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ggiebelhaus
17
Aug 24, 2018
Does anyone have information on how waterproof this is? Hope is to use it for multiday backpack trips. But is it good for long rain storms? Or is it more of a short rain protection style coat
CanadaGoose
80
Aug 24, 2018
ggiebelhausUltimate Direction is a quality manufacturer targeting runners, so you may want to contact them with any questions you may have about how you wish to use their product with regard to backpacking. These links may also help you decide:


https://ultimatedirection.com/mens-ultra-jacket-v2/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ld-eSB7wSoo
Patrickjd9
0
Aug 24, 2018
ggiebelhausI’m interested in the pants and would use them the same way. I don’t wear rain pants often and prefer to carry lightweight ones.
JFDe
23
Aug 24, 2018
ggiebelhausI have the v1 of this jacket, and it did a great job with long storms when new. After a couple years, the coating was starting to come off and it lost some of its waterproofness, especially on the shoulders and other wear points. I still use it as a windbreaker and to stay warm in light rain on cold runs (LOVE the hand-covers) but not so much for hiking anymore.
ggiebelhaus
17
Aug 24, 2018
JFDeThanks for the input JFDe! One more question, in your experience do you think this would be suitable for backpacking? Or should consider getting something more like the OR Helium II?
Lachman
6
Aug 24, 2018
ggiebelhausThe specs for waterproof and breathability are 30k/30k which is right up but it's hard to tell how that translates into real life performance.
UD make the best running packs, they are built to last and I expect their waterproof gear to be the same. These are made for mandatory gear for ultra marathons like UTMB etc (100 miles around mount blanc) and to get you out of trouble/home on long runs. I'd want to test it out first before soley relying on it on a multi day hike.
I personally sacrifice 300g and spent a bit more on a dedicated hiking waterproof jacket. Once you've been out in shit weather with shit waterproof gear you'll never want to do it again. I've got an arcteryx beta AR, it's 455g and worth every extra gram and $
ggiebelhaus
17
Aug 24, 2018
LachmanThanks Lachman.
I know what you mean about being out in shit weather and never wanting to do it again. Getting soaked while on a multiday trip is NOT fun. Hence my hesitation. Id love to get an arcteryx... but it just seems so pricey. Maybe I need to wait a bit longer and just save towards getting the right jacket.
Thanks for your in-depth response!
Lachman
6
Aug 25, 2018
ggiebelhausI'm not saying it's not worth trying, when I was shopping for a trail running jacket this has the best specs and features (not the lightest) so it's worth a shot. There are cheaper hiking jackets that will work really well too, I just got the arcteryx because I could afford it and I wanted to see if the great reviews/hype is real. I was also swayed by pretty much everyone that had an Issue outside of warranty arcteryx just replaced the jacket no questions asked.
It's all up to how you hike, how you intend to use it and if you're willing to sacrifice comfort for weight.
I live in New Zealand and I'd take this kind of jacket in summer on a quick overnight trip to a hut with a decent weather forecast and minor exposure above the bushline.
JFDe
23
Oct 2, 2018
ggiebelhausIt’s pretty similar to the Helium II. Either way, if you’re backpacking in the rain, you’re going to get wet (from rain or sweat). The real purpose of a rain jacket is to keep you warm while you’re wet. Either choice will do this. The only reason I prefer the UD is the hand covers for running, and the hood is perfect.