
$119.00
Item qualifies for annual
REI Member Refund (typically 10%)
Imported.
Item 746581
Specification | Description |
| Shell fabric | Nylon ripstop |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Waterproofing | 2.5-layer REI Elements coating |
| Average weight | 16 ounces |
| Gender | Men's |
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Reviewed by 57 customers
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Comments about REI Ultra Light Jacket - Men's:
This jacket is in a different league from other rain jackets in this price range. This jacket has none of the performance issues that plague similar models from other companies. I had one such jacket, and in its first downpour, I was soaking wet (and therefore quite cold). This happened to be when my wife and i had lost our way on a trail, so my being all wet was a problem. We had recently gotten my wife the women's REI Ultralight, and she was dry as can be. When we found our way back home that evening I ordered a men's Ultralight for myself to replace the other company's coat that had failed me so miserably. I have not been disappointed with this one. The stretch fabric is amazing - the benefits of this can only be believed when you use the jacket. It's nearly impossible to describe the increase of comfort from this feature. The shell fabric is smooth and seems more durable than i normally expect from an ultralight garment. This coat is very carefully designed, and functions ideally. This jacket, unlike others at this price, is truly waterproof.
As to breathability, I have not had any complaints. That's actually quite amazing, as I tend to sweat profusely. The pit-zips are awesome, and are in just the right place. The hood is great, fitting over my big head (even with my fleece hat on), but it also is easily adjusted to fit over a very small head.
I use this jacket as a windbreaker shell over my fleece, and as a rain coat for both backpacking and for everyday use (the jacket actually looks really nice - much better than in the pictures). As a musician, I carry my instrument on my back, with very low-tech shoulder straps, and I have not seen any signs of problems with the durability.
Definitely the best rain jacket deal you can find!
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Comments about REI Ultra Light Jacket - Men's:
Nice lightweight jacket that I wear around town and while out hiking/camping. I will say that after a hike on Mt.SI with temps around 35-40 degrees I was soaked from perspiration even fully vented. I think this breathable claim pertaining to the E1 series fabric is a bit of a stretch, my REI bivy also creates a condensation. Very good jacket otherwise.
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Comments about REI Ultra Light Jacket - Men's:
Great jacket, very lightweight and packable but will keep you dry all day walking in the rain. I live in Germany -- rainy and cold even in summer -- I wear raincoats all the time and this one is my favorite. Perfect for traveling especially, it is not so technical looking so I can wear it everywhere. The fabric is light and not stretchy. I also have an REI Taku jacket, but the ultra lite is more comfortable -- especially the hood. It is not warm, but works well for layering since it is roomy without feeling bulky. I like the length, somewhat between a parka and a normal jacket. I bought this to replace a 14-year-old REI Goretex Parka, this one is more minimalist (much fewer pockets), shorter and more comfortable.
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Comments about REI Ultra Light Jacket - Men's:
This is a fantastic jacket. The only problem I can see with it is that if you try to warm up next to a fire while wearing it any ember will burn through. I don't care how quick your ninja hands are if an ember lands on this baby you're getting a hole.
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Comments about REI Ultra Light Jacket - Men's:
I've been lucky to have not yet been caught in bad weather with this jacket but I've been curious to know how it would do in rain so had my son hose me down. We stood out in the yard and he sprayed up to get "rainfall" on me, then straight at my back, front, and sides. I gave the jacket a good soaking while we stood out in the front yard having too much fun with water for quite a long time. End result: I was completely dry. Good job REI Ultra Light Jacket!
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Comments about REI Ultra Light Jacket - Men's:
On the '+' side, the jacket provides really good protection against rain and wind. It has a more boxy cut than many similar jackets (e.g. Marmot Precip jacket) making fit great on those of us with broad shoulders and muscular upper body. The fleece in the collar is comfy and the jacket actually looks good (not shiny) - it's particularly nice to be able to stow away the hood in the collar. It packs well into its little sack.
On the '-' side, I don't find that this jacket breathes particularly well at all. Thank goodness for the pitzips! This lack of breathability seems to be compounded by that the inside of the jacket is "plasticky" which makes me feel clammy - and cold if the temps suddenly drops. I just really hate that sticky plastic against my skin. This is unfortunate since I think that design-wise it's superior to the competitors.
So overall, it's not a bad jacket. However if you tend to sweat a fair amount, you may want to look elsewhere.
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Comments about REI Ultra Light Jacket - Men's:
I got this jacket 2 years ago. It may be improved by now. Mine doesn't breathe well. Even with open vents it's collecting moisture inside. It's waterproof, but with time the jacket seams started to leak. The fit is OK, but it is not better then any cheap non-breathing nylon jackets.
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Comments about REI Ultra Light Jacket - Men's:
Bought this jacket two days before leaving on a 300+ mile bike trip from Washington DC to Pittsburgh. Best purchase I made (along with fenders) since it rained hard for three of the days. The Ultra Light worked like a charm! Kept me bone dry -- even protected my finicky iPhone from the moisture thanks to the sealed pocket in the chest. Didn't breathe as well as some jackets but pit zips allow you to regulate your temp just fine. Water does not penetrate this jacket -- hood is nice addition at this price. Looks good off the bike, too. Has quickly become my favorite jacket!
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Comments about REI Ultra Light Jacket - Men's:
I really enjoy this jacket. I live in Bellingham, WA which is north of Seattle and the weather/temperature here is a mix of Alaska and California. Anyhow, it rains a lot here and before buying this jacket, i research the seria designs one, the north face and a maramot ones but those could not compete with this. Like everybody has mentioned, this jacket is awesome for walking, hiking,etc. I love all the pockets and even a music pocket. The only bad this is that when you zip up the jacket all the way, the collar pokes me neck...maybe it's just me..but other than that..this jacket rocks!!!
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Comments about REI Ultra Light Jacket - Men's:
This is a great jacket with well thought out design and excellent quality build. I thoroughly enjoy using it in inclement weather and find that my only complaint is that the included stuff sack does not fit my xxl jacket if I keep the hood attached. The hood is well shaped and provides excellent protection while maintaining a great field of view. The arms are nice and long, and I find that they still provide pretty good coverage when I ride my road bike to work.
I especially like how the jacket feels when wearing it. It's comfortable shape sits well and I have on occasion kept it on in my office for several hours without realizing it. (I't not that my office is even cold, i just sit down and it's a very comfortable jacket. My old Patagonia ultralight jacket was admittedly a little lighter, but lacked any of the features, i.e. headphone hole on the interior of the chest pocket or zip off hood. The Patagonia also always felt a little sticky against my skin, and I would invariably turn the arms inside out when removing it. Another great REI labeled product.
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