Photo: REI
The REI Ultra Light is more than just a rain jacket.
Whether you’re traveling, backpacking, or just walking across town, you need a shell that keeps you dry if it rains, and is breathable when you’re sweating. One of the most affordable and best all around choices is the REI Ultra Light.
Here’s why:
*Two-way mechanical stretch delivers unlimited range of motion and feels remarkably comfortable over bulky layers like fleece
*Waterproof, breathable 2.5-layer REI Elements®/nylon with microporous polyurethane coating is seam-sealed for complete protection
* Windproof to 60 mph
* Fully adjustable, zip-off brimmed hood stores inside collar; when you zip off the hood the neck flap covers the zipper for a clean look
* Bonded front placket keeps wet weather andwind from penetrating; rip-and-stick closures secure placket
* Brushed collar lining is soft against skin
* Pit zippers let you vent body heat quickly
* Hem drawcord and elastic cuffs with laminated adjustment tabs help seal out the elements
* Chest pocket has water-resistant, bonded zipper with a garage to protect the head while two zip hand pockets feature bonded plackets
* Includes a 4 x 9 inch stuff sack
Tip: Wear layers to wick the moisture away from your body.
Cost: $119. Some are on sale for $80
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4 Comments... join the discussion!
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Very bad call. Is this site just a shill for REI? 17oz is nowhere near ultra light, and a 2.5 layer fabric isn’t as durable. The DWR also aren’t the most breathable fabric. Pasting the product description from REI to make up the bulk of the post is also poor form.
Some alternatives to this jacket would be
Patagonia Rainshadow $150 13oz better dwr
Golite Virga $80 7.8oz – less features though
Integral Designs eVent Jacket $240 9oz – hands down best fabric out there today
Montbell Particle $100 11oz – more durable fabricThese are just a small sample. A proper gear article on rain jackets should recognize that people have different needs and different abilities to pay. If you really want to be informative, you should discuss how to measure breathability and what independent labs have found.
I gave you a pass on the poorly recommended REI tent, but I’m done being lenient.
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Austin, I’m loving your gear reviews here lately! Very informative and useful for my camping trips that I have coming up.
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$80 for this baby would be a steal! Wish I were in the market for one.
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