My Favorite Ultralight Rain Gear
When it comes to backpacking gear, ultralight is a relative term. For some, it means a base weight of under 10 pounds. For others, that could mean less than 20. Cost also comes into play when materials are lighter since they’re often more expensive. I stand somewhere in the middle where it’s affordable for the utility of gear and overall weight. I’m happy to upgrade a piece of gear if it means saving weight and getting better performance. When I changed to the Outdoor Research brand, I noticed a considerable difference in how the materials dried when wet plus I cut my rain gear weight in half. For that reason, I'm sharing my favorite ultralight rain gear and why I love each item.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out and let me know if you make the switch!
Six Moon Designs Silver Shadow Umbrella $35
My favorite features:
- Lightweight at only 8.9 oz
- Highly reflective
- Great UV protection
Rain or shine, this umbrella is a MUST-HAVE for thru-hiking and backpacking. I brought this umbrella on my thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail and I'm so glad I did. The CDT is very exposed in terms of desert and ridgelines, so having sun protection is essential. This umbrella is light enough to hold while you hike and also works great if you can attach it to your backpack shoulder strap. ULA backpacks have amazing pull loops that can hold an umbrella.
I've also used this umbrella when it snows and works just as great. In Colorado, where the CDT and Colorado Trail connect, I experienced many snowstorms. The Silver Shadow umbrella kept me dry and motivated to keep hiking in snow conditions.
Women's Helium Rain Jacket $159
My favorite features:
- No hand pockets or armpit zippers keep it lightweight at only 5.6 oz/159 g
- Durable with Pertex® Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5L, 100% nylon, 30D ripstop
- Fully Seam-Taped
- Elastic drawcord at the hem
I noticed this Outdoor Research Women's Helium Jacket for the first time when I worked at Mountain Crossings, a popular gear shop and resupply on the Appalachian Trail. Thru-hikers were switching to this jacket and the Outdoor Research brand started to catch my eye. I started hearing good reviews and began to do my own research since I was looking to upgrade for the CDT.
In my experience, rain jackets typically have sll the bells and whistles, but I loved the simple minimalist design. Of course this contributes to its' overall low weight at only 5.6 ounces.
Women's Helium Rain Pants $119
My favorite features:
- Lightweight at only 6.1 oz/173 g
- Windproof yet breathable
- Durable with Pertex® Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5L, 100% nylon, 30D ripstop
- Ankle zippers for easy pull-on or removal
To complete my rain kit, I added the Women's Helium Rain Pants. I was pretty excited to try a lightweight rain pant that is more durable than Frogg Toggs. I ended up loving these pants so much that I wore them even if it wasn't raining. I'd pull these pants on over my leggings when I got to camp for added warmth. I get cold pretty easily and always have a pair of these pants on days hikes or long-distance hikes.
It sounds dramatic, but I truly believe these pants are a lifesaver. Towards the end of my time on the Continental Divide Trail, I was hiking in knee-high snow through most of Colorado. I wore these pants almost every day and I might not have gone as far as I did if I didn't have them.