Articles (2020)

Introduction

The Montane Hydra-Lite Smock is (as far as we know) the lightest fully waterproof rain shell on the market (Smock is UK for anorak or a half-length front zipper). Our pre-production sample (size L) was 7.6 oz (215g). Its strength is excellent rain protection. Lack of pit zips or pocket ventilation mean that the jacket is best suited for storm protection rather than sustained active use.

The hood fits well around the face with the front aperture drawcord cinched tight. With the rear Velcro adjustment properly set for volume as well brim height, the hood provided excellent protection from precipitation. The hood’s brim has a wire stiffener (a boon for eyeglasses wearers in the rain). The shell’s hood fits passably over a small volume climbing helmet, but the fit is questionable with standard helmets like the HB Dyneema Carbon. Additional nice features are fully fleece-lined collar free of the hood, and that the hood neatly stows into a Velcro flap on the back of the collar. Torso articulation is sufficient for climbing, and the cut is suitable for layering over a reasonable amount of insulation, making it an ideal backpacking jacket. A longish hem covers the waistline and drops below the butt in the rear. The single napoleon pocket has a water resistant zipper and is backed with waterproof fabric.

Light weight, good breathability, room for layering, and great storm protection make the Montane Hydra-Lite Smock a great choice for that occasional storm. Stuff it in your pack (or possibly pocket) and you’ll hardly notice its additional weight or volume. Take it out when the weather turns nasty and you will notice its protection from wind and precipitation.

Note: The Hydra-Lite Smock replaces the Freeflow fabric Micro Super-Fly for summer 2004. The Super-Fly remains in the Montane line but changes to heavier and more expensive eVENT fabric and goes from 8.5 (240 g) oz to 15 oz (425 g). Please see a review of this jacket LINK. We rue that Montane is dropping the Freeflow Micro Super-Fly from its line as we thought that the full zip and dual pockets are well worth the extra once over the Hydra-Lite Smock. Of course, what we’d really like to see is a Freeflow Micro Super-Fly with pit-zips and mesh-backed front pockets.

Specifications

• Garment Style: Jacket – Hooded Anorak (half-length front zipper)
• Fabric Class – Waterproof, breathable
• Fabric Description – 30D Freeflow Micro DWR+ PU-coated nylon. Finished weight: 1.6 oz/yd² (45 g/m²)
• Breathability – 10,000 g/m²/24hrs JIS L 1099 B1 method (inverted cup)
• Weight – 7.6 oz (215 g) (measured); Size Large
• MSRP – £ 80.00 (currently $148.00)

Features

Ventilation (2.5)

The Montane Hydra-Lite Smock has a half-length front zipper, a medium-sized hood, and a single drawcord hem. Mesh-backed torso pockets would have little weight, and improved ventilation. Pit zips using small zippers would substantially increase ventilation. The front zipper and drawcord hem allow for limited ventilation. The elastic sleeve cuffs are not adjustable, cannot be opened, and thus, do not contribute to ventilation.

Usability (3.5)

The Montane Hydra-Lite Smock features an adjustable hood that fits over low-volume climbing helmets, dual single-hand adjustable draw cords for the hood aperture, and a rear Velcro adjustment for hood volume and brim height. With the rear Velcro adjustment properly set for volume as well brim height, the hood provided excellent protection from precipitation. The hood’s brim has a wire stiffener (a boon for eyeglasses wearers in the rain). A fleece lined collar provides some ability to seal the neck. The hood stows neatly into a Velcro flap on the back of the collar. The Montane Hydra-Lite has a single napoleon pocket with a polyurethane-coated water-resistant zipper. The half-length, 13.5 in (34 cm), water resistant front zipper is backed by a single interior storm flap. There are no snaps or Velcro to secure the front opening. There are safety reflective patches on the ends of the sleeves. The hem has an elastic drawcord with one single hand cordlock. The anorak design limits usability, which could have been markedly improved with a slightly longer zipper.

Sizing (4.5)

The Montane Hydra-Lite is cut generously in both body volume and length. It layers easily over a base layer and/or a mid-weight fleece (or thinner high-loft insulating layer) without restricting mobility or compressing loft. The hem is cut long and provides a surprising amount of coverage for such a light rain shell. In the front, it came down to just below the crotch of our 5’8” reviewer and in the rear, its drop tail extended to mid-thigh.

Fit (4.0)

With the hood up, the Montane Hydra-Lite Smock offers head-turning mobility while wearing a pack. The wire stiffened brim works well for peripheral vision as well as providing rain protection for eyeglass-wearers. The anorak could benefit from one more inch of sleeve length, as most of us can’t quite withdraw our hands into the sleeves to preserve ventilation while keeping our gloves dry. The elastic cuffs are not adjustable but we found their fit acceptable.

Field Performance

Storm Resistance (5.0)

The Montane Hydra-Lite Smock provides complete storm protection with fully taped seams and a storm flap over the front zipper. The wire stiffened brim provided excellent protection from wind and strong rain, even for eyeglasses wearers. No leakage was observed, and lack of ventilation zippers means that this is one of the "tightest" rain shells on the market.

Breathability (3.5)

The Montane Hydra-Lite Smock did not seem as breathable as eVENT, Gore-Tex XCR, or Gore-Tex Pac-Lite, but we observed it to be more breathable than many of the PU-coated fabrics we’ve tested, including all of the PU-coated fabric technologies examined in our last comprehensive round of rainwear reviews in 2001.

Ventilation (2.0)

Lack of ventilation – pit zips, torso-backed pockets, full length front zipper, and adjustable cuff closures – severely limits the Montane Hydra-Lite Smock’s ventilation options in strong precipitation. There is virtually no way to vent the garment when moving fast in stormy conditions.

Durability (4.5)

The ultralight fabric used in the Montane Hydra-Lite Smock is quite durable for its weight. Third class scrambling that exposed the smock to frequent abrasion against rock did not appreciably wear the fabric. Although we noticed some surface abrasion marks on the fabric from our scrapes with rocks and shrubs, it did not result in any leakage in the shell. We were concerned about the ability of the light fabric and PU coating to withstand abrasion from pack straps and remain waterproof. Our jacket shoulders have remained waterproof after several long backpacking trips wearing lightweight packs. At the end of our several-month testing period, we have not detected any damage – or leakage – on the interior (PU) face of the fabric. We expect the Montane Hydra-Lite Smock to be durable enough for any lightweight backpacker accustomed to carefully caring for their gear.

Value (4.0)

The Montane Hydra-Lite Smock excels as a bare-bones, durable, leakproof rain shell. If you’re one of those hikers that carries a rain shell as a last resort, contingency backup (and we’d certainly count ourselves among that crowd), it is a super value for complete storm protection at less than 8 oz (225 g)! At $148.00, the Hydra-Lite Smock is within the reach of many backpackers and hikers. It is lighter and cheaper than Gore-Tex PacLite, Gore-Tex XCR and eVENT-branded products. It is more expensive than many heavier products with less breathable fabrics. Due to its limited ventilation, if you need a well vented jacket for high levels of activity in longer periods of precipitation you may want to look elsewhere.

Recommendations for Improvement

Upgrade the shell in its same design as fabrics became lighter! The Montane Hydra-Lite Smock is one of the best overall anorak designs on the market.

Introduction

The MEC Aquanator Jacket is a lightweight waterproof breathable jacket suitable for hiking and mountaineering. Its baggy cut accommodates larger builds as well as allows for layering over insulating jackets. It has a long hem to keep your bum dry, and an excellent hood with a wide brim that works as well with a climbing helmet as it does without a hat. All of the jacket’s drawcords have one-handed cord locks. The jacket ventilates with full-length pit zips.

At 13.2 oz (375 g) for a men’s large, the MEC Aquanator comes in at a weight typical of other lightweight rain jackets with similar features. We found the polyurethane fabric of the Aquanator not quite as breathable as the best polyurethane and PTFE (e.g., Gore-Tex) fabrics on the market.

Specifications

Garment Style – hooded jacket

Fabric Class – waterproof-breathable

Fabric Description – 40 denier high tenacity polyester ripstop coated with a combination of a microporous polyurethane coating and a non-porous polyurethane coating, fabric weight = 2.7 oz/yd² (92 g/m²)

Waterproofness Specification – 20,000mm H₂O

Breathability Specification – 3,500 g/m²/24 hours (tested by the ASTM E96 A-1 standard)

Weight – 13.2 oz / 375 grams (men’s large)

MSRP – $159.00 Canadian (about USD$120)

Features

Ventilation Options (4.0)

The MEC Aquanator Jacket has a full front zipper and 15 in (38 cm) pit zips (see photo) for ventilation. It also has a waist drawcord and Velcro cuffs that can be adjusted for increased ventilation. This jacket does not feature front ventilation (mesh pockets or core vents) of any kind.

