The Enlightened Equipment Visp (men’s / women’s) is among the best value ultralight jackets on the market for its price, protection, and adjustability. We’ve worn this jacket for hundreds of miles, including stints in Colorado’s monsoon season and the first snow of the year in the Pacific Northwest. We hope our experience helps you decide if the Visp is the right jacket for you.

Quick Specs

MSRP: $210

WEIGHT: 6 oz. (Medium)

PROS

EXCELLENT VALUE – Compared to other ultralight jackets, like the Marmot Bantamweight ($275, men’s / women’s) and Zpacks Vertice ($299, men’s / women’s), the Enlightened Equipment Visp comes in at a great price. With pit zips, a ton of adjustment points, and a high waterproof rating, the Visp is an excellent value.

ULTRALIGHT – The Visp weighs in right around 6 oz. for a size medium, so it’s lighter than many other popular UL jackets from our list of the Best Rain Jackets, like the minimal Outdoor Research Helium (men’s / women’s) and full-featured Montbell Versalite (men’s /women’s).

WATERPROOF – The Visp is a 3-layer rain jacket meaning it has a waterproof outer layer, a breathable midlayer, and a liner that helps keep the midlayer from getting clogged with sweat and oil from skin. Three-layer jackets tend to be the most protective and will generally stay waterproof for longer than two and 2.5-layer jackets. The Visp has a hydrostatic head of 20,000 mm., which means it can withstand a pretty good amount of pressure (like sitting under backpack straps, for example) before wetting through. For reference, around 10,000 mm. is considered the minimum for a good rain jacket.

FIT IS EASY TO LAYER– The Visp has a roomy fit that allows you to comfortably wear a puffy coat or fleece underneath when conditions are cold and wet. Compared to some of our other favorite ultralight rain layers, like the Montbell Versalite and Outdoor Research Helium, the Visp has a nicer fit when paired with bulkier layers. 

HIGHLY ADJUSTABLE – There are a ton of adjustment points on the Visp, so you can dial in the perfect fit for the conditions. It has more cinch points than all of our other favorite UL jackets, and we like the design of the Visp adjustments more. For example, we find the cordlocks on the waist and hood easier to use than the toggles on the Versalite. We prefer the velcro wrist cuffs on the Visp as opposed to the cordlock cinches on the Vertice – especially when we have gloves on. And the OR Helium has no wrist or front of hood adjustments at all. 

PIT ZIPS – Manufacturers often cut out features like pit zips when designing ultralight jackets to keep weight and cost to a minimum. But Enlightened Equipment included them in the Visp, which we really appreciate for the added breathability. We wish the zips were a bit longer for even better ventilation, but we’re happy to see this feature included on such a lightweight jacket. 

DURABLE FOR THE WEIGHT – You’ll need to be a little delicate with this ultralight jacket, but we’ve been pleasantly surprised by how durable it is. We’ve hiked through thick willows and shrubs in it, and didn’t get a single snag or tear. It’s best to treat it with care to ensure it lasts for many seasons of hiking, but you can rest assured that it’s up for daily wear on tough trails. 

QUIET – The textured outer material of the Visp isn’t as swishy or crinkly as many other rain jackets. This isn’t a make or break, but it’s a good quality of life feature that makes it more pleasant to wear in nasty weather.

CONS

NOT AS BREATHABLE AS SOME – We’ve found that we get clammy quickly in the Visp when we’re doing high-output activities, like going uphill or scrambling. For this reason, we don’t reach for this jacket as much for wind protection like we would the Zpacks Vertice. Interestingly, the Visp has a higher moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) than the Vertice, but in practice we found the Vertice to be far more breathable.

ULTRALIGHT GEAR TENDS TO BE LESS DURABLE – While we think the Visp is very durable for the weight, it’s still a piece of ultralight gear and as such will never be as tough as more burly jackets. We think the tradeoff for a lower packed weight is worth it since a rain jacket will often be tucked away in your backpack. And if treated with care, the Visp can last for many seasons of use.

EE Visp VS. Zpacks Vertice

If you’re looking into the Enlightened Equipment Visp (men’s / women’s), chances are you’re also considering the Zpacks Vertice (men’s / women’s). We’ve used both extensively, and we’ll use this section to break down some of the differences.

