According to Berghaus the VapourLight Hyper Smock 2.0 is 30% lighter than its nearest known competitor; and since the previous incarnation of the smock weighed in at a mere 110g you can be sure this won’t weigh any more.
This means you literally will not know you’re carrying it – it comes with a tiny stuff pack that is just 12cm by 8.5cm, so you can fasten it to a belt, stuff it in a pocket, or carry it in the lid of your pack until required.
The HyperLight is aimed primarily at trail runners, but it will work for walkers and backpackers who are obsessive about weight and packabilty, although only in the warmer months.
Made out of Berghaus’ new Hydroshell Hyper waterproof and breathable fabric, it has fully taped waterproof seams, and considering the ultra-light weight comes with a surprising number of features.
Among these are an elasticated hood with peak that gives surprisingly effective protection and range of vision, a half-length zip for venting, a zipped chest pocket and elasticated cuffs and hem.
There’s the issue of the smock design to consider, of course, since not everyone likes the inconvenience of having to pull their waterproof on/off over their head, but if this doesn’t bother you, and weight and packability are of prime concern, the VapourLight Hyper is hard to beat.
