montbell ultralight breathable shell

I am a member, but I have not set a password yet. This is one of the lightest rain jackets we tested and the least expensive in the sub-7-ounce category. The outer shell is made with an ultrathin material that is surprisingly strong and provides excellent wind proofing. Its comfortable, durable, breathable, extremely lightweight, and packs down into the palm of my hand. The outer layer of the Versalite is made from Ballistic Airlight nylon ripstop, which is woven in such a way that protects against tearing and abrasion while still letting the fabric stretch and breathe. We are proud to have worked with many manufacturers and vendors throughout the Southeast to provide the highest quality products and services available to our customers. If something is extremely packable you can just leave it in your bag and forget about it. And, the hood wont be collecting water to dump on you later when it starts pouring. I love it and consider it one of the best ultralight rain jackets on the market. The Precip Eco is an inexpensive rain jacket to stash in your pack when there is a chance of showers. In this guide, we will be covering the following: A reliable waterproof or water-resistant jacket is essential for any hiking adventure. Bottom-Line: Half technical hardshell and half lightweight rain jacket whats not to love? DWR (durable water repellent) is a treatment applied to the outside of rain gear during manufacturing. Many of the ultralight jackets on this list are hip-belt compatible, but not all of them. Always looking for a new adventure in a part of the world Ive never visited. Services | Let me know by leaving some feedback in the comments below! Weight: 10.5 oz.Waterproofing: Gore-Tex ActiveHH: 28,000 mmMVTR: 25,000 g/m/24hr. Firstly, it has peristaltic underarm vents. MEN'S VERSALITE JACKETWOMEN'S VERSALITE JACKET. As always feel free to share this article with friends and family looking to upgrade their hiking wardrobe. This is the perfect jacket for travel or moderate day hikes when you dont expect a biblical downpour. So what do I think about the Versalite overall? Thanks, Andy! You want a hood thats fully adjustable to ensure it doesnt block your peripheral vision. Products This ultralight shell also has stowable waterproof mitts. Though it is very breathable, we dont think its necessarily twice as breathable as any other item on this list. The weather protection youll get with this one is impressive. They need regular cleaning withtech wash to help refresh the DWR coating. As I look over the jacket now, I cant find a single crooked stitch, nor have I seen a single loose thread for the entire time Ive owned it. And, the inside of that fabric is textured, so if youre working hard it wont give you that clammy next-to-skin feel. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Wool is a great option for daily usage on multiday trips due to its natural abilities to fight odor. The Ultra is very breathable and waterproof, but what makes it stand out is its array of well-designed features. Stash one of these in your pack and hit the trail no matter what the weathers doing! Be ready for anything with one of the awesome rain shells in our guide to the best lightweight rain jacket for hiking and backpacking. And when youre counting grams while trying to save cash for ramen noodles, who cares about pockets? This is why it has earned our Editors Choice award for lightweight rain jackets. The Helium isnt as durable as some, or as breathable. Thats fine with me, though, as it performs very well in most rainy situations and has the features to manage any of the precipitation that seeps through. Need a reliable rain-blocker that wont break the bank? Last but not least is features: a catch-all category of everything youll want to look for in a rain jacket. I trek into the wilderness, geek out about gear, and travel with the least amount of baggage as I can. The higher the number, the more breathable a fabric will likely be. The Zeta SL has a great non-helmet-compatible hood, too. I think the Versalite Pants would go quite well with the jacket! With an MVTR of 43,000, this waterproof jacket is seriously breathable, so you wont overheat when hiking hard. The Zeta SL (click here for womens version) performed very well across every category we tested, so we had to give it the award for most versatile rain jacket. Ive never heard of the Marmot Essence, but it sounds like the perfect budget-conscious backpackers ultralight rain jacket. It comes with