Latest Gear: Lightweight waterproof shells
Lots of new design features from some of the top manufacturers
In most mountain ranges in the world carrying a waterproof shell is a necessity, even in the driest places. A lightweight waterproof shell is one of the most important pieces of kit you can buy. It’s also an area that sees a lot of design advancements and innovation so this month I thought I’d take a look at what’s out there for the runner, hiker and climber this spring / summer season.
Running
Weight, pack size, fit and breathability are the priorities.
Berghaus VapourLight Hyper Smock 2.0
The VapourLight Hyper Smock is the World’s lightest waterproof jacket, coming in at a ridiculous 75g for a size large. As you’d expect for such a light jacket, the VapourLight Hyper Smock is pretty minimal but you do still get a decent hood and even a chest pocket too. It packs down so small and is so light that this shell will go virtually unnoticed in a pack. RRP approx £100
Montane Minimus 777 Pull On
Montane have a long history of designing really awesome trail running shells. The Minimus 777 is an update on the classic Minimus and is just the ticket for long mountain runs. Pertex Shield+ fabric gives good performance in the wet and also scores on the breathability front too. The hood has an elastic tightener on the rear and offers protection without flapping around and getting in the way and the single chest pocket stores an energy gel or two. RRP approx £190
Hiking
Weight and packsize are still important but so are features like hood and pocket design. Durability comes into play also, especially for all day use with a pack.
Haglofs LIM Versa Jacket
Part of the LIM (Less is More) range, the Versa Jacket is designed to offer simple, lightweight protection for hiking and backpacking. It’s made of GoreTex Paclite for guaranteed waterproof protection along with pretty good breathability and a surprising amount of durability. Coming in at just 270g, the LIM Versa still has an excellent adjustable hood and two mesh backed pockets that also provide ventilation when needed. RRP approx £230
Fjallraven Abisko Eco Jacket
A lightweight trekking and hiking jacket from the Swedish brand that seem to be everywhere at the moment, the Abisko Eco Jacket is perfect for year round mountain and valley adventures. Technically the Abisko Eco Jacket is right up there but it still manages to keep a semblance of style too. This is a great jacket for anyone who wants high performance without the full on techy look. RRP approx £300
Alpine Climbing
A good fit when wearing a harness is essential. Make sure the hood works with whatever helmet you usually wear too.
Arc’teryx Alpha FL
This jacket rolls everything that Arc’teryx know about waterproofs into one garment. The Alpha FL is focussed, streamlined and perfect for alpine climbing.. Arc’teryx use 3 Layer GoreTex Pro (yep, not Paclite, not Active but full on GoreTex Pro) with an exclusive 40d face fabric that Arc’teryx and Gore have worked on to make as hard wearing as possible. It provides very high performance and durability at a very low weight. The Alpha FL is pretty much in a league of its own when it comes lightweight shells for serious mountain use. RRP approx £340
Rab Spark Jacket
An unbeatable jacket for the price, Rab have always been good at producing simple, lightweight alpine shells that represent real value for money. The Spark is the latest in their line to do just that and is almost unbeatable at the price. The Spark has climbing specific features like chest pockets that are easy to access when wearing a harness and a big helmet compatible hood, whilst still weighing in at just 315g. The super light Pertex Shield+ fabric also makes the Spark nice and packable so it won’t take up much room in a pack. The Rab Spark Jacket is the perfect waterproof shell for summer alpine adventures. RRP approx £130
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