See-Thru Wind Jacket Made For ‘Fast & Light’ Crowd

[leadin]My new jacket has more in common with a plastic bag than a Gore-Tex shell. But that’s not a put-down. The Salomon Light Jacket is incredibly thin and weighs less than an iPhone.[/leadin]

Folded up, it fits in the front pocket of my pants. But in unexpected high winds, the jacket has saved me from freezing.

Called the S-LAB Light Jacket, this emergency or backup top has a zipper and is made of an ultra-thin sheen of fabric. There is no hood, no pockets, and the fabric does not double as rainwear.

In a time of need, though, the Light Jacket will work in unexpected drizzle. It blocks wind and offers an outer layer for spring or summer outings that can add significant warmth.

Essentially a highly-packable windbreaker jacket, Salomon built the piece for runners, hikers, and climbers. It offers protection in an instant and a boost of warmth from a package so small you’ll never think twice about carrying it along.

The fabric, a synthetic polyamide material, is silky and see-through. It is durable enough to stand up during hikes and normal use, just don’t expect to bushwhack in the top.

It is comfortable on bare arms or over layers. The material is slippery and does not stick to skin.

At $150, the Salomon Light Jacket costs quite a bit more than many average windbreakers. But the packable nature of the jacket and its light weight, at about 2.5 ounces, will make it worth the cost for trail runners, climbers, ultra racers, and other members of the “fast and light” crowd.