 16:33:15 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=56415 Read on

]]> Ultralight Rain Jacket
Mammut Kento Light HS Hooded Jacket
$219, 5.5 oz./156g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s S-XL
backcountry.com

When the sky darkened with foreboding, black and gray clouds that suddenly obliterated the sharply angled peaks flanking the John Muir Trail in the Evolution Basin of Kings Canyon National Park, I pulled on the ultralight Mammut Kento Light HS Hooded Jacket thinking: This thunderstorm will put it to a real test. Minutes later, the wind-whipped rain began hammering us. For an hour or more, my two companions and I continued uphill until deciding to quickly pitch our tents and hunker down until it passed. When it did, we packed up and continued over Muir Pass in cool wind before finding a campsite. Through it all, this remarkably light and packable rain shell kept me dry and comfortable.

Read more: Review: Mammut Kento Light HS Hooded Jacket

I wore the Kento Light HS Hooded Jacket at times on that nine-day hike of nearly 130 miles through the High Sierra in August, much of it on the John Muir Trail, in temps ranging from the 40s to high 60s Fahrenheit, strong wind at times, and that one intense rainstorm. I also wore it on a nearly 10-mile, 4,700-foot dayhike up 5,774-foot Mount Adams in New Hampshire’s northern Presidential Range on a sunny October day with temps ranging from the mid-30s to around 60° F with a cool breeze at times; and on a multi-hour, 29-mile mountain bike ride on Utah’s Wasatch Crest Trail, with 1,500 feet of uphill and more than 4,000 feet of downhill, on a sunny day with temps ranging from the low 40s to the high 50s.

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Mammut’s proprietary DRYtechnology Performance waterproof-breathable fabric kept me dry and blocked wind when I needed that much protection, including over an hour in a pounding thunderstorm. Although I wouldn’t recommend it as a rain shell wherever you might encounter hours of steady or hard rain and wind—it’s not intended to provide the coverage and full protection that a heavier, technical, waterproof-breathable rain jacket offers—it’ll do fine in light precipitation or short spells of hard rain.

And while the shell’s breathability also does not match that of high-quality waterproof-breathable rain shells or the best non-waterproof, ultralight wind shells, I did not overheat while wearing it in mild temps dayhiking Mount Adams or in the Sierra.

In other words, it delivers exactly what we want from an ultralight rain shell: just enough weather protection for many of our outings. For some users, including dayhikers, climbers, trail runners, and backpackers who typically head out in good weather, the Kento may be all they need most of the time.

At just over five ounces and packing down to the size of an orange in its stuff sack (included), the Kento Light HS Hooded Jacket is a welterweight among ultralight shells but one of the very lightest waterproof-breathable jackets you’ll find. Its 15-denier fabric also offers better durability than some (mostly lighter) ultralight wind shells, which are often targeted at trail runners who wear nothing heavier than a running vest.

Lastly, in a category of jackets with very minimalist designs, it sports an adjustable hood with a flexible, reinforced visor that offers decent face protection, especially with the front zipper that covers your chin; elasticized cuffs and a hem that extends about six inches below the waist; and a concealed, zippered chest pocket. The comfortable, close fit permits full freedom of movement, with space to wear two base layers or light insulation underneath.

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Mammut Kento Light HS Hooded Jacket

Weather Protection

Breathability

Packability

Durability

Weight-to-Performance

The Verdict

Barely heavier than a pair of three-season gloves and squishing down to the size of an orange, the Mammut Kento Light HS Hooded Jacket may be the only waterproof-breathable rain jacket that many dayhikers, climbers, trail runners, and fair-weather backpackers need.

4.3

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You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a men’s or a women’s Mammut Kento Light HS Hooded Jacket at backcountry.com.

See my picks for “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets” and “The 7 Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” and all reviews of ultralight wind shells, ultralight rain jackets, trail-running gear, hiking apparel, and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mammut-kento-light-hs-hooded-jacket/feed/ 0 56415 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-helium-ascentshell-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-helium-ascentshell-jacket/#respond Thu, 08 Sep 2022 15:54:42 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=54397 Read on

]]> All-Season Shell Jacket
Outdoor Research Helium AscentShell Jacket
$449, 11.5 oz./326g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
rei.com

Heading to Iceland for a couple weeks of hiking—including trekking hut to hut, when we’d be committed to hitting the trail every day, no matter the weather in a place where it’s rarely good—I knew I’d basically be living in my rain shell, so I wanted it to feel good and to work. I wore OR’s Helium AscentShell Jacket for several hours every day for a week trekking Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail and Fimmvörðuháls Trail, through cool temps with wind and rain on most days, and on several dayhikes along Iceland’s Ring Road, with similar weather, including hard, wind-driven rain at times. And this lightweight shell rose to the challenge of some of the most difficult conditions that most hikers, backpackers, and climbers ever face.

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Besides seven days of hiking on that hut trek, I wore the Helium AscentShell Jacket on dayhikes of the peaks Blahnukur and Brennisteinsalda in Iceland’s Fjallabak Nature Preserve, Súlur near the town of Akureyri in Iceland’s north, a 10-mile dayhike in Vatnajokull National Park, and a half-day hike to Glymur Falls (click here to read about those Iceland hikes). All of those outings featured wind and cool to cold temps, usually accompanied by on-and-off rain ranging from light and heavy mist to steady rainfall. I also wore it hiking in strong, chilly wind and rain showers in Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park in June.

The lightweight, fully seam-taped Helium AscentShell Jacket employs a unique combination of very durable Pertex Diamond Fuse fabric laminated to OR’s proprietary three-layer,electrospun, waterproof-breathable AscentShell membrane with 30-denier nylon ripstop and a 7-denier tricot backer. I stayed completely dry through days of hiking in rain, thanks also to the AscentShell membrane’s very good breathability, which prevented me from overheating. I’ve found seen that same high breathability in several other OR jackets that use that membrane.

That’s excellent performance for a shell weighing under 12 ounces (men’s medium). Although my hikes lacked circumstances that would truly test the jacket’s durability, I’ve found Pertex Diamond Fuse fabric to be quite tough in other shells that feature it.

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That superior breathability also translates to it not being fully windproof: I could feel a slight amount of wind coming through the jacket on extremely windy days. That might become an obstacle to comfort only in the most extreme wind and cold temps, for which you can usually add appropriate insulation layers, anyway. In the range of conditions that most hikers, backpackers, and climbers encounter, the breathability is welcome when you’re on the move and the very slight wind penetration even feels good.

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I fitted the adjustable and helmet-compatible hood—using a one-hand pull in the back and front drawcords positioned inside the collar—once and never had to readjust it. The hood flips up easily and remains unobtrusive when downand its flexible wire brim kept rain off my face even when hiking into heavy, wind-driven, cold mist.

The supple feel and fit of the Helium AscentShell Jacket allows for layering underneath without the shell crossing the line to excessively bulky. The sleeves have hook-and-loop cuffs and enough length and mobility in the underarm panels to never ride up, even when reaching overhead. The jacket’s adjustable hem extends well below the waist, helping to keep the top of my pants dry and never riding up under a pack hipbelt when I bent forward.

The three zippered external pockets include one on the chest that’s slightly larger than a smartphone and two large hand pockets, positioned above a pack or harness belt, that each could easily swallow a pair of gloves. Inside, two mesh stuff pockets are ideal for drying gloves or even climbing skins and a zippered internal chest pocket has an earbuds port.

While the Helium AscentShell Jacket lacks pit zips, I didn’t miss them because of its superior breathability—and I sweat a fair bit. But people who sweat prodigiously may prefer a shell with underarm zippers.

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Outdoor Research Helium AscentShell Jacket

Weather Protection

Breathability

Weight-to-Performance

Packability

Durability

The Verdict

The Outdoor Research Helium AscentShell Jacket is one of the lightest and most protective, breathable, and durable high-performance, all-conditions shells on the market for hikers, backpackers, climbers and other users.

4.6

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Outdoor Research Helium AscentShell Jacket at rei.com or outdoorresearch.com.

Want a rain shell with the same waterproof-breathable AscentShell membrane but $150 cheaper? See my review of OR’s Microgravity AscentShell Jacket.

See also “The 5 Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” “5 Pro Tips For Buying the Right Rain Jacket For the Backcountry,” and all of my reviews of rain jackets and outdoor apparel and that I like.

I can help you plan the best backpacking, hiking, or family adventure of your life.
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Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-helium-ascentshell-jacket/feed/ 0 54397 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-treeline-rain-shell/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-treeline-rain-shell/#respond Sat, 20 Aug 2022 20:20:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=49396 Read on

]]> Rain Jacket
Black Diamond Treeline Rain Shell
$150, 10 oz./283.5g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

High-performance rain jackets for the backcountry cost real money. Cheap rain shells often compromise on quality. Through a rainy, three-day, August backpacking trip in the Wind River Range, including hiking nine miles in wind-driven rain and temps in the 40s Fahrenheit on our last day, this lightweight jacket kept my 20-year-old son dry. If you want a rain shell that delivers good quality at a price that leaves you gas money to reach the trailhead, the Treeline warrants a close look.

My 19-year-old daughter also wore the women’s Treeline for six days trekking Iceland’s 33-mile/54k Laugavegur Trail and 15.5-mile/25k Fimmvörðuháls Trail, where we had cool temps, wind and rain on most days. And I wore this shell while hiking on cool, breezy mornings on a four-day, roughly 45-mile September backpacking trip in Yosemite (although we got no rain).

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Featuring the brand’s proprietary, 2.5-layer BD.dry waterproof-breathable and windproof solution and fully seam-sealed fabric with a PFC-free DWR (durable, water-repellent treatment) the Treeline carries ratings of waterproof to 10,000mm and 10,000g/m2/24 hours for breathability—common among rain shell’s made for hikers and backpackers and striking a balance between repelling even severe rain and allowing some moisture from your body to escape. Wearing it walking around town in rain, I noticed it got a bit clammy inside, but it didn’t wet through. As my son experienced in the Winds, in mountains, moderate to cool temps often negate the need for high breathability or ventilation.

Plan your next great backpacking trip in Yosemite, Grand Teton,
and other parks using my expert e-books.

The climbing-helmet-compatible hood features a flexible brim and adjusts with a single back drawcord, shielding your face very well and keeping rain off eyeglasses. The water-resistant front zipper keeps moisture out effectively despite no rain flap, and zips up over your chin, giving the Treeline coverage that compares with much-pricier shells. The fit allows wearing a couple of base layers and a light, insulating middle layer and the length nearly covers your butt completely. The hem and cuffs are both adjustable.

As with other bargain rain shells, the Treeline offers limited ventilation. In lieu of pit zips, which would bump up the jacket’s cost significantly, BD relies on a common alternative among competitors at this price point: a large, mesh, upper back vent with an overlapping shell panel. Where pit zips tend to create ventilation through the normal swinging of arms when walking, a back vent doesn’t, and its effectiveness diminishes when wearing a pack.

The two spacious, mesh-lined, zippered hand pockets provide some passive but limited airflow when unzipped. They each hold a warm glove and much more and the jacket stuffs into the right pocket, compressing to the size of a liter bottle, with a carabiner loop for clipping to a climbing harness. One smaller zippered chest pocket (not mesh-lined) keeps a smartphone and map dry.

At a slim 10 ounces, the Treeline ranks among the lightest fully featured rain shells and borders on ultralight, yet still has a relatively durable, 50-denier nylon face fabric.

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Black Diamond Treeline Rain Shell

Weather Protection

Breathability

Weight-to-Performance

Packability

Durability

The Verdict

Although its breathability and venting don’t compete with high-end rain jackets, the Black Diamond Treeline Rain Shell offers good protection in rain for hikers, backpackers, and other users at a very good value.

3.8

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Black Diamond Treeline Rain Shell at backcountry.com.

See “The Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” “5 Pro Tips For Buying the Right Rain Jacket For the Backcountry,” and all of my reviews of rain jackets and outdoor apparel and that I like.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

Let The Big Outside help you find the best adventures. 
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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-treeline-rain-shell/feed/ 0 49396 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-skytour-ascentshell-jacket-and-bibs/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-skytour-ascentshell-jacket-and-bibs/#comments Thu, 13 Jan 2022 17:12:25 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=50238 Read on

]]> Winter Shell Jacket and Bibs
Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell Jacket
$429, 1 lb. 5.5 oz./610g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell Bibs
$429, 1 lb. 9 oz./709g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

The waves of December snowstorms rolled through for days, dumping cold, dry, light powder in the mountains. In the backcountry, the skiing was epic—as were the weather conditions. That’s when high-quality shells demonstrate their value. On numerous days of ski touring through hours of heavily falling snow, temps ranging from the single digits to the teens and 20s Fahrenheit, and frequent wind, OR’s Skytour AscentShell Jacket and Bibs passed every qualifying exam to rank among the very best outerwear for winter.

I’ve tested the Skytour AscentShell Jacket on numerous days of backcountry and resort skiing from Utah’s Wasatch Range to Idaho’s Boise and Boulder Mountains, and my son, a college student, has worn the Skytour AscentShell Bibs on dozens of days of ski touring and resort skiing, mostly in Utah’s Wasatch Range. And we both tested them on a four-day trip ski touring from a backcountry yurt in the Boise Mountains.

The newest iteration of OR’s proprietary, three-layer, stretch, electrospun AscentShell waterproof-breathable membrane performs like a hard shell but feels and moves like a soft shell and is noticeably lightweight the first time you lift the jacket or bib. The fabric, consisting of a web of microscopic, polyurethane fibers that keep water out while remaining vapor-permeable, and reinforced by fully taped seams, kept both of us comfortable and dry (and our smartphones dry in a zippered pocket) through hours of nuking snow and frigid wind chills.

The Skytour AscentShell Jacket’s impressive breathability enabled my base layers to dry out completely after getting sweaty on long climbs, whether I wore the jacket alone or added a breathable, insulated middle layer. I rarely even felt the need to open the deep pit zips, although those are a nice feature on warmer days of touring.

The jacket’s fit permits space for an insulation layer and a couple of base layers underneath without feeling bulky or inhibiting full motion at all: I generally wore a lightweight T-shirt and a midweight hoody pullover under it, frequently adding an insulated jacket (models ranging from 11 to 14 ounces) and found all of those combinations comfortable for me (five feet, eight inches, 155 pounds). Its length extends over my butt, providing better coverage than other winter shells.

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The one-hand adjustable, helmet-compatible halo hood with a wire brim protected my face in blowing snow with and without a helmet on (adjusting the hood to fit both scenarios); and when fully zipped up, the jacket’s front shielded my chin from cold wind (and has a soft, brushed tricot chin guard). Two inside pull cords cinch the hood’s sides closer; but as I’ve seen in other shells, those loosen on their own too easily.

The two zippered chest pockets have space for keeping extra gloves warm and the two zippered hand pockets are large enough to stash skins or warm gloves or mitts. A zippered internal media pocket with a port has plenty of space for a large smartphone without being so wide that the phone tips over to lie horizontal, and the single inside drop pocket fits winter gloves or skins, too. All zippers areeasilymanipulated with warm gloves or mittens. Adjustable cuffs and hem complete the feature package.

