Lightweight Tech Jackets – Five Plus One

Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.


It’s officially spring, and that means nice weather, spring showers, and a chance to pick up a new jacket that’s water resistant and light enough to stuff into a pocket or tote bag. While the pieces on this list aren’t designed to keep you particularly warm, they will give you some decent protection from the rain without adding much bulk.

There are a seemingly endless number of jackets that fit this description in a wide range of styles, so treat this article as a jumping off point; if there is something on this list that you like but isn’t quite right then take a look at what is out there, or, better yet, ask our other readers in the comments.

1) Mission Workshop: The Interval

tech-jackets-five-plus-one 1) Mission Workshop The Interval

Mission Workshop is one of those brands that are hard to ignore when techwear is involved, and their Interval jacket is perfect example of why. It’s constructed from a Japanese nylon that is designed to be lightweight, water and wind resistant, and flexible without sacrificing breathability. It features a storable cinch hood, thumb loops, and an array of pockets.

Available for $225 from Mission Workshop.

2) Arc’teryx Veilance: Dyadic Comp Hoody Black

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The Dyadic Comp Hoody from Arc’teryx Veilance is a bit of a sweatshirt/light jacket hybrid, but with its high tech fabric, zip front, and collar shape we feel it falls firmly in the jacket category. It’s made from merino wool/nylon blend that offers some warmth without sacrificing durability or stretch. Like much of AV’s clothing this piece features attractive multi-fabric paneling that really sets it apart from the competition.

Available for $464 from Haven.

3) Outlier: Ultra Ultra Track Jacket

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Outlier’s Ultra Ultra Track Jacket lives up to its superlative title. It may look like your standard fare, but packed inside is a two way front zipper, zippered size vents, and zippered hidden front hand pockets. And like all of Outlier’s products, this one is made from a fantastic fabric–a double-weave nylon with four-way stretch, a fleecy soft inner, and a NanoSphere DWR coating to resist spills and dry fast.

Available for $295 from Outlier.

4) Uniqlo: Pocketable Parka

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Uniqlo’s Pocketable Parka might not be the most attractive piece that the company has ever produced, but it offers a serious amount of functionality in the form of water resistance while remaining lightweight and seriously, seriously cheap. While the idea of crumpling up your outer shell might make some people cringe, it’s much better to have it a little wrinkled at the bottom of your bag than hung neatly in your closet when you’re caught in a rainstorm.

Available for $30 from Uniqlo.

5) Folk: Collarless Nylon Jacket

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Folk does a fantastic job of producing iconic pieces that are still incredibly wearable, see their Collarless Nylon Jacket. The outer of this jacket is constructed from wrinkled nylon, which is much more noticeable on the navy version than the ecru, but with a comfortable cotton lining. The curved edges of the collar and hem give this jacket a one of a kind look that, while not appealing to everyone, adds a bit of flair to whatever outfit it complements.

Available for $304 from Folk.

Plus One – Enfin Leve: Eurria Asymmetrical Shell Jacket

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It can be hard to find a truly unique shell tech jacket, but Enfin Leve’s Eurria Asymmetrical Shell checks just about all the possible boxes. This avante-garde style jacket features a Swiss-made RiRi water resistant asymmetric zipper, detachable hood, oversized collar, adjustable sleeves, and is made in the EU from an Italian technical nylon and poplin liner. I can’t image this jacket being for everyone, but it’s certainly one of the most eye-catching tech jackets out there and its construction guarantees it won’t be going away anytime soon.

Available for €425 from Enfin Leve.