Ultralight Backpacking Rain jacket - Montbell Versalite Gear Review

[@jeffschroeder886]

Great review, man. Appreciate the thoroughness.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Thanks dude. Hope it was helpful.

[@miyahosaka8361]

Great information. Thanks for putting this review together!

[@TheUltralightMindset]

👍👍👍

[@chrismoses7445]

Excellent Review!

[@kudinmuda6330]

the waistband endpoint is inside pocket, for easy pulling during hiking

[@tuckbecky1]

I've been using the Red Ledge thunderlight jacket for several years, only about 59.00 breaths well and keeps me dry. A lot of the park rangers in Alaska where also wearing it.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Awesome. I'll have to check it out. Thanks man.🤘

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

Zipper failed on my red ledge. :(

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@MatanuskaHIGH Bummer!!! You going with another Red Ledge?

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

Motivated By Mountains no I got a frog toggs the new weird inside out clear ultralight one. Not sure how I feel about it yet. Was on sale for 25$.

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

We didn’t get really any rain last summer here in Alaska was the hottest dryest summer on record in Alaska. So never got to really test it out.

[@stpooh]

Great review! You mentioned the fit is tighter than Frogg Toggs. Did you get your usual size or did you size up for layering?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

I didn't have to size up. Frogg Toggs are very baggy, even in the arms. The versalite has plenty of room for layering, it's just not baggy like Frogg Toggs.

[@DougGreene]

Good review. But what's with the skirt? It actually looks like a pretty cool set-up.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

3FUL rain skirt. Way more comfortable, waterproof, breathable, and lightweight than rain pants. About 2.5 ounces. Costs about $12. Been using it for about three years.

[@Motorep146]

Good info! Were you comfortable with the length? The problem I have with the Helium is that it's too short to cover my fleece so I have to cinch the bottom of the jacket which traps heat and moisture. It's down the this jacket or the ZPacks Vertice rain jacket.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

The length of the Versalite is quite long compared to other rain jackets I have used. Very good coverage. I dont have any experience with the Vertice, other than seeing them on trail and hearing good things. Biggest difference I see is price and pockets. Both great jackets. I chose the Versalite because I wanted pockets for my hands in cold to winter weather. Hope that helps.

[@PBlaik]

Thanks for the review.... Question regarding the rain skit though, is it worth the weight savings vs getting the matching ultralight matching Versatile 91g pants?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Im a big fan of rain skirts for 3 season hiking, especially in summer. I switch to rain pants for trips where temps dont get above 40 F.

[@tosrn]

Hello! Great review. Do you think the Montbell could work for hiking AND for running? Or not breathable / mobile enough?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Yes. Definately for hiking AND I have also spent some time trail running with it as well. It is very breathable, as much or more than any other RAIN jacket that I have run in. But, I haven't found a jacket yet that can handle the sweat produced at high exertion level's during an activity like running longer trails. Obviously, this will vary based on the individuals fitness level, ambient temps, metabolism, etc. Some people just sweat more than others. The pit zips are great for venting and the cut is comfortable and non restrictive. My one complaint with this jacket is the collar. It kind of sticks up in your face, even when its not fully zipped. Small thing, probably would not bother most people. Overall, great range of motion and breathability. Hope this helps. Happy hiking and running those trails!!!!

[@janefreeman4121]

Hi there! How is your experience of this jacket having had a little time with it. Thanks! ☺

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Good. Definitely still a fan. I do reach for my Frogg Toggs jacket for most of my hikes. But as the temps drop, those pockets become more desirable....👍🏻

[@janefreeman4121]

@@TheUltralightMindset Thank you! Always appreciate your reviews. I pretty much go oit everyday in the PNW so i would also probably use those good old frogg toggs for everyday and reserve the other for hikes.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@janefreeman4121 Sounds like a great plan...👍🏻

[@ChantelleDinkel]

How do you like it now 11 months later? At what point did it wet out? Or did you decide to go back to FT?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

It's a fantastic jacket. One of the best I have used, BUT, the stiff collar bugged me. Probably not an issue for most people. Ended up going back to FT for most trips...😁

[@ObjectiveMedia]

What size is the jacket please?

[@jonomichi2262]

Just checked its wp/ breathablity number, great number and well balanced.. What’s the inside look like ? How the skin contact feel like .. anyways great review

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Feels good against the skin. Doesn't have that clammy, sticky feel that a lot of other jackets have.

[@jonomichi2262]

@@TheUltralightMindset that is great to know. Thank you sir

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@jonomichi2262 👍👍👍

[@jamesokeeffe4614]

High pockets for climbing gear

[@TheUltralightMindset]

I think they were designed to be above the hipbelt on a backpack so you can use them at all times.

