Rockfront Rain Hoody & Air Lite Windbreaker Reviews

Article by Markus ZinklIntroduction

Before diving into the specifics of the Rain Hoody and Air Lite Windbreaker, it's worth knowing a bit about the brand behind them. Rockfront is a Ukrainian outdoor company born from a team's passion for travel and their own pursuit of simpler, more comfortable ultralight gear. 

Starting by creating innovative equipment like sleeping bags and quilts for their personal adventures, they developed what they call a "smart ultralight" philosophy – carefully balancing low weight with genuine comfort and multifunctionality. This approach clearly resonated, finding favor with Ukrainians and now beyond.

Impressively, Rockfront manages the entire production process, from initial design to final packaging, at their own facility in Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine. They emphasize that they still rigorously test their own gear, constantly seeking improvements. It's clear that this hands-on, user-driven approach, proudly designed and made in Ukraine, shapes the thoughtful design of the jackets I looked at.

Rockfront Rain Hoody  ($ 88.00)

First Impressions & Design

My initial thought when looking at the Rain Hoody was that it's designed as a practical, no-frills alternative if you're looking to shed weight compared to typical high-end membrane jackets or bulky ponchos.

It’s a minimalist anorak, but what immediately caught my eye were the very long side zippers. The fabric feels light yet capable – that 15 denier nylon with silicone on the outside and PU on the inside.

Features I Noticed

Those side zips are really the standout feature. They run almost the full length, and the dual sliders mean I could open them up just under the arms for targeted venting or unzip them completely when I needed maximum airflow without taking the anorak off. Genius.

The hood offers good coverage with a nice, wide visor. I found the adjustment system effective – a simple drawstring around the face and a Velcro tab at the back let me cinch it down securely.

The fit is intentionally loose, which I appreciated for ventilation, and the sleeves are genuinely long (84cm from the neck), making it comfortable even when reaching forward.

The cuffs  have drawstrings, which are crucial for sealing out rain running down your arms. It packs down impressively small (8x12 cm spec is accurate) and weighs next to nothing – my Size S sample was right around the stated 135g.

Performance

Based on its specs (2500mm rating, taped seams, water-resistant zippers), I found it reliably handled light to moderate rain and cut the wind effectively. It's the ventilation, though, where this piece shines for me. In conditions where many lightweight shells get clammy, being able to open those long side zips made a huge difference in comfort.

What I Liked

• It’s genuinely ultralight and packs incredibly small.

• The side-zip ventilation system is superb and highly effective.

• Offers solid protection against moderate rain and wind.

• The adjustable hood and cuffs work well.

• The looser cut and long sleeves add comfort and versatility.

Potential Downsides

• Like any 15D fabric, you need to be mindful of potential snags and abrasion. It feels durable for its weight, but care is required.

• It's an anorak, so if you strongly prefer a full-zip jacket, that's a consideration.

Rockfront Air Lite Windbreaker ($ 117.00)

First Impressions & Design

This thing is astonishingly light. Pulling it out, the 7 denier ripstop nylon feels almost ethereal. At a stated 70g for a medium , it's barely noticeable. The design is pure minimalism aimed squarely at activities like running or fast hiking where wind protection and breathability are key.

Features I Noticed

The weight and packability are phenomenal. It crushes down into its own chest pocket and genuinely fits in the palm of my hand – perfect for stashing in a running belt or pack pocket.

Adjustability is simple but effective: 

drawstrings on the bottom hem 

and the hood allowed me to easily block drafts when the wind picked up.

The single chest pocket is small, good for a key or gel, and cleverly doubles as the stuff sack.

Reflective elements on the front and back are a thoughtful touch for visibility, which I appreciate for early morning or evening runs. The YKK zipper felt smooth and reliable.

 Performance

In windy conditions, the Air Lite did exactly what it's supposed to – it cut the wind chill dramatically, making a real difference in comfort. Crucially, I found it breathed well enough during runs; I didn't feel like I was instantly steaming up inside. The DWR finish shed very light mist, but as expected, it's not rain gear. It did dry remarkably quickly after getting slightly damp.

What I Liked

• The incredibly low weight and tiny packed size are class-leading.

• Excellent balance of wind resistance and breathability for active use.

• Dries very fast.

• Simple, effective adjustments on the hood and hem.

• Reflective details are practical for runners.

Potential Downsides

• The 7D fabric feels fragile; I was conscious of avoiding branches or rough surfaces. Durability over the long term requires care.

• Water resistance is minimal – don't rely on it for anything more than mist or a brief sprinkle.

• Storage is limited to that single chest pocket.

My Recommendations

If your main concern is rain protection combined with excellent ventilation in an ultralight package, the Rain Hoody is the one I'd choose. It's a smart design for backpackers and hikers wanting to stay dry without boiling in the bag.

If you need wind protection and breathability for high-output activities like running or fast hiking, and weight/packability are absolute top priorities, the Air Lite Windbreaker is exceptional. I'd grab this for cool, breezy days when rain isn't the main threat.

Final Thoughts

Rockfront has delivered two highly specialized pieces here. Both the Rain Hoody and Air Lite Windbreaker impress with their commitment to ultralight performance. If you know exactly what conditions you need gear for and prioritize shedding every possible gram, I think you'll be very pleased with what these jackets offer. Especially at this price, both are hard to beat. Just be aware of the inherent trade-offs in durability that come with such lightweight materials.

Available at Rockfront 

The products that are the basis of this test were provided to us free of charge by Rockfront. The opinions presented are entirely our own.

Tester Profile

Markus Zinkl: I’m 35 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.

We welcome comments and questions in the comments section.