Usability (5.0)

The Aquanator jacket features two chest pockets that fit right in-between the waist and sternum straps of a pack leaving them accessible while wearing a pack. It has no inner pockets. The Aquanator’s hood is large, adjustable and can easily cover a small climbing helmet. The hood also features functional one-handed draw cords that cinch both the front and back of the hood, making the hood just as usable and comfortable over a bare head as with a helmet. The jacket has Velcro closures at the cuffs and a one-handed draw cord on each side of the waist. It uses 2-way YKK zippers at both the pit zips and the front zipper. While waterproof zippers are used at the pit zips, a waterproof flap covers the front zipper.

Sizing (3.5)

This jacket is sized large (very roomy) and it easily layered over an Integral Designs Dolomitti jacket and a down vest without compressing the insulation in the body of the insulating garments (see top photo). The jacket is also cut long to cover the butt/lower torso. While this sizing is useful for layering over winter insulation, the extra fabric is unwieldy over trimmer layering systems (see photo of pit zip detail) more popular among 3-season lightweight backpackers.

Fit (4.0)

The Aquanator’s hood offers excellent head-tuning mobility by adjusting its rear cinch cord. The jacket allows for good articulation when stretching, crossing arms, or lifting hands above your head. Its sleeves are long enough to withdraw your hands in a downpour. Our review staff felt that the jacket was larger than it needed to be for backpackers. The extra fabric flapped in winds, and interferes with the ability to see your feet while climbing.

Field Performance

The MEC Aquanator was tested in a wide variety of conditions. It was first tested during a series of hikes in the Cascades (Washington State) through drizzle, rain, and wet snow conditions in a temperature range of 28 deg F (2 deg C) to 55 deg F (13 deg C). These hikes were performed at a variety of exertion levels ranging from hiking 2-3 mph without a pack on flat ground to higher exertion levels while carrying a 20 pound pack on rolling terrain. This garment was also field tested over a 3 day period in the Cascades on a high-intensity winter climbing/snowshoeing trip that included pouring rain, slush, and hard snowing conditions as well as below-freezing temperatures. Pack weight during that trip was approximately 20 pounds as well. In addition, we subjected the MEC Aquanator to our standard cold shower tests to assess waterproofness.

Storm Resistance (4.0)

The MEC Aquanator certainly keeps the weather out. It features taped seams, a front zipper with a storm flap and Velcro closures, waterproof pit zippers and a full coverage hood with a large brim.

One reviewer noticed that this is one of the few jacket hoods on the market that is able to keep a hard driving rain from hitting his nose! The MEC Aquanator does not offer a method to tighten the collar around the neck or under the chin, and thus, it offers a poor seal, especially when the hood is down. This was a problem, especially when hiking with minimal base layers, as there was no effective way to stop water from going down the large neck opening or to seal drafts from letting heat out. See photo for the hood detail.

The pockets are waterproof on both sides and easily kept items dry from both external and internal moisture. After a downpour, the MEC Aquanator dried quickly (it has an excellent DWR finish) and gained very little water weight relative to some other jackets in our review.

Breathability (2.0)

Our reviewers observed that the MEC Aquanator was on the lower end of breathability performance for polyurethane technology, and it was unofficially dubbed the “sauna” jacket of our review. While the material did breathe sufficiently at low exertion levels (relative to non-breathable technologies), all ventilation options needed to be used to slow moisture accumulation in even mildly aerobic activities. When hiking without a pack on flat ground, the Aquanator is breathable enough to not require ventilation. In the same terrain, hiking with a 20 pound pack overwhelmed the jacket fabric’s breathability. In this case, the inside face of the coated fabric felt quite damp and resulted in a significant feeling of clamminess. When hiking uphill with the pack, it’s all over – the jacket can get very wet inside. This was especially true during a drizzly 40 degree day in the Cascades; with the jacket sealed up it would have been more comfortable with no jacket at all. That said, the Aquanator is equipped with several ventilation options that make the jacket much more versatile in these conditions. However, its breathability is noticeably less than other polyurethane and PTFE jackets in our review.

Ventilation Field Observations (3.0)

When the pit zips unzipped, the cuffs open, and the waist draw string loose (but the front zipper closed) the Aquanator performs better during high-exertion activities. When hiking on flat ground the vents were not really needed. With a 20 pound pack, however, the vents came in very handy and our reviewer was able to keep the interior of the jacket relatively dry. When working hard and going uphill with the same pack, however, the vents had a hard time transporting all of the moisture and the interior was still quite wet – conditions that resulted in less moisture accumulation in other jackets we reviewed that offered better torso ventilation. Because the jacket offers no front or back ventilation options, this moisture really built up in the torso. This jacket is far more comfortable over a thin base layer in conditions that result in moisture accumulation. Unlike 3-layer PTFE technologies, bare skin will be uncomfortable against the rubbery interior fabric coating when it gets damp.

Durability Field Observations (3.0)

The MEC Aquanator Jacket offers reasonably durability for its weight, but nothing unusual or spectacular. While it utilized a lightweight fabric that isn’t designed for high-abrasion activities, its ripstop fabric, medium-sized metal YKK zippers, and quality construction lead our reviewer to believe that this is a lightweight garment that can withstand some abuse – if treated appropriately.

Recommendations for Improvement

While we appreciated the large cut of this jacket in certain situations (e.g., wearing an insulative layer underneath to keep it dry during while watzing around camp during a wet snowfall), it is too baggy for the average backpacker. A trimmer cut would have allowed for layering over thinner insulating garments and would have been more comfortable while bushwacking, climbing, or simply performing camp chores. This jacket would have benefited from torso ventilation such as mesh lined pockets – which are necessary given the fabric’s limited breathability.

We were also disappointed with the jacket’s poor neck seal against downward trickling precipitation and cold air drafts. While some benefit is realized by sizing the jacket to fit over a lot of insulation, the oversized fit results in a poor neck seal, which has a great impact on your ability to stay warm in colder conditions. The MEC Aquanator Jacket has serious potential as a shell for the sloppy conditions of Pacific Northwest mountaineering, but it lacks utility for more general use. The simple modification of adding a small second slider at the base of each hood drawcord system (the cord travels through 2 grommets and a fabric tab) allowed our reviewer to close up the neck area to make a decent seal. Although not perfect, this is an easy change for the consumer that would extend the usability of the garment some by providing additional adjustability at the neck.

Introduction

At 11.4 oz (320 g), the Mont-bell Versalite Jacket is lightweight and full-featured waterproof/breathable rainwear. The jacket includes some very long (18 in, 45 cm) pit zips, two pack friendly chest pockets, and a great fit. Mont-bell’s Dry Light Tec fabric proved breathable, waterproof, durable, and highly packable. The garment design allowed little moisture to penetrate during very heavy rain.

Specifications

• Garment Style – hooded jacket and pants
• Fabric Class – Waterproof-breathable.
• Fabric Description – Mont-bell’s proprietary 30-denier Dry Light Tec fabric. This fabric weighs 2.4 oz/yd² (81 g/m²). The inner surface of the 30-denier shell is coated with a very thin (40 to 50 micron) layer of polyurethane. In addition, a textured pattern of microscopic dots is added to the surface of the polyurethane, which gives the coating a dryer feel. The fabric also contains Mont-bell’s Polkatex DWR treatment. Polkatex is a durable DWR treatment (according to Mont-bell), able to retain 90% of its water repellency after 100 washings or after abrasion. Polkatex consists of a water-based fluorine finish that better adheres to the fabric fibers and a cushioning agent that provides some elasticity to the molecular bonds of the Polkatex, allowing it to resist degradation from oils and detergents.
• Waterproofness Specification – 28 PSI (14 PSI guaranteed after 20 washings), using the JIS L-1099 B-1 test method.
• Breathability Specification – 12,000 g/m²/24h using the JIS L-1099 test method.
• Weight – Versalite jacket = 11.4 oz (320 g). (12.0 oz. with included stuff sack). The Mont-bell catalog and web page both contain a weight error for this jacket of 9.2 oz. According to Mont-bell, this mistype has perpetuated through recurrent editions of the catalog. They concur that the jacket weight should be about 12 oz. – Versalite pants = 7.0 oz (200 g). (7.6 oz. with included stuff sack).
• MSRP – $149 for the Versalite jacket. $89 for the pants.

Features

Ventilation (4.0)

The Mont-bell Versalite Jacket has two enormous pit zips, each measuring 18 inches (45 cm) long. The pit zips are the primary mechanism of ventilation. Additional ventilation can be achieved by loosening the hem and cuffs. The elastic shock cord hem is adjustable via two one-handed cordlocks whose adjustment is accessed through the two chest pockets. The cuffs are elastic and adjusted with Velcro closures. Torso vents are not present on this jacket.

Usability (4.5)

The Mont-bell Versalite Jacket has two large torso pockets. The pockets are positioned to retain full functionality while wearing a pack and are protected with #5 YKK Aquatect zippers.

