I’m in agreement w/ the review. Thank you for both pros and cons. All well though out and tested. However, I will disagree on price. $250 for a jacket that has worked well and lasted 2+ years (and probably up to 5) is a quality piece of equip worth paying a tad extra for. And if you do get it to last 5 years, that’s only $50/year + Dwr
I prefer the Lightheart Gear rain jacket personally, its totally waterproof and not a breathable fabric, but I sweat too much for the breathable jackets to really work more than 20 minutes anyway. LHG jacket makes up for it with enormous pit zips and being relatively affordable, plus the reliability of something that just does being a waterproof layer well, no fancy coatings required.
I also bought a Lightheart jacket and pants for my PCT attempt. I've owned countless Gore-Tex and other "breathable" rain jacket from all the big brands: all of them made me sweaty and all of them wet-out eventually. I'm from the UK... we know rain.
Enlightened equipment rocks! Have several quilts and also got the visp rain jacket recently and I love it. Do not sweat inside like every other jacket I’ve owned And believe me I’ve been hiking since my 20’s and I’m 74 now. You get what you pay for and enlightenment equipment is top quality.
My visp would wet through pretty quickly after just a few months use. Reapplied DWR and it didn’t improve at all. Moved on to a Montbell versalite and been very happy.
LoL I just commented about this above. The Visp has very low durability and isn't worth it. I've heard much better reports about the Montbell Versalite. My comment from above: "Unfortunately I've heard of multiple instances of the Visp failing after an unreasonably short time of on-trail use (not bushwhacking). Durability is low, which has to be factored into the price. I saw a friend's jacket used on trail only for not much time and the fabric just wasn't holding up, with multiple spots wearing through where the fabric rubbed against itself or pack straps. I'm very curious to hear how it works for you after some more use. Also curious how it compares with the Montbell Versalite, which I've heard better reports about (fabric holding up well, with only a DWR retreat at least once/season)."
My greatest regret when I started to hike was to buy a rain jacket and waterproof trousers, never, never again! I bought an Altus full zip poncho from Spain, (£40) ideal for me, if condensation builds up I just open the full zip and the inside rapidly dries.
Lightheart Gear or Anti Gravity Gear make a better raincoat, imho. They're not breathable but they're light. Every single breathable jacket I've ever worn eventually wets out. Lightheart gear will make you sweat but you won't be cold. They don't wet out, by design. They both have waterproof zippers, taped seams, and XL pit zips. For whatever that's worth. I like the EE Copperfield wind jacket. It's a must have for me. Ultra light. Happy trails.
I don't have one but thanks for the tip. I will definitely look into them. Lightheart gear at $150 are much more reasonable! And the best part is that they are made in the United States, not Vietnam. I see they have pockets too. A big plus in my opinion.
I love my Visp rain jacket, I haven’t done anything to it since 2022 and it still preforms as I want it to. I just rinse it off after a trip and let it dry out in the shower. It’s still like brand new 3 years later.
It's great to hear that you're doing the PCT. On this side of the pond the Inov8 Stormshell full zip is an awesome jacket. It's waterproof, really breathable, a lot cheaper and just a little bit lighter. And it's got a small chest pocket (which it can pack into). On the downside it doesn't have pit zips, and is a 2.5, not 3 layer fabric. It's my go to jacket in a Scottish summer and served me well on both the JMT and the Cape Wrath Trail
I still think your videos are some of the best out there and I'm so looking forward to your PCT journey. Now to the rain jackets. I have done so much research on rain jackets. I took your advice with OR helium jacket and was totally disappointed from the first time I put it on. It was short, tight and zero pit zips and wetted out within 20 minutes, and I'm not a person who sweats very easily. But it packed down very small, which was the only plus from me. With that being said, I ended up with a Montbell Torrent Flier jacket. I've had it for 2 years and it hasn't even came close to wetting out at all. I started sweating out in it once (going up a very steep hill) and just opened the huge pit zips and everything was fine. I absolutely love this jacket and out of all the rain jackets I've ever owned, this one is in a completely different category than anything I've ever used. It's less than 1oz.more than the versalite and better water resistance. But yes, it's made in Vietnam and not USA.
