Article by Jeff and Allison Valliere
La Sportiva Aequilibrium Lite GTX ($279)
Sizes XS-XL
Weight: 193g/6.8oz (185g/6.5oz as tested)
Introduction: The Aequilibrium Lite GTX is a lightweight mountaineering jacket that features Gore-Tex for increased weather protection. It also features articulated shoulders for full range of motion, a hood that fits over a helmet and it stuffs easily into the chest pocket.
Pros: light, waterproof, tidy packed size, roomy for layering, well constructed
Cons: hand pockets would be great (I know, that adds weight, but always worth it IMHO), colors a bit drab and would be nice to have brighter options.
Features/Details:
Lightweight, waterproof shell
Structured, adjustable hood with integrated visor and silicone grip strip, fits over a helmet
Articulated shoulder construction for increased mobility
Reflective detailing for visibility in low light
1 chest pocket with YKK® water-resistant zip that doubles as a stow pouch
Full-length YKK® water-resistant central zip
Elastic hem and cuffs for maximum comfort and a precise fit
Fully taped seams
PFC-Free DWR finishing and GORE-TEX® Performance membrane for reliable waterproof and windproof protection
28,000mm water column rating and Resistance to Evaporative Heat Transfer value of <13
Main fabric: Face: 100% Polyamide 6.6; Membrane: 100% Recycled Polyamide 6 with ePE-PU Coating; Inner hood: 100% Recycled Polyester; Visor: 84% Polyester, 16% Elastane
The hood has a good structure to it and is adjustable with an easy cinch in the back to keep it securely in place when conditions get windy, with a small, but effective bill and enough volume to fit over a helmet.
The length/hem of the jacket at the hem is also long enough to go below the waist to shield moisture and keep out drafts (it has an elasticized hem, but not a cinch).
The cuffs are elasticized as well and easily fit over a GPS watch.
The collar is soft and fleece lined, contributing to a comfortable feel.
The chest pocket is handy and easily fits a smartphone, gels, car key, etc… and doubles as a stuff sack. As I mentioned in the cons, I wish the jacket had hand pockets as well, but this omission is of course to save weight and is a common practice.
The jacket stuffs down to a small size, but takes a bit of work to jam in there, so I will likely only do this pre-trip and can see not really wanting to fiddle with it in the field.
Fit:
Fit is described as regular and I find it to be true to size in my usual size medium. “Regular” here means a bit roomy, which for me at 5’9”/145 lbs is welcome for any potential layering underneath or wearing over a loaded running vest to help keep your gear dry. The length of the sleeves are perfect if a touch long, but I don’t mind this when I am looking for adequate coverage and again layering.
Performance/Conclusions: The Aequilibrium Lite GTX is high performing for a wide range of outdoor activities when the weather is bad or turns bad, as the shell materials, enhanced with DWR finish and Gore Tex membrane are sturdy, waterproof and windproof, without being overly thick, bulky or crinkly.
I appreciate that the fit is roomy enough for layering without being overly bulky and I can also fit over a loaded running vest without feeling tight or binding.
I have used the Aequilibrium in a wide range of conditions, from running/hiking in the foothills and mountains of Colorado in the rain, snow and wind. At under 7oz / 198g., it is light and packable enough to bring along on just about any trail run, hike, climb, bike or just keep in your day to day pack for anything that might come up.
La Sportiva Ethereal Pro ($269)
Sizes XS-XL
Weight: 157g/5.5oz (152g/5.25oz as tested in men’s medium and 132g/4.6oz women’s small)
Introduction: The Ethereal Pro is the ultimate in lightweight weather protection, a rainproof shell that perfectly balances weight, compressibility and protection, that offers freedom of movement with panel construction for flexibility when running.
Pros: exceptionally lightweight, impressive rain protection for a jacket of any weight, packs small, sturdy construction for such a featherweight jacket, style (the Cherry Tomato flavor really pops).
Cons: hand pockets would be nice
Features/Details:
Rainproof shell perfectly balances weight, packability and weather protection for outdoor enthusiasts needing lightweight storm layers.
Structured, adjustable hood with protective visor and mesh insert for better fit and breathability
1 chest pocket with YKK® water-repellent zip, also a packability pocket
YKK® water-repellent central zip
Elastic cuffs
Adjustable and elasticated bottom
20,000mm water waterproof rating
Reflective detailing
PFAS free materials
MATERIALS: Main fabric: Pertex® Shield, Face: 100% Polyamide, Membrane: 100% Polyurethane,
Backing: 100% Polyamide
The chest pocket is a reasonable size, enough room for a smartphone, car key, gels, etc…
It also doubles as a stuff sack and is easy to stuff.
The Ethereal Pro is even compact enough to stuff into front stretch pockets (pictured here in the Salomon Adv Skin 12), although I would be more likely to store it in the zippered rear main compartment, or even the lower rear pass through pocket.