[@digitalsmitty]

Would you say this is worth the price jump compared to frogg toggs?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Thats a tough one. Your talking about $15 versus $190 so lots to consider. Im able to get at least a year or two out of one frogg toggs jacket with light bushwacking and some duct taped repairs. I love the FToggs for its simplicity, water resistance, and comfort. The biggest benefits that the Versalite has over the Toggs are pit zips, vastly increased breathability, and increased durabilty. If the other pieces of your gear are pretty dialed in and upgrading your rain jacket is a priority than go with the versalite. If your just starting out or need to upgrade other gear, go with the toggs. They work just fine. Hope that helps. Happy Hiking...🤙

[@runningoffinstinct]

I read that you said you went back to the FT for most trips, are you no longer using the versalite?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Yes. I do "use" the versalite, but more for winter trail running, fishing, and other off trail activities. It's a great jacket. It performs well and the pockets are a huge plus in colder weather. Its the collar that bugs me. Its kinda stiff and even when its not fully zipped it gets in my face. Probably not a big deal for 99 percent of people. Maybe its just me. My hope is that it will kinda loosen up over time. I HIGHLY recommend the jacket...👍

[@runningoffinstinct]

@@TheUltralightMindset Awesome, glad to hear you still recommend it. Why is use in quotes?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@runningoffinstinct Just to emphasize that I do use and recommend the jacket. But, I grab the Frogg Toggs for most of my hikes.

[@runningoffinstinct]

@@TheUltralightMindset Right on, I appreciate your reviews. I just got my hands on an All Paca hoodie today after watching your video, sized down to a small per your recommendation as we have similar builds, its awesome can't wait to use it on the trail.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@runningoffinstinct Sweet. You're going to love it!!!!

[@chrisrondeau9912]

Does this jacket wet out after prolonged rains?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Any jacket will wet out, or reach the point where it can no longer allow sweat to escape. Your going to get wet regardless in hours of heavy rain in my experience. That being said, this jacket does an excellent job of prolonging that threshold. VERY breathable. VERYwater resistant. Pit zips also vent well. An umbrella will also help a lot by keeping it from wetting out in LONG periods of rain. Just my humble opinion. Hope that helps. Happy trails

[@hanskirk-hiking9697]

Great video 😊🌲

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Thanks man. Your review was one of the reasons I decided to give the Versalite a shot. 👍 so far...so good.

[@hanskirk-hiking9697]

Thank you - Montbell rocks 😊🇯🇵

[@AS-yg2kf]

I am guessing by now you have worn it plenty. Does it wet out easy? Is it durable?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

It takes quite a while for it to wet out. Longer than most jackets Ive used. Its durable enough. I wouldn't go tearing through briars with it but for on trail and light bushwacking its fine.

[@AS-yg2kf]

Motivated By Mountains appreciate it man. I’m looking for something for an AT through hike in 2022.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@AS-yg2kf The biggest advantage of the Versalite is having those pockets for your hands when its cold and wet. Just so you know, I still wear my frogg toggs jacket more than anything else.

[@AS-yg2kf]

Motivated By Mountains truth be told, strict budgeting, I plan on getting about 3 of them and still far cheaper than the popular ones

[@oliverh.427]

How does it work with a 15 kg backpack ? Do you have any experience with the durability?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

I cant give any feedback for use with a 15kg pack, but it has held up great for me. My pack weight is usually no more than 8.5 kg.

[@oliverh.427]

@@TheUltralightMindset Thanks!

[@sdnalyam]

Is it 2, 2.5 or 3 layer .

[@TheUltralightMindset]

2 layer Goretex Infinium

[@karljry1]

The gloves are totally unnecessary, and they look absolutely ridiculous - just like the very silly skirt.

[@zackedwards7803]

No such thing as waterproof and breathable..its either breathable and you get wet or waterproof and you sweat.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

True for sure....to a point. Theres really no perfect rain jacket. The Versalite is working very well. Any rain shell will wet out eventually or youll get wet from sweat. Just the way it goes. I find an umbrella can help a lot with the wetting out. Keeps a lot of the rain off and you can unzip your jacket depending on conditions. No perfect solution that Ive found. Having the right attitude, accepting it, and focusing on your hike works best for me. Thanks for watching.

[@bjornegan6421]

you're absolutely wrong.

[@dawgcitybackpacker5163]

@@bjornegan6421 so what is the perfect ultralight rain jacket..?

[@bjornegan6421]

@@dawgcitybackpacker5163 there isn't one.

[@dawgcitybackpacker5163]

@@bjornegan6421 eye roll