After OR replaced my old helium 2 my experience was terrible. My first jacket lasted a good solid 3 years with lots of rain and little to no issues. I've gotten 2 new ones via the lifetime warranty and both have delaminated at the bottom of the jacket where a hip belt would be. I backpack mostly withOUT a hip belt since my replacements. It really feels to me they changed the material. My wife's is still holding up great and got it a year or or so before.my AT hike. Granted she doesn't use it nearly as much as I do. But she used to.
Great review. Love that you've used the jacket for a while to get a better impression of long term durability. I've used lots of different rain jackets, but never the Visp or Vertice. They look very interesting as bring everywhere jackets and of course for hikes, but not living in the US it's expensive with shipping and complicated in case I get the wrong size or any problem. Prices are high, but not bad compared to a GoreTex jacket of similar quality.
It's not that I can't pay $250 for a jacket... it's the shame I cannot afford. That is ludicrous for a jacket made in VIETNAM! Apparently this fabric is fuckin gold.
Last year I purchased a Tushar rain jacket from OV. It's too early for a review but for the couple of times that I had it in the rain, I was impressed. it is a little heavier at 7.4oz but it also has the chest pocket that comes in handy and the pit zips. I agree, they are a must-have now. The price was cheaper as well.
That's my issue with some of these small companies, it seems like they rip off the average hiker. I totally get it, as they need to make money, but at the expense of cheap labor overseas and then they rip off their customer base back home.
I got the Visp after hearing several good reviews. My primary concern has been how well it can work as a shell, against wind - which I think should be a primary use of any rain jacket. So far, it has actually worked pretty well as a shell - just right to wear while breaking camp on most mornings. Another concern has been its durability - good so far, but it hasn't seen extended use yet. Unfortunately (or fortunately), I haven had to wear it in much rain so I can't judge its effectiveness as a rain jacket.
I still use my Zpacks Vertice rain jacket, but it's more for going to the supermarket when raining. Like others have mentioned, I now will only wear Lightheart Gear to stay dry on trail. There's been some discussion of banning the use of the DWR coatings as well.
@@FrozensAdventures Last year there were statements made about DWR coatings "While PFC based DWRs are safe to wear, the chemical coatings are non-biodegradable and travels easily through wind and water, polyfluorinated or fluorocarbons (PFC) seem safe although (PFOS-PFOA) are considered to be harmful to humans and the environment" I haven't seen any new reports regarding the ban, I did however stop using gear treated with DWR. I'm just a backpacker but I do research products for backpacking and make my own judgements based on warnings. Some of the higher end rain gear, from my understanding have switched to the safer DWRs.That said, it's something to consider.
I having been using patagonia rain jacket & rain pants for over 15 yrs now & have to say Hands Down that they are Awesome &’keep you bone dry in heavy down pours to light rain either way I am Always dry
Thanks for the video! Great review and it's apparent you have put in enough time to share valuable knowledge! I haven't tried the Visp yet but liked the Montbell Versalite which I used on the PCT. It's 2.5 layer so a bit less substantial. These UL rain jackets are fine but do tent to wet through eventually. I do carry an UL umbrella (Montbell
Looks like a nice jacket 👍I applied NicWax TX Direct to my gear but my jacket has been wetting out pretty quickly lately. I'll keep using it for colder temps but I picked up Frogg Toggs poncho hoping to use it during the warmer months with a wind breaker.
I'm curious if you have any experience with the Lightheart Gear rain jacket. I've heard that there's no DWR required, because it's not a breathable fabric.
Had one. Main zipper is NOT waterproof. Can see lots of light through it and water gets past even though advertised as waterproof zipper. They made me pay shipping both ways to get a refund. 👎
Maybe I missed it, but I didn't hear you mention how long it will keep you dry. Will it keep you dry in a 2 hour rain, a 4 hour rain, etc. Looking forward to watching you hike the PCT.
Nice review. How well do you feel it performs in the wind jacket role, like so many of us use our rain jacket? Do you experience any clammy feeling during say a hard clim?
You make a really compelling case to give this jacket a try, thanks for the information. I really like how you did wait a while to give the review, which both speaks to renewing the DWR but also the long term reliability and quality of the jacket. Think I need to get one. Do you wear it around town while not hiking when the random rain shower hits?
Price point is too high for me. My experience shows all jackets either wet out or sweat out. While hiking I use an umbrella. The jacket only comes out in camp or if it gets chilly.