The Mont-bell Versalite has a hood offering plenty of adjustability. It offers separate adjustments for opening size, height, and peripheral width. The opening or perimeter is adjusted via two elastic shock cords and two cordlocks. The small cordlocks are located (oddly enough) inside the front of the jacket hood and covered with fabric flaps to prevent direct contact with the user’s chin. The hood height is adjusted using a Velcro tab at the back of the hood. Likewise, the peripheral width is adjusted at the back, via an adjustable elastic shock cord. The hood is completed with a stiffened brim.

There are a total of five weatherproof #5 YKK Aquatect zippers on the jacket – a full front zipper, two pit zips, and two pocket zippers. The #5 size is slightly larger than many ultralight jackets, which are using #3 zippers. The zippers work relatively smoothly despite the polyurethane weatherproof coating. Only the main front zipper is protected by a storm flap on the inside of the jacket.

The jacket features adjustable cuffs (Velcro tabs) and hem (elastic shock cord and two one hand adjustable cordlocks that can be tightened by pulling the shock cord from inside the pockets). To loosen the hem, the cordlocks must be released from their location along the hem on the inside front.

Sizing (5.0)

The "average" size of the Mont-bell Versalite jacket is suitable for layering over medium to heavy weight fleece. Although a high loft insulation layer can be worn, significant loft compression results (especially in the sleeves) if the insulating layer has a loft exceeding one inch. The jacket’s hem will range 7 to 9 inches longer than the beltline for most useres. When bending or raising arms, the hem does not rise enough to expose the waistline of the pants. The overlap while bending forward was about 4 in (10 cm).

Fit (5.0)

With the hood up and wearing a pack with all of the jacket’s zippers closed, the user retains good head turning mobility. The hood did not shift or cover our face. The sleeves are long enough to allow the hands to be withdrawn into them. The cut of the jacket allows free movement of the arms. The arms can be lifted and crossed without exposing the wrists or binding in the shoulders. When raising the arms, the hem rises approximately 1 in (2.5 cm).

Field Performance

Storm Resistance (4.0)

The Mont-bell Versalite jacket has fully taped seams. All of the zippers (main front zipper, two pit zips, and two pocket zippers) are #5 YKK Aquatect weatherproof zippers. Only the main front zipper has a storm flap, on the inside, which lacks a gutter. Storm resistance was tested in both steady rain and heavy (thunderstorm-class) downpour conditions.

In a downpour, we found the jacket’s pit zips too long to want to open them fully – when fully open, the openings leak near the bottom and soak the lower torso. This is easily fixed by closing the pit zips slightly (pit zips close from the bottom of the torso up to the arms and are not 2-way zippers). We observed no leakage at the elbows, despite the length of the zippers. Downpour conditions also caused very slight leakage along the front zipper. This could not be corrected and is likely the result of the jacket lacking a gutter on the storm flap.

Breathability (4.0)

Breathability was tested at temperatures varying from 32 deg F (0 deg C) to 52 deg F (11 deg C) in wind conditions ranging from 0 to 10 mph (0 to 16 kph). Breathability was tested while wearing a light backpack (weighing approximately 20 lbs. (9 kg)) and hiking on level terrain at 2-3 mph (3.2 to 4.8 kph) and on steep terrain at 1-2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 kph). The humidity was between 40% and 50%. During this test, all zippers were closed, hem and cuffs were tightened, and the hood adjusted to a snug fit.

On level terrain, the jacket was highly breathable at lower temperatures (32 deg F to 40 deg F). As temperatures rose (approaching 50 deg F), internal thermal discomfort and moisture was noticeable but not intolerable. Excessive thermal discomfort did occur at the higher temperatures while hiking up steep terrain. Excluding the portion of jacket beneath the pack (an area that could not breathe due to the pack) the jacket interior in the vicinity of our tester’s armpits had the greatest amount of thermal and moisture buildup. Although there was noticeable humidity and the interior fabric felt moist to the touch, no visible moisture was observed. The area behind the head and the area in front of the chest also had thermal and moisture buildup, though to a lesser extent.

Ventilation (4.0)

Jacket ventilation was tested at temperatures varying from 32 deg F (0 deg C) to 52 deg F (11 deg C) in wind conditions ranging from 0 to 10 mph (0 to 16 kph). Ventilation was tested while wearing a light backpack (weighing approximately 20 lbs. (9 kg)) and hiking on level terrain at 2-3 mph (3.2 to 4.8 kph) and on steep terrain at 1-2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 kph). The humidity was between 40% and 50%. During this test, the pit zips were opened and hem and cuffs were loosened on the jacket. The hood was left snug and the main front zipper was left up in order to study the jackets ventilation without compromising weatherproofness.

Since breathability problems mainly occurred while hiking steep terrain at temperatures approaching 52 deg F (11 deg C), we only note the ventilation results observed during those conditions. Not surprisingly, the jacket’s long pit zips alleviated the moisture buildup under our arms. The other areas where thermal and moisture buildup occurred (behind head and front of chest) were less relieved by opening the pit zips. We believe this is due to the backpack’s straps insolating these areas from the pit zips ventilation, and is not necessarily an observation unique to the Mont-bell Versalite Jacket.

Ventilation would have been approved with mesh-backed torso pockets.

Durability (4.5)

The Dry Light Tec fabric used in the Mont-bell Versalite Jacket has a durable feel. Mont-bell’s stitching, and overall manufacturing quality, is excellent. Used during a 4-day backpacking trip through a heavily vegetated stream corridor, the Mont-bell Versalite Jacket proved durable against frequent encounters with tree branches and rock outcrops. The zippers ran smooth throughout the entire trip, and were more resistant to sand and grit than other zippers we’ve tried. We did notice degradation of the DWR finish following use and washing.

Value (3.5)

The manufacturing quality, good fit, and functional design earn high performance marks for the Versalite Jacket. However, relative to other non-PTFE rainwear from other manufacturers, the Mont-bell Versalite is priced on the high end.

Recommendations for Improvement

Our main concern for the Mont-bell Versalite jacket is the minor leaking along the main front zipper (during downpour conditions). In addition, Mont-bell could save weight by replacing the #5 YKK Aquatect zippers with #3 zippers of the same type where applicable. Note: Since YKK is not currently making a separating #3 Aquatect, a #5 would be necessary for the main front zipper. The others (pit zip and pocket zippers) could be handled with #3 zippers.

Introduction

At 8.8 oz (247 g) the Haglöfs LIM Ultimate Jacket shatters the Gore-Tex weight barrier. It was the lightest Gore-Tex jacket tested by 4 oz (114 g). If fact, it came within a smidge of being the lightest full-zip jacket tested, weighing only 0.2 oz (6g) more than the polyurethane-coated Montane Superfly.

At that weight you can pair the Haglöfs LIM and a highly breathable windshirt like a Marmot Chinook or Montane Aero – even a light woven soft shell like a Marmot Sirocco or Cloudveil Prospector – and still come in at a total weight less than that of many ultralight polyurethane shells by themselves. With the Haglöfs LIM and an ultralight soft shell jacket, you get what may be the ultimate in a flexible shell system – a comfortable soft shell for most conditions and a highly breathable, fully waterproof, rain shell as a backup when the heavens open up.

Why “LIM?” Less Is More.

Overview

Martin Kossler of Haglöfs’ says “It was our intention to make the lightest Gore-Tex jacket available without sacrificing function or fit.” The LIM Ultimate Jacket offers a number of functional niceties for a sub-250 g jacket. It has a roomy fit, articulated elbows, a stiffened brim on a roomy hood with front and rear adjustments, a dual toggle elastic drawcord hem, a full length #5 (6 mm) front zipper with a hem snap, and durable 2.3 oz/yd2 (78 g/m2) fabric. The only concessions to weight savings: the Haglöfs LIM has only single napoleon pocket, elastic (non-adjustable) wrist cuffs, no pit-zips and a short front hem.

The Haglöfs LIM Ultimate Jacket uses a new version of 2-layer Gore-Tex PacLite fabric called Matrix. As far as we can tell, it is sourced out of Europe and not available in US garments. At 2.3 oz (78 g/m2) it’s about 13% lighter than the 2.6 oz (88 g/m2) PacLite III used in the US. The Haglöfs LIM has a well-fitting hood equally suited for backpacking and sheltering a climbing helmet. With a short (harness-friendly) hem, the Haglöfs LIM Ultimate Jacket may find favor among backpackers or climbers looking for the lightest and most breathable rain shell.

The £170.00 (approx $305) price tag is a bit steep but you get a combination of weight, breathability, features, durability and low pack volume that is hard to find in other garments.  The LIM is not distributed in the US so you’ll have to order it from a UK stockist (stockist = Brit for retailer).

Specifications

• Style – Hooded Jacket
• Fabric Class – Waterproof breathable – polyurethane laminated PTFE
• Fabric Description – Gore-Tex PacLite Matrix 2.3 oz/yd2 (78 g/m2)
• Breathability Specification – Maximum Ret of 60, ISO 11092 Test
• Claimed Weight – 9.5 oz (270 g)  Men’s medium
• Actual Weight – 8.8  oz (366 g) (Men’s Size M as validated on BackpackingLight.com scales)
• MSRP – £170.00 (approx $305) available from UK stockists

Features

Graded subjectively on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).

