Zpacks Vertice Vs Enlightened Equipment Visp - Which Rain Jacket is BETTER?

Stuff I Mentioned in this Video:
Zpacks Vertice - zpacks.com/products/vertice-r...
Enlightened Equipment Visp - bit.ly/3a2mlc3
EE Torrid Apex Jacket - bit.ly/3a13Pkf
OR Helium II - amzn.to/2WEULJI
Frogg Toggs Xtreme Lite (Budget Jacket) - amzn.to/3cGEURV
My Layering System - • My Backpacking Layerin...
Favorite Backpacking Gear of 2020 - • My Favorite Backpackin...
Get Exclusive Behind The Scenes Content & Support my Channel with a pledge as low as a $1/month - / darwinonthetrail
** Gear Used to Shoot this Video! **
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------ Music By: Mike Boren -------
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[@Jagoffbrewer]

Researching rain jackets for months. Was down to these two and you’ve sealed the deal. Thanks!

[@scottclark5963]

Darwin, thanks for the review! Ask and ye shall receive! I ended up going with the Arc’teryx Norvan Goretex Shake-Dry for my rain jacket. I’m an XL and it’s still under 5 oz!!! It’s crazy light for the size. I’m using the Vertice pants at 2.9 oz and haven’t found anything better for the weight. I’ll keep you posted as I may swap the Norvan for the Visp but as of right now, the Shake-Dry technology is amazing with no wetting out. It’s primarily made for trail running but the longer cut and adjustable hood make it ideal for ultralight trips. On a side note, you have been a major influence in helping me go from 27 lb. base (yes, that’s true unfortunately) down to just under 8 lbs. base weight. My daughter went from 20 lbs. to 6! It’s been an absolutely unbelievable transformation in our trail experience.

[@ranbow_2505]

Perfect timing on the vid! Was just trying to figure out what Christmas gift to get myself 😃

[@codymcgee6999]

A realistic, thorough review. Thanks for explaining the wetting out that is destined to happen eventually and thanks for explaining how this fits into your layering system and isnt only used for rain. ✌

[@John_Ridley]

Hopefully in 2021 EE will come out with the Darwin edition with bungee cuffs and a pocket!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Doubtful 😂

[@glenn1you0]

@@DarwinOnthetrail oh come on. Zpacks brought back the altaplex. The industry is listening to you.

[@aaalllen]

Mid 2021 and they're still mostly out of the VISP material

[@AB-kh8ke]

@@aaalllen Its in stock now. Got mine delivered 3 days ago! Can't wait to try it out on my next backpacking trip. Thanks @Darwin onthetrail for the recommendation

[@aaalllen]

@@AB-kh8ke Thanks... guess I need my current jacket to wear out before buying another.

[@PrincePlanet-ee5hn]

Was waiting for this review and was not disappointed - many thanks again!

[@lifthearth]

My experience has always been that the quality and customer service is better with Enlightened Equipment than Zpacks.

[@lifthearth]

@@randyholloway920, I recently had pretty good experience with Zpacks customer service so they may be improving,

[@adrianlabrador6660]

Been waiting for this comparison since you mentioned it in your other video! Probably going to be picking up the Visp in the future!

[@Ratatrail]

Thank for the great review, as always 😀

[@Motorep146]

Thanks for an informative and timely review. Happy holidays!

[@robbaldwinls]

Been looking for a review between these two, been debating them both. Thanks for the info.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Glad I could help!

[@mobilewintercamp7515]

I don’t hike much in the rain but with all my snowmobiling, snowboarding and mountain biking, venting is key. Pit Zips are a must

[@JosephConradJR]

Thanks Darwin for doing this video. Exactly the two I was comparing. Exactly the information I needed. Cheers.

[@sarayates5570]

Great review! So much content. Very helpful-thank you!

[@josephbrown-ut9ty]

Ive been waiting on this video since it was first mention awhile back, sounds to me like the Visp is in my future. Thank you Darwin and Merry Christmas to You and Yours.

[@aerialadventure7907]

I’m some dude in Iowa that just got updated on the best UL rain gear. Your a change maker and an influencer Darwin. Thanks!

