Article by Markus Zinkl
ZPacks - Vertice Rain Jacket ($299) and Goose Down Jacket ($375)
Introduction
Zpacks is one of the OG “cottage” ultralight backpacking companies. The company was started in 2004 by Joe Valesko with only a sewing machine in his apartment. Today, Zpacks is one of the biggest players in the ultralight backpacking world. All their gear, including the rain and the down jackets reviewed here, are fully handmade in their own facility in West Melbourne, FL. I tested both jackets on some weekend trips in the alps and on my last thru hike of the Via Alpina in Switzerland for about 30 days on trail in total.
Vertice Rain Jacket ($299.00)
Tech Specs
Official Weight: 5,4 oz / 152 g (Size: S)
Sample Weight: 5,6 / 160 g (Size: S)
Vapor Transfer: 56.000+ g/m²/day
Water Resistance: 20.000 mm
Materials
Main fabric: Proprietary Vertice waterproof breathable fabric
Three layer shell fabric:
Moisture wicking lining
Waterproof vapor permeable membrane
C6 DWR treated 7 denier ripstop nylon
Zippers: Fully waterproof main zipper and pit zippers
Options
Sizing: Men’s S, M, L, XL and XXL
Women’s XS, S, M, L and XL
Colors: black, azure blue and burnt orange
Features
The Vertice rain jacket boasts an impressive array of features that combine to offer exceptional rain protection and practical usability. With a full-length waterproof front zipper accompanied by a rain guard, you're ensured complete coverage and effective prevention against rain intrusion.
The fully-taped seams take waterproofing a step further, effectively sealing off any potential points of water entry created by stitching.
Customizability is key, thanks to the adjustable elastic at both the wrists and the hood. This feature allows you to tailor the fit to your preference, while the one-handed adjustability streamlines the process.
At the hem, the elastic not only keeps drafts at bay but also ensures that no gust of wind can disrupt your comfort.
The fitted hood, complete with a visor and vertical adjustment strap at the back, guarantees both protection and visibility. The visor effectively diverts water away from your face, while the vertical adjustment accommodates various head sizes and situations.
For added convenience, the hood can be neatly rolled up and secured when not in use, preventing it from getting in your way.
The hood is designed to accommodate a helmet as. I was not able to test the jacket with a helmet, but based on the size of the hood it should fit any climbing helmet without problems.
In terms of storage, the chest pocket's placement is well-thought-out, allowing easy access even when wearing a backpack. This clever positioning ensures that retrieving items from the pocket doesn't require you to remove your backpack. Moreover, the spaciousness of the chest pocket, measuring approximately 8 inches in width and 9.5 inches in height, provides ample room for essentials like maps, electronics, or snacks.
In addition the pocket is reversible inside out. It can be flipped to the inside, offering a solution for storage.
Ventilation is addressed through waterproof armpit zippers, which provide a means for regulating your body temperature without compromising the jacket's waterproof qualities. This comes in handy during intense activities that generate heat.
The rain jacket's design includes a comfortable body and sleeve length that ensures your layered clothing remains dry and comfortable. This thoughtful design prevents rain from reaching your inner layers and ensures your overall comfort.
In conclusion, the rain jacket offers an impressive ensemble of features that collectively provide an effective solution for staying dry and comfortable in wet weather. Especially for the weight, this is quite uncommon. Most ultralight rain jackets only offer the bare minimum and skip features like pockets, arm zippers and adjustable hems.
Sizing and Fit
Zpacks offers a sizing chart on their site. I’m 6 ft / 183 cm with a slim build and I went with a size S, because I don’t like my jackets being too bulky. The fit was spot on and especially the length of the jacket as it a bit longer than most other manufacturers provide. I still had enough room to layer up with a midlayer, without it being baggy. too baggy. The Goose Down Jacket fits underneath the rain jacket making it a great layering system. At the same time the jacket is long enough, so that it does not ride up while carrying a backpack. Also the sleeve length is long enough for me to cover my arms fully even when stretched out.
Performance
One of the standout features for me is the jacket's extended length. This design choice pays off big time as it ensures the jacket doesn't ride up during activities. This means I can go about my outdoor adventures without constantly tugging and adjusting, which is a huge relief.
