Summer recreation in Utah causes a dilemma. The weather is hot and sunny, but afternoon thunderstorms can change that warm day into a raging cold, wet nightmare within minutes. Packing for fickle weather is a must, but carrying gear while trail running or mountain biking is a pain. What to do? Find yourself a jacket that packs down so small and light you won’t even know it’s in your pack. Enter the new Smartwool PhD Ultra Light Sport Jacket.
Smartwool PhD Ultra Light Sport Jacket
This layering shell is ultra technical. It features a DWR coating to shed rain, packs down small inside its own chest pocket, and weighs a mere 4.7oz. But what’s most impressive to me is Smartwool’s body-mapped wool and polyester blend mesh panels. They provide for tons of breathability and wicks sweat away. These panels are located under the arms where (obviously) is the sweatiest place for guys. All these features combined make this shell about as high-performance for aerobic activities I’ve seen in all my years of reviewing gear.
That’s the PhD in the jacket’s title – it’s stands for “Performance in the Highest Degree.”
Field Test
Spring has been rainy and snowy in Utah this year, so I’ve been very glad to have this shell along on my mountain adventures. Smartwool categorizes this as a running shell, and I used it for that purpose on one drizzly, blustery day. But mostly this piece has been my go-to for mountain biking. It packs down so tight that it’s easy to toss into my Osprey bike pack and pull it out when needed.
So far I’ve been impressed. The DWR finish beads up rain and keep it out for the most part. It’s been ideal for light rain or infrequent downpours. But constant rain was too much for the shell to handle. This is not a fully waterproof shell. But as far as repelling some water from the fabric’s surface, it gets a gold star.
When I run or mountain bike I can easily overheat when wearing a shell. Even if it’s cold outside, if my shell doesn’t breathe, I will soak through my clothes within an hour. I have no complaints about this shell’s ability to wick moisture away. It BREATHES. Those underarm panels are a great touch and are essential to the shell’s breathing ability.
The nylon fabric also does a nice job of blocking the wind.
Final Word
Overall, I don’t hesitate to grab this shell for any high-output activity in questionable weather. So if you’re in the market to purchase a water-resistant, breathable shell for running, mountain biking, hiking, or even light traveling, give the Smartwool PhD Ultra Light Sport Jacket a look.