Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket Assessment

Bottom Line

The Montbell Versalite is one of the lightest jackets we’ve tested and stands out to us as one of the top rain jackets on the market for its superior ventilation in an ultralight package. For those who count every gram in their pack, this jacket is the obvious choice.

Extremely breathable, the Versalite comes equipped with oversized pit zips that dump heat and internal moisture. After taking this jacket on multiple outings including mountain runs in Alaska’s Chugach Range, we are extremely impressed with how it breathes and how lightweight it is. This is one you can put in your pack and forget it’s there. Coming with an included stuff sack, it crunches down to the size of an apple and you can shove it easily into a backpack or pants pocket.

The concessions it makes for this lightweight are in weather resistance and durability. Compared to other burlier jackets in our lineup, it did wet through quicker, particularly around the wrists and chin. But for those going in and out of the rain, or pairing this jacket with an umbrella or ultra-light poncho, it’ll keep you dry enough while saving you ounces.

Comfort & Mobility

The Montbell Versalite is wonderfully designed for comfort and a detailed fit. A slightly slender cut fits thinner bodies well and narrower arms reduce excess baginess around the cuffs. The jacket is equipped with velcro at the wrists as well as waist adjustments, and a three-point adjustable hood.

During our testing, we were pleasantly surprised to find that it didn’t ride up, and extending our arms to full length still left the torso covered without exposing the midriff. We took this model on a few runs and moving our arms while running felt unencumbered and lightweight. While some ultralight jackets sacrifice comfort for reduced material to bring down the weight, the Versalite still maintains a comfortable design.

Weather Resistance

We tested this Montbell Versalite under a few different weather scenarios in different locations. On a late summer hike in the Chugach Mountains of Alaska, we loved using it as a windproof layer, even if it wasn’t actively precipitating. Because it’s so light and breathable, we had no problems using this jacket to block the wind even if it wasn’t raining.

We also put the Versalite to heavy use in the persistent drizzle of coastal Alaska. On hikes where the jacket was faced with all-day rain exposure, we did find that it wet through faster than its multi-layer counterparts. We found moisture entering around the wrists and the chin but never through any zippers thanks to the fully taped zippers.

On a day that started beautifully sunny in Yellowstone’s backcountry, we were glad to have thrown this jacket in the bottom of the pack when an afternoon thunderstorm rolled over the hills. When the heavy rain picked up and the hail pelted down, we were happy to have carried it with us for a quick exit back to the trailhead. This is where the jacket excels. When hikers are exposed to brief and intense rains followed by sun, it protects in storms and quickly dries out afterward.

Ventilation

The Versalite stands out to us as one of our top performers for ventilation. The super thin fabric easily sheds body heat and sweat. We were impressed by the oversized pit zips that run from the triceps down to the mid-torso. These huge vents open wide during high-output activities and are a bonus in an already highly breathable jacket.

We tested it on hikes and trail runs and it breathed similarly well across both activities. On runs, it was easy to cinch down the jacket to retain heat on cooler days or open the jacket up to dump heat. On a day on the trail where you need to prioritize ventilation and breathability, you’ll be reaching for the Montbell Versalite.

Durability

In the battle between weight and durability, the Versalite favors being lightweight. During successive tests, we noticed the places that wetted out first continued to wet out quicker particularly around the cuffs and against the chin. This is the type of jacket to wash and re-waterproof often and be careful not to snag on rocks, thorns and bushes. For those using this intermittently or with only light exposure, then it will be sure to fit your needs.

Weight

This model earns high marks from us for weight. Coming in at a featherlight six ounces, it is one of the lightest and most packable jackets we’ve tested. The Versalite comes with an additional stuff sack that packs down to about the size of an apple. While we wish the jacket zipped into it’s own pocket rather than an easily lost extra bag, this packability is seriously impressive.

We love this model on days when there might be intermittent rain or exposure to brief periods of precipitation. It’s so light, that it’s easy to throw in a day pack and forget that it’s there. For weight-conscious hikers, this jacket is sure to please those weighing every item in their kit.

Should You Buy the MontBell Versalite?

If you’re prioritizing weight and packability above all else in your rain jacket, then the Montbell Versalite is the one for you. It is one of the lightest we have tested and most packable. With an included stuff sack, it packs down to the size of an apple and is easily thrown in a pack or even pants pockets.

For those that need the highest level of weather resistance, the Versalite will not hold up as long as the burlier coats in our lineup. But for those encountering intermittent rain or want to have an emergency layer they won’t feel in their pack, the Montbell will be the perfect choice.

What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider?

Arc’teryx Beta Review: Similarly lightweight to the Versalite, but with a high degree of weather resistance, lightweight meets bombproof in the Arc’teryx Beta.

Outdoor Research Foray II Review: If you love the breathability of the Montbell Versalite, then the Foray will be a great fit. With the biggest zips of any jacket we’ve tested, it’s a great fit for hikers who run hot.

Marmot Precip Eco Review: Another lightweight option, the Precip Eco fits into its zippered pocket and is just a few more ounces heavier but at half the price.