Once upon a time a waterproof jacket weighing just 340g would have been unusual. Today, it’s not even the lightest within the same manufacturer’s range. The Namche Paclite is intended as a lightweight and packable waterproof that’ll happily ride shotgun in your backpack until you need it but will deliver comfort and protection when the heavens open. It aims to be a good balance between waterproofing/weight/durability and breathability and Rab have thrown in using recycled nylon fabric to help clinch the deal and the company do their best to avoid any greenwashing with clear information about their aims.
Lara Dunn’s Highly recommended
The Namche Paclite is intended as a lightweight and packable waterproof that’ll happily ride shotgun in your backpack until you need it but will deliver comfort and protection when the heavens open.- Extremely lightweight
- Packable
- Stiff fabric
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £220 | International Delivery available Weight: 340g (size UK14) Materials: 75D recycled Gore-Tex Paclite 2.5 layer with PFC free DWR Hood: Wired with volume adjuster Front closure: Zip with storm flap Underarm/side zips: 2 (the zipped pockets double as vents) Pockets: 2 Hem: Drawcord adjuster Cuffs: Velcro Sizes: UK8-16 Women’s/Men’s version: Women’s (Men’s direct equivalent available) www.rab.equipment |
As well as being the lightest women’s jacket on test, the Namche Paclite also packs down the smallest, to about the size of a modest melon (think Galia or Charentais), making it spot-on for stowing in a backpack indefinitely. Waterproofing is extremely effective for good lengths of walk and breathability is decent, with no massive issues with sweat build-up, although the smooth nature of the facing of the fabric means long sleeved base layers are preferable to bare skin (i.e short sleeves) for real comfort and effective moisture transport especially in warm, wet conditions. Light and packable it may be, but it’s also capable, protective and effective all round as a wind and waterproof layer. Although light, the fabric is tough and durable, if a little on the crinkly, stiff side to be genuinely pleasurable to wear for long periods of time.
The hood is a great shape, with a stiffened peak and plenty of adjustment and gives excellent field of vision, moving nicely with the head. Two generous zipped side pockets are mesh lined and double as venting when needed.
The fit is spot on for stated sizing and fits along the same lines as decent high street garments. Taller women will appreciate a little extra length in the torso and the sleeves are also pretty generous. It’s a contoured cut though, best suited to the sort of low volume mid-layers I’d hope to be wearing in the warmer seasons this is aimed at.
Reviewed and tested by Lara Dunn in 2024
Lara wore this jacket during wet autumn and winter conditions on a variety of walks – with and without a pack – in the Malvern Hills, Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains. She usually takes a high street size 14, sometimes 16 and is 5’5” tall.