[@themikeshow3450]

Great comparison. Very unbiased and informative and can easily pull any backpacker from beginner to experienced, out of an, "Option Freeze", fork in the road, when deciding on a good quality rain coat.

[@Donavery1]

Pockets ! I need hand pocketses ! I got stuck in a thunder/hail storm once with non-waterproof gloves and no hand pockets. My fingers were not very happy.

[@MikeJones-yr3tq]

Check out the Montbell Versalite. In the same class as these two but with hand pockets.

[@ZacDeclerck]

Thanks for discussing that rain jackets will not always keep you dry on trail. Many people need to understand wetting out is a normal part of hiking. Merry Christmas from Aus 🎄🍻

[@greygardens81]

People also need to understand that wetting out does not = leaking.

[@BigDawgCAM]

Haha I was going to say this. Almost all jackets are above the necessary ~10,000 mmHg water resistance that they should never soak through when it rains. This was just an example of poor craftsmanship. For $259, that is just completely unacceptable.

[@csn583]

@@BigDawgCAM You seem confused about what the message is here. Never wet out?

[@balthoy]

Great informative review as always and Merry Christmas!

[@bikestang88]

As always, super helpful - thank you! I love the bungee cord feature on my Zpacks sleeping bag which is similar to the cuffs on the Vertice and have had great customer service from them (I also have the Duplex and trekking poles), PLUS my boyfriend gave me a giant Zpacks gift card for Christmas, so I'll go with the Vertice. However, I will closely inspect the stitching once it arrives and give it a good rain test.

[@RideAlongside]

Merry Christmas!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Happy Holidays! 🤙

[@cgriggsiv]

That is a very good question especially for winter bike riding and rainy conditions when you're on the trail shredding and you want to stay warm but yet stay dry

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Great point! 🔥

[@thereesepierce]

Great video! Been looking forward to this one. Cheers!

[@jeffpeters5347]

Merry Christmas Darwin! I love EE and I own some of their gear. But for rain, I’m rocking “The Packa” from Cedar Tree: rain jacket and pack cover all in one. Pit zips, long cut, drawstring cuffs, and no gap between me and the pack to get wet! $122 for a large 15D!

[@ClMiD]

Ordered a Visp (along with some pants, quilts and the torrid) yesterday before seeing this video. Good to hear that you've had a decent experience with it.

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Enjoyed the video. Very knowledgeable about the products. Merry Christmas Darwin

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks, you too!

[@ld71sc2]

Thank you for another honest, great review.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

My pleasure! 🤙

[@juliefrechette7562]

Great comparison Darwin! Happy holidays to you and Snuggles 🎄

[@zerobucks9]

Frogg Toggs FTW. I got mine on sale. It was $24 and I wish I would have got 3 tbh. I keep it on my golf bag year round. Light and you don't feel bad pulling out and stuffing in back in the bag. Maybe someday I hit those big Darwin Bucks and upgrade.

[@Jonistired]

I’ve got a version 1.0 visp and I’m very happy with it.

[@greygardens81]

Agree on the velcro cuffs! Oddly enough, I really liked the velcro cuffs on my Montbell Versalite, but they also had a little elastic built in, which made it so you could set the velcro, but still put the jacket on and off easily. I hope in the future EE makes an adjustment to how they design the cuffs.

[@spencert8125]

Appreciate it! was buying one of them next week and your gear recommendations have not failed me yet.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Enjoy! 🤙

[@kevfox]

Have a zpacks vertice I'm taking out tomorrow in some tough rain... making me jealous of the Visp :D. Happy Holidays, wish you the best.

[@papajeff5486]

I am satisfied with my Enlightened Equipment blanket because of the craftsmanship. May go with the rain jacket because you have mentioned the good craftsmanship, and price on the Visp. Thanks for sharing you insight. Texas

[@sindex]

Happy Holidays, Darwin. With regards to "which rain jacket," I ended up going with a Montbell Versalite and have really liked it. It doesn't have the snack drawer pocket, but the pockets are big and oversized and easy to access which I think makes up for it. It does have velcro cuffs, but they did it right with elastic built in as well, which counters the getting stuck issue because it has a little give. I really like it. Might be one to watch for someone else out there.