Ventilation Options (3.5)

The Haglöfs LIM Jacket has a full zipper, a roomy fit, a large hood with a wide range of adjustability, and a drawcord hem. The roominess and adjustability of the fit allows for a bellows and chimney ventilation if you are active. Mesh-backed torso pockets and pit zips would have made the Haglöfs LIM Ultimate Jacket the cream of the crop in lightweight ventilated rainwear.

Usability (4.5)

The Haglöfs LIM’s large-volume hood has a foam stiffened brim, front aperture draw cord with dual single hand cord locks (with a unique oval shape that was easy to use with gloved hands), and a unique circular draw cord at the back of the hood (similar to a pack’s lashing bungee) that adjusts with a single cord lock. The LIM’s hood adjusts to a wide range of volumes, balancing storm protection and ventilation. The hood easily snugs down to a bare head or adjusts all the way up for added ventilation or to accommodate a full-sized climbing helmet. The LIM is certainly one of the lightest waterproof breathable jackets on the market that can accept a full-sized climbing helmet.

The water resistant, single slider, full-length front zipper provides ventilation, is backed by a storm flap for additional moisture protection, and has a “slider garage” at the top. The #5 (6 mm) zipper is larger than the #3 used most sub-250 g shells. We found it easier (smoother) to operate than many other water resistant zippers. The bottom hem opening secures with an additional snap. 

The jacket has a single un-vented napoleon pocket. It’s strategically located to miss both shoulder straps and hipbelts. The pocket is suitable for a small camera, GPS unit, a map, or a couple of energy bars. Haglöfs takes a different approach to the front pocket, using a storm flap over a conventional zipper. Since some water may enter the pocket when you open and close it (or if you put wet gear inside) they added a small drain at the bottom. The conventional zipper is certainly easier to operate than a water-resistant zipper, and is a very smart choice of materials for a pocket, which one often accesses with only one hand! (2005 models will change to a #3 water resistant zipper for the pocket.) We would have preferred twin chest/handwarmer (mesh backed!) pockets above the belt line. They would have provided more storage and hand protection and increased ventilation for only a bit more weight and cost.

A unique feature of the Haglöfs LIM is the use of thumb loop openings at the wrist closure. We assume that that they are there for temporary rain and wind protection for ungloved hands. The end of the cuffs do provide reasonable protection for your hands but still leave the thumb and fingers available for things like trekking poles or handling a GPS unit. They also help the sleeves create a seal when used in combination with a pair of rain gloves or mitts.

Sizing (4.5)

The Haglöfs LIM Ultimate Jacket offers a roomy fit that is comfortable when worn over only a base layer, but still has enough volume to layer over a fleece jacket or even a light synthetic filled jacket. The hood is large enough for a full sized climbing helmet but can be adjusted down to a low volume for maximum storm protection – even over a bare head.

The jacket is cut a bit short – great for climbing since it doesn’t interfere with a harness or pack waistbelt. The hem comes down to just below the belt front. It is cut lower in the back and provides complete protection for the butt. Another inch or two of hem length in the front and rear would have offered significantly more rain protection for lightweight backpackers who often leave rain pants at home.

Fit (5.0)

The Haglöfs LIM Ultimate Jacket offers excellent articulation in the hood, shoulders, and elbows. The “hands up” sleeve articulation, pre-bent elbows and long sleeve length resulted in no wrist exposure or rising of the hem when reaching overhead (alleviating our concerns about the short hem riding too high). The LIM’s generously sized hood provides excellent head-turning mobility while wearing a pack. While wearing a fleece jacket and a base layer underneath the shell, there was no binding in the shoulders when crossing arms across the chest. The jacket even worked well layered over a light synthetic fill garment (e.g. Patagonia Puffball).

Field Performance

Graded subjectively on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).

Storm Resistance (5.0)

The Haglöfs LIM Ultimate Jacket kept us nice and dry in heavy rain. The front zipper is the only place for potential leakage. The water resistant front zipper, which is backed by a very small storm flap, successfully kept heavy rain out, but we haven’t yet evaluated the performance of the system over time (we have been finding that long term performance of some waterproof zippers results in “aging” of the zipper that leads to leakage).

The deep hood with its generous brim and excellent adjustability provided good face protection from driving rain. The arms are very long and have plenty of room to withdraw hands into the sleeves to keep them dry. In addition, we liked the thumb loops at the wrist cuffs for providing some protection to ungloved hands while leaving fingers clear to manipulate gear.

The single napoleon pocket uses a storm flap over a standard (non-water resistant) zipper. The pocket is backed by PacLite Matrix fabric. We found that very little rain manages to get into the pocket, but Haglöfs provides a drain vent at the bottom in case it does.

Our only complaint is that for backpackers leaving rain pants at home, the hem is a bit too short in front. The jacket’s hem is longer in the rear, and while not providing extensive coverage it comes just below the butt and will be adequate for most backpackers.

Breathability (4.0)

With all zippers and vents closed, the Haglöfs LIM Ultimate Jacket was among the more breathable jackets our reviewers have tested. This is mostly due to the high breathability of the PacLite Matrix fabric used in the body. The only jackets that breathed better were eVENT based jackets at almost twice the weight of the Haglöfs LIM.

We hiked uphill at a brisk pace while wearing a pack for an hour at 40 °F (4 °C). By the end of the hike, our base layer was mostly damp (even wet in a few places), but it remained drier than tests performed while wearing other sub-300 g jackets made with polyurethane-based waterproof-breathable technologies. At moderate exertion levels, hiking with a 20 lb pack on level ground at 3 mph at 40 °F (4 °C), we stayed comfortable, with moisture only building up underneath the pack and its shoulder straps.

Ventilation (4.0)

The Haglöfs LIM Ultimate Jacket performed well in high aerobic activity. We hiked uphill with a pack on for an hour at 40 °F (5 °C). We were breathing hard for much of the hike. At the end, our base layer was damp, but drier than with other sub-300 g polyurethane WP/B jackets we’ve tested. We did feel the lack of ventilation from meshed backed pockets or pit-zips. As mentioned earlier, the roominess of the fit and large hood allows for some bellows and chimney ventilation if you are active. At moderate exertion levels, hiking with a 20 lb pack on level ground at 3 mph at 35 °F (3 °C), we stayed comfortable, with minimal moisture buildup.

Durability (4.5)

Although PacLite Matrix is not the most durable fabric available, it certainly has one of the higest durability:weight ratios of any waterproof-breathable fabric on the market. The Haglöfs LIM is tougher than most jackets we’ve tested in the sub-250 g (most of which use fabrics between 1.3 and 1.6 oz/yd2). The Haglöfs LIM held up fine when we subjected it to scraping against occasional rocks, bushwacking, and other normal abuses of backpacking. Our only concern: exposed Lycra-hemmed sleeves, which we expect to fray and wear as the jacket ages. A hem rolled over elastic might prove more durable.

Value (3.5)

The £170.00 (approx $305) price tag is a bit steep but you get a combination of weight, breathability, features, durability and packability that cannot be found in another garment. As mentioned earlier, paired with a light wind shirt of soft shell the Haglöfs LIM Ultimate jacket may provide the cornerstone of one of the most functional ultralight shell systems available.

Recommendations for Improvement

Given the weight of the Haglöfs LIM Ultimate Jacket, it’s hard to find many faults. It has a reasonable feature set, good breathability, and is surprisingly tough. As with any un-vented garment you will overheat and begin accumulating moisture in your clothing system at higher exertion levels.

If we had everything we wanted, we’d love to see dual, mesh-backed, torso pockets and pit-zips to increase ventilation on the LIM. We think Haglöfs could do this and still bring the jacket in under 10 oz (285 g).

Introduction

There are two schools of thought for making apparel lighter.

The first one, employed by the majority of manufacturers, is to decrease the weight of materials used in the apparel, without sacrificing features. The usual result: a sacrifice in durability (commonly, abrasion and tear resistance) over their more burly older brothers.

The second one, used by far fewer manufacturers, is to decrease features and preserve durability in a very simple garment design. Such is the design philosophy of the Arc’Teryx Sirrus SL jacket.

Overview

The Arc’Teryx Sirrus uses a 70 denier, 4.9oz/yd² (168g/m²), 3-layer Gore-Tex XCR fabric in the high-wear yoke and shoulder areas, and lighter Gore-Tex PacLite III fabric in the rest of the jacket. Even so, the Sirrus weighs only 12.9 oz (366 g), typically about 1 oz (28 g) heavier than the lightest Gore-Tex jackets available today (e.g., GoLite Phantom and Mont-Bell Torrent Flier).

The jacket’s real strength is its durability:weight ratio. It offers a roomy, well-fitting hood equally suited for backpacking and sheltering a small climbing helmet. With a short (harness-friendly) hem, the Arc’Teryx Sirrus SL will find appeal among alpine climbers.

