A review of the Rohan Aira Ultra-Lightweight Waterproof Jacket. A gift from Rohan.
Let me introduce you to the Rohan Aira Ultra-Lightweight Waterproof Jacket, which I’ve been trying out over the last couple of months (though mostly admiring it in my rucksack during our unusually dry spell…). It’s one of those feather-light jackets you can stuff into your pack and forget it’s there – until, of course, the heavens open.
The short version of this gear review is that this jacket means business when it comes to staying dry. It’s made with Rohan’s “3-Layer Barricade Standard”, which translates to it being completely waterproof and windproof. Handy when you’re caught in one of those delightful spring downpours where the rain comes at you sideways. The fabric is finished with PFC-free Durable Water Repellency, so the water just runs off. And so far, I’ve found that to be true.
What else? It’s very lightweight, packable, has a hood that works, adjustable cuffs and hem to get a close fit if you choose, taped seams and taped zips for more confidence in the rain, and really big pockets (OS Map big…). Rohan’s tagline for this jacket is “everything you need and nothing more”, which is a bold claim – but I think it might just be true. Actually, I did think of two things I’d add…
The Rohan Aira Ultra-Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
Rohan says that their Aira Ultra-Lightweight Waterproof Jacket is designed for fast-paced hikes, offering breathable, waterproof protection. The Hydrostatic Head rating of the Aira is 20,000mm, and the Moisture Vapour Transmission rate is 20,000 g/m²/24h – which are some really big numbers.
The 3-Layer Barricade Standard fabric is basically Rohan’s own version of Gore-Tex, and it seems to work very well in practice. The layers in question here are a DWR water-repellent outer fabric, a PU hydrophilic membrane and a protective liner, all bonded together to form a single fabric. As a result, the Aira is lightweight whilst maintaining durability.
Somewhat ironically, I received my new jacket during the early spring heatwave. It seemed that for several weeks, there was absolutely no sign of rain whatsoever. I carried it around the Clent Hills, and to and from Bourton-on-the-Water on the Warden’s Way and Windrush Way (adventure journal posts coming soon), and for many other days out too. Thankfully I know the Rohan Aira barely added any weight to my pack – so I didn’t mind carrying it.
So, when it did rain, I did my best to get out in it as much as possible. The things I do in the name of keeping my gear review blogs genuine!
I can confirm, now, that this jacket provides excellent protection from the rain – and the wind – when the British weather does what its best at. In the rain I experienced, including some very heavy downpours, the Rohan Aira did exactly what it promised. As such, I have complete confidence in this jacket in terms of waterproofing and breathability.
Lightweight
Weighing in at just 250 grams (my women’s medium shows 264g on my kitchen scales), it’s incredibly lightweight. To give this some context, my The North Face Vanadium waterproof jacket, which has been my go-to for a very long time, weighs 405g (on the same kitchen scales). Now my TNF coat does have pit zips, but in general, these jackets are very well matched in terms of specification.
And I mean, despite being packed full of all the features I’m about to mention, the Rohan Aira weighs almost exactly the same as my Mac in a Sac Origin jacket (260g). A no-frills cheap waterproof about which I said should not be compared to high quality coats made from fancy materials, and I’m not about to do that here. Although I will say that I am more likely to pack the Rohan than the Mac in a Sac from now on. I’m sure you’ll see why.
All the Handy Features
The uber lightweight material means the jacket is also thin – and packs down really small. When rolled up it takes the space of a 600ml bottle of water (ish), so finding space even in a very small day pack is not a problem. But while it does fit inside its own pocket – with lots of space to spare – there isn’t a double zip so you that’s not actually a useful fact. Most days, I’ve been stuffing this into the mesh pocket on the front of my pack – easy to grab when needed, and stow when it’s not.
The hood is a bit of a hero for me, with its adjustable collar, peak wire, and three-point setup – it can be big and open, or snug and secure, depending on your preference and the weather. I still wear my baseball cap underneath as I find that to be good for keeping the rain off my face, but this is one of the better hoods I’ve used in recent years.
That hood, as well as the adjustable hem and cuffs, mean you can create a customised fit, and one that works with the conditions on the day. Rain coming at you sideways? Cinch everything tight to help keep the water from getting in any gaps. Just a bit of drizzle on a warm day? Loosen everything off to allow plenty of airflow while keeping your torso and arms dry. And while there are no pit zips, the two large side pockets are mesh-backed so you can open them to allow more airflow when you need it – not quite as effective as an underarm opening, but still useful.