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

Been on the fence for a while on these and was leaning towards the Visp. Thanks for the video. Side note, the best cuff closure system I’ve ever experienced was actually on an REI rain jacket. It had a Velcro cuff across the backside of your wrist, but the other side (where you would find your pulse) was stretchy. So you could get it velcroed down just right but then it would stretch when you went to remove it so you set it once and never touched it again. No irritating bungee cord dangling off the jacket, but no fiddly Velcro bits when the jacket goes on/off.

[@d00dEEE]

I've got two pieces of EE equipment and gotta agree, the stitching and detailing are works of art.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

It's Sooo good!

[@ilsonbry]

Happy Holidays to you Darwin and Snuggles. I know many thru hikers/ long distance hikers don't go for gore Tex jackets however, I'm using the Rab Pacer Gore tex jacket. recently, It performed amazingly whilst bagging hills in the lake district UK with passing hail storms.... it also only weighs 240g!

[@TangoDelta70]

Awesome video as always! I have been on the fence for a while on both of these, and this video helps me to lean more towards the Visp. I have a Torrid Apex which is perhaps my favorite piece of gear on and off the trail! My go to rain jacket at the moment is my Outdoor Research HD II with pit zips. I'm looking not necessarily to replace it, but at what else is out there and these are both lighter and viable options. Thanks Darwin!

[@tommurphy6972]

Gonna check out the visp... marry Christmas Darwin

[@TomyHovingtonHiking]

I use the Zeta AR from Arc’teryx. 4 season since I’m in 🇨🇦. Long fit for tall people and long sleeves. All adjustment cords are tucked inside and don’t catch anywhere. Does have Velcro cuffs ( I personally like them) and 3 pockets. Great jacket, perform well... Happy holidays Darwin 🤙 Thanks for the content!

[@hikewithmike4673]

I love the pit zips ...I hike in subtropical humid swampy areas and I sweat profusely in my current jacket especially hiking in large downpours for extended hours...I need that breathability for sure!

[@safromnc8616]

Happy Holidays !!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Happy holidays to you too! 🤙

[@dstrbd223]

Please do a video on the gloves you recommend.

[@brianherman4912]

Thanks Darwin!

[@blackfin10]

thanks , great information

[@WorldviewOutdoors]

Good video review. I definitely prefer my EE Visp Rain jacket with pit zips. My back up has been my OR Helium II. It has the chest front pocket that my Visp doesn't. I've worn both on different videos for youtube.

[@lauradonofrioart]

I've been trying to save up for the visp! But until then, I have an REI jacket that I'll have to use. Thanks for the review!

[@steveducell2158]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Same to you!

[@RideAlongside]

Merry Christmas!

[@CanHike]

Great video Darwin. Would be interested to hear your take on the Montbell Versalite jacket. Take care!

[@jamesking4225]

I was actually looking at both of these this week since the versalite is sold out in my size. I was kinda leaning toward the visp a hair more, cause I have been reading a lot of reviews about the stitching on the vertice. I have concluded to get the visp after watching this.

[@Alex-bt9uu]

Great video! Thanks! 👍😬

[@AndrewWisler]

I’ve been using the OR Helium HD (model with pit zips) for several years now, and have just accepted that it wets out fairly quickly. I’m using it primarily in the East, where multiple days of rain are common, and it still retains some heat. The Visp does seem appealing, but not sure the performance advantage is worth the price - maybe when my current gear wears out. In the meantime, I’ll spend my money on food and trail runners.

[@Errcyco]

Wait til you see the new Patagonia stuff. It’s fascinating how they worked around the non-PFC based DWR. Appears to wet out immediately.. freaks you out at first. It’s not.. it stays super light. I can’t figure out what I’d call this but it does work while feeling like fleece. I’m rocking a Spring 23’ Slate Sky currently. I’m enjoying it although it’s not what I’d use hiking.. I’d play it safe and get a Granite Crest or Storm10.. yeah, I dig Patagonia. I’m broke.. they replace any gear no questions asked really so I save and spend the extra on them.

[@backpacker3421]

Thanks. I've been considering an upgrade to the Helium II for about 3 years. It has major limitations. I've been eyeing both these jackets. Having a nice side-by-side was pretty valuable.

