Made in the USA of an exotic, super-tough material hybrid, a jacket by Hyperlite Mountain Gear called ‘The Shell’ promises to turn heads.
All products in the Hyperlite Mountain Gear line use Dyneema fabrics. The material incorporates some of the strongest man-made fibers invented. This month, the Maine-based brand known for backpacks hops into outerwear.
Its debut jacket is called simply The Shell. It is made of a highly-durable material known as Dyneema Composite. Waterproof characteristics come from an inlay of breathable, air-permeable eVent fabric.
At just five ounces in size small, The Shell is among the lightest waterproof-breathable jackets on the market. Size large jackets will weigh about six ounces.
But where it will shine is durability. Most super light waterproof jackets are relatively fragile. Dyneema is incredibly strong. We haven’t tested the jacket, but on paper, this one should be super tough.
Dyneema Jacket, Distilled
The Shell has minimal features, including Velcro cuffs and a waterproof zipper (the high-end #5 VISLON Aquaguard from YKK). It packs small into its own pocket for transport.
These features, along with a helmet-compatible hood and stiff hood brim, make it usable for backpackers, thru-hikers, climbers, alpinists, and skiers.
This is not the first Dyneema jacket on the market. Niche brand NW Alpine has a similar product, the Eyebright Jacket, which costs $599.
The Dyneema Project profiles a Canadian apparel designer, Conroy Nachtigall, and his 2016 Dyneema-commissioned project to create an “ultimate alpine jacket.”
Hyperlite Mountain Gear offers the jacket now for $450. It comes in unisex sizing.
We have long loved packs made with Dyneema fabrics and look forward to reviewing the burly new breathable jacket option.
–See more details on The Shell.
