Ultralight rain pants

The Montbell Versalite pants are a minimalist pair of ultralight rain pants weighing in at a scant 3.2 oz.

• Weight: 3.2
• Price: $169
• Fabric: 2L 10D WINDSTOPPER
• Side Zippers: None
• Pros: Breathable. Ultralight.
• Cons: 2-layer. Slightly delicate. Few features.

Montbell Versalite Features

Versalite is designed to minimize the number of seams on the garment, which in turn reduces weight, leakage points, and manufacturing costs. It’s a very smart strategy.

Interestingly, Montbell has used WINDSTOPPER instead of traditional Gore-Tex, but it seems to be plenty waterproof enough.

These hiking rain pants are very minimalist. They have few features, except for a nifty “Samue Leg Closure System” inspired by the Zen monks of Japan. It uses an elastic band that can be pulled out to cinch and secured around the ankle. it’s nifty, but we could take it or leave it.

Noteworthy drawbacks include it’s 10D fabric. 10D is plenty durable enough if you treat this jacket respectfully, but it certainly cannot be abused. Check out our top overall pick, the Outdoor Research Helium Rain for a more durable ultralight model.

It is also a 2-layer construction, which can feel clammy against skin and fails to protect the interior, shortening the lifespan of the garment.

Montbell Versalite Verdict

Montbell Versalite rain pants are extremely ultralight and very effective. That said, we feel they are outcompeted by the Zpacks Vertice pants, which also weigh about 3 oz, but are more breathable.

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