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The Skytour AscentShell Bibs kept my son comfortable in a wide range of conditions. Skinning uphill on a sunny south face in temps from the mid-20s Fahrenheit to around freezing, he stayed warm enough without getting sweat-soaked sans jacket, with the bibs’ front and sides fully unzipped. (He always wore long underwear under the bibs.) Touring on a ridgeline at 15° F with winds of 20 to 25 mph, the bibs proved warm enough going uphill and not cold while transitioning to downhill. Not surprisingly, given that they’re designed mainly for backcountry ski touring, he found the bibs not adequately warm for riding ski lifts in temps below 10° F (including a -18° F windchill), as well as below 0° F ski touring without a layer underneath.

Waterproofness proved generally good throughout the seat and legs in most conditions, augmented by watertight zippers and sealed seams. But the bibs did consistently wet through on days of resort skiing virtually non-stop through hours of heavily falling snow—days racking up well over 24,000 feet of vertical. The AscentShell technology did tend to get overwhelmed in those extreme conditions.

They’re generally windproof—but can feel cold when wind plasters them against your body. The reinforced cuffs with a stretch-mesh internal gaiter protect against tears from crampons or ski edges and interface very well with ski boots, including a power strap slot to affix them securely over boots.

The exceptional breathability of AscentShell gets a boost from the ventilation enabled by deep, two-way front and side zips that areeasilymanipulated with warm gloves or mittens (except, oddly, the lower pull tab on the front zipper), with a “swing hatch” for answering nature’s call—all but eliminating moments of sweating profusely. He never noticed his base layer getting so wet that it affected comfort, partly thanks to use of a more breathable, stretch fabric front and back in the bib/torso area.

The men’s medium fit him well (five feet, 11 inches, 150 pounds) in the inseam, but are too wide in the waist and torso, a problem essentially negated by the adjustable suspenders. The gusseted crotch and articulated knees allow superior freedom of movement skiing up and down.

The bibs sport six pockets, five zippered, including two spacious hand and two cargo pockets. The beacon pocket, located smartly on the bib front between the shoulder straps and hipbelt of a pack—where it’s readily accessible after unzipping any outer layers and kept warm by body heat—has a beefy zipper and an inside mesh flap for secure beacon storage, plus a clip leash for safe, fast deployment.

The one stretch chest pocket with a hook-and-loop closure is more pouch than pocket: a convenient place to for temporarily stashing gloves or a hat to keep them warm (and dry them with body heat)—or a morning joe or tea—but the lack of a secure closure prevents storing anything there for a longer amount of time.

The jacket has shown no durability concerns, not even a fraying seam or loose strand of fiber, despite plenty of brush-whacking in low-snow depths of early winter. Typical of OR apparel, it displays excellent construction.

The bibs, however, have suffered broken zipper teeth and fabric tears from hitting branches skiing downhill in the backcountry and brush-whacking in low-snow depths of early winter. My son (using the bibs) beats up his gear more than I do (using the jacket) when skiing in the backcountry and has had to make at least four repairs on his bibs. I’ve found OR apparel to typically have good durability and construction, but people who use gear very hard should be aware that lighter apparel (and hard gear) may not withstand that level of severe abuse.

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The Verdict

With superior weatherproofing and breathability, a complete set of highly functional features for backcountry snow sports, comfortable fit, promising durability—all at competitive prices—the Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell Jacket and Bibs are hard to beat.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the men’s or women’s Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell Jacket and/or Skytour AscentShell Bibs at backcountry.com, rei.com, or outdoorresearch.com.

See all reviews of outdoor apparel at The Big Outside, including “The 12 Best Down Jackets,” “The Best Gloves for Winter,” “The Best Mittens for Winter,” “The Best Clothing Layers for Winter in the Backcountry,” plus “12 Pro Tips for Staying Warm Outdoors in Winter” and “How to Dress in Layers for Winter in the Backcountry.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

Click here now to plan your next great backpacking adventure using my expert e-books.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-skytour-ascentshell-jacket-and-bibs/feed/ 2 50238 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-zeta-sl-rain-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-zeta-sl-rain-jacket/#respond Wed, 29 Sep 2021 17:30:45 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=48099 Read on

]]> Rain Jacket
Arc’teryx Zeta SL Jacket
$299, 11 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXL, women’s XS-XL
outlet.arcteryx.com

Sometimes, mountain weather refuses to cooperate with your plans. On an August trip backpacking in the Wind River Range with my son, we saw patches of blue sky only on our first afternoon—followed by a couple of days of rain, culminating with us hiking out nine miles in a wind-driven tempest and temps in the 40s Fahrenheit. On days like that, I’m happy to have a shell that will reliably keep me dry and comfortable like the Zeta SL.

The relatively minimalist design of the Zeta SL focuses on the needs of backpackers and dayhikers, keeping the weight at 11 ounces (for the men’s medium), while still providing functional features like a storm-worthy hood and two hand pockets with water-resistant zippers—and keeping the price competitive with the very best three-season rain shells for hiking. The jacket does not stuff into a pocket but is relatively compact, squishing down to the size of a softball to occupy little space inside a pack (where you hope it spends most of its time).

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The Gore-Tex Paclite Plus membrane kept me dry through hours of hiking through wind-driven rain and delivers good if not exceptional breathability that prevents overheating in moderate temperatures. The fabric’s durability compares with the best three-season rain shells; and while it’s a little crinkly, it feels less stiff than some waterproof-breathable jackets. Overall, the Zeta SL displays the exceptional construction and design of Arc’teryx apparel.

The adjustable hood, while not helmet-compatible—this isn’t a shell for climbers—sports a laminated brim that extends over your face and the jacket’s waterproof front zipper comes up over the chin, very effectively shielding your face from rain. The adjustable cuffs and hem seal out wind and precipitation.

Typical of Arc’teryx apparel, the fit is close but neither tight nor bulky, enhancing breathability and allowing me to wear a couple of base layers underneath and an insulated vest, if needed—plenty of layers for the weather most backpackers and dayhikers encounter. The length covers most of my butt. And the articulated design permits excellent freedom of movement: This is a comfortable shell to spend a long, wet day in.

Like many lightweight rain shells, the Zeta SL lacks pit zips—which some users who typically frequent mountains where rainstorms are accompanied by cool temps won’t miss. But people who sweat prodigiously or typically hike in mild climates may prefer a shell with underarm zippers.

Click here now to plan your next great backpacking adventure using my expert e-guides.

 

Arc’teryx Zeta SL Jacket

Weather Protection

Breathability

Weight-to-Performance

Packability

Durability

The Verdict

With a basic but effective feature set and a waterproof-breathable Gore-Tex membrane, the Arc’teryx Zeta SL Jacket strikes a balance between performance, low weight, and packability in a rain shell ideal for backpackers and dayhikers.

4.4

BUY IT NOW

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See “The 5 Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” “5 Pro Tips For Buying the Right Rain Jacket For the Backcountry,” and all of my reviews of rain jackets and outdoor apparel and that I like.

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Join now to read ALL stories and a get free e-guide!

 

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

Was this review helpful?
If so, would you like to support my work by clicking here to leave a tip for The Big Outside?
Please also consider sharing it using one of the buttons at right and leaving a comment or question at the bottom. Thank you, I really appreciate it.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-zeta-sl-rain-jacket/feed/ 0 48099 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-microgravity-ascentshell-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-microgravity-ascentshell-jacket/#comments Tue, 23 Feb 2021 16:42:36 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=44035 Read on

]]> All-Season Shell Jacket
Outdoor Research Microgravity AscentShell Jacket
$279, 14 oz./397g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

Whether hiking steep hills in steady rain in temps from the 40s to the 30s Fahrenheit or backcountry skiing in heavily falling, wet snow, OR’s Microgravity AscentShell Jacket keep me dry going both uphill and downhill, thanks to the solid waterproofing and exceptional breathability that have been the distinguishing attributes of this line of OR’s rain shells. But with the Microgravity, OR improved the durability—and dropped the price by 50 bucks.

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The Microgravity features OR’s latest iteration of its proprietary AscentShell three-layer waterproof-breathable fabric—the most breathable, fully waterproof membrane OR uses (found in other OR jackets, including a personal favorite for backcountry skiing, the Skyward). As anyone who’s spent hours in motion wearing a waterproof-breathable jacket understands, the “breathable” part of that term looms as critical to performance as the “waterproof” part. Even when hiking or skinning uphill at a pace that had me panting, in temps in the 40s with the hood up, I got damp inside but not very wet with sweat and my base layer would dry out often within about 10 minutes of dialing back my exertion level.

Fully seam-taped, the Microgravity easily shed steady rain and wet snow, cut wind, and can certainly handle the worst conditions most backpackers and dayhikers encounter. But the supple, 20×45-denier fabric with a 30-denier knit backer has the durability for harder use in the mountains, from peak bagging to winter backcountry tours.

At 14 ounces—three ounces heavier than OR’s predecessor four-season, three-layer, AscentShell jacket, the Interstellar Jacket (but also 50 bucks cheaper)—it’s not among the lightest fully featured rain shells. But that’s partly explained by the beefier fabric, which broadens its range of seasons and activities. The Microgravity stuffs into its left hand pocket (which has a carabiner clip), packing downto the size of a cantaloupe, comparable to rain shells with similar features, weight, and intended uses.

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As with other OR outerwear, the comfortable fit proved spacious enough for a couple of base layers and a midweight insulation piece underneath without ever feeling bulky, restrictive, or obtrusive. OR’s DynamicReach underarm panels and the inherent mechanical stretch in the fabric deliver very good freedom of movement—the jacket body barely rises up when raising my arms overhead.

The four zippered pockets—two each at chest and hand positions—have mesh linings and room for drying out warm gloves and keeping a phone out of the rain. The adjustable hem and hook-and-loop cuffs and waterproof zippers round out this fully weatherproof shell, and all zippers have pull tabs for easily grabbing with gloves.

The fully adjustable, helmet-compatible hood has a flexible brim that extends far enough to keep rain off your face, and the hood turns with your head and fits over a climbing or skiing helmet, though more snugly over the latter. I found the rear adjustment cordlock easy to manipulate wearing midweight gloves (an improvement over the Interstellar).

While the shell lacks pit zips, I didn’t miss them because of its superior breathability—and I sweat a fair bit. But people who sweat prodigiously may prefer a shell with underarm zippers.

Plan your next great backpacking trip on the Teton Crest Trail, Wonderland Trail, in Yosemite or other parks using my expert e-books.

Outdoor Research Microgravity AscentShell Jacket

Weather Protection

Breathability

Weight-to-Performance

Packability

Durability

Summary

The Outdoor Research Microgravity AscentShell Jacket delivers a versatile balance of breathability and weather protection for three-season hiking and backpacking as well as winter backcountry tours—all at a moderate weight and competitive price for an all-season shell.

4.3

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these affiliate links, at no cost to you, to purchase a men’s or women’s Outdoor Research Microgravity AscentShell Jacket at backcountry.com or rei.com, the men’s Outdoor Research Microgravity AscentShell Jacket at outdoorresearch.com, or the women’s Outdoor Research Microgravity AscentShell Jacket at outdoorresearch.com.

See “The Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” “5 Pro Tips For Buying the Right Rain Jacket For the Backcountry,” and all reviews of rain jackets and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-book versions of “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See the Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

Let The Big Outside help you find the best adventures. 
Join now to read ALL stories and get a free e-book!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-microgravity-ascentshell-jacket/feed/ 2 44035 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-skyward-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-skyward-jacket/#respond Wed, 06 Jan 2021 10:00:05 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=21963 Read on

]]> Winter Shell Jacket
Outdoor Research Skyward II Jacket
$350, 1 lb. 7 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

Winter Shell Pants
Outdoor Research Skyward II Pants
$299, 1 lb. 5.5 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

OR’s Skyward II Jacket and Skyward II Pants have demonstrated unique versatility as winter shells over numerous days of backcountry skiing in a full range of conditions. I’ve skinned uphill and skied downhill through hours of dumping snow in temperatures in the teens and 20s Fahrenheit without ever taking the jacket off (and obviously not removing the pants) and remained comfortable skiing in single-digit temps (with an insulation layer under the jacket) and weather shifting from falling snow to sunshine.

The fact that I rarely wear any shell jacket all day, especially through a huge range of exertion levels in winter conditions, speaks to this shell’s superior breathability. But it proved superior by many performance measures as a shell for backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, mountaineering, and ice climbing.

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Besides days of backcountry skiing, I also wore the Skyward II Jacket over insulation and two base layers for on cold December days of resort skiing, in single-digit temps and weather varying from falling snow to sunshine. It has space for warm layers, and cut wind while releasing heat and moisture when I telemark skied off-trail bumps.

I wore the Skyward II Pants on several days of backcountry skiing in conditions ranging from partly sunny with temps in the 20s to dumping wet snow, skinning uphill and skiing downhill, and the pants kept me dry throughout. Areas that received a lot of direct snowfall, like the front of the thighs, appeared to wet out, but dried fairly quickly.

The secret sauce in both the jacket and pants is the high breathability of OR’s stretchy, proprietary AscentShell fabric—the same fabric that’s used in OR’s three-season Realm Jacket—which moves moisture fast. The waterproof-breathable Electrospun membrane creates a web of microscopic, polyurethane fibers that keep water out and is permeable to vapor.

These garments are hard shells that look, feel, and breathe like a soft shell. On days of backcountry skiing when the jacket never left my back—including touring in falling snow with the hood up the entire time—the two base layers I wore under the Skyward were basically dry most of the day. Even though I sweated whenever climbing uphill, my next-to-skin top only got damp and it dried out in the time we took digging a snow pit to assess avalanche hazard. That’s purely a measure of the jacket’s breathability.

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It also excels in ventilation, with unique, two-way, side-pit zippers that run from under the biceps all the way to the hem. You can open the entire sides of the jacket while keeping most precipitation off your body, even release snaps at the hem and flip the back of the jacket up over the top of your pack, to keep your back that much cooler while still having protection above from falling snow. The adjustable hem extends several inches below the waist—keeping snow out of your pants.

Fully seam taped, the Skyward II Jacket shrugged off hours of falling snow and kept out cold wind whether I was skiing a backcountry slope or riding a resort lift. The helmet-compatible hood adjusts at the collar and in back and has a sturdy brim—it kept blowing snow and wind off my face, and with the jacket zipped up, the collar stands tall enough to cover the lower half of my face.

The jacket’s four waterproof, zippered external pockets—two on the chest, two at hand level—are mesh for better ventilation and to make them more useful in drying gloves and hats with body heat; the left chest pocket has a mesh media pocket inside. One demerit: A pack or harness belt overlaps the hand pockets. Two roomy, internal, mesh stuff-it pockets are big enough to hold climbing skins. Lastly, the elasticized cuffs adjust with fat hook-and-loop strips to ensure durability.

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The pants have ventilating side zippers extending from hips to knees, which I unzipped only during warmest moments skinning uphill; but the pants breathe well enough that I usually didn’t have to open those vents, finding that only necessary in spring-like ski conditions. There are four zippered pockets, two on the thigh and two hand pockets, and a mesh avalanche beacon pocket inside the right hand pocket that’s easy to access while wearing gloves.

The waistband, adjustable using hook-and-loop straps on each side, has a soft fleece lining and belt loops. PowerSlot slits in the inside and outside of the internal gaiters allow passing a boot’s power strap through, so that the gaiter doesn’t have to be moved off the boot to adjust that strap; although feeding the strap through the gaiter when putting boots on proves a bit time-consuming, it’s a useful feature. The gaiters have solid nylon at the elasticized bottoms, to keep snow out of boots, and fine mesh for breathability above the boot tops, where calves produce a lot of heat. The pants are built for hard use, with 50-denier fabric throughout and 420-denier nylon scuff guards at the leg bottoms.

