Thanks for the suggestion, N, and the compliment about my blog, I appreciate that. I’ve used and been impressed with Rab outerwear and other gear and the Borealis indeed looks nice. I just want to point out that, at a bit over 10 ounces, it doesn’t really fit into this category of ultralight jackets, which are definitely under 10 ounces and often a fraction of that weight. But the Borealis looks excellent for high exertion in cold temps.

I very rarely comment on anything but i just discovered your blog today and have found your content very interesting and informative.

Well, that’s exactly how my thinking on this has evolved. I don’t discount the importance of a functional rain shell if you expect to be out in severe weather, in a destination like Alaska, New Zealand, or even the Pacific Northwest or the Northeast mountains. Reliable waterproofing is important and a protective hood makes a big difference in comfort. But with pricier rain shells, you’re generally paying for better breathability, more durability in the materials and construction, and often a nicer fit and feature set. Moderately priced rain shells usually deliver on the reliable waterproofing, but make compromises in those other areas—so you’re not really compromising on safety. Besides, most backpackers aren’t heading out in severe weather, they’re usually choosing to take trips when the forecast looks good and canceling when it looks awful.

You might be interested in my review of “The 5 Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” which includes a more affordable model, and my “5 Expert Tips for Buying a Rain Jacket for Hiking.”

Thanks, it definitely is. I think most people think (as I did) that for the most expensive pieces, they should perform at the highest level (i.e. most intense weather, etc.). But you’re right that the more you can actually use a piece, the more valuable that piece is overall. I think I’ll pick up a Black Diamond Distance or the Helium Hybrid next time it’s in the budget.

Hey Brady,

You spotlight a point that I think is really fundamental to consider. Outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes… hikers, backpackers, climbers, etc… have long viewed the waterproof-breathable shell as the top priority. I’ve come to the understanding through years of backcountry travel that I spend much more time wearing an ultralight shell than I do a waterproof-breathable shell. Thus, the UL shell becomes, by definition, more useful.

In a sense, I think that a good argument could be made that if you’re on a budget and you’re going to wear the ultralight shell much more than the rain shell, why not spend more on the UL jacket and get yourself a bargain rain shell?

Choosing between these ultralight shells comes down to how and where you use the UL jacket: The level of exertion (hiking vs. climbing vs. running) and temperatures and weather conditions you’ll normally encounter, and whether you need more water resistance or more breathability.

I hope that’s helpful. Good luck and thanks for raising a good point.