[@backpacker3421]

Maybe if I hold for spring, EE will add at least better wrist closures in the 2021 rollout... here's hoping.

[@stevenwanders7784]

My helium II soaked my shoulders and upper back in a light rain. Going to check out the Visp.

[@drukqs12]

Keep'em coming Darwin! Love your videos.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

More to come! 🤙

[@dustyoldhat]

I think of the major "cons" is the price, for both. No pockets for a $200 jacket? Man I just can't do that. Thanks for another in depth review, Darwin

[@charleytodd5792]

I purchased a Visp earlier this year as well and I’m very satisfied. I have never used the Vertice so I can’t give a direct comparison but I definitely have been able to test the Visp thoroughly. In July in the sawtooth we got hit with an epic thunderstorm. Continuous heavy rain, hail but piled up 5 to 6 inches deep in places, flash floods and trail washouts, etc. We hiked up two thousand feet sway stayed warm. I was amazed at how well the jacket protected me and how it could still breathe virtually the entire time. It works well as a wind jacket too. I agree that I wish it had at least one pocket and didn’t have Velcro cuffs but the sacrifice is worth it to me. One other weird thing. I ordered a men’s jacket but it came with a women’s zipper, in other words The slider is attached to the other side. There wasn’t time to exchange it before a trip so I just kept it. Not a big deal but it is awkward as I always grab the wrong side when zipping up.

[@logicsoundinc]

Just a heads up: All of the Visp jackets come with an “open right” zipper. Men’s and women’s.

[@DJDavidShmosh]

My next upgrade will probably be this jacket to pair with my apex torrid

[@KrizAkoni]

Great balanced overview. I've always had rain gear from the likes of REI and never really been happy with it...yep, I was warm, but eventually ended up wet, most often from the inside out. I keep looking at these and for the price, just can't get myself to bite. Curious to see what else ends up in the comments.

[@hikerJohn]

Despite my comments below I think you do the VERY BEST reviews :o) I came to your page today looking for a review on ponchos cuz I'm thinking of getting the Zpacks Maybe it was already stated but . . . wetting out is from *condensation* on the inside not from leakage. That's why ALL rain shells get wet on the inside whether they are breathable or not. Ventilation slows it down but cannot stop it. Zpacks will repair it if it leaks (if out of warranty) for a real good price. It may take a couple of weeks but they do good work. I had all the zipper slides replaced on my Duplex and they only charged $25.00. I was pleased as pie with that. I agree, that chest pocket is a MUST :o) Velcro is a curse, too may other things stick to it. I dont think the g/m^2 is all that meaningful because condensation happens so fast that hardly any vapor gets through the fabric especially since there's no pressure pushing it thru (food for thought) The lower the number the more of a vapor barrier which is good if you have any other garment over the vapor barrier.

[@halabujioutdoors]

🎄☃️🎅Merry Christmas!🤶☃️🎄

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

I find that a poncho works best for me in all but the windiest of conditions due the amount of air I can get to circulate up and out. Its also the "bee-knees" when you stop for a break and pull out the sitting pad. Lastly, it makes a wonderful pack cover. Yet there are so many sizes and shapes of ponchos available that finding just the right one for you can be daunting. I am thinking of making an eVent poncho as a DIY project yet I wonder if the 7D lined with Trico might be even better. See you on the trail...next year.

[@glsloto7909]

Old school still works, like external frame packs and wool clothes, but the young tech warriors want to brag about how much they dropped on a single piece of gear that only weighs a few ounces.

[@davidfranson8118]

Great review, Darwin!! I like my Vertice so far, but have been very interested in trying the Visp as well. Any experience with the Montbell Versalite? That's one that I think would also compare in quality to these two jackets here.

[@hamiltonharper]

I love how quick you were to say the frog togs were only used for testing purposes

[@jerbear_everywhere6504]

i have a 2020 visp and absolutely love it. I got monsooned on for 8 hrs straight and it kept my torso dry- unfortunately i had left my rain pants in the car...

[@ScottKent]

For warm weather (like here in Florida) I go with the Montbell Versalite; longest pit zips giving the best mechanical breathability and it is goretex so a minimum 28k resistance. However, it does have velcro wrists (which I like, ymmv), and it is thin which means it doesn't do as good of a job insulating from cold rain. For colder use (I hate near freezing rain in the 33-55 degree F range) I have yet to find the best jacket, but the Visp looks promising. Happy holidays.