You can find lighter shells for winter mountain sports, but many lack the versatility and features of the Outdoor Research Skyward II Jacket and Pants. And they breathe so well that they feel and wear like lighter shells.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, when you click any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Outdoor Research Skyward II Jacket at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, or outdoorresearch.com, or the a men’s or women’s Outdoor Research Skyward II Pants at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, or outdoorresearch.com.

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NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See a menu of all of my Gear Reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-skyward-jacket/feed/ 0 21963 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-helium-ii-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-helium-ii-jacket/#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:40:59 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=41465 Read on

]]> Ultralight Rain Jacket
Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket
$170, 6 oz./170.1g (men’s medium), $180, 6 oz. (women’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

Whether hiking through heavy, cool mist while backpacking the Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier National Park, pulling this shell on frequently to fend off cold wind and rain showers during a five-day backpacking trip in The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park in early March, or wearing it on local trail runs in mixed weather—including heavily falling, wet snow for over two hours—the featherweight Helium Rain Jacket demonstrated its value as one of today’s best ultralight, waterproof-breathable rain jackets.

That backpacking trips on the Wonderland Trail and in Canyonlands’ Maze illustrate a major advantage of the Helium: It’s one of the lightest and most packable waterproof, fully seam-taped, and breathable rain jackets out there today. With a forecast was for mostly dry weather, I could forego carrying a heavier and bulkier rain jacket—and mostly carrying it rather than wearing it—knowing the Helium would give me all the protection I needed at about half the weight, bulk, and cost of a high-quality, technical rain shell.

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Constructed from 30-denier ripstop nylon, waterproof-breathable Pertex Shield, it fought off dumping wet snow while I ran and hiked. The jacket employs Diamond Fuse technology, which uses yarns with diamond-shaped filaments that lock together, lending it relatively good durability and snag-resistance for a fabric this light and improving its water-beading properties. Still, this fabric is ultralight: It will stand up to wearing a backpack over it, but likely tear too easily for hiking off-trail in forest or rock climbing.

Breathability is just okay. When hiking uphill on the Wonderland Trail, carrying a full pack, the Helium got a little clammy inside but was tolerable. On autumn trail runs of up to two hours in my local foothills, I could keep the hood up in strong, cold wind without building up much moisture inside—mostly because I wasn’t overheating. In other words, while it doesn’t breathe as well as the best ultralight, non-waterproof wind shells, it performs as well as needed in most hiking and trail-running circumstances in which I’d wear it—and offers the reassurance of waterproof protection.

The jacket feels very comfortable as soon as you put it on, with a close fit that has space to layer midweight insulation under it. The adjustable hood uses a single drawcord in the back and wraps snugly around your head, although the small brim offers negligible face protection.

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The shell stuffs into its one zippered chest pocket—which is large enough for a smartphone—packing down to the size of a large coffee mug (and has a carabiner loop). The waterproof front zipper, like all such zippers, moves a little more slowly than standard zips. The elasticized hem and cuffs, while not adjustable, adequately seal out drafts.

With mediocre breathability and durability and a minimalist hood, the Helium certainly isn’t as versatile as a fully technical, all-conditions rain shell. (See my picks for “The 5 Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking.”) But it is about half the weight and bulk of most high-quality rain shells.

The Outdoor Research Helium Pants ($119, 5.4 oz.), made with the same 30-denier ripstop nylon Pertex Shield, have elasticized waist and cuffs with 12-inch zippers for pulling them over boots, and stuff into the zippered rear pocket.

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OUTDOOR RESEARCH HELIUM RAIN JACKET

Weather Protection

Breathability

Packability

Durability

Weight-to-Performance

The Verdict

For lightweight backpackers, dayhikers, and trail runners who need a just-in-case ultralight shell for wind and rain, the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket delivers waterproof protection and okay breathability in a compact package that’s a good value for this degree of performance and low weight.

4.4

BUY IT NOW

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See my review of “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets” and all reviews of ultralight wind shells, ultralight rain jackets, and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-helium-ii-jacket/feed/ 6 41465 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-north-face-flight-futurelight-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-north-face-flight-futurelight-jacket/#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2020 13:08:34 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=40688 Read on

]]> Ultralight Rain Jacket
The North Face Flight FutureLight Jacket
$300, 8.5 oz./241g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXL, women’s XS-XL
moosejaw.com

When The North Face billed its Flight FutureLight Jacket as the most breathable rain shell the brand has ever brought to market, that naturally caused a stir in the outdoor industry—and made me eager to put it to the test. From spring into summer, I wore this light rain shell for missions ranging from trail running in rain showers and cool wind, to backpacking through thunderstorms with strong gusts, and even backcountry skiing in variable spring weather. And while it has some minor flaws, the Flight FutureLight Jacket demonstrates impressive breathability and a comfortable fit.

On a 12-mile, trail run-hike in my local foothills, running up a frequently steep trail on an exposed ridge in cold wind and brief snow flurries, then traversing and descending, the jacket cut the wind while breathing well enough that I didn’t overheat; in fact, in the last couple miles, I was back at a lower, warmer elevation where I could have stripped to my long-sleeve base layer top, but I kept the jacket on because it never got uncomfortably hot.

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Similarly, wearing it while backpacking for hours at a time through episodes of intermittent rain showers and thunderstorms, strong gusts and a temp around 70° F on Nevada’s Ruby Crest Trail in July, the jacket breathed well enough that I never felt clammy: It didn’t allow much moisture to build up inside. I also wore it on spring days of backcountry skiing in weather that shifted from overcast with a cold wind, to a thunderstorm and snow squall, and then to warm sunshine; and while I sweated when skiing under the hot sun, the jacket allowed my base layer to dry out from my body heat.

TNF’s recipe is the nano-spinning process used to create the membrane. Thousands of very tiny nozzles spray a liquid PU onto a sheet, creating a thin layer of millions of microscopic fibers with spaces between them. Air can pass through those spaces, but water cannot. It’s similar to the highly breathable, proprietary AscentShell membrane from Outdoor Research, used in technical shells like OR’s Interstellar Jacket. Whereas the Interstellar works for virtually any mountain activity in four seasons, the Flight FutureLight Jacket is designed for less-abusive pursuits like trail running—and it may be more breathable.

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The standard fit allows space for one or two base layers underneath and feels quite comfortable. The adjustable hood has a low-profile brim that offers some face protection from rain, though not as much as a fully technical hood. The hood and hem adjust using drawcords, but they’re both finicky: The cords tend to loosen easily, illustrating that a shell this light does present compromises. The shell also packs into its back pocket down to about the size of a softball—easy to fit into a small hydration pack or running vest.

The soft, lightweight, stretchy, 20-denier fabric has a DWR (durable water-repellent finish) and is reasonably durable: While I did try out the jacket on backpacking trips that featured mostly good weather and just spells of rain showers, this shell is not designed for the hard use that a fully technical rain shell for the backcountry can withstand—the light fabric may tear with sustained wear under the straps of a backpack. But while the Flight FutureLight Jacket is a light shell primarily for trail runners, it can double as a “just in case” rain shell for dayhikers and lightweight backpackers who stick primarily to trails and generally avoid going out in forecasts of severe weather.

 

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THE NORTH FACE FLIGHT FUTURELIGHT JACKET

Weather Protection

Breathability

Weight-to-Performance

Packability

Durability

The Verdict

Light, waterproof, and quite breathable, The North Face Flight FutureLight Jacket arguably breaks new ground in the ongoing battle to fend off wind and precipitation without overheating. Ideal for trail running, it crosses over to lightweight dayhiking, and, with care, ultralight backpacking.

4

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Thank you.

 

See “The 5 Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets” “5 Pro Tips For Buying the Right Rain Jacket For the Backcountry,” and all of my reviews of rain jackets and outdoor apparel and that I like at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

You live for the outdoors. The Big Outside helps you get out there.
Join now to read ALL stories and a get free e-guide!

 

Tell me what you think.

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-north-face-flight-futurelight-jacket/feed/ 12 40688 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-interstellar-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-interstellar-jacket/#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2020 09:00:33 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=31005 Read on

]]> Rain Jacket
Outdoor Research Interstellar Jacket
$299, 11 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

Anyone who’s spent enough hours in waterproof-breathable jackets while on the move in rain knows that the second half of that hyphenated adjective looms as critical to performance as the “waterproof” part. When OR introduced the Interstellar as an overhaul of a personal favorite, their Realm Jacket, for only $20 more—and unlike the Realm, also in women’s sizes—I was immediately eager to put it through the paces. After wearing it in weather ranging from rain and snow to strong winds, from a mid-September backpacking trip through Glacier National Park and a six-day hike in Utah’s High Uintas Wilderness to backcountry skiing at home in Idaho, I’m convinced the Interstellar has succeeded the Realm as a leading, top-value backcountry rain shell—but it does have one Achilles heel.

I wore it, often with the hood up, at wind-blasted passes and in strong, cold gusts on the alpine traverse from Pitamakan Pass to Dawson Pass while backpacking almost 100 miles on the Continental Divide Trail through Glacier National Park. I wore it carrying a backpack in mild temps and rain showers several times during a six-day July backpacking trip through the High Uintas. It never left my body on a December day of backcountry skiing in Idaho’s Boise Mountains: Moving both uphill and downhill through steadily falling snow for several hours, with temps in the low to mid-20s, the jacket kept me dry while the hood kept the wind and snow off my face. In fact, the fabric moved moisture quickly enough that my base layer, which got damp skinning uphill, would dry out while I skied down.

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The Interstellar features OR’s proprietary, supple, 20-denier AscentShell three-layer waterproof-breathable fabric—the most breathable, fully waterproof fabric OR uses (found in other OR jackets, including the Realm and a personal favorite for backcountry skiing, the Skyward). Fully seam-taped, the Interstellar sheds heavy rain and rises to the challenge of the worst conditions most backpackers encounter. But it isn’t really intended for the severe, wind-driven precipitation of, say, mountaineering—it’s not the equal of high-end Gore-Tex shells in that regard.

Among the lightest fully featured rain shells at just 11 ounces, the focus on packability is evident in design elements like the lightweight pocket zippers (that have pull tabs for easily grabbing with gloves)—although a sturdier front zipper for better durability—and laminated construction. The Interstellar stuffs into its left hand pocket (which has a carabiner clip), packing down to the size of a cantaloupe.

OR’s dynamic reach underarm panels and the inherent mechanical stretch in the fabric deliver very good mobility—the jacket body barely rises up when raising my arms overhead. There are no pit zips, and while I didn’t miss them because of the jacket’s excellent breathability—and I sweat quite a bit—some prodigious perspiration producers may feel they need a shell with underarm zippers.

The two zippered hand pockets and one chest pocket have mesh linings, but they can never replicate the venting of pit zippers. All three are spacious enough for drying out winter gloves or keeping a map out of the rain.

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The fully adjustable, helmet-compatible hood has a flexible brim that extends far enough to keep rain off your face, and the hood turns with your head; but as with many lightweight shells, the cordlock in back is tiny, so it’s easy to pull tight but hard to loosen, especially when wearing gloves.

Elasticized and adjustable, hook-and-loop cuffs are secure, but also hard to manipulate while wearing heavy winter gloves, and an adjustable hem helps seal out the elements.

The flip side of the low weight and supple feel is some compromise in fabric durability: It will tear more easily than heavier—and stiffer—fabrics like standard Gore-Tex (including some of OR’s higher-end shells).

The Interstellar sports ideal breathability and weather protection for three-season hiking and backpacking and winter outings with little risk of high-speed contact with sharp objects like rocks and branches, but I’d recommend a burlier shell to use primarily for ski touring or climbing.

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OUTDOOR RESEARCH INTERSTELLAR JACKET

Weather Protection

Breathability

Weight-to-Performance

Comfort

Packability

Durability

The Verdict

Breathability, solid waterproofing, and a fully technical design define the consummate backcountry shell, and the Interstellar is, well, stellar in those departments—as well as one of the lightest and most comfortable rain jackets with this level of performance.

4.2

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase a men’s or women’s Outdoor Research Interstellar Jacket at backcountry.com, Moosejaw.com, or outdoorresearch.com.

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See “The 5 Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” “5 Pro Tips For Buying the Right Rain Jacket For the Backcountry,” and all of my reviews of rain jackets and outdoor apparel and that I like.

Tell me what you think.

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Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip” and “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of both stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip” and the lightweight backpacking guide without having a paid membership.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

You live for the outdoors. The Big Outside helps you get out there. Join now and a get free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-interstellar-jacket/feed/ 2 31005 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rei-xerodry-gtx-rain-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rei-xerodry-gtx-rain-jacket/#respond Tue, 01 Oct 2019 12:57:21 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=35552 Read on

]]> Rain Jacket
REI XeroDry GTX
$179, 12 oz./340g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL, men’s tall M-XXL, women’s plus 2x and 3x
rei.com

How much rain shell do you want in mountains with variable weather? How much should it weight—and how much should you pay? Those questions came to mind when I wore the REI XeroDry GTX rain shell through hours of cold wind and steady rain, with a bit of wet snow, at the tail end of a five-day September backpacking trip in the Bechler Canyon area of Yellowstone National Park. I was happy with its moderate weight and packability for three-and-a-half days of sunny, mild days at the outset of that trip, when this shell stayed in my pack. But I was even happier that it has features that kept me dry when the weather turned ugly. And paying much less for any gear makes anyone happy.

I also wore it in cool wind at times on a three-day, entirely sunny, August backpacking trip on the Teton Crest Trail. The XeroDry is made with two-layer Gore-Tex Paclite, the lightest and most packable membrane that Gore-Tex makes. Thanks in part to a DWR (durable water-resistant treatment), this shell fended off steady rain and wind for hours of backpacking one afternoon and the next morning in Bechler Canyon.

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Gore-Tex Paclite breathes moderately well—although not as well as, say, the Outdoor Research Interstellar Jacket or the Black Diamond Helio Active Shell, the latter the same weight as the XeroDry GTX but made with more breathable, waterproof, durable (and expensive) Gore-Tex Active fabric and has pit zips. I didn’t overheat when carrying a backpack in temperatures as warm as about 60° F. But I was mostly hiking downhill, and there was wind, so I wasn’t heating up much. To avoid overheating in a Gore-Tex Paclite shell when carrying a pack uphill in temps in the 50s, I usually have to slow my pace. But add cool wind to the weather mix and overheating in a Gore-Tex shell is rarely a problem.

The fabric does move moisture effectively, meaning that although sweat can build up inside, my damp layers under this shell dried out when I hiked at a pace that prevented me from sweating. While the jacket lacks pit zips, I didn’t miss them, but people who perspire heavily might when working hard.

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The three-point-adjustable hood and the flexible visor, while not providing quite as much coverage as the hoods of some more-expensive shells, nonetheless kept windblown rain off my face and is adequate for hiking and backpacking in steady rain.

The fit is roomier than jackets from some other brands—it’s not an “athletic” fit, but has space for a warm layer underneath and for bigger people, although not excessively bulky for someone with an average build. I did wear it over a three-season down jacket in camp on a rainy evening and morning in the Yellowstone backcountry. The women’s model comes in a wider range of sizes than many backcountry rain shells, including plus sizes.

The two zippered hand pockets, which sit above a pack hipbelt, are mesh-lined to perform double duty as core vents; they don’t vent as well as pit zips, but do offer the benefit of focusing the ventilation at your core, rather than at your arms. The zippered chest pocket has space for a large smartphone and solid fabric backing to keep moisture out, whether from precipitation outside or body moisture inside.