Breathability is key for me, and this jacket hits the mark with its breathable membrane fabric and strategically placed pit zippers. During my testing, I was pleasantly surprised that I could comfortably wear it in temperatures up to the mid sixties sixties (18 °C) without breaking into a major sweat. I mainly needed it this summer in the Swiss Alps. The first few days it rained quite a lot. So I really could put the Jacket to the test.
The chest pocket is a nice addition, especially for an ultralight rain jacket. It’s the perfect spot for waterproof storage, and I've found it super handy for keeping my essentials safe and dry. Not having to worry about my electronics or maps getting wet is a big plus.
Adjustability is crucial for a rain jacket, and this one nails it. The drawstrings at the hem, wrists, and hood worked great. They not only keep water out effectively but also score points for being easy to use with just one hand. It's the little things like this that make a big difference.
I'm a fan of the band at the back of the hood as well. It's a smart addition that serves a dual purpose – quick hood adjustments and a neat storage solution. While I never really used it to store the hood away I appreciate the option to do so. I only used it to adjust the hood from falling into my face and that worked flawlessly.
After enduring several days of rain, it didn't let me down. It didn't wet out, even when faced with a heavy downpour of up to 20 liters per 6 hours in my testing. That kind of reliability is exactly what I need during unpredictable weather.
Despite packing in all these features, the jacket manages to stay remarkably lightweight. This is a big plus for me, especially when I'm on the move. I get a fully loaded rain jacket without feeling like I'm carrying around extra baggage.
I can’t really find any real negative points on this jacket. Yes, it is not the most durable jacket, but this comes with the territory if you are looking for an ultralight rain jacket. Yes, it is not a budget jacket either. Comparing it to other jackets, especially in the Gore-Tex world, it is rather mid range. For all the features and the weight it is reasonable in my opinion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this rain jacket has certainly impressed me with its performance across the board. From its thoughtful design to its breathability, waterproofing, and user-friendly features, it's clear that a lot of thought went into its creation. I only can point out again all the features it packs for the weight. All of this makes it my go to ultralight rain jacket going forward if I expect inclement conditions.
Goose Down Jacket ($375.00)
Tech Specs
Official Weight: 6,1 oz / 174 g (Size: S)
Sample Weight: 6,3 oz / 179 g (Size: S)
Down Fill Weights: Small: 3.0oz (85g)
Medium: 3.4oz (96g)
Large: 3.8oz (108g)
XL: 4.2oz (119g)
XXL: 4.6oz (130g)
Materials
Main fabric: 0.51 oz/sqyd Ventum Ripstop Nylon
Filling: DownTek 950 Fill Power Water Repellent RDS certified Goose Down
Options
Sizing: S, M, L, XL and XXL
Colors: azure blue
Features
The jacket's insulation comes from responsibly sourced 'Responsible Down Standard' certified DownTek PCF-FREE water-resistant 950 fill power goose down. This specialized down retains its dryness 90% longer than untreated down, providing reliable warmth in various conditions.
Both the liner and shell of the jacket are treated with C0 durable water repellent, enhancing their resistance to rain spray and body moisture. This treatment adds an extra layer of protection against the elements.
The jacket's body and sleeve length are designed for comfort, ensuring that you stay warm even when layering underneath. This feature caters to various outdoor activities in colder temperatures.
Equipped with a fitted hood and adjustable cinch cords, the jacket offers extended coverage without sacrificing visibility. The hood's design focuses on practicality and adaptability.
Dual hand pockets are positioned strategically to keep you warm during both trail and camp activities. These pockets enhance functionality without compromising the jacket's insulation.
Adjustable elastic at the hem prevents the jacket from riding up, allowing for free movement while keeping you shielded from the cold.
Elastic at the wrists serves to seal the sleeves and block drafts, contributing to overall comfort in varying weather conditions.
The jacket includes an internal zippered chest pocket, appropriately sized for each version. This pocket is a practical storage solution for items like maps or a phone, keeping them secure and easily accessible.
This pocket is reversible, so it can be turned inside out to store the entire jacket when not in use.
Both the liner and shell of the jacket are treated with "C0" Durable Water Repellent, designed to repel a light spray of rain and body moisture. Importantly, this treatment adheres to contemporary environmental standards by excluding PFOA or PFOS compounds.
