Rarer than a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle, the 4.5 ounce (that's not a typo) NW Alpine Eyebright Jacket is the newest evolution of our ultralight waterproof/breathable shell made from Dyneema® Composite Fabrics. To top it off, the jacket is laser cut and handmade right here in Oregon.
More than four years of research and testing has gone into creating what we believe to be the ultimate in ultralight weather protection for alpine climbing, hiking, and any other activity where you demand the most from your gear. The NW Alpine Eyebright Jacket can go places and withstand conditions that would reduce most ultralight jackets to bits and pieces all over the mountain.
Dyneema’s near-mythical strength-to-weight ratio combined with its weather resistance eliminates the need for traditional, heavy layers. It’s an absolute game-changer for alpine gear: 30 percent lighter than nylon/polyester and 15 times stronger than steel.
Every piece of the new Eyebright is laser cut for precision. Using advanced no-sew seam taping techniques, the only sewing in the Eyebright is in the zippers.
Features laser cut parts with eVent membrane. One chest pocket, a YKK Aquaguard #5 coil zipper, and a YKK Aquaguard #3 coil pocket zipper keep the jacket minimal and robust. The jacket is rounded out by an adjustable, helmet compatible hood and an adjustable hem to keep the elements out.
Made in Oregon, USA.
Details:
- Sizes S-XL (See Sizing Chart)
- Weight: 4.5 oz (Medium)
- Colors: Forest Green/White
- Material: 15% Dyneema 45% ePTFE 40% Other Polymers
Special Care Instructions
Handwash with gentle detergent. The Eyebright jacket includes the lightest breathable membrane on the market. It is an eTPFE (Teflon) membrane treated with DWR which will absorb little odor. Never expose Dyneema materials to heat sources as this can cause the material to shrink and/or delaminate.
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Nothing is tougher on gear than guiding, so we sent a prototype Eyebright to Pete Tapley, who guides in Alaska. After 100 days in the mountains, this is how the Eyebright held up. Try that with another ultralight jacket. Oh, and he wants it back.
"The Eyebright Jacket is the piece that I’ve been waiting for. Not only does it truly bridge the wind shirt/hardshell gap, but it does so while checking in at a scant 4.5 ounces and still wears like iron. With reliable hardshell protection and exceptional breathability, it’s been ideal for everything that I’ve thrown at it over the last nine months – from waterfall climbing in Hyalite and the Beartooth’s last winter, to the ultra-soggy glaciers of the Kenai Peninsula this spring, all over the Central Alaska Range, and trail running through pouring rain in the Talkeetnas. This has been my go-to piece and I’m consistently impressed by its comfort."
– Mountain Guide Pete Tapley
"This is one amazing jacket! I used it this summer to backpack the Colorado Trail from Denver to Durango. 525 miles, 70,000 feet of climbing, and daily vicious thunderstorms. At only 4.5 ounces, the Eyebright proved itself to be the best jacket of its type I've ever tried, especially with breathability. During heavy exercise, I seemed to stay drier than other jackets. The Eyebright is incredibly light, packs down nicely, is tough as nails, and is fully waterproof, windproof and breathable. I was quite surprised at how well it worked! Dewey Nielsen (Trail Runner) I put the Eyebright to the test in classic Cascade weather: 30 mph winds and nonstop rain. I am shocked. I can confidently say its performance is unmatched. And I should mention it’s a mere 4.5 ounces! I can’t wait for this to be available."
– Steve Elder