• Price – The Vertice is a pretty spendy jacket at $299, whereas the Visp comes in at a much more palatable $210. Winner: EE Visp

• Weight – The Visp and Vertice are essentially the same weight, so there’s not a clear winner by the numbers. But the Vertice is much longer than the Visp, so we prefer it for the extra coverage without added weight. Winner: Zpacks Vertice

• Waterproofing – Both the Visp and the Vertice are three-layer jackets with a hydrostatic head around 20,000 mm. We found that we felt less damp in prolonged downpours when wearing the Vertice – likely due to the better breathability, which we’ll touch on shortly. We also prefer the length of the Vertice, which covers your butt, and will also shield a fanny pack at your front if that’s your thing. Both jackets will keep you dry, but overall we felt less clammy in the Vertice. Winner: Zpacks Vertice

• Breathability – The EE Visp has an MVTR of 75,000 versus the Vertice with an MVTR of 56,000. The Visp should be more breathable in theory, but during field testing we found the Vertice to be the superior jacket in this category. Winner: Zpacks Vertice

• Fit – The fit of both jackets will comfortably accommodate insulating layers underneath. But what puts the Visp a cut above the Vertice here is the hood. The Vertice hood is a little too floppy, so it can dump water on your face if it’s not paired with a baseball cap. It also tends to get in your eyes in high winds. The hood of the Visp has better adjustment points and a more structured brim, so it’s more pleasant to wear and protective in really bad weather. The Visp also has cordlock adjustments at the waist, and the Vertice doesn’t. Winner: EE Visp

Overall, we prefer the Zpacks Vertice, but it depends a bit on what you’re going for.

The Vertice (men’s / women’s) is more breathable and kept us a little drier, but the Visp (men’s / women’s) is more affordable and has a nicer hood. We think either jacket is a worthy investment. If you’ll mostly need your jacket for cold weather, the Visp will work nicely. For summer adventures, we’d recommend the Vertice. You can check out our full review of the Zpacks Vertice Jacket here. 

BOTTOM LINE 

The ultralight Enlightened Equipment Visp (men’s / women’s) is an awesome value. It’s highly adjustable so you can tailor the fit to the conditions, and its three-layer construction has a great waterproof rating for keeping you dry in inclement weather. If you’re looking for a ridiculously light rain jacket that doesn’t compromise on features, you’ve found it in the Visp.

MORE INFORMATION

We hope this review helps you determine if theEnlightened Equipment Visp Rain Jacket (men’s / women’s) is right for you. As always, please leave a comment below if you have any recommendations, questions, or suggestions or visit our Facebook page and Instagram to join the community conversation. If you found this review helpful, please share on social media and click the little heart button below to give us a digital high five!

If you enjoyed this review, you’ll probably like our other gear lists as well. Here are some popular resources from the CleverHiker Gear Guide:

• Best Hiking Footwear

• 10 Best Backpacking Tents

• 10 Best Sleeping Bags

• 10 Best Sleeping Pads

• 10 Best Backpacks

• Best Stoves, Food, Water Filters, Jackets & More: CleverHiker Gear Guide

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are made through those links. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations.

The Zpacks Vertice (men’s / women’s) is one of the lightest rain jackets available. This featherweight shell provides excellent coverage, is incredibly breathable, and is surprisingly durable for how light it is. It’s on the spendy side, but if you want the best balance of low weight and excellent coverage – this jacket is hard to beat.

Quick Specs

MSRP: $299

WEIGHT: 5.6 oz. (Medium)

PROS

ULTRALIGHT – The Zpacks Vertice Jacket is under 6 oz. for a size medium, which we can all agree is incredibly lightweight. And when compared to other ultralight rain jackets, like the popular Outdoor Research Helium (men’s / women’s) from our Best Rain Jackets list, the Zpacks Vertice provides more coverage thanks to its parka length.

ROOMY FIT IS EASY TO LAYER– The Vertice jacket has a roomy fit that allows you to comfortably wear a puffy coat or fleece underneath when conditions are cold and wet. Compared to some of our other favorite ultralight rain layers, like the Montbell Versalite (men’s / women’s) and Outdoor Research Helium (men’s / women’s), the Vertice is more comfortable when paired with insulating layers – due in large part to the looser sleeves and wrist cuffs. 

LENGTH PROVIDES PLENTY OF COVERAGE – The Vertice is long enough to cover your bum, which is convenient when taking breaks on wet rocks or logs. It also means the seat of your shorts or pants isn’t bearing the brunt of the runoff from your jacket, so you’ll stay a little warmer when it’s wet out. 

BREATHABLE – The ultralight fabric of the Vertice is breathable, and the long pit zips allow you to quickly dump excess heat. We haven’t had any issues with condensation buildup on the inside during rain showers either. It’s also light and airy enough to use as a windbreaker when hiking in exposed areas, and it won’t cause you to immediately overheat like some heavier rain jackets. 

WATERPROOF – The Vertice is a 3-layer rain jacket, meaning it has a waterproof outer layer, a breathable midlayer, and a liner that protects the midlayer from getting clogged with sweat and oil. Three-layer jackets are the most protective and will stay waterproof for longer than two and 2.5-layer jackets. The Vertice has a hydrostatic head of over 20,000 mm., which means it can withstand a lot of pessure (like sitting under backpack straps, for example) without wetting through. For reference, around 10,000 mm. is considered the minimum for a good rain jacket.

DURABLE FOR THE WEIGHT – We fully expected to need to be a little delicate with this ultralight jacket, but we’ve been pleasantly surprised by how durable it is. We hiked through tons of thick willows and shrubs in it, and didn’t get a single snag or tear. A stray ember from a fire even landed on it and didn’t leave any damage behind. Still, it’s probably best to treat it with care to ensure it lasts for many seasons of hiking. 