[@BigDawgCAM]

Well the EE Visp is actually thinner so it's definitely not what you are looking for. I would probably go with a Arc'Teryx Beta or Zeta for winter camping if you can find one on discount!

[@30m3]

I'd like to see you try out a Goretex shakedry jacket on the trail to see how it holds up. The technology is brilliant but the material looks super delicate.

[@johneason6540]

Great timing on this vid. I want to replace my OR, its three years old and seems to be wetting out quicker???so I'm in the market. 😊

[@whitneybrown3888]

I watched a well known hiker. Outdoor Adventures, and he had this issue and just washed it in the soap that restores the water repellant and it worked again.

[@joshjspice]

Montbell Versalite has treated me really well. Similar weight, pit zips, two above the hipbelt pockets! Good video, Darwin. Thanks! Cheers

[@cheri7828]

It would be interesting to see the Montbell up against these two.

[@ziggystardog]

I had trouble getting one, perpetually out of stock. Got the Vertice, I didn’t know the Visp had a pit zip option. Rain gear is the one thing I keep tweaking.

[@Motorep146]

@joshspice Is the length on the Versalite adequate when using fleece layers? It ticks all the boxes but I'm concerned about length since my normal fleece layers are longer than the Helium II that I'm currently using. I can cinch them in but then I'm dealing with sweat and condensation issues.

[@joshjspice]

@@Motorep146 looks to be as long as the Visp - over the butt fully, but not below. Below front pant pockets. Nice long arms. Velcro wrists. Deep pit zips. Sized well. I like it. Better than other options if you want a more traditional jacket at a competitive weight, imo.

[@Motorep146]

@@joshjspice Thanks for the info. Looks like the Versalite for me. I prefer my gear to be multifunctional whenever possible and the hand pockets are something I wanted in my next jacket. When using the jacket as a wind shirt they come in handy when you're on a ridgeline waiting for your hiking buddies to crest the top of the climb.

[@rschreck876]

There’s a 99% chance the 2017 Vertice had better DWR on it. They may have gotten away with a C8 DWR that contains long chained perfluorinated compounds. The newer one probably had a C6 or possibly a C4 DWR. With all the environmental concerns in today’s world, C8 is more or less illegal to use in the US now. In order to be more environmentally friendly, we get stuck with rain jackets that either wet out a lot faster than before and/or a jacket with a DWR that doesn’t last nearly as long as the older ones.

[@mzimmerman1988]

good review... The pocket is a "no brainer" in my opinion... If your in the rain, opening your pack to get something is a real PITA..

[@jpriddle]

Happy holidays! Thanks for the head to head comparison of these “obtainable” ultralight jackets. Have you thought about trying out any single layer jackets like from Skylight Gear (Instagram only) or Lightheart Gear? How about Gore Shakedry?

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

The Shakedry looks super interesting, but I'll pass on the others. 🤙

[@backpacker3421]

The reviews I'm seeing on shakedry say it is CRAZY fragile. Cyclists are even complaining. If you plan on hiking in it anywhere that isn't wide open trail, expect it could be damaged to the point of being unusable after just one trip. Little abrasions from branches and rocks will create areas where it will let water through. Given it's price as a fabric, I'll pass. Maybe when they create one in a visible color, I'll consider it for cycling, but even then, probably not.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

I am not a goretex fan yet am having good luck with a jacket made with goretex "active" I happened to pick up on a super-sale. I think this active version from gore has been available for a few years yet am unsure.

[@wanttogo1958]

I have a Columbia Outdry that's about 3 years old. It doesn't meet all of the specs you've outlined, Darwin, but it doesn't wet out and seems to be relatively durable so far. It definitely is getting better reviews for durability than the Gore Outdry. It's not as light as the Visp or Vertice. Always a compromise with rain gear it seems.

[@MySoCalledAdventures]

Other advantage. The VISP is $200 and the Zpacks is $259

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Fo Sho!

