Looking for technical and quality trail equipment to face all weather conditions? The waterproof jacket and rain pants are essential trail gear, whether for training or competition. In races, the mandatory equipment kit always includes a waterproof trail jacket and approved rain pants. Here are two perfect models for your upcoming trails, featuring the famous RaidLight waterproof pack.
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RaidLight, French pioneering trail brand
For over twenty years, RaidLight has been a reference in trail and ultra-trail equipment. Created by Benoît LAVAL, an international runner, the French brand has built its reputation on technical, eco-responsible products designed for the specific needs of trail runners.
Based in Chartreuse, RaidLight has developed a great expertise and offers textiles that meet the requirements of the most selective competitions. Based in the Alps, RaidLight partners with major races like the Grand Raid de La Réunion, where weather conditions can vary greatly (very hot during the day, very cold and humid at night).
All RaidLight waterproof equipment is designed with the MP+ membrane, an exclusive technology patented by RaidLight. This membrane is recognized by thousands of trail runners as a guarantee of quality and reliability: extreme impermeability and optimal breathability.
The Ultralight MP+ Pack: complete equipment compliant with mandatory kits
The Ultralight MP+ Pack from RaidLight includes three essential pieces: a waterproof trail jacket, trail rain pants, and gloves. It’s an ideal choice for preparing for an ultra-trail as this pack perfectly meets the expectations of race organizers in terms of the mandatory equipment kit.
Technical and ultra-light equipment
The great advantage of this pack is its lightweight and compactness. Each element is designed to be ultra-technical, light, and compact, making it easy to pack in a trail bag without sacrificing performance, while ensuring great comfort during use.
The Ultralight MP+ jacket weighs only 150 grams and can be compressed into its own pocket, an important advantage when every gram counts on an ultra. The RaidLight trail rain pants are also impressive: weighing only 88 grams, they can be packed the size of an apple, almost becoming invisible in the bag. These waterproof garments are not only compliant with regulations but also designed for runners who want to run lightly.
Schmerber: understanding technical impermeability
An essential point in choosing a waterproof trail jacket is the Schmerber value. This term refers to a fabric’s ability to resist water pressure: the higher the number, the more effective the protection. The majority of ultra-trail organizations require a jacket with a minimum of 10,000 Schmerber to validate the mandatory equipment kit.
RaidLight Waterproof Jacket: 25,000 Schmerber
The RaidLight Ultralight MP+ jacket goes even further, with an impermeability of 25,000 Schmerber. In practical terms, this means it will protect you even in heavy rain or long hours of continuous showers.
But impermeability is nothing without breathability. With a value of 50,000 MVTR, this jacket allows optimal sweat evacuation, avoiding the “k-way” effect that can be felt with less technical products. This level of performance clearly places the RaidLight jacket above the competition.
RaidLight Trail Rain Pants: 20,000 Schmerber
The trail rain pants included in the pack follow the same logic. Ultra-compact and impermeable at 20,000 Schmerber, they offer maximum security during long mountain races or training sessions in bad weather.
As part of the mandatory equipment kit, these RaidLight pants are a guarantee of compliance and peace of mind if the conditions deteriorate, and they are a significant weight savings in your trail bag compared to competing pants.
Why the RaidLight Ultralight MP+ jacket is one of the best in its category
During my field test in the mountains, I was impressed by the versatility of this waterproof trail jacket. It becomes unnoticeable due to its reduced weight, but as soon as the rain arrived, its protection was immediate. No infiltration, no internal humidity feeling thanks to its outstanding breathability.
The comfort is enhanced by an adjustable hood with a visor and a transparent window on the wrist to check your GPS watch without removing the sleeve. On a very old model from the brand, there could have been a fragility issue at this level, but the design of the new models has resolved this problem.
The shoulders are also reinforced to avoid wear from backpack friction, a detail confirming that this product is designed to last.
With its 25,000 Schmerber impermeability and extreme lightness, the RaidLight waterproof jacket establishes itself as one of the best in its category.
The test of the Ultralight MP+ 20K/20K rain pants was also very successful. They are comfortable and do not cause irritation, even on long outings, which is sometimes the case with some existing trail pants.
Conclusion: essential gear for ultra-trail running
Between compactness, lightness, and performance, the RaidLight Ultralight MP+ Pack is undoubtedly one of the best investments for a trail runner, whether to tick all the boxes of the mandatory equipment kit, stay dry when it rains in the mountains, or simply ensure optimal comfort.
The RaidLight ULTRALIGHT 3.0 MP+ Waterproof Jacket is priced at €279.99, the RaidLight Ultralight MP+ Rain Pants at €129.90, and the gloves at €44.90.
You can find the waterproof pack on the official RaidLight website for €355, which is a reduction of around €100.
You can also benefit from a 20% discount in the RunMotion private club, and even -25% if you are one of our Premium users (find it in your app).
Now, you have no more excuses not to go running in the rain 😉
