Montbell Versalite Jacket Review

JUMP TO: SPECS  |  PROS & CONS  |  HOW IT PERFORMED  |  FEATURES  |  SUMMARY

Author: Sam Brilleman | Updated: Apr 30, 2023
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The Montbell Versalite (men’s and women’s) is a minimal, ultralight rain jacket for hiking and backpacking. Backed by the brand’s signature build quality and design consideration, the Versalite aims to create an optimal balance between weatherproof performance, features, and weight.

There is a lot packed into this paltry 6.4 oz. (men’s medium) package, including ventilation zippers, velcro cuffs, hip-belt compatible hand pockets, and an adjustable hood and hem. Its design stands out from other ultralight jackets that often prioritize cutting grams over fit and function.

The Versalite provides everything you need from an ultralight rain jacket—but nothing you don’t. It may not have the bombproof weather resistance of burlier, heavier rain jackets, but that is not its intention. Rather, the Versalite is for ultralight “just-in-case” protection, a role it performs better than any other rain jacket we’ve tried.

HOW IT PERFORMED

WEATHER RESISTANCE: The Versalite is impressively water-resistant for an ultralight rain jacket. It holds up well in steady, persistent rain and its GORE-TEX Infinium Windstopper fabric build provides excellent wind protection.

A 30,000 mm waterproof rating designates the Versalite as “highly waterproof.” Ultimately though, it is still an ultralight rain jacket and will not offer the sustained protection you get with a 3-layer jacket. Prolonged intense downpours will eventually saturate and wet out the Versalite’s DWR finish. But for hiking and backpacking trips in which you only need protection from wind and intermittent rainstorms, the Versalite excels.

FIT AND COMFORT: Apparel design is a consistent strong point for Montbell. Even their rain gear feels really dialed in. The Versalite fits slightly longer for added protection, and sleeves are stitched to offer unimpeded articulation. Adjustable cuffs, hood, and hem cinch out cold winds and rain.

GORE-TEX Infinium Windstopper fabric does not feel overly pleasant on bare skin, a somewhat inevitable sacrifice most ultralight rain jackets make. But if you are wearing the Versalite enough for this to drive you mad, it probably is simply the wrong jacket for the conditions.

BREATHABILITY: The Versalite breathes exceptionally well for an ultralight rain jacket. Its GORE-TEX and 10-denier ripstop nylon build—quite breathable on its own—is complemented by ventilation zippers in the armpits. That is basically unheard of for a 6 oz. rain jacket. We’re not entirely sure how Montbell pulls it off, but we love it. The Versalite is more breathable and better ventilated than any other ultralight rain jacket.

DURABILITY: The 10-denier ripstop nylon shell is solid, but certainly not invincible. Thin nylon is ideal for shedding weight and maintaining breathability, the consequence being that it does not take much for a tree branch to tear through it. Comparable jackets, like the Outdoor Research Helium, are more tear-resistant, but sacrifice some of the Versalite’s features and breathability.

Other than the somewhat delicate 10-denier nylon, there is nothing not to like about the build quality of the Versalite. Its stitching and seam sealing is immaculate. All components—zippers, velcro, and cinches—are also sturdy enough to withstand a lot of abuse. With diligent care and regular waterproofing, the Versalite should capably last you through years of adventures.

WEIGHT AND PACKABILITY: Even without ventilation zippers, pockets, and cinches, a 6.4 oz. rain jacket of this quality is impressive. Add in all those features, and the Versalite is in a league of its own. It packs down impressively small into an included stuff sack, though it takes some fiddling to fit it in completely.

NOTABLE FEATURES

VENTILATION ZIPPERS: The ventilation zippers of the Versalite really help it stand out. At 16.5 in., they are big enough to facilitate significant airflow. You won’t dread wearing it through humid summer rainstorms, and you can keep it on as a windbreaker without cooking yourself alive.

3-WAY ADJUSTABLE HOOD: Two drawcords cinch the hood around your face, and an additional hook-and-loop cinch ensures a secure fit around your head. The hood works well to keep moisture and frigid air off you without impairing much of your peripheral vision. A velcro strap lets you roll up the hood when it is not being used.

HIP BELT-COMPATIBLE HAND POCKETS: Another example of Montbell’s standout design work is the hip belt-compatible zipper pockets. They are located further up the torso, still fully accessible even when your backpack is on, and your hip belt is secured. You can keep your snacks, phone, and map dry but still accessible on the go.

WRIST CUFFS: Two velcro cuffs cinch tight around your wrists to stop snow, rain, and cold drafts from sneaking in. The hook-and-loop design is easy to adjust, even with gloves and cold hands.

WATERPROOF ZIPPERS AND SEAMS: The Versalite’s Aqua-Tect Zippers are weather-resistant and eliminate the need for storm flaps. All seams are fully sealed with waterproofing tape, reinforcing one of the key failure points of other lower-quality jackets.

SUMMARY

If you enjoy moving light and fast on extended backcountry adventures, you will love the Montbell Versalite. It has weight and packability specs fit for ultralight thru-hiking, but with enough features and comfortability that wearing it through rainstorms will not feel like punishment.

The 2.5-layer build of the Versalite cannot withstand soggy coastal trails and rainy shoulder seasons the way burlier heavy-use rain jackets like the Arc’teryx Beta LT can. If you want more durability and weather resistance without adding too much additional weight, the Montbell Torrent Flier Jacket (men’s and women’s) is another excellent option to consider.

That said, the Versalite does hold its own. It offers excellent protection in most backcountry conditions. Even if it does soak through in a heavy storm, the quality build and ventilation features will manage moisture and the GORE-TEX Infinium fabric will still stand up to icy winds.

The Versalite is not a budget jacket by any stretch. But it is priced similarly to other top ultralight rain jackets, and arguably provides the best value. It has smartly integrated features, durable materials, and the functional, comfortable fit that Montbell gear does so well. Complement it with Montbell’s equally impressive Versalite Pants for a high-performing rain kit weighing less than 10 oz.

For backpackers and hikers who value well-designed gear and ultralight packs equally, the Montbell Versalite is the rain jacket you have been waiting for.

DISCLOSURE

Montbell provided me with a free sample for this review – but the views expressed here are all my own. The review also contains affiliate links, which help us keep churning out more content.

MORE INFORMATION

Looking for more information on hiking and backpacking? Be sure to check out some of our other tips and gear reviews:

• Best Lightweight & Ultralight Rain Jackets

• Best Running Rain Jackets

• Best Waterproof Hiking Pants

• Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka Review

• Which Baselayer Material is Best?

• Ultimate Backpacking Gear List

• Hiking vs Trekking vs Backpacking — WTF is the difference?

Or check out our entire Gear Reviews Page, our Knowledge Base Articles, or Destination Guides for more hiking, backpacking, and outdoors related content.

Happy hiking and take care out there in the wild!