HIGHLY PACKABLE – The Vertice packs down small into its own chest pocket. As an added bonus, that pocket is large enough to also store the Vertice Pants (men’s / women’s) and Rain Mitts, so you can keep all of your rain gear together in one small and tidy package when not in use.

CONS

EXPENSIVE– The price of the Vertice Jacket is higher than most others on our Best Rain Jackets list, but we think the value you get for the money is pretty great here. Very few rain jackets can compete with the breathability, low weight, and coverage of the Vertice, so we think the cost is worth it if you’re an ultralight backpacker wanting to keep your pack weight as low as possible.

FLOPPY HOOD – The hood of the Vertice really needs to be paired with a hat or visor to be fully effective. In windy conditions, it flopped around and dumped rain on our faces at times. There’s a strap on the back that can be used to tighten the hood, but the coverage isn’t as good when it’s tightened. Many other ultralight jackets, like the Montbell Versalite (men’s / women’s) and Outdoor Research Helium (men’s / women’s), have a slightly rigid brim that eliminates this issue. We’d like to see a little more structure in the hood added to future iterations of the Vertice.

A Quick Look at the Vertice Pants

The Zpacks Vertice Pants (men’s / women’s) from our Best Rain Pants list are an excellent addition to any ultralight kit. Weighing in at right around 3 oz., you won’t even notice them in your pack, but they’ll add a ton of comfort to your layering system. 

The wide leg openings of these pants allow you to pull them over all but the most bulky footwear, so you’ll hardly miss a step when it’s time to slip them on. And the baggy fit ensures that they don’t stick to your legs or inhibit movement during a downpour.

The pants are just as breathable as the jacket, and we often use them as a wind layer when we need a little extra warmth in exposed areas.

BOTTOM LINE 

The ultralight Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket (men’s / women’s) is nearly unrivaled when it comes to breathability in a rain layer. We love the layering-friendly fit of this jacket, and we’ve been pleased with the durability – especially for how light it is. The Vertice is pricey, but we think it’s worth the splurge if you backpack a lot and want to keep your kit as light and compact as possible.

We highly recommend pairing the Vertice Jacket with the Vertice Rain Pants (men’s / women’s) to create the ultimate ultralight rain and wind clothing system.

MORE INFORMATION

We hope this review helps you determine if theZpacks Vertice Rain Jacket (men’s / women’s) is right for you. As always, please leave a comment below if you have any recommendations, questions, or suggestions or visit our Facebook page and Instagram to join the community conversation. If you found this review helpful, please share on social media and click the little heart button below to give us a digital high five!

If you enjoyed this review, you’ll probably like our other gear lists as well. Here are some popular resources from the CleverHiker Gear Guide:

• Best Hiking Footwear

• 10 Best Backpacking Tents

• 10 Best Sleeping Bags

• 10 Best Sleeping Pads

• 10 Best Lightweight Backpacks

• Best Stoves, Food, Water Filters, Jackets & More: CleverHiker Gear Guide

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are made through those links. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations.

The Helium line from Outdoor Research has set the standard in lightweight and packable rain shells for backcountry adventures and travel for years. In 2020, their updated Helium Rain Jacket and Rain Pants offer a better fit, improved waterproofing and durability, and are even lighter weight than before. The new Helium rainwear launched in spring of 2020 exclusively at REI.

This is a sponsored post, but as always, our opinions and reviews are completely independent and unbiased.

Quick Specs

Helium Rain Jacket

MSRP: $159

Measured weight (women’s medium): 5.9 oz.

Measured weight (men’s large): 6.6 oz.

Helium Rain Pants

MSRP: $119

Measured weight (women’s medium): 5.9 oz.

Measured weight (men’s large): 6.6 oz.

Pros

ULTRALIGHT – When we put the Helium jacket (women’s medium) on the scale, it weighed a mere 5.9 oz. Conveniently, the pants weigh exactly the same. This means you can carry full rain protection for less than 12-13 oz. That’s incredibly lightweight, considering most rain jackets alone weigh more than the Helium pants and jacket combined. Because it’s so amazingly light, the Helium rainwear is excellent for activities where keeping weight to a minimum is really important, like hiking and backpacking.

AFFORDABLE – After a lot of research, we found that the average lightweight rain jacket costs between two and three-hundred dollars. With an MSRP of just $159, we consider the Helium rain jacket to be a very affordable ultralight option. The Helium pants are also well below the average cost of lightweight rain pants. Both are a solid choice for those on a budget and an excellent value for the price.

HIGHLY-COMPRESSIBLE – The Helium rain jacket packs down to roughly the size of a grapefruit, so it won’t take much room in your backpack or travel bag. It’s designed to be stuffed into its own chest pocket, eliminating the hassle of keeping track of a small stuff sack. It’s also equipped with a hang loop for convenient carrying on a belt loop or backpack. Just keep in mind, that the visor on the hood might get a bit misshapen if compressed for a long time. We like to store our rain jackets loosely at the top of our backpacks for easy access or hang them on a hanger in a closet at home.