[@backpacker3421]

I think if the $60 is a deciding factor, neither of these jackets is right for you. They are both twice as expensive or more than other jackets that will provide plenty of protection with similar features. But for me, when you're talking about a product that is going to be so critical to comfort, and will likely last several thousand trail miles, it's worth saving and not letting the price point drive the decision.

[@allencrider]

I'm a Frogg Toggs man myself. $29.99 for my Ultra Lite2, but if Santa wanted to drop me a new Visp suit, I would switch.

[@MikeJones-yr3tq]

Montbell Versalite is also $200 - and it's got two real hand pockets. So it makes a good off-trail general-purpose windbreaker. Long cut, elastic hem, velcro/elastic cuffs, pit zips, adjustable hood. Japanese workmanship. It's cut a bit small but with minimal seams - none at the shoulders.

[@AF-tv6uf]

@@allencrider If my mom caught me spending 200 bucks for a raincoat, I'd get water dumped on my head. Frogg Toggs is plenty for me!

[@debnn4854]

Just bot the frogg togg poncho/tarp...it will do for now 👀 Im also tall and I agree with all that you have said . Thankyou-the struggle is real. 🙂

[@MisfitsFiendClub138]

Happy Holidays to all! In 2021 keep one foot on the dirt, one fist in the goal. Happy Trails!🏕🤠

[@davidcader2071]

I have been using the Vertice jacket for the past couple of years and it has proven to be both water resistant and breathable. My biggest complaint is that is has a very narrow fit, especially in the arms, which makes it difficult to layer with. Even with a thin R1 fleece I find that the fit at the elbows becomes uncomfortably tight and I can forget about layering with a puffy jacket. I am 5'11'' with an average build and based on the Zpacks specs the large should have been a good fit and have enough room to layer underneath. Curious as to weather the EE Visp has a similarly narrow fit - looking at the video it appears to have more room in the arms, but it is difficult to tell.

[@Errcyco]

Enlightened is USA made and the stitching looks great so way better taped seams. The Visp is the way to go for a through-hike featherweight Rain Gear. I’m still rocking some Patagonia but I’d not want it on a hike w a 60L pack.. I think I’d be a sweaty mess. No pit zips. Edit: that was a great video thank you

[@sinfonianbarelytone9191]

Thankfully I got the Gen 3 or whatever ZPacks cuben fiber rain coat. It absolutely is waterproof. The pit zips allow it to breathe when hiking with the front zipper. Total shame they left that material for their rain coats. Never wets out is key in the Pacific Northwet

[@brunoleroyer759]

merci pour cette vidéo très intéressante. Bruno

[@billybastar4022]

Two words Darwin..Arc’teryx!! Their rain gear is awesome. And their insulated one as well is very nice

[@DrJohn493]

Going with the VISP, Velcro and me get along fine. But will miss the brest pocket some.

[@pdx_polymath581]

I absolutely love my Visp....performance (and quality) for money, I don’t think it gets any better

[@janefreeman4121]

I went for the 3rd UL 'V' choice the Montbell Versalite. Very happy with it thus far. From some reviews i read that it could take one further into shoulder seasons than the other two. It's long enough... I dont have either of the others to compare. . It does have pit zips, velcro and hand pockets that are a little higher so that they dont compete with a hip belt. The weight is very much competitive with the other two.

[@cheri7828]

Jane. How is the sizing?

[@MikeJones-yr3tq]

@@cheri7828 Snug. I'd size up for layering.

[@janefreeman4121]

@@cheri7828 Hi Cheri. My apologies, i didnt see a notification to see your post.... I'm almost 5'6" and weigh in at around 117. I have broad-ish shoulders for my small size so for tops i wear smalls to medium. I went for the medium because i heard they ran small and it's a rain jacket so better to be a little looser for layering. I'm glad that i did. It feels just right. Not too baggy and not too small. I got the bordeaux color and its really nice. It is darker than how the photos appeared on my phone and i really like it. The stitching is top notch and with the pit zips, pockets, hood cinch system, the length covers to the bottom of my bottom. It is 5.8 oz. ... the weight penalty is less than a half ounce.....compared to the other two that are pretty much the same. It's a very polished looking attractive jacket. I have the visp mittens and to compare the material I'd say the montbell is far more durable and would add more warmth. It can pack into one of the pockets. I'm definitely pleased with it. I hope that helps. ☺

[@cheri7828]

@@janefreeman4121 Jane, this is perfect. Thank you.