The 20-denier ripstop nylon shell fabric is not uncommon in midweight backcountry rain jackets, but it’s less durable than higher-denier fabrics, and Gore-Tex Paclite is certainly not Gore’s most-durable membrane—which is why this is a three-season rain shell for hikers and backpackers who won’t typically encounter severe rain and weather, rather than an all-season shell for alpine climbing, too. REI’s website reports that the fabric is Bluesign approved, meaning the company “took deliberate steps during manufacturing and production to minimize impact on the health of the environment, on the workers who made the fabric and on consumers.”

The hook-and-loop cuffs and hip-length, adjustable hem work fine at sealing out rain and wind.

To my point in this review’s lead paragraph: At 12 ounces, the XeroDry Jacket is a midweight among rain shells—not an ultralight—precisely because it has a fully adjustable hood, pockets, a two-layer rather than a high-performance, three-layer membrane, and other features that actually keep you drier and more comfortable when the weather gets nasty. And it compresses to slightly smaller a liter bottle.

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REI XeroDry GTX Jacket

Weather Protection

Breathability

Weight-to-Performance

Packability

Durability

The Verdict

The men’s and women’s REI XeroDry GTX Jacket is a moderately breathable, three-season rain shell for dayhiking, backpacking, and similar outdoor activities—as long as you generally avoid severe weather—at a very good price.

4.1

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase a men’s or women’s REI XeroDry GTX Jacket at rei.com, including men’s tall and women’s plus sizes.

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Thank you.

 

See “The 5 Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” “5 Pro Tips For Buying the Right Rain Jacket For the Backcountry,” and all of my reviews of rain jackets and outdoor apparel that I like.

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” the lightweight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures. Join now to read ALL stories and get a free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rei-xerodry-gtx-rain-jacket/feed/ 0 35552 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-helio-active-shell/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-helio-active-shell/#respond Wed, 26 Jun 2019 18:50:11 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=34365 Read on

]]> All-Season Shell Jacket
Black Diamond Helio Active Shell
$400, 12 oz./340g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XL, women’s XS-XL
moosejaw.com

The rain began before we hit the trail on the second morning of a five-day June trek in northern Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains; by late morning, we reached the snow line, and the light rain turned to wet snow, accumulating several inches on the ground. The wind came from various directions, blowing 40 to 50 mph as we got higher and crossed a pass. It felt more like Scotland’s Northern Highlands than mountains in the north of Spain. For that entire day, most of it spent hiking through falling rain or snow, I wore the Black Diamond Helio Active Shell—and it basically saved my butt on a day when cold wind and wet precipitation could have tipped me into hypothermia.

Black Diamond bills it as a ski touring shell, but its low weight and simple but high-performance feature set make the Helio Active a shell for all seasons in the mountains—as it demonstrated throughout that Picos trek, when I also wore it in variable weather on other days, and on rainy and cool, windy days hiking elsewhere. (I also tested BD’s similar but slightly burlier predecessor, the Helio Alpine Shell, on days of backcountry skiing, but it has been discontinued.)

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Made with Gore-Tex Active three-layer membrane, Gore’s more breathable membrane, the Helio kept me from overheating even at times when we were protected from wind while hiking steeply uphill in the rain with temps in the 40s with the jacket’s hood up, while carrying a pack weighing 25 to 30 pounds. Still, the temperature never reached above the cool 40s Fahrenheit. As with many waterproof-breathable shells, many people would have to ease their uphill pace with a pack on to avoid getting overly sweaty in this jacket in temperatures above the mid-50s, depending on wind.

The Helio cuts wind as well as other moderately breathable shells—which is what kept me from growing hypothermic that day in the Picos—and certainly better than a soft-shell jacket (which, for instance, many backcountry skiers prefer when they don’t typically encounter severe wind). Gore’s C-Knit backer makes the jacket less stiff and more comfortable, ranking it among the quietest hard shells on the market.

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At five feet eight inches and just under 160 pounds, with a 38-inch chest and 30-inch waist, I fit in the medium very well with two base layers (one lightweight and one midweight) underneath, and definitely had space for an insulation layer. But the fit is also low-bulk: I easily pulled a puffy jacket over it for added warmth during a chilly lunch break in the Picos.

The fully technical hood adjusts with a single point of adjustment on the back side, closing neatly around the face to move with any turn of your head, and staying in place even with the jacket’s front zipper open at the top. The hood’s brim extends out far enough to keep blowing snow and rain off my face, and the hood fits over a climbing helmet. Hook-and-loop closures at the cuffs and an adjustable hem seal out wind and moisture.

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Two deep, front pockets with waterproof zippers sit above the level of a climbing harness or pack hipbelt, and the one stretch-mesh internal pocket will hold a lightweight hat and a pair of three-season gloves. The pit zips extend from mid-tricep to nearly the bottom of the ribs to allow for ample ventilation, and their two-way zippers open and close smoothly, and are easy to reach and operate while wearing the jacket, compared to some other jackets I’ve used. In cool temps and wind, I didn’t need to open the pit zips because the jacket’s adequately breathable for those conditions.

For mild temperatures or only occasional rain, I’d get a lighter rain jacket. But at 12 ounces, it’s a bit lighter than many competitors in this high-end category, and it compresses to slightly smaller a liter bottle. That’s particularly impressive given all the features in the jacket, and the 30-denier fabric, which is much more durable—and better-suited to climbing and all-season use—than the 20-denier (and sometimes lighter) fabric found in many three-season rain shells.

Plan your next great backpacking trip on the Teton Crest Trail, Wonderland Trail, in Yosemite or other parks using my expert e-guides.

 

Black Diamond Helio Active Shell

Weather Protection

Breathability

Weight-to-Performance

Packability

Durability

The Verdict

For hikers and backpackers, mountaineers, and backcountry skiers and riders who need a shell for extreme conditions in any season—particularly in cool to cold temps and wet climes like Alaska, the Northeast or Pacific Northwest (especially in shoulder seasons), and ranges like the Alps or New Zealand’s Southern Alps—the Black Diamond Helio Active Shell offers superior weather protection and comfort at a price that’s competitive with other top-performing hard shells.

4.6

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase a men’s or a women’s Black Diamond Helio Active Shell at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, or blackdiamondequipment.com.

See “The 5 Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” “5 Pro Tips For Buying the Right Rain Jacket For the Backcountry,” and all of my reviews of rain jackets and outdoor apparel that I like.

See also “5 Smart Steps to Lighten Your Backpacking Gear” and my “10 Tips for Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear.”

And don’t miss my popular reviews of “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-helio-active-shell/feed/ 0 34365 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-montane-minimus-stretch-ultra-pull-on-and-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-montane-minimus-stretch-ultra-pull-on-and-jacket/#respond Wed, 24 Oct 2018 09:00:59 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=29575 Read on

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Ultralight Rain Jacket
Montane Minimus Stretch Ultra Pull-on and Jacket
$185 (pull-on)/$205 (jacket), 6 oz. (men’s medium pull-on)
Sizes: men’s XS-XL, women’s US 6-14 (jacket only)
Sunnysports.com

From bone-rattling cold wind on a September dayhike in Glacier National Park and a back-to-back, rim-to-rim dayhikes across the Grand Canyon in October, to wind and rain while scrambling peaks in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, Montane’s Minimus Stretch Ultra Pull-on keep me dry and warm, thanks to its solid wind protection and good breathability. Certainly one of the lightest and most packable waterproof-breathable shells out there, this pull-on, and the jacket version, are a top choice for trail runners, hikers, climbers, and ultralight backpackers. Here’s why.

Ultralight shells like the Minimus Stretch Ultra—which comes in pull-on and full-zip jacket versions—are marketed primarily to trail runners, but are often a better choice than a heavier, bulkier rain jacket for dayhikers, climbers, and lightweight/ultralight backpackers who don’t expect to encounter heavy rain. I wore it in cool wind and temps at times on back-to-back, rim-to-rim dayhikes (22 and 25 miles) across the Grand Canyon and back in October; a dayhike in strong, cold wind of the eight-mile Scenic Point Trail in Glacier National Park; for several hours, in chilly wind and light rain on parts of a 13-hour, mostly off-trail dayhike of around 20 miles in late August in Idaho’s Sawtooths; and on an October dayhike of The Narrows in Zion National Park, with temps in the 50s and a cool wind at times.

 

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The shell, made of waterproof-breathable 2.5-layer, 20-denier Pertex Shield fabric with a DWR (durable, water-resistant coating), repelled steady, light rain for a few hours in the Sawtooths and breathed well enough to prevent me from overheating and getting soaked, even when hiking and scrambling steeply uphill off-trail during lulls the wind in the Sawtooths (although the temps were also cool).

The jacket hood has two-point adjustability, and the pull-on hood is not adjustable; still, I found the pull-on hood, which is elasticized in back and front, didn’t blow off in wind, stayed put when I turned my head, and fits smoothly under a climbing helmet. The small, flexible brim keeps light rain off your face, but doesn’t provide the coverage needed for heavy, windblown rain.

While ultralight shells can be susceptible to tears, Montane uses 12-13 stitches per inch in the Minimus Stretch Ultra to enhance durability; the industry average is about eight stitches per inch.

 

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Subscribe now to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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The jacket stuffs into one of the two zippered pockets, which ventilate and are positioned above the height of a pack belt. The pull-on stuffs into its one zippered chest pocket (which does not ventilate), packing down to the size of a large orange. I appreciated its low weight and packability when I mostly carried the pull-on throughout a four-day family backpacking trip in August in Idaho’s Sawtooths; it replaced a rain shell that would have been twice the weight and bulk.

 

The Verdict

For dayhikers, trail runners, climbers, and ultralight backpackers who need an ultralight, waterproof-breathable shell that cuts wind and keeps you dry through all but perhaps the heaviest rain, the Montane Minimus Stretch Ultra Pull-on (available only in men’s sizes) and Jacket (available in men’s and women’s sizes) rise to the top of a very small fields of shells.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase a men’s Montane Minimus Stretch Ultra Jacket at sunnysports.com, or the women’s jacket at sunnysports.com.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See my review of “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Backpacking Jackets” and all my reviews of ultralight wind shells, ultralight rain jackets, trail-running apparel, hiking apparel, and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures. Subscribe now to read ALL stories and get a free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-montane-minimus-stretch-ultra-pull-on-and-jacket/feed/ 0 29575 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/are-you-still-wasting-money-on-outdoor-gear/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/are-you-still-wasting-money-on-outdoor-gear/#respond Thu, 28 Jun 2018 09:00:29 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=22860 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

What if every time you laid down money for hiking, backpacking, or other outdoors gear, you always knew exactly what you needed and were invariably satisfied with your purchase for years afterward? What if you knew every time whether it was smarter to spring for the pricier piece of gear or go for the cheaper model? What if you always knew when and where to find the best gear at rock-bottom sale prices?

Read on to learn how you can become that expert gear buyer—just in time for ongoing gear sales at many online retailers.

Like me, you love getting out dayhiking, backpacking, climbing, and/or trail running. We need the right gear and apparel for those activities. That stuff costs money. So we have to make choices over what we need, the best products among myriad models, which of them represent the best value, and ultimately, what we can afford.

More than two decades as a professional gear tester and reviewer have taught me a lot about making informed gear choices and when and where to shop for gear. Here are my tips for becoming a smarter gear consumer who understands how to get the best value for your buck. Please share your thoughts on my tips or your own best tips in the comments section at the bottom of this story.

 

Top 3 Tips For Buying Gear

For starters, my three top rules about buying outdoor gear would apply to buying almost any consumer product:

1. Do some research to understand what you need and the differences between choices available. (Start with the categorized menus and buying tips at my Gear Reviews page.)

2. Don’t buy at the last minute. Planning ahead usually gives you more choices and opportunities to find discounted prices. (Save money and support my work on this blog by making purchases through these links at moosejaw.com and rei.com, as well as links you find in the many gear reviews at The Big Outside.)

3. Assess price in terms of the gear’s value to you. If you use it infrequently, perhaps less-expensive gear (assuming it’s of adequate quality) will suit your needs just fine. But if you use it a lot and can afford it, high-quality gear pays for itself many times over in the currency of your quality of experience. And that matters.

 

Buy smartly. Read my “5 Tips For Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear” and
“Why and When to Spend More on Hiking and Backpacking Gear.”

 

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Click here to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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Use These Expert Gear-Buying Tips

Shop for any gear and you will quickly discover: There are a lot of choices out there. Sometimes it can be difficult or even overwhelming to sort through them all and discern which product is best for your needs—which is critical, because we all have individual needs and purposes for gear.

See my pro tips on finding the right backpack, backcountry tent, shoes or boots, sleeping bag, rain jacket, and sleeping bag in these articles:

5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack
5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent
How to Choose the Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent for You
Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots
Pro Tips: How to Choose a Sleeping Bag
5 Pro Tips For Buying the Right Rain Jacket For the Backcountry

Those articles are premium content, which means that reading them requires a full paid subscription to The Big Outside, which costs as little as five bucks for a month, or pennies over four bucks a month for a full year. That’s a great value when you consider how much you will save as a more-informed gear consumer. Read more about subscribing here.

In the left sidebar, you’ll find a tag cloud with links to all reviews in categories like backpacking gear and backpacks.

 

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No Time? Cut to the Chase

If you simply want my recommendations on the best gear, you can find a long list of Best in Class reviews at my Gear Reviews page, including the 10 best backpacking packs and down jackets; the best ultralight backpacks; the five best backpacking tents, rain jackets, and headlamps; and the best daypacks for hiking. (All of those articles are free content, and you support my work on this blog anytime you make a purchase through a link to an online retailer in any of my reviews.)

 

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You’ll also find hundreds of reviews at The Big Outside, ranging from the best new stuff on the market to gear and apparel that’s a year or more old but still of high quality—and may be available now at a price steeply discounted from its original price, simply because it’s no longer new. As I point out in my “5 Tips For Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear,” this is stuff that went on sale new at higher prices just months earlier—it’s current technology, not ancient crap.

Looking for great prices soon? Bookmark sites like moosejaw.com, REI Garage, Sierra Trading Post, and theclymb.com, and watch for seasonal sales going on now or coming up soon.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/are-you-still-wasting-money-on-outdoor-gear/feed/ 0 22860 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-montane-ajax-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-montane-ajax-jacket/#respond Tue, 20 Mar 2018 09:00:27 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=27270 Read on

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All-Season Shell Jacket
Montane Ajax Jacket
$380, 16 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: US men’s S-XXL, women’s 6-14
campsaver.com

As the wind-driven snow came down heavily while a partner and I backcountry skied in Idaho’s Boise Mountains, I cinched the hood of my Montane Ajax Jacket closely over my head, looked around, and thought: “beautiful day.” We were skiing untracked, light powder, and despite wind chills around zero Fahrenheit or below hammering us for hours, I felt dry, warm, and almost completely sealed off from the inclement conditions in this all-season shell. If your usual mountain playgrounds often turn meteorologically unfriendly, the Ajax’s performance and price warrant a close look. Here’s why.

A four-season shell for extreme conditions, it’s one of the toughest jackets on the market, made with 40-denier fabric reinforced with 70-denier fabric in high-abrasion areas: the shoulders, arms and chest. The Gore-Tex membrane repels any precipitation and wind; it kept me dry even through sustained wet snowfall. And yet, at one pound, this shell’s weight penalty for significantly greater durability is about two ounces compared to other high-end shells that are made for severe mountain weather, but lack the more-durable fabric reinforcements. It also packs down to the size of a liter bottle.

