The Dynafit Transalper comes to market in spring 2015. GearJunkie got an exclusive first test of the ultra-light shell. It is among the lightest membrane (waterproof/breathable) shell jackets ever made.
Regardless of the forecast, the one piece of gear I always carry in the bottom of my pack is an ultralight water-resistant shell. Be it for a multi-day adventure race or a two-hour mountain bike ride a shell has saved my butt more times than I care to count.
In my mind, a legit jacket is comfortable, has a hood, and is waterproof (or at least highly water resistant). Last month, in the 7-day Expedition Idaho race, I took the Dynafit Transalper 3L (available in March 2015) as my waterproof shell. At 4.5 ounces, I barely noticed it was in my pack.
It was 100 degrees at the start of the race, so I didn’t plan on actually having to use it. However, by day three of the race, the forecast was rainy with a chance of hail and thunderstorms. I was thrilled to have the Transalper, and I put it through a tough test. —Chelsey Magness
The Gear: Dynafit Transalper 3L
Where to use it: Ultra running, adventure racing, mountain biking, hiking. It should live at the bottom of a go-to mountain bike and or running pack.
Who’s it for: The fast hiker, ultra runner, or mountain biker who is looking for an ultralight waterproof option.
Specs: Minimalist cut, made of 100% Polyamide, has a PU waterproof membrane, taped seams, ventilation under arms, hood. Weighs 4.5 ounces.
Boring but important: This is a super light, fully waterproof jacket. In my testing, I used it while pack-rafting down a class III river with nothing underneath other than a long sleeve wool top. I did get water up the sleeves as this isn’t designed to be worn as a dry suit, but even after water stopped beading on the DWR coating, the jacket kept my body dry.
To verify the waterproof nature of the coat, I stood in the shower for two minutes and stayed dry even after the DWR wetted out.
