Introduction

The RaidLight HyperLight MP+ Waterproof Jacket is one of the lightest no-frills rain jackets on the market. Though designed for the storm-surprised trail runner, the soft finish quality and 3 oz (85 g) weight could be attractive to a minimalist-minded backpacker looking for an ultralight waterproof layer. In this review, we specifically examine the women’s version, but a men’s version is available as well.

**EDITOR’S NOTE** The Raidlight Hyperlight MP+ is a rain jacket from Raidlight, a brand specializing in trail-running gear. It should not be confused with any products from Hyperlight Mountain Gear.

Photo: RaidLight

Features and Specifications

Features

Stuffs into hood pocket for storage
Taped seams
Slim fit
Watch window on left wrist
Elastic wrist cuffs
Thumb loops
Elastic hood with slim visor
Elastic waist
Reflective strips on hood, back, and arms
Soft, quiet fabric

Specifications

All manufacturer-reported specifications for the RaidLight Hyperlight MP+, including weight, are identical for the men’s and women’s version.

Weight: 3.0 oz (85g)
Waterproof rating: 20k mm
Breathability rating: 25k
Membrane: 4-Way Stretch MP+ Membrane
Zipper: waterproof
Fabric
- Membrane: 100% Polyurethane
- Shell: 100% Polyamide
Finish: DWR treatment

Waterfall testing in Zion National Park.

Review Context

I spend close to 200 days a year in the backcountry as a professional educator and guide. I’m continually trying to improve my rain-jacket game. I consider it a mandatory piece of equipment because it can be the difference between comfort and discomfort. In very cold, wet, and windy conditions – it’s a safety item as well.

I’m always searching for a jacket that is lightweight and compact enough to “forget about” in my pack and yet gives me full protection during an all-day storm. I want a jacket that performs equally well during active pursuits like hiking and scrambling as well as passive activities like cooking and providing first aid.

I ask myself the following questions when choosing a rain jacket:

What level of rain will this handle? A sprinkle? A deluge? A monsoon?
How easily can I pack it? Will it fit in an easily accessible part of my pack?
Will it function as a multi-use piece of gear? Can it be used as a wind shell? A pack cover? An insulator?
What are the bushwacking capabilities of this layer? How well will hold up to abrasion?
Is this harmonious with my current layering system?

Description of Field Testing

For context, I tested the RaidLight Hyperlight MP+ alongside Patagonia’s Alpine Houdini, the Arc’Teryx Beta AR, and a convenience store plastic poncho.

I primarily tested the Raidlight Hyperlight MP+ on a 10-day backpacking trip in Big Sur, California. Luckily for this review, it has been a rainy spring in central California. We experienced 4 in (10 cm) of rain during our trip. When it wasn’t raining, we were “swimming” through Pacific coast fog. Temperatures ranged from the low 70s to the low 40s.

I also tested the Hyperlight MP+ while:

Trail running through mist
Standing under waterfalls in Zion National Park
Cycling through light rain

20190519 111427 1 — All-day fog in the Big Sur Mountains.

Performance Assessment

I evaluated the RaidLight Hyperlight MP+ by the following criteria:

Finish quality
Fit
Zipper
Durability & Breathability
Compressibility

Finish Quality

The RaidLight Hyperlight MP+ utilizes taped seams, lightweight polyamide fabric, and a DWR treatment.

Taped seams are a must for rain gear. The seams on the RaidLight Hyperlight MP+ are soundly taped, but I do wonder how well they will hold up to long-term use due to the light fabric. The DWR treatment on the lightweight polyamide fabric was sufficient waterproofing (I did get wet, but it wasn’t from fabric soak-through – see the “Zipper” section below). The fabric itself is incredibly soft and quiet – when I pulled it out of the box my first thought was, “this fabric is supposed to keep me dry?”

Fit (length, hood, cuffs)

The RaidLight HyperLight MP+ features a non-adjustable elastic hood.

The hood fits snugly with enough room to go over a baseball cap. As a weight saving measure, the elastic band is not adjustable.