 

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The fit strikes a nice balance between having space for layering light insulation (over a midweight base layer) underneath while remaining trim enough to not inhibit movement. Articulated shoulders allowed me to lift my arms straight overhead with only minimal bunching of the jacket front.

The helmet-compatible hood is one of the best-fitting you’ll find, embracing and moving with your head, with a stiffened brim that keeps blowing snow and rain out of your face. Zip up the jacket front and cinch the hood tight, and you can bury your face up to your nose behind nylon. The two zippered hand pockets are each large enough to swallow a climbing skin, and the zippered chest pocket is fairly spacious, holding a hat and map. Although some Americans might not love the left-handed front zipper, it moves smoothly, never snagging, and has a beefy internal storm flap. Zipper pulls and hook-and-loop tabs are all designed for grabbing with gloves. Like any all-weather shell, of course, it sports adjustable cuffs and hem.

The Ajax Jacket lacks pit zippers for venting, and like most shells made for extreme weather, it offers moderate breathability—and neither of those facts should dissuade you from buying it. It’s comfortable for hiking, climbing, or skiing up or down with a pack on in cool to sub-freezing temps, so you won’t easily overheat, and more zippers only add superfluous grams. It breathed well enough that when my base layer got damp with sweat from skinning uphill, it dried out in minutes while I skied downhill. Worn over base and insulation layers while resort skiing, it was similarly a bulwark against pelting from horizontal snow and graupel and bone-chilling winds.

 

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter, or enter your email address in the box in the left sidebar or at the bottom of this story. Click here to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

 

This is not the shell to get for lightweight dayhiking or backpacking in generally warm, fair weather—you would overheat, it’s just too much jacket for that.

But for backpacking, mountaineering, backcountry skiing, or hut treks in mountains where you can face a full range of weather conditions—think northerly ranges like the North Cascades and Olympics, northern Rockies from the Tetons and Wind River Range to Glacier National Park, Alaska, or the northern Appalachians (like New Hampshire’s White Mountains), especially in late summer, spring, and fall—the Montana Ajax Jacket delivers full protection at a good price for this level of performance and durability.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase a men’s Montane Ajax Jacket at campsaver.com, or a women’s Montane Ajax Jacket at campsaver.com.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See “The 5 Best Rain Jacket for Hiking and Backpacking,” “5 Pro Tips For Buying the Right Rain Jacket For the Backcountry,” and all of my reviews of rain jackets, winter shell jackets, and outdoor apparel that I like at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures. Subscribe now to read ALL stories and get a free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-montane-ajax-jacket/feed/ 0 27270 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-patagonia-pluma-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-patagonia-pluma-jacket/#comments Tue, 05 Sep 2017 09:00:44 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=24703 Read on

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All-Season Shell Jacket
Patagonia Pluma Jacket
$549, 14 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XL, women’s XXS-XL
patagonia.com

For two straight days trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc in July, rain fell much of the time and strong gusts of wind seemed to hit us from all directions, while the temperature remained stuck in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit. On the long, grinding ascent of nearly 3,000 feet to the Grand Col de Ferret at 8,323-foot (2537m), walking straight into a wind-driven tempest, I could focus on making sure my family and other companions were doing fine because I stayed completely dry—and thus warm and comfortable—in Patagonia’s new, all-weather super shell, the Pluma Jacket.

The Pluma also kept me dry and comfortable through afternoon thunderstorms and morning showers during a three-day, 39-mile backpacking trip in Wyoming’s Wind River Range in mid-September. Patagonia’s only alpine shell to use the 100 percent recycled nylon, 40-denier Gore-Tex Pro fabric with a 15-denier Gore Micro Grid backer technology, the three-layer, seam-taped, fully featured Pluma fended off hours of hard, wind-driven rain. Breathability and ventilation were good enough to keep me from overheating at a moderate pace hiking steeply uphill with a 30-pound pack. Wearing it over a lightweight, synthetic T-shirt, I alternately opened and closed the pit zips—which are adequately deep, though not as long as on some jackets I’ve tested. The fabric is a bit crinkly, not the softest or most supple out there, but certainly less noisy than many hard shells. The “regular” fit hits a middle place—neither trim nor bulky, with plenty of space for warm layers without the jacket inhibiting a full range of motion, although it hikes up slightly when I lift my arms overhead.

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The helmet-compatible hood sports two-way adjustability: a rear drawcord that controls most of the volume, wrapping the hood cleanly around my head when I wore no helmet; and two front drawstrings below the collar for making micro adjustments affecting visibility, as well as pulling the collar in closer to my neck, keeping wind out when I put the hood down. With the jacket fully zipped up, the hood’s sides protected my cheeks, and its brim, while flexible, protrudes at a downward angle over the eyes, which not only kept rain off my face when hiking straight into the wind-driven tempest, but helps keep precipitation off eyewear—an asset when wearing ski or glacier goggles. Even more uniquely, the hood’s fit and stretch allows me to pop it up and down with the jacket fully zipped (and no helmet on)—not something you can do with many shells.

The Pluma nails it with features you want in a severe-weather alpine shell, too. Two hand pockets are positioned above harness and hipbelt level and spacious enough for climbing skins or drying spare winter gloves. Water-resistant zippers on those pockets, the chest pocket, and in the armpits move smoothly. The zippered inside pocket fits a large phone. The hook-and-loop cuff straps are slightly beefier and more durable than found on lighter jackets. The Cohesive cord locks, embedded in the fabric of the hood and hem, allows one-handed adjustments even with gloves on.

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter, or enter your email address in the box in the left sidebar or at the bottom of this story. Click here to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

In severe conditions, wearing soft-shell pants that got soaked in front and didn’t dry until the rain broke, this jacket was the only thing standing between me and hypothermia. The combination of superior weather protection, good breathability, and an outstanding hood make this a true four-season, all-mountain shell that weighs in at a reasonable 14 ounces and packs down to the size of a cantaloupe.

For alpine climbers and backpackers who often find themselves in nasty, hitting-the-fan weather, that’s protection you can count on to help you get home again. But beyond performance justifying the price, its versatility quite literally pays for itself if you’re a four-season recreational athlete, because it eliminates the need for a second shell for winter conditions.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase a men’s Patagonia Pluma Jacket at patagonia.com or rei.com, or the women’s Patagonia Pluma Jacket at patagonia.com.

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

See all of my reviews of rain jackets and outdoor apparel that I like, and my story “The 5 Best Rain Jackets for the Backcountry” at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures. Join now to read ALL stories and get a free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-patagonia-pluma-jacket/feed/ 4 24703 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rei-talusphere-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rei-talusphere-jacket/#comments Wed, 30 Aug 2017 09:00:08 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=24624 Read on

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Rain Jacket
REI Talusphere Jacket
$149, 15 oz. (women’s small)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XXL
rei.com

When trying to outfit themselves for backpacking and other backcountry adventures, many people may prioritize dollars for a better backpack or tent, and settle for a bargain waterproof-breathable rain jacket—especially if they intend to mostly avoid hiking in the worst weather. Parents trying to outfit a growing kid for the backcountry may feel similarly inclined toward frugality. To test that gear-buying strategy, I got my 14-year-old daughter a sub-$150 rain jacket that many consumers will undoubtedly consider, the REI Talusphere Jacket, for our eight-day trek on the Tour du Mont Blanc in July. Mixed weather—including wind on most days, and a day of hiking through wind-driven rain and cool temperatures over the 8,323-foot (2537m) Grand Col Ferret—spotlighted this jacket’s strengths and weaknesses.

REI’s proprietary Elements waterproof-breathable fabric compares with other sub-$200 rain shells: It’s moderately breathable and repels a steady rain, but it gets a bit clammy if you’re really working up a sweat, and it’s likely to eventually wet through in sustained, severe, wind-driven rain. But the seams are sealed and the jacket did keep my daughter dry through hours of steady rain, with strong winds at times, on the Tour du Mont Blanc. The 2.5-layer polyester fabric also has good stretch and a very soft, supple feel for a rain shell—it’s not stiff or loudly crinkly like some hard shells—delivering good comfort and allowing a natural range of motion.

While the hood has two-way adjustability, in the back and around the face, to move with you when turning your head, the hood is also the Talusphere Jacket’s weakest feature: It lacks much of a brim, so my daughter took rain directly in the face while hiking into the wind on that rainy day, and said her face got wet and cold. Two-way zippers on the pit zips allow for venting, although the zips aren’t as deep as you’ll find on some higher-end jackets.

Two roomy hand pockets with water-resistant zippers have space for gloves and other accessories and mesh linings to act as core vents, and are positioned higher than a pack hipbelt. Like most backcountry rain shells, the Talusphere has adjustable cuffs and hem.

While the hood leaves something to be desired, REI’s Talusphere Jacket, in men’s and women’s sizes, still delivers a good value for backpackers and dayhikers seeking waterproof-breathable protection, at an affordable price, for all but the most severe conditions.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase a men’s REI Talusphere Jacket at rei.com or a women’s REI Talusphere Jacket at rei.com.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See all of my reviews of rain jackets and outdoor apparel that I like, and my story “The 5 Best Rain Jackets For the Backcountry” at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

I can help you plan the best backpacking, hiking, or family adventure of your life. Find out more here.

 

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, the creator of The Big Outside, recognized as a top outdoors blog by USA Today and others. I invite you to get email updates about new stories and gear giveaways by entering your email address in the box in the left sidebar, at the bottom of this post, or on my About page, and follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

This blog and website is my full-time job and I rely on the support of readers. If you like what you see here, please help me continue producing The Big Outside by making a donation using the Support button at the top of the left sidebar or below. Thank you for your support.

 

The Big Outside is proud to partner with sponsors Backcountry.com and Visit North Carolina, who support the stories you read at this blog. Find out more about them and how to sponsor my blog at my sponsors page at The Big Outside. Click on the backcountry.com ad below for the best prices on great gear.

 

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rei-talusphere-jacket/feed/ 1 24624 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-montane-minimus-777-pull-on/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-montane-minimus-777-pull-on/#respond Tue, 22 Aug 2017 09:00:57 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=24428 Read on

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Ultralight Rain Jacket
Montane Minimus 777 Pull-On
$280, 4.5 oz. (medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

While any ultralight wind shell or rain jacket offers a lot of versatility, the Minimus 777 pushes the extreme low end in weight for waterproof-breathable outerwear, an appealing trait for hikers, trail runners, and climbers. And it demonstrated that versatility during the eight days I recently spent trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc: Whenever the wind started howling, or the sky began spitting rain, or we stopped for a break at a high pass, I reached for this sub-five-ounce shell. Here’s why.

Everything about the Minimus 777 Pull-On is engineered to minimize weight—certainly making it one of the lightest rain shells on the market. The Pertex Shield waterproof-breathable laminate fabric combines 7-denier nylon on the exterior with a 7-micron breathable membrane and 7-denier tricot fabric on the interior. Micro-taped seams keep water out without compromising breathability.

While Montane promotes it for running, a waterproof-breathable shell this packable and adequately durable also makes a good “just in case” choice for dayhikers and backpackers heading out with a good forecast; I carried it for just that reason on a mid-October overnight hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

I found it fairly breathable, but not exceptional: In cool, strong winds on the Tour du Mont Blanc, I wore it hiking uphill at a moderate pace while carrying a 30-pound pack, without overheating. A friend sweated in it without it getting too damp inside during an 8.5-hour, 20-mile, 4,500-foot, mid-September trail run-hike and third-class peak scramble we did in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, in temps in the 40s Fahrenheit. Wearing it for an hour of aerobic Nordic skiing in heavily falling snow and temps in the mid-20s, I found the fabric repelled the snow well, but it did get clammy inside, and remained damp even after I wore it in my home for about 20 minutes afterward. Having a waterproof laminate makes it less breathable than ultralight wind shells that are only water-resistant, not waterproof.

 

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter, or enter your email address in the box in the left sidebar or at the bottom of this story. Click here to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

 

The hip-length, athletic fit provides space for one or two midweight base layers underneath, and the articulated shoulders translate to zero hem lift when I raise my arms overhead. The deep, AquaGuard front zipper allows plenty of venting and repels water. As with most ultralight shells, the hood lacks any adjustability, but has stretch panels on the sides and back to maintain a snug fit around head even in wind, and the light brim juts out slightly to provide a little face protection.

The elasticized hem and cuffs keep out cool gusts, and I could easily push the sleeves up to my elbows. The Minimus 777 packs into its one zippered chest pocket, reducing to slightly larger than my fist; and the pocket is large enough for a phone or a light hat or pair of gloves. While its abrasion resistance compares with many ultralight shells—and the Minimus has a seam stitch count of 12 to 13, denser and stronger than is typical of similar jackets—this is nonetheless made with thin fabric, so exercise care in how much you abuse it.

 

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While it’s not the least-expensive or most breathable rain and wind shell you can find, it is the lightest I’ve tested and reviewed over the past several years. If you’re a hiker, climber, or trail runner counting grams, and looking for a four-season, ultralight shell that breathes well enough for moderate to cold temperatures, sheds a steady rain, and all but disappears inside a pack, the Montane Minimus 777 Pull-On will deliver years of use to justify its price.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase a Montane Minimus 777 Pull-On at backcountry.com, the men’s Minimus 777 Jacket at backcountry.com or moosejaw.com, or the women’s Minimum 777 Jacket at moosejaw.com.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See all of my reviews of ultralight wind shells and ultralight rain jackets, trail-running apparel, climbing apparel, and hiking apparel that I like, and all of my outdoor apparel reviews at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-montane-minimus-777-pull-on/feed/ 0 24428 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-helium-hybrid-hooded-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-helium-hybrid-hooded-jacket/#comments Wed, 07 Jun 2017 09:05:05 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=23781 Read on

]]> Ultralight Hybrid Shell Jacket
Outdoor Research Helium Hybrid Hooded Jacket
$145, 8 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL
backcountry.com

Just as the first waterproof-breathable membrane, Gore-Tex, did four decades ago, and soft-shell fabrics did nearly two decades ago, today’s hybrid outerwear let us rethink the role of rain jackets—or more broadly, weather protection—for everything from hiking and climbing to trail running and biking. Many of us find ourselves trying to stay warm and reasonably dry while exerting in wind and light precipitation more often than we’re trying to stay dry in heavy rain. In the small field of versatile shell jackets described as “hybrid”—because they’re made with more than one type of fabric—OR’s new Helium Hybrid Hooded Jacket ups the ante. Its combination of fabrics delivers unparalleled performance for almost any outdoor adventure when you’re on the move in variable weather, as I discovered wearing it on various outings lasting from an hour to several hours this spring.

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I wore it for everything from trail running and mountain biking to rock climbing and bike commuting in town. To give a few examples of how it performed:

• On a three-hour, spring mountain bike ride on a mostly sunny day in the 50s Fahrenheit with light winds, I pedaled uphill for two hours—getting my long-sleeve wool base layer quite sweaty—and then put the Helium Hybrid on for the 30-minute descent. The jacket not only cut the wind, it breathed well enough that my base layer was nearly dry when I got home.

• On an eight-mile dayhike of Idaho’s 12,662-foot Borah Peak, the jacket cut the strong, chilly wind enough to keep me warm, while helping me avoid perspiring because of its breathability.