DURABLE FOR AN ULTRALIGHT JACKET – The Helium jacket and pants are made with ultralight fabrics, so don’t expect them to be as tough as thicker more heavy-duty rainwear. That said, they hold up pretty darn well to normal wear and tear. The latest rendition of the Helium is constructed with a 2.5-layer, 30D ripstop fabric called Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse, which has five times the tear strength of the previous Helium fabric and a 50 percent higher waterproof rating. It also has lightweight, yet durable water-resistant zippers that function smoothly and keep rain out. For an ultralight rain jacket, it’s surprisingly durable.

Cons

NO HAND POCKETS – It’s fairly common for manufacturers to cut out hand pockets in ultralight jackets to keep weight and cost down, but hand pockets are nice to have. We wish the Helium rain jacket had hand pockets to provide relief for our hands when it’s cold and wet outside. Since it doesn’t have any, we protect our digits from the elements using waterproof gloves or rain mitts. For those who don’t tend to use hand pockets, the simplicity of this design will work great. For us, we tend to prefer jackets with high angled hand pockets that work well with backpack hip belts, but it’s hard to find those types of features in this weight class and price range.

LIGHTWEIGHT MATERIALS TEND TO BE LESS DURABLE – The latest Helium rainwear is made with a tougher fabric than previous versions, but ultralight jackets still tend to be less durable then heavy-duty rain shells. So we wouldn’t recommend this jacket for rugged off-trail adventures or if you’re really hard on gear. As with any rain gear, it’s smart to be prepared to do field repairs with Tenacious Tape when using the Helium jacket/pants in the backcountry. Also, like all rain jackets, you will need to re-treat the Helium with DWR spray periodically to restore water repellency as it wears out, especially in the shoulders where backpack straps rub.

NO PIT ZIPS – Pit zips are another feature that manufacturers often cut out when designing ultralight jackets to keep weight and cost to a minimum. Zippers at the underarm allow you to dump excess heat and moisture that build up as your body works hard and gets warm. The Helium rain jacket doesn’t have pit zips, so it’s not quite as breathable as it would be with that feature. That said, that no rain jackets are truly very “breathable,” and it’s likely you’ll overheat hiking uphill even in a jacket with pit zips.

PARTIAL PANTS ZIPPERS – The Helium rain pants feature a partial zipper at the ankle that makes it easy to access shoe or boot laces for adjustment. It’s possible to put on and take them off without removing your shoes, but only if your footwear isn’t too bulky. If you wear boots, you’ll probably need to take them off. A Z-Seat Pad is really handy to stand on if you need to take off your shoes to step in or out of rain pants without getting your feet wet. Unless pants have full side zippers (which makes them heavier), this is a common annoyance with rain pants and overall, the Helium pants are pretty user-friendly.

RUNS A BIT SMALL – Overall, we like the slim design of the Helium Jacket, but it fits a bit on the snug side so you’ll have to size up if you want the ability to wear a down jacket underneath. Generally, jackets that are a little bit roomier have better airflow and are more versatile for layering.

More Helium Photos

Bottom Line

The Helium Rain Jacket and Pants are among the most affordable options in the ultralight rain shell market. Since they pack up small and don’t add much weight to your load, this rainwear is especially fitting for hiking, backpacking, travel, or even to stash in your car for the unexpected. Though the Helium jacket lacks a few features that would make it more functional, like hand pockets and pit zips, it’s still a great buy for those who are on a budget or those who prefer a simple, ultralight design.

MORE: If weight isn’t a major concern for you, you might also like the Helium Hybrid (view women’s here), which has stretch panels that make it extra comfortable to move freely in. For urban environments, Outdoor Research also offers the Traveler in women’s, which is a longer, trench style jacket.

More Information

We hope this review helps you determine if the Outdoor Research Helium Jacket and Pants are the right rainwear for you. As always, please leave a comment below if you have any recommendations, questions, or suggestions.

For more popular CleverHiker content, check out the following links:

• 10 Best Sleeping Bags & Quilts
• 10 Best Sleeping Pads
• 10 Best Lightweight Backpacks
• 10 Best Backpacking Tents
• 10 Best Headlamps
• 10 Best Down & Synthetic Jacket
• 10 Best Hiking Pants Men’s / Women’s
• Best Hiking Boots Men’s / Women’s
• Best Hiking Shoes of Men’s / Women’s
• Best Trail Running Shoes of Men’s / Women’s
• Best Stoves, Food, Water Filters, Jackets & More: CleverHiker Gear Guide

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are made through those links. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations.

