Ultimate Direction Ultra Waterproof Jacket v2

Review Score

The Ultimate Direction Ultra-Waterproof Jacket V2 has an outstanding performance.

Our Score: 9.8/10

We've given the Ultimate Direction Ultra Waterproof Jacket v2 the Thumbs Up award.

WaterproofnessBreathabilityFeaturesPerformanceValue for MoneyQuality

The good

• Extremely waterproof at 30,000 mm hh
• Keeps the wind out too
• Great hood and handy mitts
• Extremely lightweight and easy to stow

The not so good

• Expensive, which is not surprising, as you are paying for a high spec bit of outdoor kit

This was a hands-on product review.

Price Guide

Ultimate Direction Ultra Waterproof Jacket v2 Videos

Ultimate Direction Ultra Waterproof Jacket v2 Photos

Our Review

I love this jacket. And it works really well.

However, it's rather expensive for 'just a raincoat', so let me explain...

This is an ultra-lightweight and ultra-waterproof raincoat. Although it's good for hiking, it's designed for running, and that's what I bought it for.

The Ultimate Direction Ultra Waterproof jacket easily stows away for long runs over the hills without adding weight and bulk. It only weighs 174g.

It's extremely waterproof too, at 30,000mm hydrostatic head. A basic tent is just 3,000 mm with better ones at 6,000. So that goes to show how waterproof this material is.

But it's not like wearing a plastic bag. It's extremely breathable too and comes with additional ventilation.

Of course, the seams are bonded and fully taped, and the zip doesn't let in water either.

I took the jacket for a run across the Stiperstones hills with cold wind and horizontal rain. A lot of rain!

This jacket both kept the wind and the water out.

Another feature I like is the 'FlipMitts' that store in the sleaves. These proved really effective at keeping the wind-chill down on my fingers during the bad weather.

The hood worked well too and also easily accommodated my running cap.  The hood as a brim to help keep the rain off your face.

So the jacket has been fantastic.... but shame about the person wearing it.... after all the technical terrain I crossed, I was on a flat gravel road and tripped! I simply wasn't concentrating and not even sure what I tripped on.

I landed on my elbow and ripped a bit of the jacket on its first outing :-(

So, looks like I'll be looking at a repair already.

Watch the video below to see this jacket in action.

Verdict

A fantastic waterproof jacket.

Even if you aren't into running, if you want something lightweight for hiking with outstanding performance, then this is one to consider.

To give you an idea of how good the specs are, this jacket exceeds the Breathability and Waterproof standard required by the Ultra Tour du Mont Blanc.

Details