Advnture Verdict
Brilliant features here, namely the hood and Flip Mitts, but the extremely waterproof fabric is sadly let down by the open underarm venting and lack of a storm flap behind the main zip.
Pros
- +
Excellent peaked, adjustable hood
- +
Flip mitts at the cuffs
- +
Reflective details
- +
Glove-compatible zip cord
- +
One inside mesh pocket/stuff sack
- +
Hem adjustment
- +
Meets UTMB race requirements
Cons
- -
A little heavier than some others
- -
No cuff adjustment
- -
Arms feel restricted when using Flip Mitts
- -
No storm flap behind main zip
- -
Armpit venting lets in heavier rain
You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. Find out more about how we test and compare products.
Ultimate Direction Men’s Ultra Jacket: first impressions
Along with the best hood in our best lightweight running jackets buying guide, the Ultimate Direction Men’s Ultra Jacket has one awesome feature that no other jacket boasts: ‘Flip Mitts’ at the cuff, made from the same waterproof fabric as the jacket, so you can pop them over your hands or running gloves to keep them dry and warm. It’s a genius idea for cold, wet days. The only slight drawback to this is that people with longer arms will find that they want a bit of extra elbow room when wearing the Flip Mitts, so a longer arm length from the jacket would be useful in future incarnations.
The other great thing is that the hood is fully adjustable, unlike many of the other lighter-weight jackets we tested. The peak is wide, wired and stiffened, and you can pull the toggles in to create a perfect fit even over a ponytail.
Disappointingly, though, this particular running jacket does not seem to be as waterproof as the super-high 30,000mm Hydrostatic Head measurement seems to suggest – although this is down to the design rather than the material. Rain does bead up and roll off, but after a while the water wriggles its sneaky way inside. This is most probably down to the lack of storm flap behind the main zip, and also the wide open underarm vents – plenty of opportunity for a heavy downpour to find its way in there in the wind.
• RRP: $190 (US) / £145 (UK)
• Weight (Men’s size M): 186g / 6.6oz
• Colors: Men’s: Blue
• Hydrostatic Head: 30,000mm
• Breathability: 30,000 g/m2
• Compatibility: Light, well ventilated, best for warmer climates
Ultimate Direction Men’s Ultra Jacket: on the trails
We really like this jacket and love the Flip Mitts feature (but please make the arms a little longer for us orangutans, UD!), which really came in handy on days where we were just out for a quick run without gloves and the wind picked up at the top of the hillside.
The hood is also excellent – with its wind-proof, wide peak and full adjustment, it is easily the best one we’ve come across in the lightweight running jacket category, and well worth carrying a few extra grams to get that fit right.
However, despite the 30,000mm Hydrostatic Head being twice or triple what most of jackets state, this was unfortunately not reflected in testing in proper British driving rain, which just WILL find its pesky way into any nook or cranny that hasn’t been covered.
We are fully on board with the rating for the fabric, but if you don’t then add a nice wide storm flap behind the main zip, and then cut a big hole under the arms for venting, then you’re just inviting wind-blown, dribbled-down raindrops to the armpit party. Yes, it sounds like a nice idea for ventilation, but it creates an area of vulnerability in a storm. How about losing that and letting us just unzip the jacket or take it off if we get too hot?
