ADH-Test: Guideline ULBC Rain Jacket - waterproof, light as a feather & ultra breathable
6 Months on the Water: Our Test of the Guideline ULBC Wading Jacket
There are many rain jackets out there – but few are as lightweight, functional, and well-designed as the ULBC Rain Jacket from Guideline. We've tested this minimalist wading jacket for you in the video – and not just briefly in a light drizzle, but for a full 6 months in real-world use: from icy days while pike fishing in winter to warm early summer rain at the trout stream. What we wanted to know: Does the jacket really deliver on its promises? How does it perform during active wading, casting, and hiking?
One thing we can say right away: If you're looking for a lightweight, waterproof, and still durable jacket for all occasions, keep reading. Guideline puts it perfectly: "Bad weather can arrive at any moment. Having a lightweight and rainproof jacket in your backpack can save the day."
The Philosophy Behind ULBC & Scale™ CORE
The ULBC series stands for "Ultra Light Back Country" – designed for especially lightweight, compact, and functional gear specifically created for mobile anglers, hikers, and outdoor adventurers. The focus is clearly on freedom of movement, weight reduction, and weather suitability.
The heart of the ULBC Rain Jacket is the in-house Scale™ CORE material – a high-quality 2.5-layer ripstop nylon with a durable construction, solid waterproof rating (10,000 mm), and excellent breathability (5,000 g/m²/24h). This technology offers a well-balanced mix of performance, weight, and sustainability – ideal for passionate fly fishers who head out in varying and challenging conditions.
All Scale™ materials are treated with a PFAS-free DWR coating, which not only effectively repels water but is also environmentally and health friendly. Additionally, the fabrics used are bluesign® certified and OEKO-TEX® tested.
Technical Background & Materials
- Material: 2.5-layer Scale™ CORE Ripstop Nylon
- Waterproof rating: 10,000 mm
- Breathability: 5,000 g/m²/24h
- Weight: only 275 g (size L)
- Color: Charcoal
- Zipper: YKK AquaGuard® with internal storm flap
Features & Equipment
- Very lightweight and extremely compressible – the jacket packs into its own chest pocket
- Integrated, elastic hood – follows head movement, protects against rain, wind, and insects
- Extended back section – ideal for long sitting periods or bending over near the water
- Elastic sleeve cuffs and adjustable hem with drawcord
- Large chest pocket with AquaGuard® zipper – perfect for fly boxes & essentials
- Hypalon docking station for tools and accessories
- Velcro patch on the right sleeve – ideal for flies or custom patches
- Mesh loop at the neck area – for easy attachment of a landing net
Areas of Use & Fit
The ULBC Rain Jacket is a true all-rounder. Whether you're heading to remote trout waters with a trekking backpack or just need a lightweight backup rain shell for a quick session – this jacket fits the bill.
Thanks to its athletic yet functional cut, it offers plenty of freedom of movement for long casts, short climbs, or active hikes. It feels extremely comfortable on the body, effectively blocks wind & rain, and can be combined with insulating base layers for extra warmth.
In our long-term test, the jacket proved to be just as reliable in sudden showers as it was in steady rain during multi-hour outings – it stays waterproof and breathable without overheating or trapping moisture.
Our Conclusion
From windy pike waters in winter to steamy streams in June rain – this jacket has been with us through it all. And: it delivered in every situation. The Guideline ULBC Rain Jacket is one of the few jackets that are truly uncompromisingly lightweight and functional – without cutting corners where it counts.
The combination of thoughtful angler-specific features like the docking station, fly patch, and large chest pocket, along with the ultra-compact design, makes it the ideal companion for any weather. Especially for mobile fly fishers who don’t want to carry unnecessary weight but still need reliable weather protection. And of course, a big thumbs up for Guideline’s fully sustainable approach, which was consistently applied in this jacket as well.
In short: If you're looking for a jacket you can – and will – always have with you, you’re going to love the ULBC Rain Jacket from Guideline!