• Throughout several hours of rock climbing on a mostly cloudy day in the 40s with steady, chilly wind (with light layers underneath), it cut the wind nicely and breathed when I warmed up climbing.

• Mountain biking up-and-down terrain on a damp, blustery, overcast April day, including pedaling hard on flatter stretches and a 10-minute climb on single-track, it repelled spitting rain, blocked wind, and breathed well enough that I didn’t feel clammy on the climb; the inside behind the shoulders was barely damp when I got home, but certainly less than most waterproof-breathable rain shells would have been.

• Biking around town through a wet April snowstorm, I stayed completely dry.

• On a long mountain bike ride, I got caught in a violent thunderstorm and downpour for 20 minutes of wind-driven, hard rain and hail, riding downhill; I rode with the hood up (under my helmet). After the storm passed, my base layers under the jacket were only damp from sweat—the rain hadn’t penetrated it.

The Helium Hybrid blends waterproof-breathable Pertex Shield fabric and taped seams throughout most of the jacket with the highly breathable, water- and wind-resistant, stretchy soft-shell fabric used in OR’s Ferrosi jackets and pants in the side panels and undersides of the sleeves. The result is solid protection from precipitation where it tends to hit you—on the front, back, and head—with superior breathability where your body needs to dump it: in the core, underarms, and forearms.

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To compare it with other jackets in its weight class, it’s more breathable than ultralight rain shells—although I expect that it won’t keep you dry through sustained rain as well as they will, because water would eventually penetrate the soft-shell fabric—and it delivers better protection from rain and comparable or better breathability than ultralight wind shells. In that sense, it overlaps both of those categories.

It’s light enough to pull on in wind or light precipitation in warm temperatures, while blocking wind and trapping heat well enough to wear in temps as low as the 40s and 30s Fahrenheit—as long as you’re actively producing body heat and wearing appropriate layers underneath it. The trim fit leaves enough space for a couple of lightweight to midweight base layers underneath, and means the jacket does not get in the way when you’re active. Plus, the stretch fabric in the sides and under the arms lets the jacket move with you rather than ride up; it never inhibited me while rock climbing.

The hood, adjustable via a single drawcord in back, stayed on in wind, moved with me when I turned my head, and has a shallow wire brim that’s adequate for the light or intermittent rain in which you’d wear this jacket. I wore the hood both over and under a climbing helmet; wearing it under a helmet gave better wind protection but made it a little difficult to hear my partners through the fabric.

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The zippered chest pocket and two hand pockets have mesh linings for breathability, and the jacket stuffs easily into the left pocket, with a carabiner loop for clipping to a harness when stuffed.

The lightweight, 30-denier ripstop nylon fabric throughout most of the body and hood compares with many lightweight rain shells, and is reasonably durable; the soft-shell fabric is more susceptible to tearing, but it’s also located in areas that aren’t likely to scrape against rock or sharp objects. While simple, with few features, the Helium Hybrid gets small details right, like the low-profile, elasticized cuffs, which stay put at your wrists or slide up over your elbows when desired.

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Outdoor Research Helium Hybrid Hooded Jacket

Weather Protection

Breathability

Packability

Durability

Weight-to-Performance

The Verdict

While it’s not a full-on rain shell—I would take it on a multi-day trip only when there’s little or no chance of sustained rain—OR’s Helium Hybrid Hooded Jacket has raised the bar for versatility and comfort in shell jackets made for almost any active endeavor, from under an hour to a full day, in any weather short of steady rain.

3.6

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a men’s or women’s Outdoor Research Helium Hybrid Jacket at moosejaw.com.

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Please also consider sharing it using one of the buttons at right and leaving a comment or question at the bottom. Thank you, I really appreciate it.

 

See my review of “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Backpacking Jackets” and all my reviews of ultralight wind shells, ultralight rain jackets, trail-running apparel, hiking apparel, and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-helium-hybrid-hooded-jacket/feed/ 1 23781 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-north-face-flight-series-fuse-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-north-face-flight-series-fuse-jacket/#respond Wed, 04 Jan 2017 10:00:11 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=21871 Read on

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Ultralight Wind Shell
The North Face Flight Series Fuse Jacket
$250, 5 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XL, women’s XS-L
moosejaw.com

Biting winds hit us on the 1,400-foot, third-class scramble up 10,651-foot Snowyside Peak, roughly halfway through an 8.5-hour, 20-mile, 4,500-foot, mid-September trail run-hike of the Alice-Toxaway Loop in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains. So I zipped this ultralight shell up tight and yanked the hood over my head, and got what I needed from it right then: a shield from the wind, to keep me warm.

I also wore it in temperatures in the low 40s Fahrenheit for the first couple of hours that day, mostly running uphill, and for a long stretch on the downhill side of our loop that afternoon, when the temp topped out around 50. And it was equally ideal when I dayhiked to waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the mountains of western North Carolina, on a mid-October day of light rain and temps in the 50s. Those situations spotlight the strengths of The North Face Flight Series Fuse Jacket, an ultralight shell made for runners that transitions over to long dayhikes when you’re trying to travel light.

Unique to the Fuse Jacket’s design are perforated strips built into the 2.5-layer membrane, running down the back, sides, and underarms. These are not holes in the jacket fabric itself—so you don’t have wind whipping through it. Hold the jacket up to light and you can see the fabric is thinner where perforated. While the DryVent fabric breathes moderately well, sheds light rain, and cuts wind as well as any ultralight wind shell, the perforation allows air to pass through the fabric more easily. The Fuse got only a little clammy when I started heating up with temps in the 50s.

I also carried it on an 80-mile, five-day backpacking trip in the North Cascades National Park Complex in the last week of September—just in case—because we had a forecast for mostly dry weather. While The North Face calls the Fuse Jacket the brand’s lightest waterproof-breathable shell, that’s not to confuse it with a full-on, waterproof-breathable rain jacket. It’s not really intended for multi-day, backcountry trips where you expect sustained rain. This falls into the category of ultralight shells that strike a balance between breathability for high-octane activities like running and fast hiking, and protection from wind and light precipitation—adventures done in a day or an hour. At this weight, of course, it also lacks the features of a true waterproof-breathable rain jacket.

It does not have the breathability of, say, running jackets made of lightweight fabric that’s designed to give you added warmth and ultimate breathability, rather than wind or water resistance (and those jackets are usually several ounces heavier than an ultralight wind shell). Wearing the jacket over two base layers while cross-country skiing in falling snow and temps in the mid-20s, with the hood up much of the time, I stayed warm enough, but the inside back of the jacket was damp from sweat when I took it off. Also, wearing any kind of pack would compromise the mechanical breathability of the perforation down the back of the jacket.

 

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The athletic fit leaves space for a couple of light- to midweight base layers, and the adjustable hem extends about halfway down the butt. The close-fitting, elasticized hood, adjustable via a single drawcord in the back, has a small brim to help keep rain off your face. The hood also has a small, always-open vent, with a flap to keep rain out, that allows the release of some heat and moisture off your head and upper back. The shell’s one zippered pocket, on the chest, is large enough for a hat, pair of gloves, or a phone. The jacket has reflective logos and material front and back and on the forearms, and is machine washable.

Balancing some breathability and weather resistance for an ultralight shell, The North Face Flight Series Fuse Jacket is best for cool-weather running and ultralight dayhiking in wet climates, where you need protection from wind and a possible light shower.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase a men’s The North Face Flight Series Fuse Jacket at moosejaw.com or a women’s Flight Series Fuse Jacket at moosejaw.com.

See my review of “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Backpacking Jackets” and all my reviews of ultralight wind shells, ultralight rain jackets, trail-running apparel, hiking apparel, and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-north-face-flight-series-fuse-jacket/feed/ 0 21871 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-realm-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-realm-jacket/#respond Wed, 05 Oct 2016 10:00:15 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=20687 Read on

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Rain Jacket
Outdoor Research Realm Jacket
$279, 10.5 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXL
moosejaw.com

Carrying a heavy pack in intermittent, strong gusts of cold wind and hot sun—that’s actually one of the best tests of a rain shell, because you’ll discover how breathable it is, which dictates whether you can stay dry (read: not sweating up a personal storm inside it) and comfortable while exerting hard. On a four-day, spring ascent of The Mountaineers Route on California’s Mount Whitney, I wore the Realm Jacket while lugging a pack weighing over 40 pounds to our high camp at 12,000 feet—as the alpine sun created a solar oven with the snow-covered ground, and a biting wind ripped through every few minutes. Going repeatedly from freezer to broiler, I stayed completely dry. That’s just one of several reasons to like the Realm Jacket.

To achieve that breathability, OR’s proprietary AscentShell fabric arranges very fine polyurethane fibers in a random pattern to create air-permeable micro-pores, while the membrane and laminated, seam-taped construction render the jacket fully waterproof. In lieu of pit zips, the underarm panels have mechanical stretch for mobility that complements the jacket’s athletic fit, although I could also layer a fleece underneath it. The supple, very light, 20-denier ripstop fabric has a soft lining and a shoulder design that prevents the jacket from riding up when you reach overhead. At under 11 ounces, the Realm is packable enough to keep in your pack on dayhikes, backpacking trips, and climbs in good weather, just in case (as I did for three bluebird days in mid-August backpacking in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains).

 

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Still, it doesn’t sacrifice on technical features, including a fully adjustable, helmet-compatible hood with a moldable brim that acts as a good face awning in rain. The high zipper protects your lower face when closed up, although that excess fabric can flap around in wind when partly unzipped (it didn’t bother me). The two roomy, zippered chest pockets are positioned above a pack hipbelt or a climbing harness, and one is mesh, so it doubles as a vent and a good place to dry gloves or a hat with body heat. A hooded inside pocket with a hook-and-loop closure offers a safe, dry place for valuables; the jacket stuffs inside that pocket, though not very easily, and a fabric loop allows clipping the stuffed jacket to a climbing harness with a carabiner. The Realm also has elasticized, hook-and-loop cuffs and a drawcord hem.

With four-season versatility, exceptional breathability, and technical features in a shell weighing 10 ounces at a reasonable price, the Outdoor Research Realm Jacket presents an excellent value.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase your Outdoor Research Realm Jacket at moosejaw.com or outdoorresearch.com.

NOTE: Outdoor Research has replaced the Realm Jacket with the Interstellar Jacket ($299, 11 oz.), which OR describes as an overhaul of the Realm, for only $20 more; and unlike the Realm, it also comes in women’s sizes. I’ve picked up an Interstellar, and first impressions following a six-day backpacking trip through Glacier National Park (where we got plenty of cold wind but no precipitation) are very positive. It’s made with the same highly breathable, waterproof AscentShell 3-layer fabric used in the Realm, and has an adjustable hood and other features of a fully technical, four-season shell. I’ll post a complete review of the Interstellar Jacket after more field testing.

BUY IT NOW Can’t wait for my review? You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase a men’s Outdoor Research Interstellar Jacket at Moosejaw.com or outdoorresearch.com, or a women’s Outdoor Research Interstellar Jacket at Moosejaw.com or outdoorresearch.com.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See my “5 Pro Tips For Buying the Right Rain Jacket for the Backcountry” and all of my reviews of outdoor apparel and rain jackets that I like.

 

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See also my story “Gear For Climbing Mount Whitney” for reviews of all of the mountaineering and backpacking gear we tested there.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter, or enter your email address in the box in the left sidebar or at the bottom of this story. Click here to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-realm-jacket/feed/ 0 20687 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-zeta-lt-rain-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-zeta-lt-rain-jacket/#comments Fri, 23 Oct 2015 10:00:48 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=15366 Read on

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Rain Jacket
Arc’teryx Zeta LT Jacket
$475, 12 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

Pulling the trigger on buying a high-end piece of outdoor apparel like a rain jacket can be a tough decision, but it really comes down to a very basic question: Why do you need it? Beyond personal issues regarding budget and priorities, and certainly comparing similar products based on performance and price, consider whether you will use the jacket in ways that take advantage of those aspects of the jacket that justify its price. The Zeta LT seemed like a good example to use to demonstrate how to evaluate those questions, so I took it out hiking and backpacking in wet weather from Idaho’s White Cloud Mountains to Yoho National Park in the Canadian Rockies, to contemplate the value of a rain shell. And it more than demonstrated its value.

I wore the Zeta LT frequently during rain showers on an early-October, mostly off-trail backpacking trip in the White Clouds, and through two passing thunderstorms on a seven-mile, 2,300-foot dayhike on the Iceline Trail in Yoho; on those trips, temps ranged from the 30s to the 50s Fahrenheit.

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The three-layer Gore-Tex fabric’s breathability is very good, keeping me from overheating (or even building up much moisture inside) on long, uphill climbs wearing a 35-pound backpack in the White Clouds. The fabric also completely repelled hours of rain, while the fully adjustable hood, with its sturdy brim, provides good face coverage, and the hem extends below the hips.

With Gore’s new C-KNIT technology, the fabric feels more supple and quieter than many rain jackets. That trait nicely complements the athletic fit: Even when wearing a midweight top and vest beneath the jacket, movement felt entirely uninhibited. I like that; the jacket moves with you and feels light. But don’t expect to layer heavily under it.

At 12 ounces, the Zeta LT is a few ounces too stout to be called ultralight. But I never regretted having it in my pack, unused, through four days of sunshine on a family backpacking trip on the 34-mile Rockwall Trail in Canada’s Kootenay National Park, because the Canadian Rockies certainly present the possibility of sustained wet, cold weather—exactly the conditions for which I’d want a jacket like this one.

Plus, it’s relatively lightweight and compressible—wadding up to about the size of a cantaloupe—for a shell that achieves high levels of comfort, breathability, extended protection for hours in any weather, and durability. That’s value you don’t always find, at any price.

If you rarely have reason to prepare for sustained rain, you may be satisfied with a less-expensive shell or better off with an ultralight rain jacket.

But for persistent, really wet conditions, especially in colder temps—when both breathability and protection from the elements become more critical to staving off hypothermia—the top-performing, all-season Arc’teryx Zeta LT Jacket is worth every penny.

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Arc’teryx Zeta LT Jacket

Weather Protection

Breathability

Weight-to-Performance

Comfort

Packability

Durability

The Verdict

For persistent, really wet conditions, especially in colder temps—when both breathability and protection from the elements become more critical to staving off hypothermia—the top-performing, all-season Arc’teryx Zeta LT Jacket is worth every penny.

4.7

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s Arc’teryx Zeta LT Jacket at backcountry.com or moosejaw.com, or a women’s Zeta LT Jacket at backcountry.com or moosejaw.com.

Was this review helpful?

If so, would you like to support my work by clicking here to leave a tip for The Big Outside?

Please also consider sharing it using one of the buttons at right and leaving a comment or question at the bottom. Thank you, I really appreciate it.

 

See my “5 Pro Tips For Buying the Right Rain Jacket for the Backcountry” and all of my reviews of outdoor apparel and rain jackets that I like.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-zeta-lt-rain-jacket/feed/ 4 15366 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rei-motility-rain-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rei-motility-rain-jacket/#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2015 10:00:54 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=15063 Read on

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Rain Jacket
REI Motility Jacket
$169, 1 lb. 2 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XL, women’s XS-XL
rei.com

There are, quite literally, few environments in the world wetter than New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park: It receives upwards of 400 inches of rain a year. (Fun fact: That’s 10 times more than Seattle.) To me, that means there are few places on the planet better for testing a rain jacket. I took the Motility Jacket on a four-day trek of Fiordland’s famously wet, muddy, and rugged Dusky Track, and a dayhike to Gertrude Saddle above Milford Sound, where plenty of rain mixed with lots of exertion on my part provided an excellent measure of this well-priced, waterproof-breathable rain jacket.