The Arc’Teryx Sirrus SL offers few features: front and rear drawcord adjustments and a stiffened brim on the hood, pit zips, one non-vented napoleon pocket with a water resistant zipper, and a drawcord hem. Lack of other pockets, combined with its trim fit and short cut save significant weight by minimizing fabric used. Further weight is saved through laminated seams with small seam allowances, a narrow storm flap backing the front zipper, narrow die cut hook-and-loop cuff closures, miniature cord locks and fine diameter drawcord. Some weight is gained in the articulated collar design – which allows the hood to function independently of the collar – a nice comfort feature when you have the jacket zipped up and the hood is down.

The $300 price tag isn’t going to win any performance:price contests, especially when compared to more functional (feature-rich), lighter, and less expensive competition from the likes of GoLite and Mont-Bell.

Specifications

• Style – Hooded Jacket
• Fabric Class – Waterproof breathable – polyurethane laminated PTFE
• Fabric Description – 40 denier 2.5-layer Gore-Tex PacLite III 2.6 oz/yd² (88 g/m²) and 70 denier 3-layer Gore-Tex 530N XCR 4.9oz/yd² (168g/m²)
• Breathability Specification – Maximum Ret of 60, ISO 11092 Test
• Claimed Weight – 12.3 oz (349 g)
• Actual Weight – 12.9 oz (366 g) (Men’s Size M as validated on BackpackingLight.com scales)
• MSRP – $300

Features

Graded subjectively on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).

Ventilation Options (3.5)

The Arc’Teryx Sirrus SL provides most of its ventilation via two 16 inch (41 cm) pit-zips, some of the longest we tested. The full front zipper’s dual sliders provide ventilation when a pack belt is worn. Adjustable cuffs and hem round things out, but the trim fit and lack of core vents limits bellows- and chimney venting when the jacket is fully zipped.

The jacket has an articulated collar (a tall, stiffened collar with the hood attached to on the outside of the collar, below its crest). The advantages of such a collar include an better neck seal to retain warmth and more comfort with the hood out of the way when the jacket is zipped up.

Usability (4.0)

A mid-volume hood has a stiffened brim, aperture draw cord with dual single hand cord locks, and a crown draw cord adjusted with a single cord lock at the rear. Hood adjustment allows for a wide range of volume sizing to balance storm protection and ventilation.

Pit zips and the front zipper provide ventilation adjustment with with water-resistant (urethane-coated) zippers and dual sliders. An unvented napoleon pocket with a water resistant zipper is easily accessible by right-handers, but twin torso handwarmer pockets above the belt line would have provided far more utility with little added weight. As is typical with water resistant, non-separating zippers, some effort is required to move the zippers, and one handed operation is not trivial when trying to unzip the jacket from the top.

Sizing (3.5)

The hood is large enough for a small climbing helmet but can be adjusted to a well-fitting, low volume hood for maximum storm protection.

The Arc’Teryx Sirrus SL has a trim fit that is very comfortable worn over only a base layer, but enough volume in the sleeves to layer over a fleece jacket. It is inappropriate for layering over anything but the thinnest (e.g., 60g Primaloft PL1) high-loft synthetic jackets or pullovers, because compression of the insulation and binding will occur in the sleeves and shoulders. High loft synthetic vests can be layered under the Sirrus SL successfully.

The jacket is cut a bit short, and thanks to a two-way zipper, does not interfere with a climbing harness or pack waistbelt. The hem comes down to just below the belt in both the front and back. Another inch of hem length would have offered significantly more utility for using the Sirrus SL as a backpacking jacket.

Fit (5.0)

The Arc’Teryx Sirrus SL offers outstanding articulation in the hood and shoulders. More than any jacket we tried, we found the Sirrus SL to move with the body. The hood turned well without binding, even while wearing a pack, and long sleeves and underarm articulation resulted in no wrist exposure or rising of the hem when reaching overhead (alleviating our concerns about the short hem riding too high). The Sirrus’ generously size hood provided has excellent head-turning mobility while wearing a pack. While wearing a fleece jacket underneath the shell, there was no binding in the shoulders when crossing arms across the chest.

Field Performance

Graded subjectively on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).

Storm Resistance (4.0)

The Arc’Teryx Sirrus SL jacket kept us dry in heavy rain. The front zipper is the only place for potential leakage. A water resistant zipper backed by a very small storm flap successfully kept heavy rain out. The single napoleon pocket uses a water resistant zipper, and the pocket is backed by PacLite III fabric. The deep hood with its generous brim and excellent adjustability provided the best precipitation protection of any jacket we tested. It actually kept precipitation, including some wind blown rain, off of our reviewer’s glasses in heavy rain. If you fully open the pit-zips to vent you’re liable to get some water in at your elbows and along your sides – because the pit zips are long! The dual sliders on the pit-zips allow one to partially close them and still vent during heavy rain. The only weakness: the hem is just a hair too short – and bending over will expose a pants hem to rain.

Breathability (4.0)

With all zippers and vents closed, the Arc’Teryx Sirrus SL was among the more breathable jackets our reviewers has tested. This is due to the high breathability of the PacLite III fabric used in the body. We hiked uphill at a brisk pace while wearing a pack for an hour at 35 °F (3 °C). By the end, our base layer was fairly damp, but it remained drier than most tests performed while wearing jackets made with polyurethane-based WP/B technologies. At moderate exertion levels, hiking with a 20 lb pack on level ground at 3 mph at 30 °F (-1 °C), we stayed comfortable, with moisture only building up underneath the pack and its shoulder straps.

Ventilation (4.0)

With its long pit-zips fully open, the Arc’Teryx Sirrus SL performed well in high aerobic activity. We hiked uphill with a pack on for an hour at 40 °F (5 °C). We were breathing hard for much of the hike. At the end, our base layer was damp – but drier than with most polyurethane WP/B jackets we’ve tested. Our reviewer felt the pit-zips cooling and transporting moisture from under the arms and sides. On examining our base layer, we could see the drying effect of the pit-zips. Our front was fairly wet since the pack’s shoulder straps cut off ventilation to the front of the jacket. This is a reason we like vented front pockets in addition to pit zips. At moderate exertion levels, hiking with a 20 lb pack on level ground at 3 mph at 35 °F (3 °C), we stayed very comfortable, with minimal moisture buildup.

Durability (5.0)

With its 4.9oz/yd² (168g/m²) 3-layer Gore-Tex XCR fabric in the joke and shoulders and 2.6 oz/yd² (88 g/m²) PacLite III fabric in the rest of the jacket, the Arc’Teryx Sirrus SL is tougher than most jackets we test in this weight range. We subjected the jacket to scraping against rock and bushwacking in thick brush, using it as a sit pad for wet rocks and logs, and the other normal abuses of backpacking and climbing over a several month period. If you need a lightweight shell where durability is the most important feature, you’d be hard pressed to beat the Arc’Teryx Sirrus SL. We gave it this durability grade based on its durability:weight ratio – obviously, there are heavier, more durable jackets out there.

Value (3.0)

The $300 Arc’Teryx Sirrus SL isn’t going to win any price:performance awards. Although it’s a well-designed jacket, there are lighter, more feature-rich shells out there for a lot less money. Gore branding, the pterodactl logo, and sexy styling is going make the Sirrus SL a winner for some. However, if you climb, or do a lot of bushwacking in foul conditions and need a durable shell, the Sirrus SL gives you the ventilation and durability you need as great weight.

Recommendations for Improvement

We’d love to see dual, mesh-backed torso pockets on the Arc’Teryx Sirrus SL. It would put the jacket’s ventilation and breathability performance among the top of its class.

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Overview

The Montane Superfly Jacket uses a two-layer polyurethane-coated ripstop nylon (30 denier) face fabric in what is one of the lightest fully waterproof rain shells on the market: our sample (size L) was 8.6 oz (243 g). The hood fits well over a small volume climbing helmet like the Kong Scarab or Every Sky Helmet, but the fit will be tight with standard helmets like the Petzl Elderid. The brim is not stiffened and the hood has no rear “volume adjustment drawcord” but it fits well and remains “moldable” around the face when cinched tight, providing excellent protection in heavy rain. Torso articulation is sufficient for climbing, and the cut is suitable for layering over a reasonable amount of insulation, making it an ideal backpacking jacket. A mid-length hem covers the waistline and provides partial-to-total butt protection. Large torso pockets ride above the hip belt and are backed with waterproof fabric. Lack of pit zips or pocket ventilation mean that the jacket is best suited for storm protection rather than sustained active use. However, remarkably light weight, good breathability, room for layering, and outstanding storm protection make the Montane Superfly Jacket a terrific choice for stuffing in your pack and forgetting about it until a squall comes along – and then – its performance is superb.