an adjustable hood, velcro wrist cuffs, and a waterproof zipper. Im an ultralight backpacker gear nerd. With a four-way adjustable hood, youll stay cozy and warm while still being able to see your surroundings. Closures will ultimately dictate how well you can batten down the hatches with a jacket. The jackets Aqua-Tect weather-resistant zipper saves weight by eliminating the need for storm flaps. The water that does make it through comes in mostly via my jackets forearms, which I extend perpendicular to the rain as I hike with trekking poles. FREE GROUND SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS ABOVE $50 FOR THE CONTIGUOUS US! Sam Schild spends most of his time outside. This is one of the more expensive options youll find on this list. It uses 20d outer fabric, which is much thicker than some lightweight jackets. The Versalite isnt going to hold off heavy, prolonged rain quite as well as youd expect from bulkier, heavier rain jackets across the market. Still, I believe this lightweight material enhances its breathability, which is a trade-off Im happy to accept. We guarantee our products, materials, and installation to be of the highest quality available anywhere, and offer warranties with all of our services. But what makes one model a better option than another? The fact remains that this jacket is made of 10-denier nylon, which is quite thin and not impervious to tearing. Think of it this way: the higher the number, the more waterproof the fabric will be. Youll be looking good on a windy summit and it wont be flapping in the wind since its snug against your skin. Using Gore-Tex with a C-knit backer, this is one of the most breathable and waterproof jackets on this list. If you do, look for water-resistant zippers to ensure no rain sneaks in when youre not using them. Its as light as a rain shell, though slightly heavier than most backpacking rain jackets on this list. Zippered hand pockets have a high utility, but many of the best ultralight rain jackets dont have them. So, if youre going to be putting your jacket through a lot of abuse, get a durable one. The polyester lining provides adequate insulation for cooler weather while also functioning as a way to quickly wick away moisture. During light or intermittent periods of rain, the jacket has never wet out on me. Hey, Im Noel Krasomil. Just use these lightweight versions of items you may already have that are heavier. FREE GROUND SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS ABOVE $50 FOR THE CONTIGUOUS US! They can also be adjusted to help manage breathability. Generally, this means jackets made with 20d or thicker ripstop outer fabric. For activities like backcountry skiing or winter mountaineering, youd be better off with a true three-layer hardshell. Required fields are marked *. Do you have any questions about the Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket that werent answered in my review? They are extremely weather resistant. Unzipping the pit-zips and loosening the wrist cuffs will help vent the jacket and allow your body heat to evaporate the moisture and release it back into the air. Weather Resistance Rating: 4 out of 5 stars, The 16.5-inch pit zips are great for breathability. Roll over image to zoom in If youre ready for rain, a day hiking under some clouds can be fun. Hydrostatic head is the standard way of measuring how waterproof a fabric is. It compresses down a little bit larger than a 12-ounce soda can, making it an extremely packable piece of outerwear for any hiker or backpacker. All sounds pretty cool, even though Im eyeballing that bombproof Storm Cruiser. Theyll keep your hands just warm enough without causing you to overheat. Packability could be considered a subcategory of weight. At the bottom, youll even find detailed buying advice to help you find the best model for your needs, budget, and adventure type. The jacket isnt flawless when it comes to weather resistance, however, as it tends to let a little water in during prolonged exposure to heavy rain. Weight: 4.1 oz.Waterproofing: DWR coatedHH: N/AMVTR: N/A. ZEO-LINE Light Weight Round Neck Shirt Men's, ZEO-LINE Light Weight U-Neck Shirt Women's, Merino Wool SUPPORTEC Walking Short Socks, Super Merino Wool Light Weight Tights Men's, Super Merino Wool Light Weight Tights Women's, Super Merino Wool Light Weight Round Neck Shirt Men's, Super Merino Wool Light Weight Round Neck Shirt Women's. Why? Ideally, it will have at least 2 adjustment points, but 3 is better. While not as durable as a true hardshell, the Exposure/2 is leaps and bounds ahead of some of even the best ultralight rain jackets on this list. Out of the garments below, the Plasma 1000 Jacket, Superior Down and Ex Light Anorak provide roughly the same amount of warmth. If your garment doesnt shed moisture adequately, it will feel colder, heavier, and wont be as waterproof until it dries. DWR-coated fabrics do require some maintenance. DWR sprays are best for this because they only deposit the waterproof coating on the outside of the jacket. 