The REI Elements waterproof-breathable shell fabric repelled hours of steady rain in Fiordland. It was moderately breathable: I never overheated while carrying a roughly 25-pound pack steeply uphill, at a moderate pace, in temperatures ranging from the 40s to the 50s Fahrenheit. The jacket only started feeling clammy inside when I exerted hard enough to perspire heavily; then the jacket couldn’t release moisture as fast as I produced it. REI says the four-way-stretch polyester fabric repels winds up to 60 mph.

Fit is roomy enough to layer underneath, and the length extends far enough to provide some butt coverage. The hood is fully adjustable, front and back, so it kept the rain off my face and didn’t blow off my head. I used the deep pit zips frequently in the relatively mild temps in Fiordland, as well as the adjustable cuffs, which let me push the sleeves up to my elbows when I was warm. The two zippered hand pockets sit above a pack’s hipbelt for easy access, and the zippered chest pocket holds a map or small electronic device, plus has a cord port.

Hikers, backpackers, and others who are looking for a good rain jacket at a really good price, and don’t need high-performance breathability, will like the value you get from the REI Motility Jacket.

BUY IT NOW: You can support The Big Outside by clicking this link to purchase your REI Motility Jacket at rei.com.

See all of my reviews of outdoor apparel and rain jackets that I like.

See also my stories “My 10 Most-Read Gear Reviews,” “The Simple Equation of Ultralight Backpacking: Less Weight = More Fun,” “Buying Gear? Read This First,” “5 Tips For Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear,” and “Ask Me: How Do We Begin Lightening Up Our Backpacking Gear?”

NOTE: I previously reviewed the REI Motility Jacket for the rei.com blog. I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rei-motility-rain-jacket/feed/ 2 15063 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-marmot-boys-and-girls-precip-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-marmot-boys-and-girls-precip-jacket/#comments Fri, 28 Aug 2015 10:00:31 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=14223 Read on

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Kid’s Rain Jacket
Marmot Boy’s and Girl’s PreCip Jacket
$65, 9 oz. (girls large)
Sizes: boys and girls XS (4-5) to XL (13-15)
moosejaw.com

When the first thunderstorm dumped rain less than an hour into our eight-mile, family dayhike on the Iceline Trail in Yoho National Park, in the Canadian Rockies, we just pulled on our rain shells and kept on hiking uphill. The second thunderstorm rolled in later, while we were descending but still above treeline, fully exposed to the effects of the wind, steady rain, and temperatures in the 50s. My 12-year-old daughter has less body fat than a pika, but she stayed comfortable and dry through those tempests in her Girl’s PreCip Jacket.

She also wore this jacket on cool mornings and in windy conditions on our four-day, 34-mile, family backpacking trip on the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park in the Canadian Rockies in August, and our five-day, 38-mile backpacking trip in Paria Canyon, in Utah and Arizona, in late March. The seam-taped boy’s and girl’s PreCip Jacket features NanoPro, the proprietary waterproof-breathable coating technology that Marmot uses in some of its adult jackets. It proved waterproof in steady rain and breathable enough that my daughter was not overheating while hiking with a daypack or backpack.

The roll-up hood stuffs inside the collar and isn’t adjustable, but it is elasticized, so it stays on a kid’s head in moderate gusts. The brim keeps rain off a child’s face, but doesn’t extend as far out for severe-weather protection as you’d see on a higher-priced, adult rain shell. The jacket has a basic, functional set of features: a double storm flap over the front zipper with snaps and hook-and-loop strips to close it, elasticized cuffs on the sleeves, and a high collar to keep out wind. The hem extends below the waist. The PreCip for boys and girls is also compact: The girl’s large packs down to the size of a softball, occupying little space inside a child’s daypack or backpack while weighing only a hair over half a pound.

 

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter, or enter your email address in the box in the left sidebar or at the bottom of this story. Click here to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

 

Outfitting children is challenging: You want them to be comfortable and enjoy the outdoors while keeping it affordable, given how fast they outgrow clothing and gear. This isn’t a high-end technical jacket, of course. But it also doesn’t carry the steep price that comes with high-end outdoor apparel. Marmot’s Boy’s and Girl’s PreCip Jackets deliver good performance for my family’s hiking, backpacking, and other adventures without breaking the bank. And my daughter likes its fit and looks.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase a Marmot Boy’s PreCip Jacket at moosejaw.com, or rei.com, or a Girl’s PreCip Jacket at moosejaw.com, or rei.com.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See all of my reviews of kids rain jackets, kids outdoor apparel, and kids outdoor gear that I like.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-marmot-boys-and-girls-precip-jacket/feed/ 2 14223 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-whats-the-most-breathable-three-season-rain-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-whats-the-most-breathable-three-season-rain-jacket/#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2015 10:00:29 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=13724 Read on

]]> Michael,

I sweat profusely while hiking. I love winter and fall, but summer kills me. In your opinion, what is the most breathable, light rain shell out there? Money is no object, and I was hoping I could use it for three-season hiking, if possible.

Thanks.

Mike
Everett, MA

 

Hi Mike,

The best jackets for weather resistance and breathability when you’re moving for long periods of time in rain are, in my opinion, still those made with a membrane (Gore-Tex and eVent are the best known). And to oversimplify, breathability vs. waterproofing basically comes down to how the manufacturer calibrates the membrane’s permeability. Better waterproofing often means less breathability and vice versa. Gore-Tex has long been known for its highly reliable waterproofing and eVent for its breathability.

For a lightweight, fully technical, three-season shell that places a premium on breathability, the two best jackets I’ve reviewed are the Montane Featherlite Shell Jacket, which uses the newest iteration of eVent, and the Westcomb Focus LT Hoody, another nice, lightweight shell that uses a previous version of eVent. Read my reviews (which I’ve linked here); there are some differences between the two jackets.

See also all of my reviews of rain jackets.

Good luck!

Michael

In Ask Me, I share my response to a reader question. Got a question about hiking, backpacking, gear, or any topic or trip I write about at The Big Outside? Send it to me at mlanza@thebigoutside.com, message me at facebook.com/TheBigOutside, or tweet it to @MichaelALanza. I will answer the ones I can in a post, using only your first name and city, with your permission. I receive a high volume of questions, so I cannot always respond quickly. Scroll through my Ask Me page and All Trips pages, skills stories, and gear reviews for answers to your questions before writing to me.

I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu. See also my stories “Buying Gear? Read This First,” “5 Tips For Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear,” “The Simple Equation of Ultralight Backpacking: Less Weight = More Fun,” and “Ask Me: How Do We Begin Lightening Up Our Backpacking Gear?”

—Michael Lanza

I invite you to subscribe to this blog by entering your email address in the box at the top of the left sidebar, and follow my adventures on Facebook and Twitter.

The Big Outside is proud to partner with these sponsors. Please help support my blog by liking and following my sponsors on Facebook and other social media and telling them you appreciate their support for The Big Outside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-whats-the-most-breathable-three-season-rain-jacket/feed/ 2 13724 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-alpine-start-hoody/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-alpine-start-hoody/#respond Fri, 10 Jul 2015 10:00:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=13347 Read on

]]> Ultralight Insulated Jacket
Black Diamond Alpine Start Insulated Hoody
$289, 7.5 oz./212.6g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s and women’s XS-XL
blackdiamondequipment.com

A breathable, ultralight jacket that sheds light precipitation can be the most versatile garment you own—something you wear almost as much as your skivvies. I’ve pulled on BD’s Alpine Start Insulated Hoody to combat wind, light rain, and cool temps on a 17-mile dayhike over the four summits of New Hampshire’s Northern Presidential Range in June; on a 25-mile, May dayhike in the Grand Canyon; trail running in the hills of central Massachusetts and standing on the blustery summit of New Hampshire’s Mount Monadnock in April; while climbing in February in Joshua Tree National Park; during a November overnight hike of The Narrows in Zion National Park; on a chilly, October hike and scramble up 9,820-foot McGown Peak in Idaho’s Sawtooths; and on numerous trail runs and rides in the Boise Foothills and bike commuting around the city.

That list alone speaks volumes about the range of this sub-eight-ounce jacket.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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The highly breathable Schoeller stretch-woven, soft-shell fabric blocked most wind, shed light rain, and dried within minutes from body heat in temperatures ranging from the 30s to the 60s. On a one-hour trail run in central Massachusetts, on an overcast, foggy day with light mist and temps in the 40s, I sweated enough to wet out my long-sleeve, midweight base layer, and yet the jacket got only slightly damp on the inside and never felt clammy.

Elasticized cuffs allowed me to push the sleeves up to my elbows while climbing, and the gusseted underarm panels let me reach high overhead without the jacket hiking up.

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The fit is athletic, not bulky, with room for a midweight base layer and a light vest underneath.

The adjustable hood closes around your face to stay put in wind and when turning your head side to side, and fits over a helmet.

One of the beauties of an ultralight, packable shell like the Alpine Start is the ease of bringing it along just in case: I stuffed it into a small hydration pack on a morning hike-run up Ryan Mountain in Joshua Tree, when I never actually needed the jacket.

And it stuffs into a zippered chest pocket, with a carabiner clip loop to hang it from a harness.

Black Diamond Alpine Start Insulated Hoody

Weather Protection

Breathability

Packability

Durability

Weight-to-Performance

The Verdict

Not as light or as affordable as some wind shells, the Black Diamond Alpine Start Insulated Hoody strikes a middle ground between protection from wind and light rain and moderately breathability for hiking, climbing, and trail running.

3.9

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody at blackdiamondequipment.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

See my review of “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Backpacking Jackets” and all my reviews of ultralight wind shells, ultralight rain jackets, trail-running apparel, hiking apparel, and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

You live for the outdoors. The Big Outside helps you get out there. Join now and a get free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-alpine-start-hoody/feed/ 0 13347 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-marmot-crux-jacket-ultralight-rain-shell/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-marmot-crux-jacket-ultralight-rain-shell/#respond Fri, 05 Jun 2015 11:00:25 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=12844 Read on

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Ultralight Rain Jacket
Marmot Crux Jacket
$275, 7.5 oz, (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
moosejaw.com

Your relationship with your rain shell can feel a little dysfunctional at times: on again, off again. On numerous trips from early March through May, from backpacking the Grand Canyon’s Royal Arch Loop—including an unusual, full day of rain showers and wind—to dayhiking in the Tetons and Zion National Park, trekking the Kepler Track in New Zealand’s notoriously wet Fiordland National Park, and backpacking five days down Paria Canyon on the Utah-Arizona border, I found the ultralight Crux good for trips where you’re cycling between wearing it and carrying it.

Why? Unless you deliberately pursue really wet adventures, your rain jacket is something you bring “just in case.” Thus, I usually want something that’s light and packable while still protecting me from rain and wind. Plus, you can get surprised, as three friends and I did on a 34-mile backpacking trip on the Grand Canyon’s Royal Arch Loop—a place that sees very little rain—when I wore the Crux for most of a rainy first day. I also wore it for parts of three days on the Kepler Track, including in intermittent rain on the first day’s relentless climb to Luxmore Hut, and didn’t get overly wet from the outside or inside.

At under eight ounces, the Crux stuffs inside the left pocket and packs down to the size of a grapefruit. Fully seam-sealed, its proprietary NanoPro Membrain waterproof-breathable fabric repelled all precipitation that hit it and breathes moderately well: It got damp inside from perspiration at times, but would largely dry out from body heat when I wore it (for wind protection) during lulls in the rain, which is certainly good enough. The fit allows adding a warm layer underneath and the sleeve design keeps the jacket from hitching up when I lift my arms.

The hood is fully adjustable, with drawcords in front and a hook-and-loop strip in the back, and a laminate brim adds a little stiffness to keep rain off your face. Zonal reinforcement fabric on the shoulders protects from backpack wear and tear. It lacks pit zips, but two big, mesh-lined front pockets with water-resistant zippers (positioned above a waistbelt or climbing harness) double as vents. Elasticized cuffs and a drawcord hem help keep wind out, and the length extends to just over the top of your butt.

While I’d probably want a rain shell that’s a little more technical and breathable for severe weather or sweat-factory conditions, the Marmot Crux Jacket is quite functional for trips where you need a good jacket sometimes, but otherwise want it to disappear inside your pack.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase your Marmot Crux Jacket at moosejaw.com.

See my “5 Pro Tips For Buying the Right Rain Jacket for the Backcountry” and all of my reviews of outdoor apparel and rain jackets that I like.

See also my stories “The Simple Equation of Ultralight Backpacking: Less Weight = More Fun” and “Buying Gear? Read This First.”

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

This blog and website is my full-time job and I rely on the support of readers. If you like what you see here, please help me continue producing The Big Outside by making a donation using the Support button at the top of the left sidebar or below. Thank you for your support.

I invite you to subscribe to this blog by entering your email address in the box at the top of the left sidebar, and follow my adventures on Facebook and Twitter.

The Big Outside is proud to partner with these sponsors. Please help support my blog by liking and following my sponsors on Facebook and other social media and telling them you appreciate their support for The Big Outside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-marmot-crux-jacket-ultralight-rain-shell/feed/ 0 12844 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-montane-featherlite-shell-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-montane-featherlite-shell-jacket/#respond Fri, 27 Mar 2015 11:00:59 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=11744 Read on

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Rain Jacket
Montane Featherlite Shell Jacket
$399, 11 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL
moosejaw.com

Not many corners of the globe receive more rain than southern New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, which sees anywhere from seven to 10 meters of precipitation annually—that’s anywhere from 275 to almost 400 inches of water falling from the sky, upwards of 10 times as much as received by famously gloomy Seattle. That makes it a pretty good place to test a rain jacket. The new Featherlite kept me dry and comfortable—sometimes for many hours of hiking in steady rain or wet snow—on Fiordland’s Kepler and Dusky tracks earlier this month.

Hike with a pack in enough different rain jackets over many years and you learn that staying dry in wet, high-exertion circumstances is at least as much about a fabric’s breathability as it is about waterproofing. That’s where the Featherlite shines, thanks to the newest iteration of eVent membrane, eVent DV Storm. In developing it, eVent took its original membrane—already widely recognized as very breathable—and made something they say is 15 percent more breathable, while weighing in 40 percent lighter. Carrying a pack on two hut treks, in conditions that ran the meteorological gamut from (briefly) sunny and windy to drizzle, steady showers in mild temperatures, and hours of wind-driven, cold rain and wet snow, I found the jacket would expel moisture very soon after my body began pumping it out. I rarely felt clammy and never got very wet. At times, while preoccupied with something like finding the route through blowdowns on the notoriously rugged Dusky Track, I would suddenly realize that, in spite of how hard I was exerting and sweating just moments earlier, my base layer had nearly dried.

Besides that kind of performance in breathability, this jacket’s price tag is justified by details like the helmet-compatible, wire-brim hood that’s adjustable in front and back; a higher stitch count than typical of many rain shells; full seam-taping throughout; articulated sleeves that allow full range of motion without causing the jacket hem to hike up; waterproof zippers that move reasonably smoothly for waterproof zippers; two roomy pockets high enough to avoid a pack hipbelt or climbing harness; and adjustable cuffs and hem.

