Reviewed in July 2nd, 2021



The Versalite from Japanese based Mont-Bell is a sensational option for summer. It weighs half as much as many jackets here yet boasts high levels of waterproofing and sweat-preventing breathability and generous armpit zips for quickly dumping heat. Sure, the Gore S7 (below) is lighter, but this is a jacket for the real world, with usefully sized pockets, adjustable cuffs and hem and a fair amount of style thrown in for good measure.

Interestingly, the Versalite uses two layers of Gore-Tex Infinium with Windstopper Technology, which is typically sold as a highly breathable, windproof material with water resistance, rather than a waterproof fabric. Mont-Bell has given it a mighty upgrade however, by taping all the seams. The result is a waterproof rain shell that is impervious to wind, but also doesn’t make you feel stifled in the heat.

The ultra-thin fabric feels a little fragile - and sounds a bit plastic baggy - but the ripstop material proved more than a match for occasional brambles and a wrong turn into some gorse bushes.

Fit is true to size and adjustability is impressive given the weight. We’ve not found many jackets with a lightweight hood that can be adjusted in three different ways, even rolled up and away when not needed, yet can still pack down into a stuff sack that is only a little larger than (and half the weight of) a can of pop.

Pros: Light; packable; breathable; big pockets; pit-zips

Cons: A bit crinkly

from WIRED

Reviewed in June, 2020

The Montbell Versalite is the jacket we’ll be using the most for our ultralight adventures this year. It’s incredibly lightweight, but still has all the features of a heavier jacket - high hand pockets that work well with a backpack hip belt, pit-zips to dump excess heat as you warm up, and great hood, hem, and wrist adjustments for a dialed-in fit. The Versalite is made with thin materials to shave grams, so it’s not as durable as some jackets. If you’re into activities like hiking and backpacking, though, the weight-savings are well worth the tradeoff. If you’re looking to keep weight low, but still want all the bells and whistles, the Versalite is a fantastic choice and a great value.

from CleverHiker

Reviewed in June, 2020

The Montbell Versalite is an ultralight waterproof/breathable rain jacket that weighs 7.0 oz in a men’s XL. It’s by far the best backpacking rain jacket in my gear closet in terms of the features important to hikers. It has pit zips, a four-way adjustable hood, hook and loop wrist cuffs, hip-belt compatible chest pockets, an internally controlled hem adjustment, waterproof zippers, and taped seams. Montbell nailed this one.

from Section Hiker

Reviewed on MAY 2018

from www.followbigfoot..com