There are many waterproof jackets available. Here are some lighter weight rain protection options. I am not an expert in this space but the trade-offs for wet weather include the effectiveness of water repellence vs comfort – especially regarding sweating.
The more expensive items have a breathable membrane such as Goretex or the more modern and highly regarded Event fabric. If you are going to a cold location in particular, then I would recommend that erring on the heavier – longer style of protection. You do not want to be cold and wet.
This is probably one piece of gear wear outright weight should not be your main consideration.Hopefully you won’t need to wear it because of its intended purpose. You can however make your rain jacket part of your cold weather prep and combined with a light weight fleece will be a great investment.
I have chosen a Rab Latok for a multi-day walk in Tasmania. I hate being cold.
Waterproofing information: Durable waterproof repellant (DRW) article at Wikipedia
AntiGravity Gear Poncho Villa Dimensions: 64″ x 64″ Diagonal Length: 90 in Weight: 5.7 oz/163 g Material: 1.1 oz Sil-nylon Packed Size: 5″ x 9″ | |
AntiGravity Gear Ultralight Rain Jacket Weight: 4.6 oz/130 g (Size Med) | |
| ARCTERYX Beta SL The hip length ARCTERYX Beta SL is an excellent all-around GORE-TEX® PACLITE® jacket that is ideal for hikers, bikers, or those who require lightweight and packable storm protection without all of our Ascent specific features. With a trim fitting Drop Hood™ and lowered hand-warmer pockets, this piece is a great choice if climbing helmets and harnesses aren’t in the backpack Fit: Athletic, Waist length |
Equinox Gazelle Anorak Weight: 6.7 ounces (190 g) | |
Go Lite Virga The 8oz 2 layer, waterproof-breathable, full-zip Virga jacket offers what you need and nothing you don’t. Super packable and very durable, the featherweight Virga offers less fuss and more fun with an elasticized hood and hand pockets. It’s the ultimate in ultra-lite storm protection for all your fast-packing trips and ultra-lite travels. Med size weighs 258 grams / 9.2 ozs | |
Integral Designs Event Designed to provide protection from rain and wind, the Integral Designs eVENT Rain Jacket is a lightweight, fully waterproof unisex shell that is comfortable to wear all day long. Small – 34-36 in (chest); 8.5 oz (242 g) | |
Kathmandu Packaway Anorak Lightweight and waterproof with low bulk for travel. The Packaway Anorak is fully seam sealed and features a long front zip with rain guard for extra protection, hood with drawcord adjustment, water resistant zips and drawcord hem. 100% Nylon with DWR Weight Mens Size L 320g | |
Macpac Prophet XPD Jacket eVent 3 layer event 820g – Size medium | |
Marmot Aegis Weight: 14oz (397g) | |
The wind and shower-proof Montane Lite-Speed is superlight Weight: 175 g
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Montbell Particle 3-layer SUPER HYDRO BREEZE™ technology Weight: 11.8 oz. (335g) (stuff sack included) | |
Mountain Designs – Photon – with integrated hood. 2.5 layer fabric with Inner Surface Technology to enhance against-the-skin comfort Fabric: Repel™ Storm fabric 2.5L It is not ultralite at 444 g but is relatively robust. | |
Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2™ Gore-Tex Paclite® Plus Jacket Gore-Tex PACLITE® Plus 2.5L 9.07oz/ 257 G Size Medium
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Outdoor Research Helium Jacket Very light compressible storm shell. Avg. Weight (oz./g): 6.8 / 193g (size large) This jacket reviews very highly. | |
Patagonia Rain Shadow Jacket Stretch 3-layer waterproof/breathable H2No® Performance Standard shell provides unrestricted mobility, the highest levels of comfort and performance, and long-term waterproof durability Two-way-adjustable hood with a laminated visorWeight: 397 g | |
Rab Latok 3 Layer Event jacket Weight: 520g / 18oz
This is my current rain jacket. It is so breathable and warm. It is not super light – but have worn it in sideways sleet in Tasmania and it kept me try. I love this jacket. When you are thinking about warm gear know that you can add your rain jacket over the top of a fleece and you can be bullet proof. | |
Sea to Summit all in one tarp-poncho shelter Ultra-sil is 3 times lighter than standard fabrics | |
The North Face Mountain Light Jacket Average Weight: 742 g (26.2 oz) |
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