slc_dan
Desert Rat-Weekend Warrior
- Joined
- Jun 7, 2012
- Messages
- 1,687
GoLite Malpais Rain Jacket Review
My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Retail: $250 (Comparable)
Price: $124.95 direct from GoLite
Before heading out on a 6 day journey through the Wind Rivers, @Nick sent me an email. "I've got a gear review opportunity for you, what size do you wear?" Medium, I quickly wrote back. As we loaded up the truck he threw a sweet new rain jacket at me. Nice! "Just write an honest review for it, and it's yours" Nick said. Here it is.
With my equivalent of a two year old's spanish skills, Malpais roughly translates to bad country, or bad lands. Perhaps the jacket is designed so that you are comfortable in bad places. Weighing in at a mere 7oz this product embodies what GoLite is shooting for. The medium fits perfect. It features long tapered arms, a snug hood, and slim torso. I’m an average 5’11”, 170lb guy, so size accordingly for yourself.
I’ve taken this jacket on two trips now. 6 days in the majestic Wind River Range, and a quick overnighter up to Ibantik Lake in the Uintas. On both outings, the Malpais was a necessity. Upon first holding the jacket, the lightness has a tendency for feeling cheap. Don’t make this mistake like I did. It stood up to some really tough weather without missing a beat. There is a bill in the hood, when folded up it is the tightest I need the hood to be.
There are no “pit zippers” on the Malpais, and although upon inspection I wished they were there, I never craved them on either trip. On my old rain jacket, I always expected them to cool me off more than they did. These type of extras are often cut out on ultra lightweight gear. I certainly didn’t miss them. In fact, it is more breathable than my other rain jacket, so condensation doesn’t build up on the inside.
Combined with a wool sweater, or a down coat the Malpais works as an excellent shell. On my trip up to Ibantik in the Uintas I was unexpectedly snowed on. Wearing the Malpais underneath the GoLite Poncho has become my go to when facing weather. This combination is excellent for intermittent storms. If I was expecting to hike through bad weather often, I would consider changing the poncho in for some rain pants, and a pack cover. The poncho does have a tendency to get blown by the wind.
Pros:
Hiding from lightning near Elbow Lake
SNOW!
Hanging out in Taylor's Magic Circus Tent
Here are a few detail shots to give an idea of the build quality which is very good:
Photos by @slc_dan and @Nick
My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Retail: $250 (Comparable)
Price: $124.95 direct from GoLite
Before heading out on a 6 day journey through the Wind Rivers, @Nick sent me an email. "I've got a gear review opportunity for you, what size do you wear?" Medium, I quickly wrote back. As we loaded up the truck he threw a sweet new rain jacket at me. Nice! "Just write an honest review for it, and it's yours" Nick said. Here it is.
With my equivalent of a two year old's spanish skills, Malpais roughly translates to bad country, or bad lands. Perhaps the jacket is designed so that you are comfortable in bad places. Weighing in at a mere 7oz this product embodies what GoLite is shooting for. The medium fits perfect. It features long tapered arms, a snug hood, and slim torso. I’m an average 5’11”, 170lb guy, so size accordingly for yourself.
I’ve taken this jacket on two trips now. 6 days in the majestic Wind River Range, and a quick overnighter up to Ibantik Lake in the Uintas. On both outings, the Malpais was a necessity. Upon first holding the jacket, the lightness has a tendency for feeling cheap. Don’t make this mistake like I did. It stood up to some really tough weather without missing a beat. There is a bill in the hood, when folded up it is the tightest I need the hood to be.
There are no “pit zippers” on the Malpais, and although upon inspection I wished they were there, I never craved them on either trip. On my old rain jacket, I always expected them to cool me off more than they did. These type of extras are often cut out on ultra lightweight gear. I certainly didn’t miss them. In fact, it is more breathable than my other rain jacket, so condensation doesn’t build up on the inside.
Combined with a wool sweater, or a down coat the Malpais works as an excellent shell. On my trip up to Ibantik in the Uintas I was unexpectedly snowed on. Wearing the Malpais underneath the GoLite Poncho has become my go to when facing weather. This combination is excellent for intermittent storms. If I was expecting to hike through bad weather often, I would consider changing the poncho in for some rain pants, and a pack cover. The poncho does have a tendency to get blown by the wind.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight, at only 7oz. It can be rolled up, and packed up easily
- Fitted cut keeps the jacket tight and the rain out
- Completely waterproof, I didn’t get wet on my base layer anytime I had it on even in severe downpours
- Use as a lightweight shell provides many options
- Very Breathable
- Feels solid after two good outings
- Fitted cut might not be as good for bigger people
Hiding from lightning near Elbow Lake
SNOW!
Hanging out in Taylor's Magic Circus Tent
Here are a few detail shots to give an idea of the build quality which is very good:
Photos by @slc_dan and @Nick