Arc’teryx recently released new colors for their Proton LT Hoody (men’s and women’s), which is their most durable, insulated climbing jacket to date. The LT Hoody provides lightweight synthetic insulation for a range of activities from climbing to snow sports to backpacking. It’s a versatile, high-functioning, breathable jacket that offers a comfortable and stylish fit and feel. If you’re looking for a durable and breathable mid-layer from a top-of-the-line trusted brand, the Proton LT Hoody is a great option. 

This post has been sponsored by REI, but as always our opinions and reviews are completely independent and unbiased.

Quick Specs

• Weight: 14.1 oz (men’s medium) / 12.3 oz (women’s small)

• MSRP: $299

• Insulation Type: Synthetic

Pros

DURABLE -Arc’teryx claims that the Proton LT is their most durable, insulated climbing jacket to date and that sounds about right to us. The face fabric on the Proton feels like it will take a beating and its synthetic insulation will require far less care than a lightweight down jacket. We expect the Proton LT Hoody will hold up very well over many years of rough backcountry use. 

VERSATILE – A lightweight, synthetic mid-layer like the Proton LT is an excellent choice for a wide range of alpine activities, from climbing to snow sports to backpacking, while also being stylish enough to wear around town. 

ATTENTION TO DETAIL – Arc’teryx makes a premium product and they pay attention to every detail, which shines through in the Proton. We love the functionality of the zippers, pockets, hem adjustments and wrist cuffs, all of which add to the value of the jacket.

COMFORTABLE – One of our favorite features of the Proton LT is how soft and comfortable the fabric feels against our skin. The slight stretchiness of the material allows for more freedom of movement for high-output activities. 

STYLE & FIT – The fit of the Proton Hoody is designed with an athletic body type in mind, which we love. We often have trouble finding jackets that fit us correctly, with long enough arms/torsos and with a cut that isn’t boxy around the midsection. The Proton comes in a range of color options and we think it’s one of the best looking mid-layers around. 

GREAT HOOD – We love the functionality of the hood on the Proton LT. The elastic band and simple adjustment cord allow for good hood functionality and a customizable fit. The hood provides a wide range of movement while still retaining heat and is designed to function properly with or without a climbing helmet. 

SYNTHETIC MATERIAL – The Proton is built with lightweight synthetic material, which is a nice alternative to down for increased durability and warmth in wet conditions. Generally speaking, synthetic jackets tend to be a bit bulkier and heavier than down, but they can also be more durable and versatile. 

SOLID WARRANTY -Arc’teryx makes high-end products that are built to last, but if you do have issues with any of their gear, they have a solid warranty program. In the few instances when we’ve needed to contact Arc’teryx for a repair or replacement, we’ve had very good experiences with them.  

Cons

EXPENSIVE – The biggest downside to the Proton LT Hoody is its sizable price tag. The Proton’s MSRP is $299, which will put it out of range for budget-conscious outdoor adventurers. That said, as we often find, you get what you pay for, and the Proton is one of the highest quality insulated mid-layers on the market. 

HEAVIER & BULKIER THAN DOWN – One of the main downsides with synthetic insulation is that it tends to be heavier and bulkier than down. That said, the Proton LT Hoody is still only 3-6 ounces heavier than the leading ultralight down jackets and it packs down fairly small. For ultralight backpackers looking to go as lean as possible, we recommend checking out our Best Down Jackets List for our favorite compact and light options.

WIND PERFORMANCE – The Proton LT Hoody is a mid-layer designed for warmth and breathability, so it’s the not the best at cutting down wind. That said, it still does an okay job and if you pair the Proton with a rain jacket or windbreaker, wind isn’t an issue at all.

Bottom Line

The Proton LT Hoody (men’s and women’s) is no doubt an expensive jacket, but it offers an extremely comfortable fit for a wide range of activities. If you’re in the market for a top-of-the-line mid-layer that provides a great deal of warmth, functionality, and durability in a lightweight package, then the Proton LT Hoody may just be your jam. 

More Proton LT Hoody Photos

More Information

We hope this review helps you determine if the Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody is the right jacket for you. As always, please leave a comment below if you have any recommendations, questions, or suggestions.

For more popular CleverHiker content, check out the following links:

• 10 Best Hiking Shoes & Boots of 2019

• 10 Best Backpacking Tents 2019

• 10 Best Sleeping Bags & Quilts of 2019

• 10 Best Sleeping Pads of 2019

• 10 Best Lightweight Backpacks of 2019

• Best Stoves, Food, Water Filters, Jackets & More: CleverHiker Gear Guide

Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are made through those links. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations.

One of the newest jackets introduced by Arc’teryx for the 2019 hiking season, the Zeta SL (men’s & women’s), is an excellent balance between quality, durability, and weight. The highly packable and versatile design of the SL is a great option for hikers looking to push through wet weather in rugged conditions.

