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.

 

[ChrisAU]

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.

That’s my one fault with my trusty OR Helium II. Trying to hold on to the side of a mountain while your rain jacket hood is flopping all over the place in a hurricane like storm sucks.

 

[anonymous22]

Does it use PFAS?

 

[Macintosh]

Does it use PFAS?

Afaik No global company is using pfas in new recreational clothing at this point, its banned in a significant portion of their biggest markets. Gore is very definitely a global fabric company, and gore owns sitka and uses nothing but their own fabrics.

 

[mtwarden]

Correct—no PFAS

 

[Buglebrush]

No pit zips is a no go for me. That's one feature that I consider absolutely essential in hunting rain gear.

 

[tipsntails7]

No pit zips is a no go for me. That's one feature that I consider absolutely essential in hunting rain gear.

While I tend to agree this jacket is a pretty specific purpose built item. It’s going to be for early season showers where having it in your bag isn’t a massive issue, and you generally won’t use it. If you need it your hunkered down under a tarp or on your way back somewhere. It’s not something you would actively hunt in or take if you are expecting rain at all in my mind.

You’re giving up pit zips/ breathability, and durability to hit a certain weight.

 

[mtwarden]

^ agreed

If it’s going to be very rainy, I’d choose a different jacket. But that leaves a lot of days when it’s not and this is the jacket I’d grab.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

I used the SG X1 a lot last season - also no pit zips - while I prefer them, for a light stretchy jacket (assuming new Sitka piece is like this) it’s nice to be simple and packable.

 

[Macintosh]

I guess thats the question, is exactly where the line is where its too little jacket. If it was made by a climbing company, Id say this jacket is built to put in a tiny pack to carry up a climbing route where you’re trying to not carry a pack at all. BUT its sitka. Its also a legit waterproof fabric, not a 10kmm water column “barely a rain jacket”. Can it do legit double duty as a trail backpacking rain jacket, for instance, where you’re likely to use it but unlikely to see a storm that lasts longer than an hour or two?

 

[mtwarden]

It’s legit. Where it differs from most lightweight rain jackets is it’s not a 2 or 2.5 layer fabric, it’s a 3 layer fabric (and it’s made by Gore).

 

[Lawnboi]

Can you comment on the wrist cuffs? That’s where I have hated some of the UL jackets I have tried, no way to seal the cuffs and end up with wet forearms.

 

[Macintosh]

It’s legit. Where it differs from most lightweight rain jackets is it’s not a 2 or 2.5 layer fabric, it’s a 3 layer fabric (and it’s made by Gore).

Im really curious to hear some relatively specific details of your “fringe cases” where you would and where you wouldnt bring this jacket.

 

[eamyrick]

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After pacing a multi day ultra run this week I bought this one at the airport on the way home. Found it online for $100 and it has great reviews. I tried on in store and what sold me were the deep arm and side pit zips and overall low weight. I have to Arcteryx jackets that are bombproof and have proven super waterproof but no pit zips so I lose flexibility to move very fast in them.

 

[mtwarden]

Can you comment on the wrist cuffs? That’s where I have hated some of the UL jackets I have tried, no way to seal the cuffs and end up with wet forearms.

The cuffs aren’t velcro closures, but some kind of elastic closure that works very well for sealing. Well enough that if you had very big wrists it might be a bit of a pain in the ass getting it on /off.

Im really curious to hear some relatively specific details of your “fringe cases” where you would and where you wouldnt bring this jacket.

If there was a likely chance of steady rainfall lasting hours or into days, I’d pick the regular Dewpoint. When it looks like occasional showers (or no precipitation) this is the jacket I’d choose—which in Montana anyways is the vast majority of time.

Also if you know you’re going to be busting a lot of brush, you might want a heavier fabric rain jacket.