Pockets for Hikers
The Rohan Aira has fully taped seams, as you would expect for a jacket at this price point. It also has AquaGuard zips – basically taped zips – which are a nice touch too. This makes water less likely to seep in where the zip does up, and means you’re not scrambling for soggy snacks mid-hike. I should add that because the pockets are mesh backed, even if a little dampness does get in, the pockets can air out as you walk.
Sticking with the pockets, I like the addition of a little secure toggle in one of them, which is handy to attach my car key to, so I always know where it is. There’s no inside or chest pocket, so that is a genuinely useful extra feature. And you know that Rohan designed the Aira for UK hikers when you realise you can fit a full sized Ordnance Survey map in each pocket – with space to spare for other essentials. A nice practical design touch, that.
“Everything You Need and Nothing More”
Rohan’s tagline for the Aira – “everything you need and nothing more” – really does sum up the intentions of the designers. It’s lightweight, properly waterproof, and ridiculously packable. But there are a few details worth mentioning that don’t quite hit the mark for me.
Firstly, it’s a noisy jacket. The fabric rustles as you walk, especially if you leave it undone, which is slightly irritating. Likely a trade-off for the DWR finish on such a lightweight material, but still, something to note.
Then there’s the matter of packability. As mentioned above, the Rohan Aira folds down impressively small, but there’s no dedicated pouch, and while it fits into its own pocket, the pocket doesn’t have a double zip, so you can’t zip it up once it’s inside. A tiny detail, maybe, but I can’t imagine a double zip-pull adding much weight or cost. In fairness, I’ve mostly been stuffing it into the mesh pocket of my hiking pack, but I’d love the option to put it away properly.
And finally, also mentioned above, is the absence of pit zips. The pockets are mesh-backed, so there’s some airflow if you leave the zips open, but that’s not the same as proper venting. I get that extra zips would add weight, but would pit zips really tip the balance? Maybe it’s just me, but I like knowing I have them when a hike gets steamy. Is a jacket without pit zips really ‘everything you need’? Do you think they’re essential, or just a nice-to-have?
Fit and Sizing
In terms of how it looks, the Rohan Aira is a classic, no-frills kind of jacket – simple, clean, and fuss-free. It’s all one colour, with no contrasting accents, which I rather like. It gives it a timeless, understated look that works just as well in the city as it does on the trail (as I demonstrated in London a couple of weekends ago). The length is spot on, too, with plenty of material around my butt, offering good coverage without feeling bulky.
The fit has clearly been designed with practicality in mind. It’s built for movement and layering but still manages to look good and feel comfortable for everyday wear. I don’t hesitate to throw this on for a casual day out, not just for outdoor adventures.
While the size small might have been okay, I purposefully chose the women’s medium to give me space to move. I appreciate that freedom – it means I don’t feel restricted and can easily layer up underneath. Being able to get my puffy coat on underneath it when it’s cold or when I stop for a lunch break and need extra insulation makes this jacket more versatile than it might otherwise be.
And the orange? Absolutely fabulous. Bold, bright, and unapologetic. Although, I did accidentally become ultra-coordinated – what with my bright orange day pack and my Goodr sunglasses too. Maybe I should have gone for the navy? Nah, the orange stays.
The Price…
The Rohan Aira is currently priced at £240 in the Easter sale, down from £300. Whether it’s worth the price depends entirely on what you need from a jacket.
For serious hikers – those who’ll be out no matter the forecast – it’s a solid investment. It’s lightweight, breathable, properly waterproof, and packs down impressively small, which is a huge plus for multi-day trips, whether you wear it for every mile, or it spends more time stashed than worn.
Of course, there are cheaper waterproof jackets on the market (I maintain the Mac in a Sac Origin is surprisingly decent), though they may not offer the same level of technical performance. The Aira doesn’t have quite everything, but it does a great job balancing protection and weight.
In terms of price, it’s certainly in line with other jackets of its specification from well-known outdoor brands. And as I can only speak for the jackets I’ve tried myself, I’m going to stick with this one and say it’s an excellent option.
Final Thoughts on the Rohan Aira Ultra-Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
I’ve used the Rohan Aira for a couple of months now, through all sorts of British weather. Would I recommend it? Yes. But with a small caveat – that price. At £300, it’s not cheap, but its reliability, lightweight construction, and performance go a long way in justifying the cost.
This jacket shines in comfort, thoughtful design, and day-to-day usability. It packs away easily, dries fast, feels breathable, is so very light, and is indispensable when the rain rolls in. Honestly, I hope it lasts forever so I never have to replace it.
If you’re looking to upgrade your waterproof gear and prioritise practicality over fashion, the Rohan Aira Ultra-Lightweight Waterproof Jacket is well worth considering.
With thanks to Rohan for sending me this bright orange waterproof jacket for use on my hikes this year (and hopefully for years to come!).