1. Weight: 10 oz.Waterproofing: 3-layer GORE C-KNIT Backer Technology, 20-denier Ballistic ripstop nylon with DWR finishHH: 50,000 mmMVTR: 35,000 g/m/24hr. When searching for the perfect rain jacket, theres a lot to consider. And, it does this while keeping the price affordable. Lots of little reductions in weight add up! Weight: 6.4 oz.Waterproofing: GORE-TEX INFINIUM WINDSTOPPER waterproof-breathable membraneHH: 30,000 mm MVTR: 43,000 g/m/24hr. mont-bell Co.,Ltd. Over my time hiking, backpacking, and traveling with the Versalite, Ive worn it for around 100 miles. So the pockets stay above your backpacks hip belt, which would obscure standard placement pockets otherwise. Your money might be better spent on a burlier and more bombproof rain jacket like the Storm Cruiser. With fiber, distance is not an issue. Bottom-Line: Affordable ultralight rain jackets are few and far between: this is the least-expensive sub-7-ounce waterproof rain jacket youre going to find thats still reasonably durable. Weight/Packability Rating: 5 out of 5 stars, The Versalite is worth the splurge for hikers and backpackers looking to lighten their load. Let me tell you exactly why. The most essential piece of gear to be wet-weather-ready is a waterproof jacket. The outer layer is often the most durable and is treated with DWR, while the inner layer wicks moisture and provides a softer next-to-skin feel. My decision came down to two popular ultralight rain jackets: the Outdoor Research Helium II and the Montbell Versalite. I am a member, but I have not set a password yet. One of the hood adjusters doubles as a way to roll up and secure the hood when you dont need it. Yeah, its crazy how lightweight and functional gear companies are getting these days! The tried-and-true REI Co-op XeroDry and Groundbreaker are solid options if breathability isnt a high priority. Its easy to shake off and will drip-dry quickly once the rain stops. Consider if you use the pockets on a rain jacket while hiking. But what is most important are real-world results, not lab tests. Before that, well introduce you to the 12 best lightweight rain jackets of the year. This doesnt come with pit zips, but the front hip-belt-compatible pockets double as vents. If youre going backpacking on the Appalachian Trail during the rainy season youll probably want a more durable rain jacket with high levels of waterproofing. For my light and fast hiking style and backpacking, the Montbell Versalite does exactly everything I ask of it. I dont exactly baby the jacket, either. Compared to rain jackets with similar features across the industry, the Versalite is second-to-none in terms of weight and packability. That said, it seems as if the Versalite was made just for me. If you dont, you can go without them and save some weight. The rain shells below are what we recommend to users looking to lighten their load. It doesnt have pit zips either, but those would increase the weight. The Outdoor Research Helium (click here for womens version) is an ultralight rain jacket without a huge price tag. Pit-zips will allow more moisture and heat to escape than any other type of ventilation. This alleviates many unforseen issues and coordination conflicts, while providing the best product available. With a 3-layer Gore-Tex construction, this is a hardshell, technically, but is light enough to be considered in the rain jacket class. Theres also a drawcord hood and drawcord hem that let you quickly fine-tune the fit when youre on the move. Bottom-Line: Though this jacket is expensive, we think its worth the price for a dependable shell designed for active pursuits.. They will give you a general sense of how breathable a fabric is, though. Cheers andy. But dont fear, even if you do tear your rain jacket you shouldnt have been bushwacking with, you can always repair it with one of thesestick-on patches. But for those who want one quality rain jacket to do it all, this is a great option. It packs down so small youll have more of an issue finding it in your