Whether you’re weekend camping, thru-hiking, or enjoying a stroll through a new city abroad, you’ve got to be prepared. In a dark and forgotten recess of your backpack lies your trusty, ultralight rain jacket. Yes, for just a few extra ounces of pack weight, it’s an indispensable piece of kit. Because when the wind picks up and rain starts pounding, you don’t want to get caught without it.
We’ll take a look at the best candidates for the job. Though the Arc’teryx Zeta SL has long been considered as one of the best ultralight shells on the market, we wanted to explore some equally great—and slightly less expensive—options. Let’s begin!
- Arc’teryx Zeta SL
- Alternative 1: Black Diamond GTX
- Alternative 2: Mammut Convey Tour
- Wrap-up to help you choose
Ultralight Hiking Shell Reviews
Product Name
- DWR finish
- PU coated, YKK reverse coil front zipper
- Underarm gussets for increased mobility
Product Name
- DWR finish
- PU coated, YKK reverse coil front zipper
- Underarm gussets for increased mobility
Product Name
- DWR finish
- PU coated, YKK reverse coil front zipper
- Underarm gussets for increased mobility
Product Name
- DWR finish
- PU coated, YKK reverse coil front zipper
- Underarm gussets for increased mobility
The Arc’teryx Zeta SL in a Nutshell
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Product Name
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The Zeta SL was designed as an emergency hiking shell. In contrast to many Arc’teryx products, the Zeta SL is substantially more affordable. Retailing for just $379.99, the Zeta SL strikes an excellent balance between performance and price.
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So, what makes it so much cheaper than, say, the Alpha SV?
The Arc’teryx naming scheme provides some important clues. For starters, the designation “Zeta” indicates an emphasis on comfort and efficiency. Additionally, the “SL” suffix refers to the product’s super light construction, which prioritizes packability over durability.
This explains the price: Indeed, the Zeta SL is waterproof, windproof, and breathable. But the focus here is on weight-savings. In the end, what you’ve got is a lightweight shell (10.9 oz / 309 grams) that performs exceptionally well in typical bad weather. It’s best suited for day hikes, camping trips, urban exploring, globetrotting, etc., but won’t cut it in more severe alpine conditions.
And, for most of us, that’s actually alright. Unless you’re planning on doing some cold-weather climbing or big wilderness excursions, an ultralight shell is more than enough. Additionally, the compact design of the Zeta SL makes it a great travel companion; it packs small and can live unassumingly in your pack until you need it.
Alternative 1: Black Diamond Liquid Point GTX
Black Diamond’s history began in 1989 with skiing and climbing. Now, over three decades later, the products still retain the same cutting-edge quality while also catering to every genre of outdoor activity.
In the hiking and trekking category, we’ve got the Liquid Point GTX Shell. It’s perhaps best described as “minimum bulk for maximum weather-resistance.” And, true to BD’s climbing heritage, the Liquid Point GTX is also designed for shoulder season climbing.
Build
The Liquid Point GTX is constructed with 2.5L GORE-TEX Paclite technology. This allows it to be weather-proof without being excessively heavy. On the topic of weight, the Liquid Point GTX comes in at 15 oz (425g), or just under a pound.
The underarms feature two-way, waterproof pit zips—perfect for quickly dumping heat and regulating your core temperature. The hood is both helmet-compatible and adjustable. Meanwhile, the VELCRO cuffs and drawstring hem can be tightened to keep out drafts and water.
Other features include:
- DWR finish
- PU coated, YKK reverse coil front zipper
- Underarm gussets for increased mobility
Performance
If you’re looking for an ultralight hiking shell but still want something durable, the Liquid Point GTX Shell is a great option. Moreover, the minimalist design, regular fit, and gusseted underarms allow for flawless mobility.
Price
The men’s and women’s Black Diamond Liquid Point GTX Shell retail for $338.99 and $339.95, respectively. Yes–that’s actually a difference of under a dollar. Take it up with them.
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Alternative 2: Mammut Convey Tour
Mammut is one of the oldest outdoor apparel companies still kicking. Founded in Switzerland in 1862, they’ve always managed to stay ahead of the game, integrating future-forward fabrics and avant-garde design principles into products.
The Convey Tour Hardshell Hooded Jacket is no exception. As you’ll see, it checks all the boxes: windproof, waterproof, breathable, ultralight, and compact. There’s not much more you could ask for.
Build
Built with 2.5L GORE-TEX Paclite technology, the Convey Tour HS Hooded is windproof, waterproof, and breathable. It’s also impressively light, weighing a mere 10 oz (286g). The hood, while not helmet-compatible, features three adjustment points for optimal fit.
To optimize thermal regulation, the Convey Tour HS gives wearers a few options: Underarm pit zips offer fast and optimal cooling; a drawstring adjustable hem can be used to keep the heat in and the elements at bay; hook and loop fastener cuffs can trap precious insulation at the wrist.
Other features include:
- Reinforced hood peak
- Pre-shaped elbows
- Mammut Easy Combine-compatible
Performance
The Convey Tour HS is an exceptionally lightweight jacket, even as far as ultralight shells go. It also packs down small, so it’s well suited to any form of backpacking—whether that’s thru-hiking the PCT or bouncing from country to country on a Eurotrip.
What’s more, the Convey Tour HS’s regular fit is perfect for layering: it can be worn as an outer shell over either a single base layer or series of midlayers without feeling constrictive. This is partly thanks to the Mammut Easy Combine system it was designed for.
Price
Both the men’s and women’s Mammut Convey Tour Hardshell Hooded Jacket retail for $259.99.
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Wrap Up
There you have three of the best ultralight hiking shells on the market. Before finishing up, let’s summarize a few key elements about them.
- The Arc’teryx Zeta SL is a trim fit, while both the Mammut Convey Tour HS and the Black Diamond Liquid Point GTX fit regular.
- Weight-wise, the 10-ounce Convey Tour HS undercuts the 11-ounce Zeta SL by a single digit. Meanwhile, the 15-ounce Liquid Point GTX weighs roughly 50% more than either of them. All weights are based on a men’s medium.
- In terms of price, the Convey Tour HS offers the best bang for your buck by a significant margin. At $260, it’s $80 cheaper than the Liquid Point GTX and $120 cheaper than the Zeta SL.
- Both the Liquid Point GTX and the Convey Tour HS are made with GORE’s Paclite technology. In contrast, the Zeta SL is made with GORE’s Paclite Plus.
- The 2.5L GORE-TEX construction of both the Convey Tour HS and Liquid Point GTX has a slight edge in durability over the Zeta LT’s 2L GORE-TEX construction.
- Of all three jackets, only the Liquid Point GTX features a helmet-compatible hood.
- With regards to sustainability, note that all three brands are bluesign approved.
Though the Arc’teryx Zeta SL is no doubt one of the best ultralight hiking shells around, it’s obvious that it isn’t the only one. Both the Black Diamond Liquid Point GTX and the Mammut Convey Tour HS Hooded are high-performing, less expensive alternatives.
But whichever ultralight hiking shell you decide on, you’ll be happy with one of the above. Each of these jackets delivers on a promise of lightweight packability, weather-resistance, and versatility across a range of unpredictable climates. Don’t let yourself be caught in a sudden storm without one.
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