This is an impressive ultralight jacket with an unusual durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment.
£250 225g (men’s L)
no need for DWR, very light quite expensive
Materials: OutDry Extreme waterproof/breathable nylon
Hood: front drawcords, rear volume adjuster, stiffened peak
Front closure: PU Vislon water-resistant zip with inner flap
Pockets: 2 mid
Hem: shockcord
Cuffs: Velcro
Sizes: men S-XXL, women XS-XXL
Columbia’s OutDry Extreme is an unusual waterproof/ breathable fabric. The waterproof layer and the taped seams are on the outside. This means there’s no need for a durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment and the fabric never needs reproofing. The fabric does have a distinctive shiny look that not everyone will like. It works fine, though, which is what matters.
The Nanolite is the third OutDry Extreme jacket I’ve tried since Columbia launched the first one five years ago. It replaces the OutDry Ex Featherweight Shell, which I reviewed two years ago after using it on the TGO Challenge, and weighs exactly the same. The design, however, has been improved.
In particular, the hood is much better as it has front drawcords as well as a rear one. It’s still not perfect but it does give better protection than the Featherweight hood and feels more comfortable as it doesn’t have to be really tight to stay on in the wind. The peak is semi-stiff. It deforms a little in strong winds but still gives some protection.
The Nanolite has performed well on some very wet days. Breathability is okay – not up there with much more expensive fabrics but adequate. I’ve never got more than damp inside it from condensation. And, of course, it doesn’t need reproofing to maintain the performance.
The Nanolite is very light and excellent for threeseason use. I wouldn’t use it in winter conditions. I think it’s particularly good for longdistance walks due to the low weight, small packed size (it can be folded into one of its pockets), and because it won’t need reproofing, something that’s difficult to do if you’re out for weeks or months.