Screen Shot 2019 06 05 at 3.29.00 PM — Demonstrating the fit of the RaidLight Hyperlight MP+.

The Hyperlight MP+’s zipper reaches to just under the chin. I found this design to be a little uncomfortable – I got some chafing with the zipper all the way up. This design had ramifications once it started to rain – see the zipper section below.

Thumb loops keep the sleeves in place but I worry about their long-term durability.

The elastic thumb-loops functioned as expected, keeping the sleeves in place during activity. My worry is one of durability: the seam connecting the fabric and loop doesn’t seem secure enough to hold up to long term use. I don’t see them lasting long, particularly not with the kind of use I’d be giving this jacket as an outdoor professional. On top of that, I found the loops to be somewhat uncomfortable on my thumbs – the thin elastic loop digs into the skin a little.

I have an athletic build and stand 5’5” and 130 pounds. I found the RaidLight Hyperlight MP+’s fit short in both the torso and arms and too tight for a layer beyond a thin fleece. I’d like to see this jacket cut slightly more roomy – even if it added a little weight. Of course, that’s a backpacker talking – most trail runners are going to layer this over a thin shirt.

Zipper

20190519 124032 1 — The RaidLight Hyperlight MP+’s zipper design allowed some moisture in during a four-hour rainstorm.

The waterproof zipper is my main gripe with the RaidLight Hyperlight MP+. As seen in the photo above, I experienced significant moisture entry around the zipper during a four-hour rain and hail storm in the Big Sur. I believe this came from the design of the zipper rather than its waterproofing – because it chaffed my chin, I had to leave it unzipped slightly, allowing water to enter from the top.

Durability & Breathability

The RaidLight Hyperlight MP+’s fabric is so soft that it almost feels like tissue paper. It breathes well – making it ideal for shielding you from light rain during heavy exertion. The downside is the fabric’s fragility – this is not the rain jacket I would grab first for off-trail excursions or bushwhacking of any kind.

Compressibility

The MP+ is fairly compact for a rain jacket, compressing down to slightly larger than palm-sized. The built-in stuff pocket is located in the hood. The jacket fits into the pouch easily (no struggling to get it stowed) and continues to compress if necessary – meaning it’s easy to cram into whatever nook or cranny you have available in your packing system.

Product Strengths and Limitations

Strengths

Incredibly soft and quiet – unlike standard hardshell fabrics
The clear watch window is a nice touch
So light and compressible (3 oz / 85 g) that I lost it a few times in my pack
Minimalist design for weight savings – the trail running pedigree is evident here

Limitations

Short torso and short arms – no room underneath for anything beyond a light fleece
Uncomfortable elastic thumb loops
Uncomfortable zipper design when fully zipped; allows for water entry during a hard storm if not fully zipped
Lack of features (pockets, adjustable hood, etc) might be a turn-off for some
Falls victim to the curse of women’s gear – only available in bright blue with a hot pink zipper

Commentary

The RaidLight Hyperlight MP+ can have a seat at the ultra-light backpacker table. That table should have less than 20% chance of precipitation and temperatures above 50 F (10 C). The overlap between ultra-running gear and ultralight backpacking gear is growing but still imperfect – and that shows in this jacket.

The fabric feels great and has above average breathability for a waterproof layer – what you’d expect from a jacket designed for moving fast and working hard. As a runner, I can appreciate the minimalist lack of features and weight-saving (i.e., not very roomy) cut. But as a backpacker, I want to be able to move freely and access pockets without exposing my insulating layers to moisture. You just can’t do that in this jacket. However, the Hyperlight MP+ does function well as a wind shirt when paired with a light long-sleeved layer underneath, so it does get points in the “multi-use gear” department.

IMG 20190412 131747 2 — Using the clear watch window to check the time while standing under a waterfall in Zion.

Some of the design features – like the elastic thumb loops and under-the-chin zipper, were uncomfortable. The clear watch panel is a cool and thoughtful touch.

Finally, as a professional in the outdoor industry and a woman in my thirties, I don’t want my only color option to be baby blue with hot pink.