Specifications

Garment Style: Jacket – Hooded rain jacket

Fabric Class – Waterproof, breathable (polyurethane coated nylon)

Fabric Description – 30D Freeflow Micro DWR+ PU-coated nylon. Finished weight: 1.6 oz/yd2 (45 g/m2)

Weight – 8.6oz (243g) (measured); Size Large

MSRP – $179.00

Features

Graded subjectively on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).

Ventilation (4.0)

The Montane Superfly Jacket has a full zipper, Velcro cuffs, a medium-sized hood, and a drawcord hem. Mesh-backed torso pockets would have added no weight, and would have improved ventilation some. Pit zips using small zippers would have made the Montane Superfly Jacket the lightest full-featured backpacking parka on the market.

Usability (4.5)

The Montane Superfly jacket features an adjustable hood that fits over low-volume climbing helmets, dual single-hand adjustable draw cords for both the hood and hem, harness- and hip-belt compatible torso pockets (with polyurethane-coated water-resistant zippers), and a front zipper flap. Tiny zippers are only a minor downside – don’t cut off the pull tabs!

Sizing (5.0)

The Montane Superfly is generously cut in both body volume and length. It layers easily over base layer and/or a mid-weight fleece (or thinner high-loft insulating layer) without restricting mobility. Unsuitable for the climber looking for a trim climbing layer, the sizing is ideal for general backpacking.

Fit (4.0)

The Montane Superfly Jacket offers head-turning mobility enabling free movement without binding both with the hood on and off and with or without a pack – however, lack of a stiffened brim makes it a little floppy, requiring some fiddling to get it right. The jacket could benefit from one more inch of sleeve length, as most of us can’t quite withdraw our hands into the sleeves to preserve ventilation while keeping our gloves dry.

Field Performance

Graded subjectively on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).

Storm Resistance (4.0)

The Montane Superfly jacket provides total storm resistance with fully taped seams and a front storm flap, with some wind and overhead downpour resistance sacrificed in its unstiffened hood brim.

Breathability (3.5)

The Montane Superfly jacket did not seem as breathable as eVENT, Gore-Tex XCR, or Gore-Tex Pac-Lite III, but it’s a far cry better than two-layer PU-coated nylons of only a few years ago.

Ventilation (3.0)

Lack of ventilation – pit zips and torso-backed pockets – combined with an unstiffened hood brim – make the Montane Superfly jacket somewhat ‘thin’ in its ability to ventilation during stormy conditions. However, leaving the zipper unzipped and the storm flap closed (Velcro) worked well enough to spill excess heat while moving fast.

Durability Field Observations (4.0)

The ultralight fabric used in the Montane Superfly jacket is surprisingly durable. We bushwacked through willows and climbed granite peaks where the jacket was subjected to a fair bit of abrasion. And while the fabric is suffering its abrasion marks from the granite, we didn’t notice any sacrifices in waterproofness as a result. As is common with any two-layer coated nylon, we were concerned about the ability of the PU coating to withstand abrasion from pack straps while still preserving its waterproofness. Our jacket shoulders remain waterproof after quite a lot of pack use, and we have not yet noticed any damage to the interior (PU) face of the fabric. We expect the Montane Superfly jacket to be plenty durable enough for any lightweight backpacker accustomed to carefully caring for their gear.

Value (4.0)

At $179, the Montane Superfly Jacket hits the right price point between performance and cost. Cheaper than most Gore- and eVENT-branded products, while more expensive than lower-quality goods, the Montane Superfly Jacket offers a features-to-weight ratio that cannot be found at this price elsewhere. So, considering that it weighs only half a pound, it’s a great value.

Recommendations for Improvement

Add pit zips and mesh-backed torso pockets. This will keep the jacket weight under 10 ounces and still offer the lightest fully-featured jacket on the market.

Overview

Patagonia promises simplicity and ultralight durability with their new generation of rainwear for lightweight aficianados, and they appear to deliver with the Patagonia Specter Pullover. Patagonia has stripped away all essentials – the Specter Pullover has only one small inside mesh pocket, non-adjustable cuffs, and a single drawcord hem. A volume–adjustable hood and a durable, 2.5 oz (71 g/m²) 2.5-layer waterproof-breathable fabric are the pullover’s only luxuries. The result: a supremely stuffable eight-ounce marvel of simplicity.

Specifications

• Garment Style – hooded pullover.
• Fabric Class – Waterproof-breathable (polyurethane-coated nylon)
• Fabric Description – 2.5 oz/yd² (71 g/m²) 2.5-layer 30d ripstop nylon with a polyurethane waterproof/breathable barrier (Patagonia’s “H2NO HB” branded technology).
• Waterproofness Specification – n/a.
• Breathability Specification – n/a.
• Weight – 8.0 oz. (227 g) in men’s size medium, as verified on a BackpackingLight.com scale. 9.0 oz. (255 g) manufacturer’s spec.
• MSRP – $165.00.

Features

Graded subjectively on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).

Ventilation (3.5)

The Patagonia Specter is not built for the backpacker who lives in her rainwear. It has a brutally simple mission: keep you dry in a deluge and stuff away unnoticed when it’s not needed. To this end, the only meaningful ventilation options are a very roomy hood and the half front zipper. A roomy cut helps a lot, and we found this to be one of the best-ventilated (if not a little blousy) pullovers we’ve tried. Elastic cuffs are not adjustable, but they aren’t so tight to be noticeable when worn over gloves.

Usability (3.0)

How hard is it to “use” a pullover? The Patagonia Specter is light on features, so it’s sort of hard to evaluate “usability!” It may have the fewest features of any jacket we’ve reviewed. Some may see this as its greatest strength. The waterproof front zipper comes with a fancy decorative slider that’s not so easy to use with gloves or mittens, and there’s no hole in the end of the slider for adding your own zipper pull. The inside stash pocket is made with mesh, and it doesn’t close save for a single dot Velcro tab – don’t stow your car keys in it if you’re climbing the Grand Teton. The drawcord on the hem is “not exactly” one-handed, but the hood and its three-point volume adjustment works superbly, and allows you to dial in hood fit to give you comfortable ventilation or excellent articulation when closed. Cuffs are not adjustable, and are simple elastic.

Sizing (4.0)

The Patagonia Specter pullover is sized appropriately for its intended design purpose, and is roomy enough to layer over everything when a storm beckons. We’d love to see a trimmer fit, to save weight and make it an even better ’emergency’ piece for alpine climbing.

Fit (4.5)

Fit in the arms and torso is roomy enough to accommodate a high loft insulating layer (we tried the Specter over Patagonia’s new Micro Puff pullover) without compressing loft or restricting mobility. The hem is long enough to keep most of your butt dry – but we would have loved another inch of length – so we could leave our rain pants home!

Field Performance

Graded subjectively on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).

Storm Resistance (4.0 )

The only way water can get into the Patagonia Specter is via the hood opening and front waterproof zipper, no easy feat. Worn in a sustained downpour, the zipper did not leak. The hood secures well around the face with a perimeter drawcord, but we did wish for a slightly larger brim to shield our eyes better. Some sort of brim stiffener would be a help to eyeglasses wearers.

Breathability (3.0)

The Patagonia Specter uses a polyurethane technology to achieve waterproof breathability. With the pullover zipped and the hood secured over a Capilene base layer, we took the Specter into the mountains to test breathability. We experienced temperatures varying from 24 °F to 44 °F in wind conditions ranging from 0 to 30 mph (0 to 32 kph). Breathability was tested while wearing a 15 lb pack and hiking uphill (rate of 500 feet of elevation gain per hour) terrain at 1.5 to 2.0 mph. Ambient humidity was between 60% and 80%. During these tests, we didn’t find the polyurethane technology employed in the Patagonia Specter to be exceptional, and moisture accumulation during exercise was certainly more significant than Frogg Toggs, eVENT, and Gore-Tex PackLite and XCR garments tested under similar conditions.

Ventilation (3.0 )

Ventilation was tested in the same conditions and the Patagonia Specter is a solid performer considering its pullover design. This is owed in large part to its roomy fit and wide waist hem, which promotes a chimney-like ventilation effect while moving, effectively venting moisture out the half zipper. Replacing the zipper flap with a waterproof zipper means that you can’t keep the neck area protected from rain without severely compromising ventilation (one nice feature of zipper flaps with Velcro closures). Rab Carrington of the UK puts two-way zips on their pullovers to alleviate this problem. Why don’t we see this neat little usability features on Yankee garments? A Velcro dot near the top of the zipper is a simple solution. Of course, wearing a hip belt completely compromises the effective ventilation of the pullover, so it’s wise to un-tuck the front of the hem from the hip belt if wearing the jacket while hiking.

Durability (5.0)

Patagonia opts for a fabric that is one step up in weight and durability from the lightest polyurethane coated nylons – now sub-2-oz/yd² (57 g/m²). The face fabric is entirely suitable for bushwacking and occasional abrasion against rock while climbing. The interior polyurethane coating is durable, but it won’t withstand years of use under pack straps. We did notice some wear areas in the membrane (but no apparent loss of water proofness) in the areas where the hip belt was cinched over it. This is certainly not a unique feature to Patagonia’s fabric, and is common with most polyurethane 2- and 2.5-layer technologies. Overall, for a "lightweight" garment, we found the durability:weight ratio of the garment to be outstanding.