pack than feeling the weight on your back. Gore-Tex is the most well-known laminated waterproof fabric, but not the only one. Best Camping Knife for Outdoor Adventures, Best 4-Person Tent For Comfortable Camping Trips, Best Hiking Belt For Outdoor Adventures In 2022, Best Camp Shoes For Taking The Load Off 2022, Best Tent For Rain And Wind: Ideal Shelters for Bad-Weather. We are a technology company that combines Low Voltage Cabling, Access Control, Speaker/Intercom Systems and Phone Services. The Helium excels in packability, packing away into its own chest pocket ready when not in use. The hood can also roll up and be secured down by the velcro tab. 1316 Lakewood Ave SE, Suite L-1 Breathability allows your jacket to dump heat as your body warms up during exercise. Click for large image. Home | Because if it doesnt you might end up with some chafing on your chin! If youre in between sizes we recommend sizing up, then youll have room to move and options for layering underneath your outer shell. Despite weighing under 7 ounces, the Versatile is loaded with features: hook and loop wrist cuffs, hip-belt compatible chest pockets, and an internal hem adjuster. Lightweight sun protection and cold protection. Make sure your hood has a cinch cord that wraps around the crown of the head. Complete with a solid, fully adjustable hood, the Drypoint comes with just the right amount of features to be functional. Yes, this jacket is pretty pricey. Please use this form to request a quote for service for your home or business. If youre looking for a rain jacket thats a little more sturdy and sheds heavy precipitation better, I recommend looking in a different direction. Happy hiking! From state-of-the-art down jackets and sleeping bags, to innovative rain gear and everything in between, these are the painstakingly crafted pieces that define who we are, and what it means to hit the trail ultralight. We also found, however, that the interior can get a little clammy and it tends to wet out faster than more expensive 3-layer Gore-Tex models. What more is there to say? Laminated fabrics are multiple layers of fabric that are laminated together. The Versalite does well in light to moderate precipitation, but can wet out in long exposure to heavy rain. Its not the most breathable, but it does have pit zips. Large or small, we have services that can help your organization stay connected. The Exposure/2 is a solid hiking rain jacket. Youll also want to apply a new DWR coating to your breathable rain jacket when it starts to saturate with water. Ventilation comes in the form of armpit zips, side zippers, core vents, mesh pockets, the main zipper, or other various ventilation holes built into a jacket. Copyright document.write((new Date()).getFullYear()); Uptime AuthorityAll rights reserved. What really matters here is real-world application, so its best to read these numbers skeptically. Raised Pockets:The Versalites two side pockets sit just below the chest, higher than you might expect for a rain jacket. Fully Taped Seams and Waterproof Zipper: Every single seam on this jacket is covered with waterproofing tape, which means precipitation wont seep in along the stitching. Hey, I'm Noel. On top of that, at nearly one-sixth the weight of a traditional mid-layer, wind shells like our Tachyon Parka are so light that the most diligent gram-counter will raise an eyebrow. Meaning, just because it is 1000 fill powder doesn't make it magically warm. Bottom-Line: Less waterproof and breathable than other options on our list, but perfect for buyers keen to keep costs to a minimum. While weight savings are important, you shouldnt skimp on protection. I value thoughtfully designed products built to elevate my experience in the backcountry. If you want to keep it on for some extra warmth, you can roll down the hood and keep it out of the way with the hook-and-loop tab. Laminate fabrics also require regular cleaning and reapplication of DWR coatings. Its a breathable, compact, and lightweight rain jacket that is extremely well designed. Procurement, installation, and maintenance - we do it all!Our competitive edge is the time and money we save our clients by providing turnkey solutions to all of their low-voltage needs. Weight: 6.6 oz.Waterproofing: 2.5-layer waterproof/breathable laminate HH: 30,000mm MVTR: 30,000 g/m/24hr. But, it is on the more weather-resistant end of the wind jacket spectrum. One way to reduce weight is to pack a windshell (or "wind shirt") as a breathable weather-resistant replacement for