Quick Specs

• MSRP:  $299

• Weight:10.9 oz (Men’s) / 9.5 oz (Women’s)

• Material:2-layer N40r Gore-Tex Paclite Plus

• Features:Sealed waterproof zippers, adjustable hood, adjustable hem and cuffs

Like the even lighter Zeta FL (men’s & women’s), the SL features the new Paclite-Plus Gore-Tex technology. This incorporates a lightweight, two-layer shell with a heavy duty 40 denier nylon face fabric. The thicker nylon, while more likely to take a beating, does have a tougher and stiffer feel more often associated with heavier technical rain shells.

The design of the Zeta SL smoothly incorporates lightweight minimalism with more traditional adjustability of a heavier jacket. Velcro cuffs and an adjustable drawstring hem let you control the fit of the jacket, keeping water out while maintaining mobility and comfort. High, top-down zippers on the pockets will easily accommodate a backpack hip belt or climbing harness, and a fully sealed main zipper will keep water from seeping in the front.

The nylon face fabric will stand up surprisingly well to the occasional bump or scratch. But due to its 2-layer construction, the SL will require more frequent washings with Tech-Wash to flush out oil and sweat from the Gore-Tex compared to a 3-layer rain shell incorporating a liner fabric. That said, washing rain gear is far easier than most think. Here’s our quick guide on how to wash your rain gear.

What We Like

• Weight and packability – The SL is very light and packable compared to most rain shells on the market. That makes it a great choice for backpackers or day-hikers looking to fend off intermittent storms throughout the day.

• Design and Fit – The Zeta SL feels like a heavy duty jacket, bringing in features more commonly found in thicker mountaineering shells, but it maintains a lightweight and comfortable fit.

• Durability – The 40 denier nylon face fabric feels thicker and more likely to take a beating than the fabric on the thinner Zeta FL.

• Warranty – Arc’teryx covers all of their products for the lifetime of the product (excluding wear and tear).

What We Don’t Like

• Breathability – To us, the word “breathable” tends to be misleading when it comes to rain shells. That said, hikers will still want to monitor their activity level and keep perspiration to a minimum while wearing the SL. Also, the SL may require a bit more washing than a typical 3-layer shell.

• Cost – At an MSRP of $299, the price of the SL will be a bit high for many backpackers. That said, the Zeta SL is one of Arc’teryx most affordable rain shells.

Bottom Line

The Zeta SL (men’s & women’s) is a very well balanced jacket for backpackers looking to shave weight but still stay dry in nasty conditions. More durable than the ultralight Zeta FL, the SL will allow you to venture into more rugged terrain with fewer worries about tearing your sleeve on a stray branch.

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations.

Just in time for the 2019 hiking season, Arc’teryx has introduced two new ultralight shells to their already strong line of rain gear. For those in need of a lightweight and packable jacket that will keep you dry and moving through nasty conditions, the new Zeta FL (available in both men’s & women’s) is an excellent choice and makes our list of the Best Backpacking Rain Jackets.

Quick Specs

• MSRP:  $325

• Weight:7.2 oz (Men’s) / 6.2 oz (Women’s)

• Material:2-layer N20r Gore-Tex Paclite Plus

• Features:Sealed waterproof zippers, adjustable hood, non-adjustable elastic wrist and hem bands

The 2-layer Zeta FL is made with Gore-Tex’s new Paclite-Plus waterproof membrane, adhered to a super thin and lightweight 20 denier nylon face fabric. Though sacrificing thicker, more durable materials and a liner layer to shave every possible ounce, this jacket still feels great against the skin, almost like a waterproof windbreaker. Because it’s so minimal, the FL compresses down into a remarkably small size.

The no-frills design of the Zeta FL abandons conventions of many other rain shells, forgoing drawstring hem adjustments and velcro adjustable cuffs. Though more simple, this clean design still works well for most builds. Also, the two convenient front pockets have top-down waterproof zippers and are high enough to accommodate backpack hip belts and climbing harnesses.

There’s always going to be a trade-off between weight and durability with ultralight gear, and this jacket is no different in that regard. While Arc’teryx does have one of the best warranties in the business, it sadly doesn’t cover wear and tear, so this jacket probably isn’t for those who tend to be really tough on their gear. Backpackers looking for more of a balance between durability and weight might want to check out the Zeta SL (men’s & women’s), the FL’s more durable cousin. But for us, we lean towards the weight savings and packability of the FL.

Like all rain shells, the Zeta’s breathability will diminish with time and use. In addition, the lack of a lining layer separating skin from waterproof membrane will require more regular washings with Tech-Wash to flush out oil and sweat from the Gore-Tex. That said, washing rain gear is far easier than most think. Here’s our quick guide on how to wash your rain gear.

What we like

• Weight & Packability – this is the lightest, most packable jacket that Arc’teryx makes, and while there are slightly lighter rain shells out there (by an ounce or two), very few can compete with the quality and comfort of the FL.

• Design & Fit – The trim cut of the Zeta FL is extremely comfortable without being suffocating. It has a thoughtfully minimalist design, including only the features you need to keep you dry and moving forward on the trail.

• Front Pockets – Most jackets in this weight class cut out pockets to save every ounce. But front pockets are very useful on the trail, and we prefer jacket that include them, so this is a big plus in our books.