Value (3.5)

The Patagonia Specter pullover offers durability, great storm protection, and a roomy cut for eight ounces. At $165.00, it’s no bargain, but the price may be justified for some: it buys you design simplicity that most manufacturers simply ignore. If you want light minimalist rain protection with good durability this may be your jacket.

Recommendations for Improvement

Little weight would be added by improving the interior pocket so you could actually store something valuable in it. The pocket is too small for most wallets and it’s a risky storage spot for a set of car keys. Or, simply eliminate the pocket – that would be the icing on the cake of design simplicity. A one-handed drawcord pull that actually worked with one hand would be nice, and the fancy zipper tab has got to go – we need zipper pulls! And, have a look at the new generation of sub-2-ounce/yd² (57 g/m2) polyurethane-coated nylons – a waterproof-breathable pullover that weighed less than 6 oz (170 g) would be something to get really excited about. Finally, a wider brim with a stiffener would have provided better face protection.

Overview

Slipping into Mont-bell’s Torrent Flier jacket is like going to a concept car show and having one of the dealers hand over the keys. This jacket is loaded with new fabric and fastener technologies. At the heart of the jacket is a highly breathable 3-layer Gore-Tex XCR fabric that weighs about the same as the lightest 2.5 layer Gore-Tex PacLite III, which brings the jacket weight down to around 12 ounces (our pre-production version weighed 11.8 oz). The Torrent Flier is outfitted with YKK AquaTech weatherproof zippers throughout, is made with meticulous stitching and manufacturing quality, and offers a well-contoured fit. A Napoleon chest pocket rounds out a great-fitting and functional jacket for lightweight backpackers. The catch? Technology comes at a price and your pocketbook will pay.

Specifications

• Style – hooded jacket.
• Fabric Class – Waterproof-breathable (polyurethane laminated PTFE )
• Fabric Description – Gore-Tex XCR 2.5 oz/yd² (85 gm/m²). This tricot-lined 3-layer fabric is lighter than the lightest 2.5-layer Gore-Tex PacLite III. The outer shell is 15-denier ballistic nylon. The prototype tested has a 25-denier tricot lining (Most flavors of XCR use a 30-denier tricot lining). Mont-Bell tells us they are moving to a 15-denier tricot lining in the final production version.
• Waterproofness Specification – 64 PSI, JIS L-1099 B-1 test
• Breathability Specification – 13,500 gm/m²/24h, JIS L-1099 test
• Actual Weight – 11.8 oz. (335 g) (Men’s M as verified on a BackpackingLight.com scale). Production models appear to be coming in about 0.5 oz heavier.
• MSRP – $289.00.

Features

Graded subjectively on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).

Ventilation Options (4.0)

Although the Mont-Bell Torrent Flier lacks mesh-backed pockets or other torso vents, the pit zips are a whopping 19-inches in length – imagine the ability to vent from the elbows to your waistline! #3 pit zippers with double sliders make it possible to isolate venting to the lower torso, the pits, the upper arms, or combination of the three. The one-way separating front zipper lacks a double slider (does it really save that much weight?) which eliminates the option to vent only the lower torso using a bottom zipper. Some ventilation can be achieved at the cuffs (which are elastic with Velcro adjustments) and at the hood and hem (adjusted by elastic shock cord and small cordlocks).

Usability (4.0)

The Mont-Bell Torrent Flier is equipped with a single Napoleon style chest pocket on the left side, access to which was difficult while wearing a pack. The pocket’s small volume make it impractical for stowing bulkier items such as gloves, a ski hat, or sunglasses.

The hood is well-shaped adjusts easily. 3-way adjustability includes a shock cord to adjust the hood perimeter, another to adjust the width of the opening (peripheral vision), and a Velcro tab to adjust the height. Using the adjustments is intuitive and a good fit is quickly achieved. The hood has a stiffened brim to direct rainfall away from the face.

YKK AquaTech zippers are used throughout. Most of these zippers are #3s, with the front zipper (#5) being the only exception (note: YKK is not manufacturing a #3 separating AquaTech zipper). In general, we fine the stiffness of polyurethane-coated zippers to be usable for front zips and pockets, but too stiff to make pit zips easily functional.

The hem uses a one-hand adjustable elastic shock cord that is adjusted with two cordlocks on either side of the front zipper. The elastic cuffs are adjusted with Velcro tabs.

Sizing (4.0)

The Mont-Bell Torrent Flier layers well over a 200 or 300 weight fleece layer. Don’t expect to stuff a thick down sweater under it without compressing loft.

The fit in the hood area is somewhat trim (a polypropylene or Powerstretch balaclava layers well, but a 200-weight fleece balaclava will be tight). The tight fit of the hood puts the tricot lining of the shell against the chin skin, which some may find a bit scratchy.

The jacket hem overlaps the waistline to provide adequate protection from the elements (8 inches or so for our 5’6” reviewer, reduced to 5” while bending forward).

Fit (4.0)

Our size medium tester found the Torrent Flier to be a good fit. The arms are sufficiently long to provide a refuge for cold hands (when balled as fists, at least). Arms can be lifted or crossed, while wearing a pack, without the sleeves creeping up the wristline or binding at the shoulders. There is only a slight lifting of the jacket hem when raising the arms above the head, but the generous length compensates for any hem lift.

Hood articulation is poor. With or without a backpack, the hood does not permit full rotation of the head from side to side without exposing areas of the face that are normally covered by a jacket hood. In addition, the rough texture of the tricot lining does not allow the hood to move as freely as the 2-layer jackets we tested. The Mont-Bell Versalite Jacket (which has an identical hood construction, but is made with a 2-layer fabric), allows for full rotation of the head with little to no movement of the hood relative to the face. We expect the softer 15-denier tricot lining in the production model to improve hood movement significantly.

Field Performance

Graded subjectively on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).

Storm Resistance (4.5)

In addition to the fully seam sealed Gore-Tex XCR fabric, the Mont-Bell Torrent Flier uses a proprietary Polkatex finish. Polkatex, named by the Bohemian Institute of Brand Marketing (we’re kidding), is a (claimed) 100/10 DWR finish (less than 10% of fabric water repellency is lost after 100 washings).

YKK AquaTech weatherproof zippers eliminate the need for storm flaps (however, the front zipper still offers an inside storm flap and rain gutter). No leakage was observed through any zippers during downpour conditions.

In severely wet conditions, we observed leakage on either side of the hood when rotating the head from side to side. The leakage was not excessive and is only a minor concern. We did not observe this leakage in the similarly designed Mont-Bell Versalite Jacket, and we suspect that it’s related to the hood fit issues discussed above. Further, we expect this to improve in the production model.

Fully-opened pit zips will result in leakage at the elbow and lower torso in a downpour – exercise restraint when opening the long pit zips in foul conditions. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should! Use the double sliders on the pit zips to adjust the opening appropriately.

Breathability (4.5)

Breathability was tested at temperatures varying from 32°F (0°C) to 52°F (11°C) with winds ranging from 0 to 10 mph (0 to 16 kph). Breathability was tested while wearing a light backpack (weighing approximately 20 lbs. (9 kg)) and hiking on level terrain at 2-3 mph (3.2 to 4.8 kph) and on steep terrain at 1-2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 khp). The humidity was between 40% and 50%. During this test, all zippers were closed, hem and cuffs were tightened, and the hood adjusted to a snug fit.

The Gore-Tex XCR fabric used in the Mont-Bell Torrent Flier was found to be quite breathable. It was difficult to notice much thermal and moisture buildup while hiking on level terrain. Under more demanding conditions (hiking steep terrain at 52°F (11°C)), some moisture (humidity) buildup was observed (felt) but visible condensation of water droplets inside the jacket was not observed.

Ventilation (4.0)

Jacket ventilation was tested at temperatures varying from 32°F (0°C) to 52°F (11°C) in winds ranging from 0 to 10 mph (0 to 16 kph). Ventilation was tested while wearing a light backpack (weighing approximately 20 lbs. (9 kg)) and hiking on level terrain at 2-3 mph (3.2 to 4.8 kph) and on steep terrain at 1-2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 khp). The humidity was between 40% and 50%. During this test, all ventilation zippers were opened and hem and cuffs were loosened. The hood was left snug and the main front zipper was completely zipped up.

The long pit zips made venting the Torrent Flier a breeze (pun intended). Opening the pit zips alleviated any moisture buildup around the armpits even under the demanding exertion required when hiking steep terrain at 52°F (11°C). Backpack straps effectively (but unfortunately) isolate much of the torso from the pit zips. Lack of ventilating torso pockets prevents air circulation in the main body of the jacket.

