Pure function, minimal weight, no unnecessary frills. With the new ultra-lightweight rain jacket Zebru UL, VAUDE is hitting the limit when it comes to weight loss. This minimalistic, windproof and weatherproof yet full-fledged jacket with 3-layer Ceplex Pro membrane weighs in at less than 200 grams. In terms of function, however, it leaves nothing to be desired. And, at the same time, the Zebru UL still demonstrates a clean eco-balance with PFC-free waterproofing.
UL stands for ultralight – a term which true gear freaks and minimalists are raving about. But lightweight gear has advantages for the average Joe Walker. After all, it’s lighter on the shoulders, takes up less space in your pack and raises the comfort factor for hiking.
With the UL Zebru 3L Jacket, VAUDE presents the lightest hardshell ever developed in-house. “We have developed a super lightweight, very durable material with a thin 7-micron membrane that also features slight stretch. However, the challenge is also in the processing of trims, stitching, gluing, etc. We wanted to push the weight down as much as possible, without making compromises in terms of functionality and comfort. So we looked at every detail and finally distilled the essence of a jacket. Less weight, but no less functionality!” says Aaron Bittner, Head of Apparel Development at VAUDE.
198 g in size 52/L is the result of the Zebru UL 3L Jacket – weighing as much as a medium apple or two bars of chocolate. A superlight 10 D polyamide outer fabric and the paper-thin 7-micron Ceplex Pro membrane protect from rain and wind on tour. The material is even slightly stretchy which increases the comfort level for putting it on or climbing. Despite its minimal weight, the jacket is fully outfitted with essential features like a seamless YKK AquaGuard® front zipper, adjustable Velcro cuffs, drawstring adjustable hood with single hand drawcord closure at the hem, and two higher-set front pockets that are accessible even when wearing a climbing harness. “If we eliminated anything else, there wouldn’t be a jacket left!” says Bittner.
The men’s version in size L features a weight of 198 g; the women’s version weighs in at just 172 g in size S and will be available starting Spring 2017 in stores in the colors pistachio and iron.
The jacket is treated with the environmentally friendly Eco Finish water-repellent without fluorocarbons (PFC). Thus, it meets VAUDE’s Green Shape criteria for environmentally-friendly, resource-saving production. It can be packed down extremely small to fit in any backpack or on your climbing harness. The UL-jacket is an ideal rain jacket for ambitious peak baggers and weight watchers. Leaving it in your pack as merely an emergency jacket would really be a shame.
Weightless in the wind
When it’s not raining, a lightweight windbreaker is enough to prevent overcooling when climbing. The Zebru Windshell (90 g) and the Zebru Vest (70 g) are two other lightweights in the VAUDE program – 100% windproof and they pack down extremely small. The fabric’s high breathability and lasered vents under the arms ensure adequate air exchange when your activity level heats up.
Product details Weight RRP (in Germany)
Women’s Zebru UL 3L Jacket 172 g
Men’s Zebru UL 3L Jacket 198 g
Men’s Zebru Wind Shell Jacket 90 g
Men’s Zebru Wind Shell Vest 70 g
