7 oz 3-layer Gortex rain jacket—apparently so

[mtwarden]

I just received the new UL Dew Point jacket from Sitka. I reviewed their Dewpoint jacket and pants last year, giving them very high marks. While certainly light (12.5 oz for the jacket), especially considering they were feature rich, I've been wanting an even lighter rain jacket for those times where rain isn't overly likely or short in duration (common in the Rockies).

I've had (and still have) some uber light rain jackets, but none of them are three layer jackets and while they work in a pinch, certainly leave some to be desired in heavier and/or steady rain. Three layer Gore should perform much better in those conditions, while still being in the "uber" light category.

This jacket in size Large weighs a scant 7.2 oz (size Large).

It utilizes the newest Gore—EPe (expanded polyethylene) to help with the weight, but also is pretty bare bones. No pit zips, no adjustment on the hood, but does have an adjustable hem and two zippered slash pockets.

It also packs up pretty small—close to beer can small.

With a 20 denier fabric it still should be reasonably durable.

I plan on giving it go Spring bear hunting and also plan on taking it on this year's Bob Marshall Wilderness Open (as well as hiking my local single track trails).

 

[The Ri Guy]

So ultimately this is just an updated Vapor to be 3-layer instead of 2-layer?

Is it still ShakeDry?

Curious to know what they cut to retain the same weight, presumably it all came out of the adjustable 3 panel hood.

 

[mtwarden]

Sorry not familiar with the Vapor.

Definitely not Shake Dry—Shake Dry is always two layers—with no outer fabric, the membrane is the outermost layer.

This has a 20d outer fabric, so should be significantly more durable than Shake Dry.

 

[Macintosh]

@mtwarden will you be doing a full review? Either way Id love to hear your thoughts, especially with regard to what exactly would prompt you to choose a heavier rain jacket over this, and vice versa. Also many thanks for specifying size when you give a weight—pet peeve of mine. Im an XL so always end up heavier than specified. My current 3l gore jacket is great but its on the heavier/bulkier side (19oz, packs to about canteloupe size on the “universal fruit scale”), looking at possibly adding a lighter jacket for a backpacking trip this summer and either this or the regular dewpoint could be a good contender. Id be tempted to go the uber light route, but its not a garment I like to skimp on as Im not typically in arid areas. Would welcome any insight you have as you use this more.

 

[Wrench]

Do they just dye the membrane...lol

 

[mtwarden]

Plan on a full review after I get some time with it

Definitely fits true to size (as do my “regular” Dew points).

I’m not overly enthralled with the hood and no adjustment. Any outer garment—windshirt, softshell or hardshell should have an adjustable hood so you can crank it down in windy weather imho.