The most breathable rain protection, perfect with shorts

The Zpacks Vertice Rain Kilt is the best and most breathable option for hiking in warm, muggy, rainy conditions when paired with shorts.

• Weight: 2.4 oz
• Price: $80
• Fabric: 3L Vertice, 7D nylon ripstop
• Zippers: Full length.
• Pros: Ultralight. Ultra breathable.
• Cons: Slightly delicate. Does not protect lower legs.

Features

Break free of the idea that waterproof pants are the only form of rain protection for legs! Weighing just 2.4 oz and made with incredibly breathable waterproof fabric, the Vertice Rain Kilt is a steal of a deal for high performance ultralight gear.

So when and why would you choose a rain kilt over rain pants? For starters, we only recommend wearing a rain kilt when paired with shorts. If worn over full length hiking pants, your lower legs will be soaked as they are unprotected and get the double whammy of water running off of the kilt.

But for those warm, muggy, rainy days, when you were already going to wear shorts, a rain kilt is the perfect pairing and superior to pants in almost every way.

That’s because a kilt is SO much more breathable than rain pants, and the fact that it’s shorts weather presumes breathability is desirable. A kilt provides the best possible ventilation, and that’s on top of the Zpacks Vertice fabric being top tier in breathability to begin with.

Conversely, rain pants paired with shorts are not fun. Skin on rain gear always feels clammy and uncomfortable. And in warm weather, simply allowing your feet and lower legs be wet is actually comfier.

This rain kilt has only two features, the full length zipper, and an elastic shock cord cinch around the waist.

Durability could be an issue with the kilt, as its fabric is only 7d, and a big step could overcome the zipper’s teeth and cause damage. But treat it respectfully and it will last as long as any other ultralight rain gear.

Verdict

The Zpacks Vertice Rain Kilt is an excellent, affordable, ultralight, and unusual solution for warm rain when paired with shorts. It is comfortable and highly breathable, and superior to pants in every way under the the right circumstances.

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