While this might be the best in it's category (UL rain jackets), it's a bad category I would say. An antigravity gear or lightheart gear non breathable jacket with mechanical ventilation would not wet through and last much longer. Personally, I get a $20 non breathable rain jacket from Decathlon and pair it with an umbrella. I will keep the front zip open unless it's too cold. It's just too much money when you go through one every year.
David Copperfield jacket 🤣 I picked a Visp up a couple months ago, but haven't had a chance to test it out in rain. I've used a Montbell Versalite for over 4K miles but it needed replacing. I'm torn if I'm taking the Visp on the PCT. Sounds like you feel it adds some warmth - how comparable is that to the OR jacket you used in the past (as far as warmth)?
I definitely have a lot of expensive gear but when it comes to rain jackets $250 😳 I’ll keep using my Frogg Toggs Xtreme Lite Jacket it’s worked great for $59 bucks
Too rich for my blood. I'll stick with my Frogg Toggs and duct tape lol Although I did splurge on the Vertice Rain Pants during the Black Friday special. They really performs well for wind and rain.
Man.... I so much want to believe reviews on rain jackets. But after trying so many and being left unsatisfied every single time for a lot of reasons... one of the biggest reasons is that being both "breathable" and "waterproof" is such an illogical and deceptive (marketing) concept - it's not scientifically possible to let air through and keep water out - a couple hydrogen molecules and an oxygen molecule is pretty small... maybe a tiny bit larger than a single nitrogen molecule (most of what we call 'air') - but, both are traveling through your rain jacket (eventually), except maybe a plastic bag for a rain jacket. I carry one - but not for rain - unless it's WAY too windy. My umbrella is my go-to - it's not perfect - but I'm no fooled by the marketing people. Glad you like your rain jacket, though.
Unfortunately I've heard of multiple instances of the Visp failing after an unreasonably short time of on-trail use (not bushwhacking). Durability is low, which has to be factored into the price. I saw a friend's jacket used on trail only for not much time and the fabric just wasn't holding up, with multiple spots wearing through where the fabric rubbed against itself or pack straps. I'm very curious to hear how it works for you after some more use. Also curious how it compares with the Montbell Versalite, which I've heard better reports about (fabric holding up well, with only a DWR retreat at least once/season).
Gore-tex is still the best membrane holding up water and still allows moisture going out. At this price point, chose a rain jacket with Gore fabric would be better
@@NordicOutland-amazon You're confirming what I've seen and heard. The fact that there's lots of initial Visp reviews and hardly any (if any) long-term glowing reviews says a lot. And if there is a long-term glowing review, I'm certain you'll find a relationship with EE providing goods or $ to the reviewer.
When is anyone going to talk about the “forever” chemicals used in outdoor gear? I’m sure there have to be alternatives available so why haven’t the gear companies steered away from PFAS??
Perhaps AI will figure a way to create "breathable" WATERPROOF fabrics. Human intelligence has failed. Commercial fishermen know this and know how to wear truly waterproof gear. Others could learn this, too, but they want to go aerobic and bust big miles while wearing the equivalent of a plastic bag. Which would actually keep you reliably drier than a $250 breathable jacket in any real downpour.
This. No jacket I have seen is breathable enough to out vent the huge amount of moisture produced while exerting at a moderate to high backpacking level. I’ll taker waterproof with mechanical venting in almost all backpacking scenarios.
Another quality tested and adequate review. I'd have to agree that price is ridiculous and out of most people's range though.
I’m in agreement w/ the review. Thank you for both pros and cons. All well though out and tested. However, I will disagree on price. $250 for a jacket that has worked well and lasted 2+ years (and probably up to 5) is a quality piece of equip worth paying a tad extra for. And if you do get it to last 5 years, that’s only $50/year + Dwr
I prefer the Lightheart Gear rain jacket personally, its totally waterproof and not a breathable fabric, but I sweat too much for the breathable jackets to really work more than 20 minutes anyway. LHG jacket makes up for it with enormous pit zips and being relatively affordable, plus the reliability of something that just does being a waterproof layer well, no fancy coatings required.
Yep I love my Lightheart Gear rain jacket also.
