Allies Microgravity Jacket

Finding the Ultimate Outdoor Companion for Adventure Enthusiasts

As I stood atop Mount Hood, winds whipping across my face at 30 mph and the temperature hovering just below freezing, I couldn’t help but smile. While my hiking companions huddled together, adjusting layers and zipping up collars, I remained perfectly comfortable. The secret to my comfort wasn’t superior genetics or some superhuman tolerance to cold—it was my Allies Microgravity Jacket.

After six months of pushing this jacket to its limits across three continents and countless adventures, I’m finally sitting down to share my comprehensive experience. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned mountaineer, finding the right jacket can make or break your outdoor experiences. The Allies Microgravity Jacket isn’t just another piece of gear—it’s the difference between enduring the elements and thriving in them.

The Genesis of My Search

My relationship with outdoor gear has always been complicated. As someone who spends more time above treeline than below it, I’ve cycled through dozens of jackets, each promising to be “the one.” Some were too heavy, others not durable enough. Many claimed to be waterproof but left me soaked after an hour in light rain. Others were indeed waterproof but felt like wearing a plastic bag—no breathability whatsoever.

Last winter, after a particularly miserable experience on a backcountry ski trip where my supposedly premium jacket failed spectacularly, I decided enough was enough. I needed something that could genuinely perform in diverse conditions without compromise. My research led me to the Allies Microgravity Jacket, a relatively new entrant in the high-performance outerwear market that was generating serious buzz among the outdoor community.

First Impressions: Lightweight Yet Substantial

When the package arrived, my first thought was that they’d sent me the wrong item—the box was too light. Opening it revealed the Microgravity Jacket in a sleek obsidian black (one of seven available colors). Picking it up, I was immediately struck by two seemingly contradictory qualities: it felt substantial in build quality yet weighed next to nothing at just 11.6 ounces (330g) for my men’s medium.

The jacket’s name suddenly made perfect sense—holding it felt like defying gravity. This lightness isn’t just a novelty; it translates to real-world benefits when every ounce matters during long expeditions or when packing space is at a premium.

Material Science: The Future of Outerwear

The secret to the Microgravity’s performance lies in its innovative construction. Allies doesn’t just use materials—they engineer them. The jacket features a proprietary three-layer fabric system:

1. An outer shell made from recycled ripstop polyamide with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish
2. A middle membrane using Allies’ patented HydroSpan technology
3. An inner microfleece lining with moisture-wicking properties

This combination achieves what many outdoor enthusiasts consider the holy grail of performance wear: complete waterproofing with exceptional breathability. The fabric maintains a 20,000mm waterproof rating while offering 20,000g/m²/24hr breathability—numbers that rival or exceed jackets costing twice as much.

What impressed me most was the material’s elasticity. Unlike many hardshell jackets that restrict movement, the Microgravity stretches in four directions, allowing unrestricted mobility while climbing, skiing, or simply reaching for items in a backpack.

Weathering the Storm: Waterproofing That Works

Let’s address one of the most critical aspects of any outdoor jacket: water resistance. Is the Allies Microgravity waterproof or merely water-resistant? After testing it through everything from light drizzles to torrential downpours, I can confidently state that it is genuinely waterproof.

During a three-day backpacking trip along Washington’s Olympic Coast, I endured 12 straight hours of heavy rainfall. Many jackets claim to be waterproof until they’re subjected to sustained precipitation—that’s when seams start to leak and fabrics begin to saturate. The Microgravity, however, maintained its integrity throughout. The fully taped seams and YKK AquaGuard zippers prevented even the slightest moisture infiltration.

What sets this jacket apart from other waterproof options is that it doesn’t sacrifice breathability. During a strenuous uphill climb in the rain, I remained dry from both the outside elements and my own perspiration—a rare achievement in outerwear technology.

Extreme Weather Performance: From Desert to Glacier

One jacket can’t possibly perform well across all conditions, right? That’s what I thought until I put the Microgravity through a gauntlet of extreme environments.

Arctic Conditions

During a winter expedition in the North Cascades with temperatures dropping to -15°F, the Microgravity served as my outer shell over a merino base layer and mid-weight down jacket. The jacket’s windproofing capabilities were exceptional, blocking piercing gusts that would typically cut through lesser shells. While it’s not insulated (intentionally so for versatility), its ability to trap heat when layered appropriately was remarkable.