• Materials – As with all Arc’teryx products, this jacket uses only top of the line materials and construction techniques.

• Warranty – Arc’teryx covers all of their jackets for the lifetime of the product (excluding wear and tear). We’ve had excellent experiences with their customer service over the years and they really seem to stand by their products.

What we don’t like

• Durability – The 2-layer construction and thin exterior nylon of the Zeta FL make it less durable than thicker mountaineering rain shells. For us, we think this tradeoff is well worth it for the ultralight packability, and we still expect this jacket to cover many years and thousands of trail miles. But if you’re tough on gear or highly value durability in your rain shells, check out the Zeta SL (men’s & women’s), which will take more of a beating.

• Breathability – To us, the word “breathable” tends to be highly misleading when it comes to rain shells. That said, hikers will still want to monitor their activity level and keep perspiration to a minimum while wearing the FL (and any other rain shell). Also, the FL may require washing a bit more often than a typical 3-layer shell.

• Cost – Some hikers will find the $325 MSRP on this jacket too high for their budget. For those looking for an ultralight, top-of-the-line shell with an excellent fit and feel, the Zeta FL might still be an excellent choice.

• No Cuff & Hem Adjustments – While it’s not the biggest deal in the world, we generally prefer jackets with simple cuff and hem adjustments. This helps us regulate airflow and minimize perspiration on the trail.

Bottom Line

The Arc’teryx Zeta FL (men’s & women’s) is an extremely well-made, ultralight rain shell that’s specifically designed for hikers and climbers. If you’re in the market for a highly packable shell made with top-of-the-line materials and a comfortable athletic fit, the Arc’teryx Zeta FL just might be the jacket for you.

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations.

Patagonia M10 Jacket Review

The Patagonia M10 Jacket is a fantastic rain shell for any lightweight adventurer. It has quickly become my all-time favorite backpacking jacket, and I expect you’ll feel the same. It’s incredibly light, comfortable, and compactible. It breathes ridiculously well for a rain shell, feels soft against the skin – not plasticy like other jackets – and will keep you bone dry, even under the harshest conditions. If you spend a lot of time in the backcountry (backpacking, climbing, trail running, biking, etc.) you’ll quickly fall in love with the Patagonia M10 jacket.

Specs

• Weight – 8.1oz
• Function – Waterproof Rain Shell (full-zip w/ hood & watertight zippers)
• Material – Ripstop Nylon H2No + DWR

M10 Highlights

Weather Protection – The M10 is completely waterproof and windproof. It’s built from Patagonia’s patented H2No fabric – a combination of three layers that provide water repellency, breathability, and comfort against the skin. It has sonically welded seams and watertight zippers. It also has a DWR (durable water repellent) finish, which makes water bead up and run away. All those fancy words really mean one thing: The M10 is built to withstand some seriously nasty weather.

Weight – This is the lightest 3-layer waterproof shell Patagonia makes and one of the lightest waterproof jackets on the market. If keeping weight down is a priority for your backcountry adventures (thru-hiking, backpacking, climbing, trail running, etc.), this coat will be an excellent fit.

Comfort – The inside layer of this coat is comfortable against bare skin, which is uncommon for lightweight rain shells. Patagonia also put in microfleece neck and chin patches for comfort in critical areas.

Functionality – The hood of the M10 is helmet-compatible, but works great without one too. The laminated visor keeps rain away from your face. A simple drawcord on the hood and hem make adjustments quick and easy. Minimal velcro patches on the cuffs are also ideal.

Breathability – Controlling perspiration is a critical skill in the backcountry, especially when the weather is bad. Many rain shells hold moisture in, so you end up getting soaked from the inside out. One of the best parts of this coat is that’s it’s thin fabric breathes ridiculously well for a waterproof layer. There are no pit-zips on this coat, but you won’t need them because the fabric breathes so well.

Packability -There is one zippered chest pocket on this coat. The chest pocket reverses to make a stuff sack, which is convenient for stowing the jacket, throwing it into a backpack, or clipping it onto a harness.

Durability – This jacket is surprising durable, especially for how light it is. I’ve been hammering mine for two years on the trail now, and it still looks/works just like new. I expect to get several more years of use out of it. A very solid investment. 

Fit & Style – I love the fit of Patagonia clothes and jackets. Patagonia uses a slimmer fit that doesn’t look frumpy and is good for technical use over other layers. This coat is also built with arm flexibility in mind, so lifting up your arms won’t won’t show the world your belly button (or let cold air in).

Downsides

Cost – There’s no getting around the fact that this is an expensive piece of equipment. It’s all about value when considering top-notch gear though. I spend a lot of time in the backcountry and I get a ton of use out of my M10 jacket. I wear it just about every day on the trail, even when the sun is shining. I use it as a windbreaker on pass climbs and to add another layer for warmth when the sun goes down. For me this coat is completely worth the price tag because I use it so much and it works so well.

