Review: Kathmandu Zeolite Active (Shell) Jacket

Ticking all possible boxes for race mandatory gear (NGX: windproof, waterproof & breathable), this Nylon jacket at “170” grams (size m, see below) is an absolute winner.

Pros:

• Extremely light
• Packs down into its pocket
• Small form factor
• Chest clip to hold the zips together when unzipped (very cool)
• It’s actually 164grams ?
• Price/Bang for buck
• Actually works! Excellent waterproofing, breathes well.

Cons:

• Rips easily; I caught it on a tree twig. (It’s the lightweight material). Alas, back to the shop to buy another one ?
• Only 1 pocket, on the right. For all it’s weight saving, 2 pockets would really complete this jacket
• Hard to stuff into, and get out of the pocket stowage, especially when in a rush

Overall this is the ultimate jacket for “tick the box” race gear, and works when you need it.

For AR, it might be something carefully balanced between a proper Gore-Tex jacket for hard wearing when you are going to be rubbing/brushing against it.

In use at Hells Bells 2017 on a cold and wet morning:

Update 2021:

He’s dead Jim. This has been a good jacket that descended to a backup to abuse with no cares about treatment (good for a sea kayak,etc.).. However the membrane lining just started shredding off and more rips kept randomly appearing. Alas, into the bin.