I also bought a Lightheart jacket and pants for my PCT attempt. I've owned countless Gore-Tex and other "breathable" rain jacket from all the big brands: all of them made me sweaty and all of them wet-out eventually. I'm from the UK... we know rain.
Enlightened equipment rocks! Have several quilts and also got the visp rain jacket recently and I love it. Do not sweat inside like every other jacket I’ve owned And believe me I’ve been hiking since my 20’s and I’m 74 now. You get what you pay for and enlightenment equipment is top quality.
My visp would wet through pretty quickly after just a few months use. Reapplied DWR and it didn’t improve at all. Moved on to a Montbell versalite and been very happy.
LoL I just commented about this above. The Visp has very low durability and isn't worth it. I've heard much better reports about the Montbell Versalite. My comment from above: "Unfortunately I've heard of multiple instances of the Visp failing after an unreasonably short time of on-trail use (not bushwhacking). Durability is low, which has to be factored into the price. I saw a friend's jacket used on trail only for not much time and the fabric just wasn't holding up, with multiple spots wearing through where the fabric rubbed against itself or pack straps. I'm very curious to hear how it works for you after some more use. Also curious how it compares with the Montbell Versalite, which I've heard better reports about (fabric holding up well, with only a DWR retreat at least once/season)."
My greatest regret when I started to hike was to buy a rain jacket and waterproof trousers, never, never again! I bought an Altus full zip poncho from Spain, (£40) ideal for me, if condensation builds up I just open the full zip and the inside rapidly dries.
Lightheart Gear or Anti Gravity Gear make a better raincoat, imho. They're not breathable but they're light. Every single breathable jacket I've ever worn eventually wets out. Lightheart gear will make you sweat but you won't be cold. They don't wet out, by design. They both have waterproof zippers, taped seams, and XL pit zips. For whatever that's worth.
I like the EE Copperfield wind jacket. It's a must have for me. Ultra light. Happy trails.
I don't have one but thanks for the tip. I will definitely look into them. Lightheart gear at $150 are much more reasonable! And the best part is that they are made in the United States, not Vietnam. I see they have pockets too. A big plus in my opinion.
I like my visp but wish it had hand pockets.. … I am not sure if I would spend that much money again on a new one! Happy Trails!!
Love the Visp! Held up great on my AT thru hike!
I love my Visp rain jacket, I haven’t done anything to it since 2022 and it still preforms as I want it to. I just rinse it off after a trip and let it dry out in the shower. It’s still like brand new 3 years later.
Great video and review my friend. We are excited to see your PCT journey.
It's great to hear that you're doing the PCT. On this side of the pond the Inov8 Stormshell full zip is an awesome jacket. It's waterproof, really breathable, a lot cheaper and just a little bit lighter. And it's got a small chest pocket (which it can pack into). On the downside it doesn't have pit zips, and is a 2.5, not 3 layer fabric. It's my go to jacket in a Scottish summer and served me well on both the JMT and the Cape Wrath Trail
I still think your videos are some of the best out there and I'm so looking forward to your PCT journey.
Now to the rain jackets. I have done so much research on rain jackets. I took your advice with OR helium jacket and was totally disappointed from the first time I put it on. It was short, tight and zero pit zips and wetted out within 20 minutes, and I'm not a person who sweats very easily. But it packed down very small, which was the only plus from me. With that being said, I ended up with a Montbell Torrent Flier jacket. I've had it for 2 years and it hasn't even came close to wetting out at all. I started sweating out in it once (going up a very steep hill) and just opened the huge pit zips and everything was fine. I absolutely love this jacket and out of all the rain jackets I've ever owned, this one is in a completely different category than anything I've ever used. It's less than 1oz.more than the versalite and better water resistance. But yes, it's made in Vietnam and not USA.
After OR replaced my old helium 2 my experience was terrible. My first jacket lasted a good solid 3 years with lots of rain and little to no issues. I've gotten 2 new ones via the lifetime warranty and both have delaminated at the bottom of the jacket where a hip belt would be. I backpack mostly withOUT a hip belt since my replacements. It really feels to me they changed the material. My wife's is still holding up great and got it a year or or so before.my AT hike. Granted she doesn't use it nearly as much as I do. But she used to.
