Spring 2019 is all about ultralight outerwear, whether it’s a simple windshell or a fully waterproof jacket. At the latest outdoor trade show, brands such as Black Diamond, Marmot, and Montane all had ultralight outerwear on display.
Marmot’s Bantamweight (pictured top) is the lightest, completely waterproof and breathable jacket they’ve ever made. Made from Pertex Shield 2.5 layer fabric, the jacket features tiny laser-cut holes under the arms for breathability and 2-way stretch throughout for freedom of movement. The jacket has a waterproof rating of 20,000 and breathability rating of 40,000.
At just 140 grams, the Bantamweight easily packs away into an internal pocket with loop that enables you to clip it to your harness. The helmet compatible hood cinches down in bad weather. Matching Bantamweight pants are available and weigh 105 grams.
Black Diamond’s Deploy Windshell uses an ultralight 5-denier nylon fabric from Torray together with a super light zipper from YKK, one that is 40% lighter than other zippers. The jacket packs into its own collar and weighs just 48 grams for a men’s medium.
French trail running company RaidLight launches the Hyperlight MP+ Jacket — a waterproof breathable jacket that weighs 95 grams for men and 90 grams for women. The jacket uses the brand’s own 2-layer laminate with 20K/25K membrane.
Design details include an elastic hood with brim, thumb loops, a small window to see your running watch, and silicone print shoulder reinforcements to cut down on pack abrasion. The jacket packs into a pocket located inside the hood.
And finally, Montane updates their popular Minimus Jacket with a bigger chest pocket to enable you to stow the jacket inside rather than a stuff sack. The jacket features a trimmer fit while keeping the helmet compatible hood. Made from Pertex Shield 2.5 layer fabric, the new Minimus weighs 190 grams.