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Materials: Membrane 100% Polyurethane, Outer 100% Polyamide
Price: $220
Weight: 85grams (Men’s Medium)
Waterproofing: 20kmm rating, Breathability: 25K rating
Best features: Incredibly lightweight, stretch provides comfort, taped seams, and hood
Room for improvement: Breathability, watch window
In searching for lightweight rain gear with taped seams to meet the UTMB gear requirements, Raidlight stood out as a brand making gear specifically for that type of long, mountain race with potential for hazardous weather.
The Hyperlight MP+ Waterproof Jacket (note, TR has reviewed an earlier model of this jacket) is among the lightest, taped seams/taped zipper performance rain shell there is. At 85grams, the shell packs down into a stow pocket in the hood and can be pressed flat to the size of an emergency blanket. Having a rain layer that takes up very little space in a race pack and weighs very little is excellent, but the piece also needs to perform.
The jacket withstood the elements in a steady downpour. The taped seams and zipper didn’t let any water through and the Polyamide outer did not soak through. It shed water effectively and dried quickly with no additional moisture trapped inside. Stretch in the fabric made it possible to put the jacket on over a race vest, while the cut of the jacket also fit well under a vest.
During high activity, moisture from sweat built up inside the shell, undermining claims of breathability. On a lesser note, the watch window is on the left wrist, making it useless for folks who wear their watch on the right wrist.
The Raidlight Hyperlight MP+ is still an ideal jacket for long efforts or races where weight, performance, and taped seams are a necessity.
Jeff Colt is a competitive trail runner based out of Aspen, Co. When he is not running on trails, he can be found tending bar or working as a PR-professional for Backbone Media. Jeff most recently placed first at the Jemez Mountain 50 miler.