a traditional mid-layering piece. We wouldnt necessarily recommend using this as a wind-blocker, but you could in a pinch. Weight: 10.9 oz.Waterproofing: Gore-Tex New PacLite PlusHH: 28,000 mmMVTR: 15,000 g/m/24hr. You can have the most breathable or lightest rain jacket in the world, but if it doesnt keep you dry then whats the point? Basically, MVTR attempts to measure how much moisture can pass through a fabric. With all these features for less than 7 ounces, Montbell hit the bulls eye with this one. Most rain jackets are frankly not that durable, especially if they are breathable too. On any given day he's either backpacking, bikepacking, trail running, or thinking about the next time hell get out there. Because its so compact, the Versalite will add value to anyone trying to lighten their base weight and dabble in the ultralight realm. The Versalite gives me all the breathability I could ever ask for in a rain jacket while still maintaining solid water resistance, largely due to its wonderful pit-zips. Weight: 14.5 oz.Waterproofing: 2-layer waterproof breathable laminateHH: N/A MVTR: N/A. Because when its pouring down, youll want to tighten your sleeves, hood, and waist hem to stay as dry as possible. There are many different waterproof fabrics and treatments used in rain jacket construction, and well go through some of the most common below. These lightweight packs have two things in common. Your email address will not be published. We have a variety of options for sleeping. Great review, thank you! ), which relies on a DWR coating for weather resistance. For perspective, Outdoor Research Helium II a very popular ultralight rain jacket that also weighs 6.4 ounces doesnt have pit zips, adjustable wrist cuffs, or side pockets. This is pretty technical, I know. While you can find a lighter or more breathable shell, it would be difficult to buy a more versatile one for even close to this price. When comparing these three jackets, be aware that youll get exactly what you pay for. And when things warm-up, you can release those hatches to let in a little air. Often, hand pockets arent accessible if using a backpack with a hip belt. What did you think of our recommendations? A rain jackets most important job is to keep you dry. Its hood is also only adjustable in one spot, as well. Lightweight wet weather clothing is important since youll be carrying it on your back when it isnt raining. Sure, it could be more breathable, but the 2.5-layer GORE-TEX Paclite material does a decent job regulating heat. He has hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and the Colorado Trail, among countless other shorter trips. Waterproofing: 3-layer 7D ripstop nylonHH: 20,000 mmMVTR: 75,000 g/m/24hr. Im going to Google the Western Arthur Range right now. Generally, fabrics in the range of 16,000-20,000 mm (EE Visp, Marmot Precip Eco, OR Helium) tend to be adequate for all but the most torrential downpours. Our security solutions can keep you apprised of everything that's happening in your facility, in real-time, Also known as Structured Cabling, we have the ability to design, install, repair, and maintain your office data systems. It also comes with all the right features: hook and loop wrist cuffs, hip-belt compatible chest pockets, and an internal hem adjuster. There are certainly more outright weather-resistant options in this review, but we decided to include this one since its so darn light and offers reasonable rain protection. Both nylon and polyester are hydrophobic, but if they arent DWR-treated the jacket will eventually wet out. Hi Noel. This combination makes the Storm Pack great for overnight excursions and the Alpine Packs well suited for multi-day trips. 2. I have a full range of movement while wearing this jacket and dont feel constricted in any way. Uptime Authority is proud to offer our superior customer service and skill to all of the Southeast. We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best lightweight jackets for hiking and backpacking. The soft chin guard also prevents chafing. As of yet, it has shown little sign of wear, and I anticipate that it will continue holding up for many more miles in the future. Atlanta, GA 30315. Other, more affordable, rain jackets in its weight range like the Helium II or Frogg Toggs Ultralite simply dont offer the same features or performance. But we think its worth the price. The Versatile is among the most breathable out there, and it also has pit zips for added ventilation when things heat up. Bottom-Line: Weighing