Compared To…

Here is how the Raidlight Hyperlight MP+ compares to a couple of possible options for an ultra-light backpacking rain jacket in terms of price, performance, and features. The weights listed here reflect women’s sizes.

Product	MSRP	Weight	Material	Ventilation	Hood	Pockets	Cut
RaidLight Hyperlight MP+ Women's	$219.95	3 oz (85 g)	Membrane: 100% Polyurethane Outer Fabric: 100% Polyamide	none	Elastic, pre-tensioned	No	Slim
ZPacks Vertice Jacket	$259.00	4.9 oz (139 g)	1.92 oz/sqyd Vertice Waterproof Breathable Fabric	Pit zips	Adjustable, helmet compatible	No	Long, slightly roomy
Arc’teryx Zetal FL	$325.00	6.9 oz (195.61 g)	20-denier (N20p) nylonGORE-TEX Pro with 2-layer GORE-TEX PACLITE Plus	none	Adjustable	Two at hips	Roomy
Hyperlite Mountain Gear The Shell	$450.00	5.8 oz (164.42 g)	DCF-WPB	None	Adjustable, helmet compatible	One, at hip	Roomy
Outdoor Research Helium II Rain Jacket	$159.00	5.5 oz (155.92 oz)	Pertex Shield+ 2.5-layer waterproof breathable laminate on nylon	None	Adjustable	One, at chest	Roomy

While the Raidlight Hyperlight MP+ is the lightest jacket in our table, it is also the most minimally featured and tightest fitting. This design demonstrates the Raidlight Hyperlight MP+’s origins as a jacket aimed at trail runners and highlights its limitations as a piece of ultralight backpacking gear.

Rating: Above Average

I recommend this jacket to a trail runner who occasionally backpacks, or for absolute ounce shavers who can be confident they will only have to contend with light showers during a trip. The weight is hard to beat, and the fabric feels great, but the short, slim cut makes it vulnerable to competition from similarly priced jackets like the Outdoor Research Helium II Rain Jacket or ZPacks Vertice Jacket.

Where to Buy

Buy the Women’s Raidlight Hyperlight MP+ at Raidlight.
Buy the Men’s Raidlight Hyperlight MP+ at Raidlight.

Disclosure

How we acquired these products: Product(s) discussed in this review were either acquired by the author from a retailer or otherwise provided by the manufacturer at a discount/donation with no obligation to provide media coverage or a product review to the manufacturer(s).
We do not accept money or in-kind compensation for guaranteed media coverage: Backpacking Light does not accept compensation or donated product in exchange for guaranteed media placement or product review coverage.
Affiliate links: Some (but not all) of the links in this review may be “affiliate” links, which means if you click on a link to one of our affiliate partners (usually a retailer site), and subsequently make a purchase with that retailer, we receive a small commission. This helps us fund our editorial projects, podcasts, instructional webinars, and more, and we appreciate it a lot! Thank you for supporting Backpacking Light!

This topic has 2 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 2 years, 2 months ago by Donald Johnston.

Viewing 3 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)

Author

Posts
Jun 8, 2019 at 8:27 pm #3596830

Heather Ekstrom
Member

@hekstrom

Companion forum thread to: Raidlight Hyperlight MP+ Waterproof Rain Jacket Review

The RaidLight HyperLight MP+ Waterproof Jacket is one of the lightest no-frills rain jackets on the market.

Jun 19, 2019 at 2:26 am #3598403

Dan Y
BPL Member

@zelph2

Delamination of seam seal tape is starting to occur at a point a little off center to the left.

Send it back, inform your donator.

Nov 5, 2019 at 6:57 am #3617371

Donald Johnston
BPL Member

@photonstove

I just received this rain jacket. To me a little smaller than traditional and a trim fit as indicated in the article means size up before giving it a miss.