If the M10 is too much jacket for your outdoor adventures, have a look at the Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket – men’s & women’s. The Torrentshell is a downgrade from the M10, but it’s still a solid lightweight rain shell. It comes with pit-zips and hand pockets, which are nice additions for use around town. It’s not as light or watertight as the M10, but for the average outdoor adventurer, it’s still a good fit.

No hand pockets or pit-zips – The M10 has been designed to be as minimal as possible. That means cutting out unnecessary extras like pockets and pit-zips. I thought not having front pockets would bother me, but it really doesn’t. All my pants have pockets, so I don’t miss coat pockets at all. As for the pit-zips, this coat regulates moisture so well that pit-zips are unnecessary, which was also a surprise.

Care

Quality rain shells require a wash and re-application of DWR for water repellency every now and again. I usually do this about once a year with my jackets. Washing and rejuvenating the repellency of your jackets will keep the outer layer of your jacket from saturating, which prevents it from breathing properly. For the best results, use products that are made for high quality jackets. I recommend using Granger’s Performance Wash and following up with their Xtreme Repel.

Bottom Line

The Patagonia M10 Jacket is fantastic. It‘s a nearly perfect shell for any lightweight outdoor adventurer. I absolutely love mine and get a ton of use out of it. If you spend a lot of time in the backcountry and place a premium on lightweight gear, I highly recommend picking one up.

Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations.

Woolx Clothing Review

Merino wool garments can be an incredibly comfortable and highly functional part of your outdoor attire.Merino feels soft against the skin, transfers moisture efficiently, breathes well, and holds in warmth. Those are important qualities for managing your body temperature, which is a crucial skill on any outdoor adventure, especially the chilly ones.

I recently had the pleasure of testing merino wool products from a company called Woolx based out of upstate New York – So, they know cold. I tested three of their flagship products – their midweight ¼ zip top, their midweight bottoms, and their heavyweight hat – and I must admit, I’m quite impressed with the quality of their work.

Woolx uses 100% Australian merino wool, so their products are super soft and warm against the skin. You can machine wash and dry their garments without any worry of shrinking or changing the fit of your gear. Their clothing has been well constructed – they have a great fit and they have reinforced stitching in all the right places. And most importantly, they breathe well and help to control moisture, which makes them excellent for outdoor adventures.

Model is wearing size large top and bottoms. Hat only comes in one size. Model is 6 feet 2 inches, 190 pounds, extremely handsome, and incredibly modest. 

Woolx Midweight ¼ Zip Top

• Comfortable, warm, functional, and well cut
• Solid construction and a good fit
• Great color
• Sleeve length is excellent
• Torso length runs slightly long, but that’s good for staying tucked in
• Zipper guard is a nice touch and zipper length is good
• Two thumbs up

Woolx Midweight Bottoms

• Comfortable, warm, functional, and well cut
• Solid construction and a good fit
• Leg length is a perfect fit
• Waist band is comfortable
• Two thumbs up

Woolx Heavyweight Hat

• Comfortable, warm, functional
• Solid construction and stitching
• Hat size was good
• Top of hat seams create some bunching, which is one of my pet peeves.
• I would consider the material more “midweight” than “heavyweight.”
• I’m very picky about hats. This one is functional, but I think the look could be improved.

Woolx Pros

• Comfort – Very soft on the skin with plenty of mobility
• Warmth – Cozy yet breathable
• Fit – Well proportioned lengths and cuts
• Construction – 100% merino wool. Zipper guard. Flatlock seams. Very good.
• Shrinkage – No worries about shrinking or changing fit
• Care – Machine wash and dry

Woolx Cons

• Weight – Merino wool clothing tends to weigh more than synthetic clothing, but each fabric has different strengths. Synthetics aren’t as good in cold weather.
• Cost – Merino wool also tends to cost more than synthetic clothing, but again they have different strengths. Woolx products are competitively priced in the merino wool industry. There are some cheaper wool alternatives out there, but I generally find that you get what you pay for. In my opinion, Woolx is charging a very fair price for the quality of their products.
• Durability – Merino wool is durable, but you have to be more careful with it than with synthetic clothing. Wool clothing is more prone to developing abrasions and holes over time and with intense use. That’s just one of the tradeoffs for all of the benefits that merino wool clothing provides.

Overall Recommendation

Overall I would strongly recommend the Woolx 1/4 Zip Midweight Top and the Woolx Midweight Bottoms. Their look, feel, construction, and functionality are all excellent. Their prices are also fair for the quality of the product. I wasn’t quite as happy with the look and fit of the Woolx Heavyweight Hat, but I do tend to be very picky about hats. The Heavyweight Hat is highly functional and comfortable, I just wasn’t crazy about the look and the bunching of the stitching at the top.

Price

Here’s where we’d buy the Woolx 1/4 zip top, midweight bottom, and heavyweight hat. Enjoy!

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Disclaimer: I was provided with sample products from Woolx to complete this review but I am under no obligation to give them a positive review.