Sierra Designs Nanolite Rain Shells – Isotope and Neutron Jackets (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2005)

Any info on how waterproof or how breathable?

That’s pretty great. I didn’t think there would ever be anything lighter than a RainShield… let alone a jacket made of fabric with pockets and a full zipper, etc. Can’t wait to check this thing out next Spring : )

Does anyone have a report on the performance of the Epic fabric rain suit sold by the adventure racing supplier, MandatoryGear.com? The whole suit weighs 9 oz.

Ryan:

I’d appreciate if you can clarify this jacket’s breathability rating. Alan’s article states:

“Nanolite: nylon ripstop waterproof/breathable silicone coated shell with DWR, 3,000 mm waterproofness, 3,0000 g/m2/24 hrs. breathability.”

What is 3,0000? The comma looks like it’s in the wrong place — or there is one zero too many??? 3,000 g/m2/24 is barely breathable; yet 30,000 would mean AMAZINGLY breathable (I think Goretex XCR is only 13,500). So which is it? Thanks in advance.

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I know it ain’t going to be as breathable as it’s more expensive rivals–I’m betting on 3,000. We aren’t going to see the magic pill yet (say eVENT in a full-sized sub 6 oz. jacket) when it comes to ultralight W/B rainwear.

And I just noticed that the original article now has the corrected figure of 3,000g/m/2/24 for breathibility.
Check it out, Ben.

Just noticed that the above article has been corrected. This Neutron and Isotop jackets both have 3,000 g/m2/24 hrs. breathability.

Fantastically light weight, but alas, not all that breathable.

Figures for the PreCip are Waterproof- 15,000/
Breathability-12,000/RET 65
For the PreCip Plus are Waterproof-25,000
Breathability-15,000/RET60
These are European independant tests.As you can see the PreCip may be heavier but is much more waterproof and breathable.
I would like to know the figures for the Patagonia Specter Jacket if anybody can get hold of them.

So this is an old thread… but now that the North Face Triumph is out… at 5.4 ounces… how do these two jackets compare in terms of waterproofness and breathability? I can get an Isotope right now on sale at a local store for 50% off… but it still wasted money of it doesn't perform… or if the NF jacket performs better.

I tested out my triumph in the pouring rain for the first time today, and it works amazing. It kept me totally dry and really shed the rain, and I didn't get too clammy underneath. The hood is snug fitting and does a fantastic job. The only problem I can forsee is that without pitzips it may not ventilate as well in warmer weather, but for 5.8 oz I can deal with that.