If there’s one reason for concern, it’s the light, 15-denier fabric, which may prove less durably waterproof than higher-denier shell fabrics, especially if you play hard in rough places. But I thrashed through some thick bush on the Dusky Track without seeing any damage. With a little TLC, this jacket will probably last years of backcountry use. While it’s not quite in the category of ultralight rain shells, at 11 ounces and balling up to the size of a softball, it’s competitively light and compact.

BUY IT NOW You can support The Big Outside by clicking this link to purchase your Montane Featherlite Shell Jacket at moosejaw.com.

See my “5 Pro Tips For Buying the Right Rain Jacket for the Backcountry” and all of my reviews of outdoor apparel and rain jackets that I like.

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

I invite you to subscribe to this blog by entering your email address in the box at the top of the left sidebar, and follow my adventures on Facebook and Twitter.

The Big Outside is proud to partner with these sponsors. Please help support my blog by liking and following my sponsors on Facebook and other social media and telling them you appreciate their support for The Big Outside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-montane-featherlite-shell-jacket/feed/ 0 11744 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-mountain-hardwear-quasar-hybrid-pullover/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-mountain-hardwear-quasar-hybrid-pullover/#respond Tue, 29 Jul 2014 22:00:08 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=9287 Read on

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Ultralight Rain Shell
Mountain Hardwear Quasar Hybrid Pullover
$375, 9 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL
mountainhardwear.com

There was a time when we thought of a waterproof-breathable jacket as a security blanket: It had to protect us against anything, so we wanted it to look like it could. Now that we know more about their strengths and weaknesses, we smartly look at three-season rain shells more in terms of the question: How minimal a jacket can we get away with? On several trips using the Quasar Hybrid Pullover, from the Grand Canyon in November to Arches and Canyonlands national parks in March and Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains in June, and on a weeklong, hut-to-hut trek in Italy’s Dolomites, I was surprised by how much protection this nine-ounce shell delivers.

In a sense, the beauty of this pullover is that it requires few words to describe it. Stretchy soft-shell fabric runs in an inverted-Y pattern from the top of the hood down to the sides of the back to enhance breathability; the rest of the jacket is made with Hardwear’s proprietary, waterproof-breathable, three-layer Dry.Q Elite. The soft-shell fabric also rings the hood’s opening, snugging it around your face hoody-style, which let the hood move with my head when I looked to either side—although the fit is not as perfect as you get with an adjustable hood, which this is not. The zipper extends about halfway down the front, deep enough to ventilate at the chest. The only adjustability is a hem drawcord.

I expected rain to wet through the Quasar’s weakest line of defense, the water-resistant (not waterproof), soft-shell fabric atop the hood and over the back of the shoulders. But I wore this pullover for hours every day in the Dolomites, and it repelled light showers, steady rain lasting more than an hour, hail, and even a wet snowfall, and rain and snow squalls in Arches. It cut wind as effectively as any hard shell. Overall breathability is pretty impressive: I could hike uphill carrying a pack at a moderate pace, in a light rain and temperatures in the 50s without overheating. The jacket only felt a little clammy when I pushed hard uphill, such as one time I scrambled off-trail up a steep gully to a pass. And when the jacket got wet, it would dry quickly from my body heat as I hiked.

What are the tradeoffs? For a shell this light, you sacrifice the easy on-off convenience of a full-zip jacket, as well as any pockets or adjustability to the hood. The hood’s short brim kept precipitation off my face in a light shower but wouldn’t do so in a windblown tempest. In short, it doesn’t match the fit or protection of a fully adjustable hood, but it comes respectably close. (Note: The hoody-style face opening precludes wearing a ball cap under the hood to gain a bit more face coverage, but the fit is close enough to wear a helmet over it.)

 

 

We know that the Achilles heel of any waterproof-breathable shell is breathability: High exertion or warm temperatures can result in you getting wet from perspiration on the inside, so we avoid actually wearing the jacket until it’s necessary. That’s a pretty good argument for a lightweight, fairly minimalist rain shell—except on trips where you face the possibility of sustained, heavy rain—because the jacket spends a lot of time taking up space in your pack. The Quasar doesn’t take up much space and weighs as much as your liter bottle of water… when it’s only one-fourth full.

Would I take the Quasar Hybrid Jacket into the backcountry in Alaska, New Zealand, or the Olympic Mountains? No. But does it perform well enough for most one-day or multi-day, three-season backcountry trips? The answer to that question is a resounding yes.

See all of my reviews of rain jackets that I like and all of my reviews of outdoor apparel.

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

   

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-mountain-hardwear-quasar-hybrid-pullover/feed/ 0 9287 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-outdoor-research-helium-hybrid-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-outdoor-research-helium-hybrid-jacket/#comments Thu, 24 Apr 2014 13:10:07 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=8541 Read on

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Ultralight Wind Shell
Outdoor Research Helium Hybrid Jacket
$165, 5.5 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XL, women’s XS-XL
outdoorresearch.com

On a 7.5-mile trail run in Idaho’s Boise Foothills near my home, on an April morning with temps in the 50s and a strong, cool wind blowing, I stopped after climbing uphill for close to an hour. Sweating hard in that wind, wearing a lightweight, long-sleeve top that was now wet, I felt almost instantly chilled. Ahead of me were the last few, mostly downhill miles. So I pulled on this ultralight shell. While I was still perspiring for the rest of my run, the jacket delivered enough wind protection that I stayed warm. And when I finished, the inside of the jacket was only slightly damp.

Fabric and features distinguish the Helium Hybrid from other ultralight wind shells, as I discovered on numerous days trail running, road and mountain biking, rock climbing at Idaho’s Castle Rocks State Park, and biking around town in the full range of spring weather: temps ranging from the 40s to 60s Fahrenheit, wind, fast-changing conditions from sun to clouds, and spitting rain. The hood and shoulders are made with Pertex Shield fabric, which has a breathable, waterproof coating, while the rest of the jacket is made of a lightweight, nylon ripstop fabric with a little stretch to it. The shell repels a light rain effectively, while still moving moisture out at a rate that prevents the inside from getting more than damp from sweat. At times of highest exertion, it felt only slightly clammy.

The hood’s adjustability sets it apart in this jacket category—even strong gusts never yanked it off my head—while a low-profile, moldable wire brim shielded my face from spitting rain. The mesh chest pocket has an internal port for an ear buds cord. And the jacket stuffs into that pocket, leaving a sack that squishes down to slightly larger than my fist, with a short, external cord and clip for attaching to, say, a bottle belt if you’re not wearing a pack. Other details include taped seams in critical areas to enhance protection from precipitation, elastic cuffs, and a drawcord hem.

The Helium Hybrid Jacket delivers good weather protection and performance in a tiny package, making it ideal for fast-moving activities completed in a day or less, from bike rides and trail runs to ultra-hikes.

 

See my reviews of two other ultralight wind shells, The North Face Apex Lite Jacket and the Westcomb Crest Hoody. See also my other reviews of favorite apparel for dayhiking and trail running and all of my outdoor-clothing reviews.

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza    

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-outdoor-research-helium-hybrid-jacket/feed/ 5 8541 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-westcomb-focus-lt-hoody/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-westcomb-focus-lt-hoody/#comments Mon, 07 Oct 2013 12:30:58 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=7045 Read on

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Ultralight Rain Jacket
Westcomb Focus LT Hoody
$280, 9 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXL
campsaver.com

Here’s the thing about a rain jacket: Other than a first-aid kit, it’s often the least-used item in my pack, whether backpacking, climbing, or dayhiking. But when I need it, of course, I sure wouldn’t want to be without one. Like a lot of people, I have contradictory desires for a rain shell—I want it to be functional and protective when the weather turns foul, but also super lightweight and compressible. On backpacking trips in Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park, California’s Sequoia National Park, and Washington’s Glacier Peak Wilderness, as well as a 28-mile dayhike in Idaho’s White Clouds Mountains, and a hut trek in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the Focus LT was consistently my go-to shell. Why? It delivered protection when I needed it, and virtually disappeared inside my pack when unneeded.

This nine-ounce jacket—with a full-length, waterproof, front zipper despite the “hoody” moniker—staved off strong, cool winds and occasional rain on a mostly off-trail, three-day traverse of Capitol Reef’s Waterpocket Fold formation in the first week of April. It’s made with eVent’s new DVL (Direct Venting Light) fabric, which is 100 percent waterproof up to a 30,000 ml water column—the highest standard of waterproofness in the industry, Westcomb says. Plus, it’s air permeable, meaning vapor actually moves through the material (like Gore-Tex) rather than wicking moisture from the inside to the outside (like many proprietary waterproof-breathable jackets). DVL, according to eVent, also has a higher Moisture Vapor Transfer Rate—the technical term for breathability—than traditional, three-layer eVent, which other Backpacker Magazine gear testers and I have consistently found to be more breathable than Gore-Tex. When I hiked in the Focus LT wearing a pack, typically in inclement conditions, the jacket proved very breathable, not building up moisture inside.

With a rain shell this light—especially one with a full-length zipper—you sacrifice features and sometimes jacket length. But the Focus LT doesn’t skimp on fabric—the length covers my butt, and the sleeves don’t ride up my arms when I reach overhead. And it has a fully adjustable hood that stays in place when I turn my head side to side. While there are no pit zips or hem drawcord, and just one pocket (chest), I don’t miss any of them. The breathability is good enough without pit zips. The partly elasticized hem and athletic fit, with enough space for a light insulation layer underneath, preclude the need for a drawcord. And I rarely use hand pockets.

You won’t find many rain shells at this weight that deliver this level of performance, especially under $300.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase your Westcomb Focus LT Hoody at Campsaver.com.

See my “5 Pro Tips For Buying the Right Rain Jacket for the Backcountry” and all of my reviews of outdoor apparel and rain jackets that I like.

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

 

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Lightweight Jacket
Arc’teryx Tecto FL Jacket
$369, 10 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
arcteryx.com

Rain shells in the “ultralight” category—which might be loosely defined as 10 ounces and under—tend to sacrifice some performance and durability. Not so the Tecto FL. I practically lived in this Spartan jacket on most of a four-day September trip in the Olympic Mountains, where we got slammed with strong wind, rain, hail, and wet snow, with temperatures in the 30s, for a solid two days, followed by a couple days of sunshine but chilly wind and temps in the 30s and 40s, during which I wore this jacket much of the time. We also bushwhacked for miles through pine boughs that would pour buckets of water over us in the Bailey Range. While my soft-shell pants and my waterproof leather boots eventually soaked through from that deluge, this jacket kept my upper body dry. I give it a 10 for waterproofness and durability, because it looks as new now as the day I got it.

Built with Gore-Tex Active, the Tecto FL—the lightest and most breathable Gore product in the Arc’teryx line—also fended off wind like a brick wall, and yet moved moisture well enough to keep the two long-sleeve jerseys underneath my jacket almost completely dry; only the jersey cuffs got damp, from water leaching in from my gloves. Admittedly, in those cool temps, I certainly wasn’t overheating, but I’d give it an 8 for breathability. The hood is fully technical and helmet-compatible—it protected my face through snow squalls and wind-driven rain. Fit is athletic: the medium (thankfully) isn’t voluminous in the waist like too many jackets, but I could still layer a light fleece or summer-weight puffy under it, though not a thick puffy jacket. While tough, the 30-denier fabric has a lighter, more supple feel than heavier Gore-Tex shells. The only other features are a single pocket (left sleeve), an adjustable hem, and narrow hook-and-loop cuffs. For this all-weather performance and durability at this weight, you sacrifice pit zips (I didn’t miss them, but you might in warm rain) and more pockets. For ounce-counters who expect to get wet, that’s a good tradeoff. Bonus: The jacket is made for standard washer-drier cleaning; Gore advises machine washing warm and tumble drying medium until completely dry to maintain the water-resistant coating.

See my reviews of other favorite backpacking apparel, including rain jackets like the 8-ounce MontBell Torrent Flier Jacket and the more-featured Westcomb Shift LT Hoody.

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-arcteryx-tecto-fl-jacket/feed/ 0 4110 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-montbell-torrent-flier-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-montbell-torrent-flier-jacket/#respond Fri, 21 Sep 2012 01:46:59 +0000 http://thebigoutside.net/?p=1187 Read on

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Ultralight Rain Shell
MontBell Torrent Flier Jacket
$249, 8 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: Unisex S-XL
montbell.us

When a violent thunderstorm caught me on the 9,595-foot summit of Eagle Cap Peak in Oregon, and the skies opened up with booming thunder, lightning, and pounding rain and hail, I was certainly glad to have this shell handy. It fended off strong winds and kept me dry through that tempest, as it did in extended, wind-driven rains in Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park, and when I got caught in a sudden June snow squall a pitch off the ground while rock climbing at Idaho’s City of Rocks. The Gore-Tex Paclite membrane delivers good waterproofing and wind protection.

But I like this jacket just as much when I’m not wearing it—because at a half-pound, it’s one of the lightest, most packable waterproof-breathable rain shells on the market. And it accomplishes this low weight and bulk without sacrificing deep (15-inch) pit zips, seam taping, or cuff, hem, and hood adjustability. But there are tradeoffs with a shell this light: Breathability is okay, but doesn’t compare with the best membranes on the market (including other Gore products). It has just one pocket (chest), and the hood lacks an extended brim to protect your face, like you’d find in a more technical and heavier rain shell. The 12-denier ripstop nylon is moderately durable, but don’t be entirely careless with it. Consider the Torrent Flier a good choice when low weight is at least as high a priority as weather protection.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-montbell-torrent-flier-jacket/feed/ 0 1187 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-westcomb-shift-lt-hoody/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-westcomb-shift-lt-hoody/#respond Tue, 14 Aug 2012 13:35:17 +0000 http://thebigoutside.net/?p=1249 Read on

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Rain Jacket
Westcomb Shift LT Hoody
$400, 12 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL
westcomb.com

Hiking the treeless, completely exposed rock and tundra of Besseggen Ridge in Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park, we started out in a cold rain in temperatures barely above freezing—but as we gained elevation, the rain changed to horizontal, wind-driven snow. On other days during that eight-day trek, we hiked for hours through spitting to steady rain in temps in the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit. When the sun did come out, we still met with strong, chilly winds that had us in jackets, wool hats, and gloves—including on a dawn ascent of the 6,667-foot peak Kyrkja. Almost every day, for several hours a day, I wore this jacket—and in such sustained, severe conditions, I was very happy to have it.

The biggest selling point is the Polartec NeoShell, a polyurethane membrane that Polartec claims—and I’ll vouch for—has the wind protection and waterproofing of a hard shell, yet the high breathability, stretch, and supple feel of a soft shell. When I reviewed Westcomb’s 15-ounce Switch LT Hoody, I called it a legitimate four-season shell because of its combination of weather protection and breathability. But the Shift, coming in a few ounces lighter, is now the better choice for spring, summer and fall. The Shift shaves ounces by having just one pocket (a deep chest pocket), thinner seam tape, laminated zippers and hems, and (unlike the Switch) no pit zips. Still, it remains a technical, all-conditions shell—best exemplified by the fully adjustable, helmet-compatible hood that kept windblown rain and snow out of my face and turned with my head, and the waterproof (but smooth-moving) zippers. And with this breathability, I didn’t miss the pit zips. A high collar covered my neck from wind and light rain when I dropped the hood, and the velour chin guard is a nice feature. From design to comfort and performance, the Shift LT Hoody is a winner.

—Michael Lanza

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