The Dutch summers are not exactly known for the even summer days and the temperatures can vary by 15 degrees from one day to the next, often with an unannounced rain shower. For those moments it is nice to have a super light backup shell with you. For example, the Haglöfs L.I.M. GTX.
The Haglöfs L.I.M series is based on the insight that with less weight to carry, you’ll move easier and experience more on your adventures. Simply put: Less.Is.More (L.I.M). The L.I.M Series is invented to push the limits of functional, technical, lightweight trekking gear, so there’s no need to carry more than necessary. To pull off that equation, the equipment must deliver in any situation. The L.I.M Series grants maximum performance at minimum weight and is available in both women’s and men’s models. The jacket I tested is in the color Magnetite and is available in plenty of other colors.
Test conditions
I used the jacket during walks and bike rides in the Netherlands in summer, in various temperatures between 18-30 degrees Celsius.
Specifications
- weight: 280
- Gore-Tex paclite plus
- two zippered hand pockets with mesh ventilation
- snug fitting elasticated hood
- elastic cuffs and bottom hem for improved fit
- reflective trims
Review
The Haglöfs L.I.M. GTX jacket feels and sounds like plastic and it is noticeable that it is super light, much lighter for example than the Vaude jacket I tested before. The fit is great with plenty of room for a mid layer on colder days. However, the hood is snug fitting and has no possibility to shorten the length. I don’t like that the fabric encloses my head and actually the hood is just a bit too long so it is in front of my eyes.
I miss the well-known zippers under the arms in most outdoor jackets, which you can open for ventilation. The 2 side pockets on the front are placed quite high and long. In practice, you can use it for fresh air. The disadvantage is that you do not do this when it’s raining. The jacket also has an attachment at the front to prevent it from opening up due to the wind, when you have the zipper fully open.
So it is possible to ventilate, but for me zippers under the arms are a must in outdoor clothing, because this ensures ventilation in the right place.
As for the sleeves are a bit longer at the top of the hand, which is excellent during rain.
The jacket is light and you can fold it so small that it always fits in your bag. I think this is an ideal size and weight for backpacking and bikepacking. The Haglofs website states that the weight of the jacket is 280 grams. In size XL it is even less: only 252 grams.
Gore-Tex paclite plus product technology
The GORE-TEX membrane contains pores that are smaller than a water drop, but larger than a water vapor molecule. This means that rain and snow cannot penetrate, but sweat can be wicked away.
Every single product technology in the original GORE-TEX products range offers three core benefits:
- Waterproof: Rain and snow simply cannot get in—even in the heaviest storms you stay protected.
- Windproof: Wind chill can drop your body temperature fast and cause discomfort. The windproof technologies block all wind..
- Breathable: Water vapor is allowed to escape. So that whatever drives you on, you can go further.
As expected from Gore-Tex, the jacket is excellently wind and waterproof. At first, the zippers don’t seem waterproof to me, but after a few minutes of shower testing, they turn out to be.
Paclite Plus offers protection against rain, wind and is ultra-light and compact. This unique combination creates the ultimate backup shell, so you’re ready for any adventure.
Pros
- fit
- longer cuffs
- small foldable
- lightweight
Cons
- close-fitting hood
- no zippers under arms
The Haglöfs L.I.M. GTX my favorite shell. Because it takes up almost no space, it always fits in my bag. Because of the low weight, I like to take it with me in my backpack or while bikepacking.