Sizing and Fit
Again Zpacks offers a sizing chart on their site. Based on the chart I would have needed size M. Unfortunately it was not available and I went with an S for my 6 ft / 183 cm and slim build.
Only at the hem was the fit a bit snug. I would definitely recommend to go with Zpacks sizing recommendations. Again the jacket is a bit longer than from most other manufacturers, which is a plus in my books. Even in my size Small I could layer a base and mid layer underneath.
As mentioned, only the hem area was a bit snug and I couldn’t really make use of the adjustable drawstring.
Performance
When it comes to warmth-to-weight ratio, this jacket truly shines. For its weight I was pleasantly surprised by how well it is insulated. The combination of the high-quality down and efficient design does wonders in keeping you cozy. I used it down to just shy of freezing with only a base layer and was plenty warm.
The jacket's extended length is a huge advantage, as it prevents any chance of cold drafts sneaking in. I usually have the problem with smaller sizes that the jackets end up pretty short.
I love the fact that this jacket is highly compressible and can be packed down into its own interior pocket. The high fill power really lets it pack down very small. I usually just shove it into my pack to fill out any leftover spaces.
The elastic cuffs are a small detail that makes a big difference. They fit snugly, effectively sealing out cold air and preventing any discomfort.
While the drawstring at the waist wasn't necessary for me due to the already snug fit, I can see how it would be valuable for my actually needed size M.
The minimal drawstring hood is a winner in my book. It serves its purpose well and maintains a streamlined look, which is something I appreciate. The fact that it's roomy enough is a plus, accommodating various head sizes without feeling restrictive.
One drawback that caught my attention is the jacket's tendency to lose a fair amount of down. The very thin shell fabric seems to be the culprit, and this issue becomes probably more pronounced due to the smaller sewn-through baffles. It's worth noting that this fabric is the same as that used in their quilts, which I’m reviewing as well at the moment. Subjectively, it appears to result in more down loss in the jacket compared to the quilt.
The delicate nature of the shell material demands careful handling. While I appreciate lightweight gear, it's clear that this fabric requires special attention to avoid potential tears or damage. Since I’m usually looking after my gear quite well, I didn’t have any durability issues though.
The design choice of zipperless outside pockets has its trade-offs. While it contributes to the jacket's weight savings, it does have the tendency to let things slip out, especially when leaning over. This can be a minor inconvenience, especially when trying to keep small items secure.
The jacket's price point is a bit on the higher side. While the performance is commendable, the cost might be a consideration for those on a tighter budget. Considering it being handmade in the US it is understandable though.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Zpacks Goose Down Jacket offers impressive warmth-to-weight performance and thoughtful design elements. It's an excellent choice for those seeking one of the lightest down jackets available. However, due to the delicate fabric you need to expect some down loss. Due to the used high end materials and it being handmade in the US, also its price is on the upper end of the spectrum.
Available at Zpacks here Zpacks
The products that are the basis of this test were provided to us free of charge by Zpacks. RoadTrailRun is an affiliate of ZPacks may earn commissions on sales through the link above The opinions presented are our own.
Tester Profile
Markus Zinkl: I’m 33 years old and live in a small village in Bavaria, Germany. I started hiking and backpacking 5-6 years ago. Coming from trail running and with light and fast in mind, I started hiking and fast packing with ultralight gear. Over the years I tried and tested a lot of gear, always in search of weight savings. Although still trying to stay out of the ultralight rabbit hole. I spend most of my days off from work on the trail, with at least one 2-3 week thru-hike. Among the more well known trails I have hiked over the last few years are the GR221, WHR (Walker’s Haute Route), TMB (Tour du Mont Blanc), TC (Tour du Cervin-Matterhorn) and Via Alpina Switzerland. As you probably notice by now, I’m at home in the mountains. So if I’m not running or thru-hiking a longer trail, I’m probably somewhere in the Alps checking out some shorter trails.
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3 comments:
Thank you so much for featuring a "Cottage Brand" on the site! I own a couple of items (apparel and other gear) by cottage companies and have to say they are so well made and I love that with some of them you can customize the product.
I'd love a monthly feature like this. Show some love to the small businesses out there!
Does the Vertice work well as a running rain shell?
Yes, it works great as a running shell as well. Its light weight and plenty venting options suits running great as well. My go to if major rain showers are forecasted.
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