Great review. Love that you've used the jacket for a while to get a better impression of long term durability. I've used lots of different rain jackets, but never the Visp or Vertice. They look very interesting as bring everywhere jackets and of course for hikes, but not living in the US it's expensive with shipping and complicated in case I get the wrong size or any problem. Prices are high, but not bad compared to a GoreTex jacket of similar quality.
Great video. Always on point
It's not that I can't pay $250 for a jacket... it's the shame I cannot afford. That is ludicrous for a jacket made in VIETNAM! Apparently this fabric is fuckin gold.
Thanks for the great review!
Last year I purchased a Tushar rain jacket from OV. It's too early for a review but for the couple of times that I had it in the rain, I was impressed. it is a little heavier at 7.4oz but it also has the chest pocket that comes in handy and the pit zips. I agree, they are a must-have now. The price was cheaper as well.
That's my issue with some of these small companies, it seems like they rip off the average hiker. I totally get it, as they need to make money, but at the expense of cheap labor overseas and then they rip off their customer base back home.
I got the Visp after hearing several good reviews. My primary concern has been how well it can work as a shell, against wind - which I think should be a primary use of any rain jacket. So far, it has actually worked pretty well as a shell - just right to wear while breaking camp on most mornings. Another concern has been its durability - good so far, but it hasn't seen extended use yet. Unfortunately (or fortunately), I haven had to wear it in much rain so I can't judge its effectiveness as a rain jacket.
I still use my Zpacks Vertice rain jacket, but it's more for going to the supermarket when raining. Like others have mentioned, I now will only wear Lightheart Gear to stay dry on trail. There's been some discussion of banning the use of the DWR coatings as well.
Banning DWR in favor for what?
@@FrozensAdventures Last year there were statements made about DWR coatings "While PFC based DWRs are safe to wear, the chemical coatings are non-biodegradable and travels easily through wind and water, polyfluorinated or fluorocarbons (PFC) seem safe although (PFOS-PFOA) are considered to be harmful to humans and the environment" I haven't seen any new reports regarding the ban, I did however stop using gear treated with DWR. I'm just a backpacker but I do research products for backpacking and make my own judgements based on warnings. Some of the higher end rain gear, from my understanding have switched to the safer DWRs.That said, it's something to consider.
I having been using patagonia rain jacket & rain pants for over 15 yrs now & have to say Hands Down that they are Awesome &’keep you bone dry in heavy down pours to light rain either way I am Always dry
Do you have to refresh the DWR coating?
Thanks for the video! Great review and it's apparent you have put in enough time to share valuable knowledge!
I haven't tried the Visp yet but liked the Montbell Versalite which I used on the PCT. It's 2.5 layer so a bit less substantial. These UL rain jackets are fine but do tent to wet through eventually. I do carry an UL umbrella (Montbell
Looks like a nice jacket 👍I applied NicWax TX Direct to my gear but my jacket has been wetting out pretty quickly lately. I'll keep using it for colder temps but I picked up Frogg Toggs poncho hoping to use it during the warmer months with a wind breaker.
NikWax while the most sustainable doesn't seem to be the best at application to product.
I'm curious if you have any experience with the Lightheart Gear rain jacket. I've heard that there's no DWR required, because it's not a breathable fabric.
Lightheartgear is $100.00 less.
Had one. Main zipper is NOT waterproof. Can see lots of light through it and water gets past even though advertised as waterproof zipper. They made me pay shipping both ways to get a refund. 👎
@@flyweight_adventures how long ago was that?
I have one from 2020. It’s been great. Never wets out. Super packable. They now have longer arms. Great jacket for UL kit.
Maybe I missed it, but I didn't hear you mention how long it will keep you dry. Will it keep you dry in a 2 hour rain, a 4 hour rain, etc. Looking forward to watching you hike the PCT.
It has kept me dry in 6 hours of rain so far. More than a drizzle but less than a downpour. Steady.
I've been thinking about getting this jacket, just curious, how tall are you and what size did you get?
I'm 5'6" and a medium fits me great
Nice review. How well do you feel it performs in the wind jacket role, like so many of us use our rain jacket? Do you experience any clammy feeling during say a hard clim?
You make a really compelling case to give this jacket a try, thanks for the information. I really like how you did wait a while to give the review, which both speaks to renewing the DWR but also the long term reliability and quality of the jacket. Think I need to get one. Do you wear it around town while not hiking when the random rain shower hits?
