This minor design flaw does not impact performance in the least but is something we noticed when tightening the hood.Īs we mentioned earlier, pit zips would improve the jacket’s breathability but without them, the performance of the combination eVent and Dyneema technology is still better than comparable Gore-Tex models. When tugged on hard enough, the adjustment piece easily pulled off past the buffer ring. The only real downside to the jacket is the design of the shock cords. After the downpour ended, The Shell dried quickly.Final Thoughts The jacket expertly repelled water and never soaked into the face fabric, as is common with DWR-treated alternatives. We were amazed at the combined waterproofing and breathability performance. We stayed completely dry through the entire event and never got too hot even as we hiked on in the rain. When we encountered a downpour that lasted about an hour, The Shell shined. There was a point we began wishing for pit zips but its eVent technology provided effective ventilation comparable to similar Gore-Tex jackets with pit zips. When in motion, the jacket provided for excellent breathability and it was only as we conquered a steep uphill section while wearing a twenty-pound backpack did the jacket become too warm to wear. ![]() When the sun was shining and the temperatures ranged from about 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, The Shell served as an effective windproof layer worn over wool base layers and a light mid layer. We tested a size small out on a section hike of the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina in both sunny and rainy conditions which produced varied temperatures. A more tapered fit might be desirable for some women but the jacket runs true to size. The Shell is offered in unisex sizing but the performance fit allows for a full range of motion. The jacket compacts down into its own low-profile stuff sack with a waterproof zipper and clip-in point. The helmet-compatible hood features a stiff brim and is ideal for climbers, canyoneers, and skiers. Shock cords decorate the garment where necessary for adjustment purposes, including the bottom hem, and front and rear hood. The jacket includes an adjustable hood with a Polartec Power Dry chin guard and Velcro cuffs. There is a single black YKK zipper that runs directly down the center of the jacket, ensuring absolute waterproofing. We were amazed at the combined waterproofing and breathability. You can pick it up with two fingers and fling it up into the air where it will float for a few seconds before coming back down. Its durable appearance is deceiving when considering its featherlight weight. The jacket is a little crinkly to the touch but smooth and soft on the skin. First LookĪt first glance, The Shell boasts a stylish bright white color complimented with black accents. “Our goal was to design a jacket that was so light and functional that there was no reason not to bring it on every trip,” stated Mike St. A month later, Hyperlite Mountain Gear announced the release of The Shell, touting it as an ultralight technical jacket weighing more than half a pound less than most alternatives on the market. Pierre in July 2017, who first hinted that a Dyneema jacket was in the works. While the tough fiber and composite face fabrics demand skilled labor – for its precision stitching and bonding techniques – Hyperlite Mountain Gear wasted no time figuring out a way to incorporate Dyneema into its apparel.ĭigital Trends spoke with the company’s CEO and founder Mike St. ![]() ![]() In addition, Dyneema is unbelievably lightweight and completely waterproof. Its extraordinary strength to weight ratio is coveted by outdoor enthusiasts who require rugged gear designed to endure the challenges of the backcountry. A Literal Wonder Fabricĭyneema, formerly known as Cuben Fiber, is technically identified as ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. This versatile jacket meets all those requirements in a compact 5.5 ounces,” stated Hyperlite Mountain Gear ambassador Mark Oates. “Finding a jacket that is waterproof yet ultralight and durable is the Holy Grail for outdoor folk. It’s incredibly strong for its weight and doesn’t soak water like its Gore-Tex predecessors. The jacket weighs between 5.16 and 6.20 ounces, depending on the size. The jacket incorporates eVent technology and Dyneema together to create air permeable waterproof technology in a lighter weight form than any other material currently on the market. Known as Dyneema Composite Fabrics with waterproof breathable properties (or DCF-WPB), The Shell raises the bar for waterproof apparel. Hyperlite Mountain Gear worked closely with Dyneema to create a highly durable, waterproof breathable fabric. “Finding a jacket that is waterproof yet ultralight and durable is the Holy Grail for outdoor folk.”Įnter The Shell.
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