The branding on the sleeve adds a bit to the overall style
The waist hem has a handy elasticized drawstring to keep out wind and moisture.
The bill of the hood has good structure to it, with a elasticized mesh section below to help keep it secure, as well as act as a breathable headband.
There is also a simple hood cinch on the back to keep the hood in place. Shown here the women's jacket.
Fit:
Jeff: Fit is described as slim and that is semi accurate, as in the same medium size for me as the Aequilibrium Lite, the fit is not quite as baggy and is slightly more form fitting. It is not at all tight, nor baggy, with just the right amount of taper with a cut that looks athletic, yet allows just enough room for layering underneath (typically a long sleeve baselayer and a medium thickness mid-layer. The length of the jacket is just right, as are the sleeves. Range of motion is very good when running.
Allison: Fit is slim and that works perfect for me in my usual size small, with a flattering cut and just enough room for a mid weight mid layer underneath. The Ethereal allows for an easy range of motion for running or any other outdoor activity. The length is enough for full coverage, yet without feeling too long and the arms are just the right length as well.
Performance/Conclusions:
Jeff: The Ethereal Pro is impressively lightweight and waterproof for the weight in a very compact packable size. I have used the Ethereal Pro for a wide range of activities from running and hiking in the Utah desert, running in the Colorado mountains/foothills and even cycling, as I find the small size/compressibility to be very appealing to bring along in a jersey pocket, not to mention the bright color stands out to motorists. I have been caught out in some heavy rain showers and even hail storms on my local Green Mountain, where the Ethereal kept me well protected and relatively dry underneath.
I have a lot of running/hiking shells varying in weight from paper thin to worthy of skiing, but the Ethereal Pro will likely be my most used this summer, as it is so light and goes almost unnoticed in my run vest, hiking pack or cycling jersey pocket, providing impressive protection from the elements for the weight.
If I am sure the weather will be nasty, I will likely pick the Aequilibirum Lite GTX instead, as the extra ounce in weight, with little extra bulk is a no brainer for the added protection.
Allison:
(our daughter modeling the Ethereal Pro on a recent gloomy day on nearby Bear Peak)
I too find the Ethereal Pro to be a remarkable jacket and I am very impressed with the incredible weight to protection ratio. At just a mere 4.6oz in my women’s size small, it packs down incredibly small and compact, easily fitting into my run vest or pack, which means I bring it along for any run, hike or bike ride where I think the weather may turn iffy.
As Jeff mentions, the Ethereal Pro does a great job shedding moisture and keeping the rain out, while remaining relatively breathable. I have been fortunate enough to have the Ethereal Pro along on numerous occasions where the weather turned rainy/stormy on hikes and bike rides (commuting to/from work especially when those afternoon thundershowers hit) and was really thankful to have it along every time.
The hood cinches down quite securely and the cinch around the waist is great too to keep out drafts and moisture, especially when on the bike. I also appreciate the overall fit, cut, style and have received numerous compliments. I would highly recommend the Ethereal Pro to anyone looking for an ultralight, high performance waterproof shell with great fit and style.
Shopping at our partners below for LaSportiva Jackets is much appreciated and helps support RoadTrailRun
La Sportiva
Tester Profiles
Jeff Valliere loves to run and explore the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and more technical the better. He has summited all of the 14ers in the state, many 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and beyond, plus, he has summited his local Green Mountain over 2,100 times in the past 20 years. He can be found on mountain trails daily, no matter the weather, season, conditions or whether there is daylight or not. On the side he loves to ski (all forms) bike and hike, often with his family, as he introduces his twin daughters to the outdoors. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, but has called Colorado home for over 25 years. He is 5’9” and 145 lbs.
Allison Valliere is a 5th generation Coloradan who is passionate about the outdoors and has been hiking, backpacking, skiing, snowshoeing and running in the mountains since she was young. She has completed all but 5 of the Colorado 14ers (a dozen or so in winter), has many hundreds of year round ascents of 14ers, 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and the West. Allison has also traveled the world and trekked to over 18,000 feet in the Himalayas, to high altitudes in Ecuador and has worked for the National Park Service mapping plants in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California . Her almost daily routine involves runs/power hikes in the foothills above Boulder, or 4-5 mile flatter runs at 8-10 minute mile pace if schedule necessitates. But what really keeps her on her toes is working as a nurse and taking care of her twin daughters who are also growing to share her love for the outdoors.
Samples were provided at no charge for review purposes. No compensation was provided for writing this article. RoadTrail Run does have affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased via shopping links in this article. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for reading Road Trail Run! We also welcome comments in French. See our page with links to all shoe and gear reviews HERE. You can also follow RoadTrailRun on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram where we publish interesting run related content more frequently as well as links to our latest reviews. Shopping through links on articles help support RoadTrail Run and is much appreciated