Yes it's became my primary rain jacket for this review period
Price point is too high for me. My experience shows all jackets either wet out or sweat out. While hiking I use an umbrella. The jacket only comes out in camp or if it gets chilly.
While this might be the best in it's category (UL rain jackets), it's a bad category I would say. An antigravity gear or lightheart gear non breathable jacket with mechanical ventilation would not wet through and last much longer. Personally, I get a $20 non breathable rain jacket from Decathlon and pair it with an umbrella. I will keep the front zip open unless it's too cold. It's just too much money when you go through one every year.
David Copperfield jacket 🤣 I picked a Visp up a couple months ago, but haven't had a chance to test it out in rain. I've used a Montbell Versalite for over 4K miles but it needed replacing. I'm torn if I'm taking the Visp on the PCT. Sounds like you feel it adds some warmth - how comparable is that to the OR jacket you used in the past (as far as warmth)?
I definitely have a lot of expensive gear but when it comes to rain jackets $250 😳 I’ll keep using my Frogg Toggs Xtreme Lite Jacket it’s worked great for $59 bucks
Good to hear!
Montbell for the win😊
Versalite? I think that's my next one. Heard so many good things about it.
Yes, but the Visp seems identical to the Versalite so not worth having both.
Like 3 months ago (the “new” design).
Too rich for my blood. I'll stick with my Frogg Toggs and duct tape lol Although I did splurge on the Vertice Rain Pants during the Black Friday special. They really performs well for wind and rain.
Man.... I so much want to believe reviews on rain jackets. But after trying so many and being left unsatisfied every single time for a lot of reasons... one of the biggest reasons is that being both "breathable" and "waterproof" is such an illogical and deceptive (marketing) concept - it's not scientifically possible to let air through and keep water out - a couple hydrogen molecules and an oxygen molecule is pretty small... maybe a tiny bit larger than a single nitrogen molecule (most of what we call 'air') - but, both are traveling through your rain jacket (eventually), except maybe a plastic bag for a rain jacket. I carry one - but not for rain - unless it's WAY too windy. My umbrella is my go-to - it's not perfect - but I'm no fooled by the marketing people. Glad you like your rain jacket, though.
Unfortunately I've heard of multiple instances of the Visp failing after an unreasonably short time of on-trail use (not bushwhacking). Durability is low, which has to be factored into the price. I saw a friend's jacket used on trail only for not much time and the fabric just wasn't holding up, with multiple spots wearing through where the fabric rubbed against itself or pack straps. I'm very curious to hear how it works for you after some more use. Also curious how it compares with the Montbell Versalite, which I've heard better reports about (fabric holding up well, with only a DWR retreat at least once/season).
Gore-tex is still the best membrane holding up water and still allows moisture going out. At this price point, chose a rain jacket with Gore fabric would be better
@@NordicOutland-amazon You're confirming what I've seen and heard. The fact that there's lots of initial Visp reviews and hardly any (if any) long-term glowing reviews says a lot. And if there is a long-term glowing review, I'm certain you'll find a relationship with EE providing goods or $ to the reviewer.
When is anyone going to talk about the “forever” chemicals used in outdoor gear? I’m sure there have to be alternatives available so why haven’t the gear companies steered away from PFAS??
Start a company that uses vegetables as the primary ingredient in outdoor gear and I'm all in!
Dude, the outdoor industry literally discontinued shakedry due to PFAS and is transitioning away from them. EVERYONE is talking about it.
Prove it. Post links. I know the "industry" talks about it, but not RUclipsrs@@wio2189
From my experience made in Vietnam is a positive
Too much💸💵💰
Perhaps AI will figure a way to create "breathable" WATERPROOF fabrics. Human intelligence has failed. Commercial fishermen know this and know how to wear truly waterproof gear. Others could learn this, too, but they want to go aerobic and bust big miles while wearing the equivalent of a plastic bag. Which would actually keep you reliably drier than a $250 breathable jacket in any real downpour.
This. No jacket I have seen is breathable enough to out vent the huge amount of moisture produced while exerting at a moderate to high backpacking level. I’ll taker waterproof with mechanical venting in almost all backpacking scenarios.
its made out of plastic..