Durability (4.5)

The fabric in the Torrent Flier feels very thin, although user perception of durability is significant – perhaps a byproduct of Mont-Bell’s choice to use a ballistic nylon face fabric. Ballistic nylon fibers are made by heating and stretching nylon, which aligns the nylon molecules in each fiber, a process similar to that of tensilizing steel. Ballistic nylons are reported to be 1-1/2 times more abrasion resistant and have three times more tear strength than conventional woven nylons of the same fabric weight. Consequently, the 15×15 denier ballistic face fabric used in the Torrent Flier may be as durable as heavier face fabrics used in other waterproof-breathable constructions.

The Torrent Flier uses the same fabric throughout the shell and lacks excessive reinforcements or doubled layers of fabric. Thus, the Torrent Flier has not been designed with heavy abrasion in mind. Mont-Bell’s stitching quality is excellent and don’t expect manufacturing quality to limit its durability.

We took the Mont-Bell Torrent Flier through a heavily vegetated canyon bottom on one four-day backpacking trip. Contact with cactus (we even sat on our jacket – on top of cactus once), tree branches, and sandstone had no short-term impact on the condition of the fabric. Seam tape and stitching have remained intact throughout our testing period.

Value (3.5)

The Mont-Bell Torrent Flier is a feature-worthy jacket that weighs 12 oz and uses exceptional fabric. The amount of high tech materials and excellent workmanship is reflected in the price, however: $289.00 makes this one of the highest cost-per-ounce pieces of rainwear you’ll find anywhere!

Recommendations for Improvement

The chest pocket loses much of its volume while wearing a pack. We would rather see the Torrent Flier designed with torso pockets (ventilated) that are compatible with backpack harnesses. Lining the front of the hood with a softer fabric would eliminate the scratchiness of the tricot lining against the face. Finally, the two cordlocks that adjust the waist hem could be reduced to one without loosing any functionality. (For those who don’t think twice about altering a $289 jacket to save a few grams, the hem shock cord is anchored on both ends. One of the cordlocks could be destructively removed without damaging the jacket.)

Overview

At 11.8 oz (335 g) the GoLite Phantom is one of two Gore-Tex jackets in our reviews to break the 12 oz (340 g) barrier. It is the only Gore-Tex jacket with both pit zips and large mesh-backed front pockets for ventilation. For high aerobic activity, our reviewers believed the combination of breathable PacLite III fabric and excellent ventilation features make the GoLite Phantom the best jacket at minimizing moisture buildup of any we’ve reviewed. With additional finishing touches such as a wide, wire stiffened hood brim, lightweight waterproof zippers, and dual single hand cord-locks on both hood and hem, the Phantom might be considered a feature-rich bargain at its $229 price. Part of the Phantom’s low weight is due to the new PacLite III fabric, which is 2.6 oz/yd² (88 g/m²), or about 12% lighter than the previous generation of the lightest PacLite. The rest of its low weight comes from careful design and addition of features that offer plenty of function for little weight. It’s hard to find fault with the Phantom, and its primary limitation lies in its hood: while the hood has a nice wire stiffened brim, it lacks a rear adjustment, and it is not helmet friendly.

Specifications

• Garment Style – Hooded Jacket
• Fabric Class – Waterproof breathable – polyurethane laminated PTFE
• Fabric Description – 2.5-layer Gore-Tex PacLite III 2.6 oz/yd² (88 g/m²). Outer shell, mini-ripstop nylon. Inner shell, nylon tricot.
• Breathability Specification – Maximum Ret of 60, ISO 11092 Test
• Weight – 11.8 oz (335 g) (measured Men’s M); 13.0 oz (369 g) (manufacturer claim for Men’s L)
• MSRP – $229

Features

Graded subjectively on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).

Ventilation Options (5.0)

The GoLite Phantom has four large core vents: two dual slider pit-zips and two large mesh-backed chest pockets. In addition, it has a full-length front zipper and elastic and Velcro cuff closures, a drawcord hem, and roomy hood opening. Can you ask for much more than that?

Usability (4.5)

The GoLite Phantom’s hood has face aperture elastic draw cord with single-hand operated cord locks on either side. The brim is large with a nice wire stiffener- a boon for eyeglass wearers. There is no secondary rear adjustment on the hood. Fortunately, the hood is snug and fits quite well without it. A Velcro tab stows the rolled hood effectively at the back of the jacket’s collar, and is not difficult to use while wearing the jacket. The Phantom has two large mesh-backed chest pockets with water-resistant zippers, solid fabric storm flaps (rear), and zipper garages. Pockets are strategically positioned to miss both the shoulder straps and hip belt on a pack. A single inside storm flap backs the single slider, water-resistant front zipper. The jacket’s hem has an elastic draw-cord with single-hand operated cord locks on either side. We found the PacLite III fabric to be a bit stiff and crinkly, relative to the more supple 2-layer polyurethane garments available.

Sizing (4.5)

Climbers may want a trimmer fit, but backpackers rejoice: the GoLite Phantom has a roomy fit suitable for layering over a lightweight high-loft synthetic insulating jacket without compressing that loft – even in the sleeves. The jacket has a medium to short hem that comes to between the belt and crotch on our 5’8” reviewer. The hood fits a bare head well and layers effectively over a beanie cap or thin balaclava but was a little confining when layered over an insulated parka hood or a 200 weight fleece balaclava. The hood does not have enough room to accommodate a climbing helmet.

Fit (4.5)

The GoLite Phantom’s hood has good head-turning mobility while wearing a pack. Surprisingly, the understated single aperture draw cord was sufficient for adjustment and has given us cause to rethink some of the more complex hood adjustment designs on the market. The Phantom’s sleeves are long enough, and the hem did not lift, nor were our writs exposed, when raising our arms above our head. There is ample room to withdraw the hands into the sleeves. There was no binding in the shoulders when crossing our arms across the chest when the jacket was layered over a mid-weight fleece sweater.

Field Performance

Graded subjectively on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).

Storm Resistance (4.5 )

With all zippers and pit-zips locked down we had no problems with leaks in the Phantom, even in heavy sustained rains. The water-resistant chest zippers on the mesh-backed torso pockets have a solid fabric “storm flap” backing to minimize leaks. The zipper garages prevent leakage at the zipper slider. Obviously there is a bit of room for water to leak in around the side of the hood in a driving rain and if you fully open the pit-zips to vent you’re liable to get some water in at your elbows and along your sides. The dual sliders on the pit-zips allow one to partially close them and still vent during heavy rain.

Breathability (4.5 )

With all zippers and vents closed, the Phantom proved to be breathable enough for moderate exertion but not enough for sustained high aerobic activity. We hiked uphill with a pack on for an hour at 32 °F (0 °C). We were breathing hard for much of the hike. At the end, our baselayer was fairly wet. It was drier than with most polyurethane laminates we’ve tested, but not as dry as an eVENT or Propore shell. At moderate exertion levels, hiking with a 20 lb pack on level ground at 3 mph at 40 °F (5 °C), we stayed comfortable, with minimal moisture buildup.

Ventilation (5.0)

With all zippers and vents open, the GoLite Phantom provides excellent ventilation for more aerobic activities. Our reviewers felt that it accumulated the least moisture of any jacket we’ve tested. We hiked uphill with a pack on for an hour at 40 °F (5 °C). At the end, our baselayer was damp but not soaked – and much drier than with most polyurethane laminate jackets we’ve tested. On examining our baselayer, we could clearly see the drying effect of both the pit-zips and vented front pockets. At moderate exertion levels, hiking with a 20 lb pack on level ground at 3 mph at 45 °F (7 °C), we stayed comfortable, with minimal moisture buildup. Most of this was due to the backpack limiting breathability and ventilation of the back and not the jacket’s fabric.

Durability (4.5)

With its 2.6 oz/yd² (88 g/m²) fabric Gore-Tex PacLite III the GoLite Phantom offers reasonable durability for rain jackets we test. It sufficiently dealt with scraping while bushwacking, sitting on rocks and logs and the usual abuses of moderate off-trail travel. It may not be up to heavy duty bushwhacking or long scrapes against granite. We’d have some hesitation on taking the Phantom on a serious climb.

Value (4.0)

At $225, the GoLite Phantom is no cheap raincoat, at least when compared to similarly featured polyurethane jackets like the Marmot Precip. However, the GoLite Phantom offers excellent storm resistance and its resistance to moisture buildup during aerobic activity is second to none. Other Gore-Tex jackets typically cost more and do not offer the ventilation of the Phantom for this weight class. With a list of almost every feature one would want on a rain jacket the Phantom should be considered a high-performance bargain with an oustanding performance:price ratio.

Recommendations for Improvement

We wish the hood on the GoLite Phantom’s was a bit larger to accommodate a climbing helmet, or at least the hood of an insulating jacket like a GoLite Coal. A second rear/crown adjustment for the hood might need to be added in response to address the greater volume and improve fit. An inch or two more of hem length would be nice for those of us that leave rain pants at home for our summer trekking adventures. Finally we’d like to see a dual slider for the front zipper so we can unzip the bottom for increased ventilation.