Ultralight outdoor gear is often positioned for the select group of hardcore users, the folks who count every ounce and gram that goes into their backpacks to make them as carriable as possible. They do this because it helps them walk further and climb higher with less impact on their bodies. That’s something that everybody could benefit from though, and now that some of the big brands are making more lightweight gear and apparel, ultralight is earning its place in the mainstream.
Backcountry is currently running a massive Semi-Annual Sale, and as an ancillary promotion, it’s giving an extra 20 percent off a handful of brands including Mountain Hardwear, Outdoor Research and The North Face. Among the offerings are a handful of high-quality low-weight jackets that are perfect for the transitional weather that characterizes the end of summer and the start of fall. Below are four of our favorites.
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Lite Hooded Jacket
This jacket weighs just over three ounces and packs down easily into its own stuff sack pocket. Wear it during rain and wind storms, stash it away once they pass.
Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket
The Helium II is a highly-rated rain jacket for everyday use, but it’s light enough to keep stash in your bag at all times (so you don’t have to keep checking the weather).
The North Face Allproof Stretch Jacket
This lightweight rain jacket is won of our favorites of 2018, and a worthy opponent against any type of rain shower.
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Lite Stretch Hooded Jacket
Mountain Hardwear’s wind jacket won’t stop a deluge, but it’ll provide an extra layer of warmth and will fend off the wind, which can be just as cold.