I’ve been happy with my current rain gear for years using a Sierra Designs Cloud Airshell. In US size XL it is 4.6 oz in it’s W/B factory stuff sack. This jacket is no longer made. I bought this Raidlight Hyperlight MP+ in part because it’s MP+ fabric improves upon the Cloud fabric by having a Durable Water Repellent finish, though from my experience with the Cloud, I’m not sure this is all that important. The Cloud wets out on the outside but what rain jacket doesn’t in sustained rain despite it’s DWR? I’m just as dry inside as in any other rain jacket I’ve worn in those conditions. The fabric is so light that soaking wet it doesn’t hold as much water as others I have used so it dries well. The HyperLight MP+ fabric may hold less water and dry faster than my Cloud. The HyperLight has a waterproof zipper while the Cloud depends on a back flap behind the zipper. In size XXL this HyperLight weighs 4.0 oz in the Cloud stuff sack. I will use the Cloud W/B stuff sack with my new HyperLight because it is a brilliant super easy to use design that holds my rain pants as well and weighs just 0.3 oz. The Cloud has been my all time favorite rain jacket so far and I have owned a lot of them: Various Gortex jackets, a light Montane jacket, Frogg Toggs and O2 type semi disposable, emergency poncho, and a fabric poncho I added full arms to. My Cloud Airshell isn’t done in yet. I don’t need to stop using it and I have a spare one because these jackets were very inexpensive and I didn’t know for sure how it would hold up. I’ve used it longer now than any other rain jacket I’ve owned because nothing I’ve used in the past has done the job better overall and my Cloud remains undamaged. I often wear it over me and my Terra Nova Laser 20 day pack along with Silnylon chap pants I made. I’ll do the same with my new HyperLight MP+

I bought this in size XXL from https://www.runnerinn.com/running/raidlight-hyperlight-mp-/137059797/p because at $162.45 it cost much less than buying the US version and maybe, just maybe, the XXL would be larger than then US XL which is the largest size sold in the US. As expected when buying from overseas the zipper slider is permanently attached on the left while US mens clothing places it on the right. Now that I have it I can say that it is comparable in size and fit to my Sierra Designs Cloud Airshell in US size XL. The HyperLight hood is slightly shallower than the cloud. The diameter of the arms is slightly smaller as is the diameter of the neck area. I don’t believe these slightly smaller areas matter and this is detectable only by comparing with the cloud when worn over my puffy down jacket. The arms are a little longer which is a plus given that I pull my hands inside the sleeves when it is raining thus avoiding the need to carry rain mitts for my hands in very cold nasty rain conditions. This is another reason I size up dramatically. The HyperLight has a tighter elastic bottom hem than the Cloud which may not be a plus because it will reduced ventilation from the open bottom somewhat. I’m a US size medium for everything but a rain jacket. In a rain jacket I buy as large as I can get because I have learned that works better in the rain and is far more versatile for backpacking. Larger vents better always (Like a poncho but better protection) which is what you need when actively hiking in warmer weather and isn’t a negative factor when it is cold because this isn’t an insulation layer. I can wear it over any and all insulation layers including my puffy, no sewn through seams, baffled Nuntak down jacket for added wind protection and warmth in cold weather camps.

I have found that living in the east where rain is common and where I completed the Appalachian trail in multiple trips over 16 years, that less is more when it comes to rain gear. Especially if you hike and backpack on trails. There is no realistic need for heavier durable fabric rain gear. Even if you go off trail here you can usually find a way to go where you need to without going through branches, heavy brush and sticker bushes. You hold branches out of the way with your hands and you go around anything worse. There isn’t much scrambling and I can figure out how to handle that in the rain at the time if necessary. I do have some repair tape in my backpack. If I do at some point damage my rain jacket the repair tape addresses the issue. I tend to upgrade to newer improved gear long before anything wears out as I have just done buying the HyperLight.

My many miles of backpacking in the rain during late winter early spring and summer weather on the Appalachian trail with many different rain jackets, pants and variations of rain gear taught me that in a heavy extended rain no rain jacket or poncho will keep you and your clothes all that dry during extended periods of rain and part of the reason is temperature regulation is still necessary while you hike dispute being all zipped up to keep out exterior moisture. If you get too hot which is often the case even in cool weather while going up hill you have to shed layers and vent or you get excessively wet clothing from sweat soaking them and in warmer rain you may need to drape the rain gear over you and your pack so you don’t overheat. Venting, changing layers and draping all make you more vulnerable to external moisture. If you vent water is more likely to get in, to remove a layer you have to shed the rain jacket. If the jacket is draped over you and your pack you are much less protected and vulnerable to wet vegetation and wind influenced rain.

