Best for

Day hikes and fast packing.

What we liked

Weight/packability * Generous torso length * Stretch * Mobility.

Limitations

Durability * Hood coverage in severe weather.

Overview

Ultralight packability and a thoughtful feature set are the hallmarks of Kathmandu’s new XT rain jacket. It’s made from stretchy 3-layer Cordura ripstop with 20,000mm waterproofing and an impressive 35,000g/mᒾ breathability rating. Rapid venting is provided by one-way water-resistant pit zips. It has a fully adjustable hood, dual hem adjustment, and a single chest pocket with water-resistant zip. The main zip is a long-life water-resistant Vislon.    

Performance

The XT’s relatively slim-fitting cut is offset by a length that’s generous for its class of lightweight hiking jacket – a style that’s usually cut quite short. On me, it reaches to just above mid-thigh, for better-than-average coverage over shorts and very good overlap with overpants. It’s loose enough to fit a midlayer or light insulated jacket but is not really designed to fit over thicker jackets. While it’s not cut with the roomy shoulders of a technical jacket, mobility was good thanks to a generous sleeve length and stretch fabric. Ultralight jackets don’t often match heavier garments when it comes to durability or protection from the worst weather, and the XT isn’t immune: the collar isn’t very tall, limiting face coverage, and the hood has a minimal peak that isn’t very stiff. Otherwise, hood size and mobility was good, although the aperture adjustment cords were fiddly to use, even without gloves on. Its durability isn’t fragile, like some ultralight jackets, but it does require care in rugged terrain. Some users might miss having handwarmer pockets, but their absence removes potential leakage points and saves weight, while the chest pocket is capacious.     

Why buy the XT Series Cordura 3L? 

Day hikers and fastpackers will overlook the limitations of the hood design and appreciate the high comfort factor of this light and packable stretch rain jacket.