It has been deemed by its creator as “The ultimate gram-counting storm shell for the outdoor athlete that expects all-around performance in any downpour for the least amount of weight possible.”

A marketing mouthful, but at seven ounces, this creation, the Golite Malpais Trinity 3-Layer Liteshell Jacket, is more a modern marvel than a marketing ploy. This jacket is about 185 grams worth of taped seams, waterproof zippers, fixed hood with cord lock closures, and shock cord closures.

Malpais Trinity 3-Layer Liteshell features an ultralight nylon layer (15 denier), complete with a polyurethane membrane so waterproof that it will keep you dry in monsoon season.  With its taped seams and waterproof zippers, the Golite Malpais Trinity jacket shields you from the elements. In the unpredictability that comes with Spring, this jacket is predictably dry.

It was a sloppy mess of a day where rain and mud affected nearly every aspect of riding. The GoLite Malpais Trinity 3-Layer Liteshell kept rain at bay, as the seams proved impermeable and the membrane was deemed impenetrable.

The Malpais Trinity 3-Layer Liteshell Jacket Trinity is breathable, but once overexerted at mile three, the moisture inside starts building quickly. Sometimes the moisture inside the jacket is much greater than the beads of rainwater outside. On humid days, it might be best just to go without a jacket.

There’s also the troubling zipper. Athletes and outdoors enthusiasts who depend on this kind of jacket want to zip up and go. This zipper is stubborn so expect a good minute or two to get it right.

images/GoLiteThe GoLite Malpais Trinity 3-Layer Liteshell Jacket is tailored with an athlete in mind, great for athletes but not so great for sweat-filled trips to the nearest buffet. Even under those extremes, the waterproof seams and zippers held under the pressure. (MSRP $250)