Lesson one that I have learned. You stay cooler in thinner lighter rain gear and it dries faster. Heavier fabric is warmer, holds more water when wet so it takes longer to dry and it doesn’t keep you and your clothes under it any drier. Durability isn’t an issue that overrides any other factor. It is the least significant consideration and everything else should get priority. Remember you can quickly patch with fabric repair tape in the field if necessary but it is not likely you will need to. If you want to replace it because it got damaged don’t replace it with a heavier one if it was damaged because of an unusual circumstance you don’t normally encounter. You will be carrying it far more miles than you wear it. If you keep repeatedly damaging you rain gear then you have a reason to choose a more durable fabric that is heavier.

Lesson two I’ve learned. In sustained rain, accept that you will accumulate moisture in any clothes you are wearing while hiking in rain gear and this will make you cold when you stop hiking. Yeah the rain gear is breathable but remember you sweat soak areas of your clothes when not wearing rain gear and wearing rain gear blocks cooling air movement from your motion and breezes. Venting leads to some rain getting in. None of your clothes will dry while it is still raining because the humidity is too high. Multi day rain requires careful attention to moisture management through out the day adjusting ventilation and amount you are wearing to minimize sweating soaking while hiking. You want to be on the cool side most of the time to minimize sweat soaking. The less you wear while hiking in the rain the less will be wet and you will be more comfortable in camp with more dry things you can wear. Shed everything you are wearing that you might want to wear in camp when you put on rain gear and pack it. In place of what you took off put on clothing that doesn’t hold much water when soaked such as a wind shell worn next to skin. You can’t eliminate sweat soaking though which is why wind shell becomes a base layer. This works very well and is comfortable while providing a surprising amount of thermal comfort and allowing you to vent your rain jacket because you don’t care if the wind shell gets wet. If necessary to stay warm enough while hiking add other non insulation layers on top of the wind shell that you won’t need to wear in camp for warmth. The Goal is to be on the cool side when hiking to minimize sweat soaking clothing. Anything you wear under your rain jacket is expected to get wet so don’t wear anything that needs to be kept dry for warmth in camp. You are likely to get a little wet while shedding and packing layers unless you act ahead of the start of the rain.

There are also pants and a large coat style available:

https://www.runnerinn.com/running/raidlight-ultra-mp-/137059806/p

https://www.runnerinn.com/running/raidlight-hyperlight-mp–rain/137059796/p

I’ll post any negative results if this jacket doesn’t live up to expectations once I have used it in rain for a while.
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Raidlight Hyperlight MP+ Waterproof Rain Jacket Review

By Heather Ekstrom

Introduction

Features and Specifications

Features

Specifications

Review Context

Description of Field Testing

Performance Assessment

Finish Quality

Fit (length, hood, cuffs)

Zipper

Durability & Breathability

Compressibility

Product Strengths and Limitations

Strengths

Limitations

Commentary

Compared To…

Rating: Above Average

Where to Buy

Related Content

Disclosure

By Heather Ekstrom

Free Handbook

Get ultralight backpacking skills, gear info, philosophy, news, and more.

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Raidlight Hyperlight MP+ Waterproof Rain Jacket Review

By Heather Ekstrom

Introduction

Features and Specifications

Features

Specifications

Review Context

Description of Field Testing

Performance Assessment

Finish Quality

Fit (length, hood, cuffs)

Zipper

Durability & Breathability

Compressibility

Product Strengths and Limitations

Strengths

Limitations

Commentary

Compared To…

Rating: Above Average

Where to Buy

Related Content

Disclosure

By Heather Ekstrom

Free Handbook

Get ultralight backpacking skills, gear info, philosophy, news, and more.

Discussion

Become a Backpacking Light Member

Forum Access

Premium Content

Community Posts

Online Education

Our Purpose

Email Newsletter

More Links

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