[@freeman.walking]

Zpacks failed me whilst out in the Himalayas. Iv gone back to Gore-Tex because that jacket was showerproof at best

[@andrewpaisley]

Thanks for the review. Did you consider exchanging the vertice under the warranty? I have been thinking about the visp but the no pockets bother me

[@jordanl7459]

top class vids

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks!

[@amysthe-wise-one8493]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and Snuggles. I hope she's feeling better and y'all have a Merry one.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Happy holidays!

[@Wondering_Fireball]

Darwin, wish you would have put this out a month ago before I ordered my Zpacks rain coat. One of the things I don’t like about it that the visp would fix is it’s not great for layering and it does wet out quickly.Thanks for the info.

[@marksheffield4941]

Thanks for all the information on your experiences with the two jackets. Do you have an opinion with the Gore Shakedry?

[@brandondasher261]

I like elastic shock cords as well but I don't like the little button release. It's just annoying. I recently got some Black Diamond Recon Mitt's for skiing that have a little shock cord around the gauntlet cuff and the release on there is a second little pull tab. So you have a pull tab for tightening and a pull tab for loosening. This is the best design choice ever. It makes me like shock cords way more especially because it's WAY easier to do while wearing mittens and is just generally faster and simpler than the little button you need to find. If the visp gets shock cords it should use a similar design as those mittens.

[@outdoorsman1140]

Merry Christmas Darwin. Your thoughts on the original Outdoor Helium which you wore for years now that you've moved on... your old review was very positive at the time???

[@aurtisanminer2827]

I personally like the Velcro cuffs. I don’t like having a little shock cords hanging off of my wrists all the time.

[@Wasalami]

I really love your videos and all the usefull information you are sharing. Is there a chance that you will review/test equipment that is easily available in Europe as well? So far I have not been able to find Enlightened Equipment nor Zpacks porducts in Europe and shipping and customs is really expensive from the US :(

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Umm... not sure. I only review gear that I actually use in the field & I personally like to support cottage companies here in my backyard.

[@Wasalami]

@@DarwinOnthetrail That makes sense. I guess i can only hope that those "cottage companies" grow large enough to export to europe :D

[@cogfather34]

7 Mesh ORO jacket is killer.

[@tdeen752]

I swear this has been the hardest debate for me. I've hiked a fair bit of miles in a plain old frogg toggs poncho, and it performed really well and you cant beat the ventilation! But it was not the greatest in lower temps, so I have to add a jacket. I love EE's products and their customer service, I've got my eye on a Torrid already(and now you tell me EE takes the guesswork out of layering!), but it's so hard to drop $$ on something I cant try on first. I took out a FT extreme lite in the smokies and I cant tell if it performed well because I sweat SO much with it on! But it was pretty awesome during breaks to strip off my cold wet shirt and throw it on just to warm up a little. Decisions, decisions...

[@bonnevillebagger9147]

Just check out the frog toggs xtreme lite. It’s a way better value.

[@tdeen752]

@@bonnevillebagger9147 I did. Im not a huge fan. It kept me toasty on breaks, but it was WAY to warm to hike in. I had pools of sweat in the elbows that would either drip down my hands if I wasnt actively hiking, or worse still would run down into my arm pits if I raised my hands to adjust my hood or something. So the hunt continues.

[@rodrev_hiking6757]

Lightheart Gear SilPoly non breathable but truly waterproof Jacket it is for me

[@kevinsatterwhite536]

I already ordered ZPacks Vertice rain gear. I hope I don’t regret it.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

It's all about Trial & Error my friend! 🤙

[@kevinsatterwhite536]

@@DarwinOnthetrail Hopefullu they fixed the DWR, sewing or seam taping. Thanks for the video.

[@hoggwildbackcountry8555]

@@kevinsatterwhite536 how did it do?

[@kevinsatterwhite536]

@@hoggwildbackcountry8555 it has not rained on me since I bought them. Haha.

[@daschwarjazz]

If you ever started a band, you should call it “Wet Out.”

[@robertwicker196]

Yeah ...I'm a pocket guy as well. I still like the side pockets.