less than 7 ounces and full of features, this is our favorite lightweight and breathable rain jacket. Our Cool series products provide a measure of protection from the sun, but the true benefit of these mesh tops are their wicking and quick-drying properties, great for staying cool in warmer weather. But, this is a minimalist model made for ultralight hikers, backpackers, trail runners, and climbers. You want a jacket that moves as comfortably as you move. Finally, does the jacket youre considering have a chin protector and wicking fabric? Wearing a rain jacket with a backpack often will cause the outer fabric to wear out faster on top of your shoulders. And with pit-zips, you can generally use them even when its raining. Unlike many budget jackets, which all too often feel like flappy trash bags with arms, the Groundbreaker has a trim tailored-feeling and athletic fit that leaves very little fabric to flail in the wind. Bottom-Line: With stowable flip mitts, peristaltic pit vents, and loads of other features, its no wonder this ultralight and ultra-breathable jacket is so popular with ultrarunners. The Houdini Air does a good job in light rain and is the perfect jacket to throw in your pack on a nice summer day just in case. Our goal is to minimize the heartache of choosing multiple vendors and to provide top notch service for the maintenance and expansion of your business. A critical piece of transporting high bandwidth speeds across large business environments. When hiking, mobility isnt as important of a consideration as it is for climbing, but its still very important for general comfort. If you are expecting cooler conditions or run cold, the Plasma 1000 Alpine and the Ignis are better choices from a warmth perspective. We are proud to feature special A/V installation, sourcing, maintenance and service coverage for Barrow, Bartow, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Coweta, Dawson, Dekalb, Forsyth, Gwinnett, Henry, Oconee, Paulding, Pickens Rockdale, and Walton counties, and the greater Metropolitan Atlanta Area. A minimalist rain jacket at heart, the Versalite does everything I ask of it, without including unnecessary features or adding excess ounces. It uses a 20,000mm waterproof and breathable membrane with 7d nylon ripstop face fabric. The Gore-Tex Infinium fabric is ultralight, packable, and ultra-breathable. The Versalite comes with its own stuff sack, which is separate from the jacket. Other than its weather resistance, this jacket is virtually flawless. These weatherproofed zippers run from my lower lats to halfway up my tricep, which makes venting out my jacket a breeze. It performs well enough all-around to justify its high price. Bottom-Line: One of the best budget rain jackets out there. Breathability ratings are often determined by material manufacturers. For how lightweight it is, the Versalite is extraordinarily full-featured and leaves very little to be desired. Products | And they allow some moisture to escape so that the breathable membrane wont have to work as hard. Ventilation is often considered in conjunction with breathability. Their streamlined design has reduced as much weight as possible. With an articulated fit, it has just enough room to ensure maximum mobility. Weight: 5.4 oz. With the Zeta SL, youll get great performance across all categories and youll look good into the bargain. Conversely, if the wind picks up and temperatures drop, I can tighten up the waist, velcro the wrist cuffs, and cinch the hood snug to trap my body heat and stay warm. No need to fold this jacket up neatly or baby it; its durable enough to pack tightly away. Pair it with the Down Balaclava and you are ready for a good night's sleep. So while nothing in this review is particularly heavy, there is still a wide range in weight represented here. In the end, I chose the Versalite and have since worn it for over 100 miles in light drizzles, heavy downpours, and everything in between. It will keep water from dripping onto your face. It will keep you dry in even the heaviest downpours without even a hint of clamminess.Gore-Tex Active is the most breathable fabric made by the company, so youll be able to wear the Drypoint while hiking with a fully loaded pack without overheating. It has a fully adjustable hood, and the adjustability allows you to maintain your peripheral vision while hiking. In this guide to the best lightweight rain jacket on the market, well explain everything you need to know.

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