We can’t think of a material that’s as packable, durable and reliable as GORE-TEX PacLite Plus. It allows you to travel lighter without any diminution in performance. On a recent paddling trip we packed the MEC Flash Cloud GORE-TEX Jacket (available in women’s and men’s).
When it poured rain, we were dry and never clammy, as the PacLite Plus is super breathable. (Paddling in the rain requires your gear to simultaneously fend off water, and allow your skin to breathe–a true test of waterproof-breathable cred.) When the rain subsided and we had to paddle hard to make it to camp before dark, we deployed the pit-zips for max venting.
A drawcord-cinch hem and hook-and-loop cuff adjustments keep drafts out when the wind picks up.
Packability + Protection
Packability + ProtectionFeatures:
- Lightweight and extremely compressible 2.5-layer GORE-TEX® PACLITE® PLUS fabric is breathable and exceptionally waterproof.
- DWR finish, fully sealed seams and water-resistant zippers keep rain from sneaking in.
- Adjustable hood with pre-curved brim.
- Chin guard prevents chafing.
- Pit zips let you exhaust heat when slogging uphill.
- Hand pockets have water-resistant zippers and zipper garages.
- Hook-and-loop cuff tabs.
- Drawcord-cinch hem and hook-and-loop cuff adjustments seal out the wind.
- Built-in Recco® Rescue System reflector allows ski patrol and mountain rescue teams to detect and locate it under snow.
The matching MEC Flash Cloud GORE-TEX Pants (available in women’s or men’s) served just as well for paddling, and for hiking and scrambling, too.
The fit is on the roomy side, which is handy in colder weather if you’re wearing a fleece layer underneath. So lightweight that you can easily mash them into a small pack, these pants are the perfect backup for those iffy days where the weather could go either way. We also appreciate the zip pantlegs which allow you to quickly and easily remove or put on the pants without removing boots or shoes. The zips also serve for quick venting control.
Adjustability
AdjustabilityFeatures:
- 2.5-layer GORE-TEX PACLITE® PLUS material is windproof, waterproof, breathable and highly packable.
- DWR finish, fully sealed seams and water-resistant zippers keep rain from sneaking in.
- Comfortable waistband with drawcord adjustment and dual snap closure.
- Zip fly.
- Roomy hip pockets with zip closure.
- Back panel pocket.
- Zip pant legs are easy to put on over hiking and mountaineering boots.
- Cuffs can be cinched with drawcord to seal out drafts and moisture.
- Recco® Rescue System reflector is detectable by ski patrol and rescue teams.
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