Ultralight Rain Jackets For Backpacking

You can have all the best features in the world but if your rain jacket doesn t do an adequate job of keeping you dry not much else matters.

Ultralight rain jackets for backpacking. A rain jacket s most important job is to keep its wearer dry whether hiking backpacking ski touring alpine climbing or out walking the dog on a rainy day this is the equipment s primary purpose. Simply put the best ultralight jackets for trail running may be different from the best models for cool weather hiking climbing or ultralight backpacking and your choice will also depend on the typical weather you encounter. The outdoor research helium ii is one of the lightest weight rain jackets available which explains its popularity with ultralight backpackers and thru hikers. The base weight of my 2020 ultralight backpacking gear list comes in at 8 8 pounds.

The models we reviewed below provide budget rain protection for day hikes and general around town use to ultralight rain protection for climbing long distance backpacking and trail running. What to look for in a backpacking rain jacket weight. Protecting yourself from the elements involves more than just a down or synthetic layer. Marmot has truly designed an effective lightweight rain jacket with the precip but the best part that rounds it all out is the price tag.

I ve counted ounces scoured over reviews and slowly pieced together my dream kit. Most pricey but not all durable lightweight rain jackets 3 layer 7 12 oz 200 to 380 durable do it all workhorses but still light. While many ultralight shells are similar in appearance and weight they can vary significantly in functionality. Ultralight rain jackets 5 6 oz 160 300 the very lightest and the highest tech.

All together the precip is a worthy contender for almost all predictable usages of a rain jacket and rightfully deserves its reputation. While it lacks many features such as side pockets pit zips and adjustable wrist cuffs in order to save gear weight it has an adjustable hood and a drawcord hem to keep the wind from robbing your body heat. For more background information see our rain jacket comparison table and buying advice below the picks. Below we break down the best rain jackets of 2020 from entry level models for hiking and daily use to ultralight pieces for backpacking climbing and trail running.

Since that fateful trip it s been my mission to assemble the best ultralight backpacking gear setup for my personal needs. You want to comfortably layer underneath it without sacrificing mobility but it shouldn t feel so big that it bunches up. A guide to the best lightweight rain jackets for men and women thru hiking in 2020. Your rain jacket shouldn t weigh more than 12 14 ounces.

Lightweight rain jackets 9 11 oz 70 100 super value full featured 1st choice for many. Your backpacking rain jacket should be a medium fit.