Desert Heat

Counterintuitively, I also tested the jacket during a spring trek through Utah’s desert canyons. When unexpected thunderstorms rolled in during 85°F weather, I was concerned about overheating. The jacket’s superior breathability allowed me to stay protected from the rain without turning into a personal sauna. The adjustable cuffs and hem also allowed for increased ventilation when needed.

Maritime Conditions

Perhaps the most demanding environment for outerwear is coastal climates, where high humidity, consistent precipitation, and salt exposure test a jacket’s limits. During a sea kayaking expedition along Alaska’s Inside Passage, the Microgravity excelled where previous jackets had failed. Even after days of saltwater spray and humid conditions, the DWR coating maintained its effectiveness, and the fabric showed no signs of degradation.

Technical Features: Thoughtful Design for Practical Use

The Allies Microgravity Jacket boasts an impressive array of features that demonstrate a deep understanding of what outdoor enthusiasts actually need:

The Hood

The helmet-compatible hood deserves special mention. Many jackets offer helmet compatibility at the expense of functionality without a helmet. The Microgravity’s hood includes a three-way adjustment system that provides a perfect fit regardless of whether you’re wearing a climbing helmet, a ski helmet, or nothing at all. The laminated brim effectively keeps rain away from your face—a small but crucial detail when visibility matters.

Pocket Configuration

The pocket design reflects practical field use rather than aesthetic considerations:

• Two high-set hand pockets remain accessible even when wearing a climbing harness or backpack hip belt
• A chest pocket with waterproof zipper provides secure storage for electronics or maps
• An internal mesh pocket offers a safe place for essentials you need to keep dry at all costs

Ventilation

While breathability is excellent, the underarm pit zips provide additional ventilation during high-output activities. These zippers run longer than on most jackets I’ve used, creating effective airflow exactly where it’s needed most.

Cuffs and Hem

The adjustable Velcro cuffs seal tightly around wrists or gloves, while the single-handed hem adjustment allows quick customization of the fit. These features may seem standard, but the execution is superior—the cuffs maintain their adjustment throughout active use, and the hem drawcord doesn’t dig into your hips under a backpack.

Hiking and Climbing: Freedom of Movement

Is the Allies Microgravity suitable for hiking or climbing? Absolutely—and I’d argue it’s one of the best options available for both activities.

For hiking, the jacket’s lightweight nature means you can carry it without penalty for “just in case” scenarios, yet it provides complete protection when conditions deteriorate. During a 22-mile day hike in Scotland’s notoriously changeable weather, I found myself putting on and removing the jacket multiple times. Its packability (it stuffs into its own pocket) made this seamless.

For climbing, the articulated design truly shines. Many jackets restrict overhead movements or ride up when reaching, exposing your midriff to the elements. The Microgravity’s patterning includes extra material across the shoulders and arms specifically to accommodate climbing movements. During a multi-pitch climb in the Cascades, I was able to lead difficult sections without feeling any restriction from my outerwear—something I haven’t experienced with other hardshell jackets.

The Price Question: Investment vs. Value

Let’s address the elephant in the room: at $379, the Allies Microgravity Jacket sits firmly in the premium category. Is it worth the investment?

After testing dozens of jackets at various price points, I’ve developed a simple equation: Cost ÷ (Performance × Durability × Versatility) = Value

By this measure, the Microgravity offers exceptional value despite its initial price tag. Here’s why:

1. Performance: It outperforms jackets costing $500+ in key metrics like waterproofing, breathability, and weight
2. Durability: After six months of heavy use, mine shows minimal signs of wear
3. Versatility: It functions across multiple activities and seasons, potentially replacing 2-3 specialized jackets

Additionally, Allies offers a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects and a reasonable repair program for damage resulting from use. This further enhances the long-term value proposition.

Comparing to Market Alternatives

How does the Allies Microgravity stack up against established competitors? I’ve personally owned or extensively tested most of the major alternatives:

Arc’teryx Beta AR ($599)

The Beta AR offers similar weatherproofing but weighs approximately 30% more and costs significantly more. The Microgravity provides comparable performance with better mobility.

Patagonia Triolet ($399)

While the Triolet offers excellent durability, it’s substantially heavier and less breathable than the Microgravity. Its eco-credentials are similar.

Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 ($425)

The Exposure/2 comes closest in terms of overall performance, but the Microgravity edges it out in breathability and weight for a lower price.

The North Face Summit Series FUTURELIGHT ($450)

The FUTURELIGHT technology offers excellent breathability but doesn’t match the Microgravity’s overall weather protection in sustained precipitation.

What becomes clear in these comparisons is that the Allies Microgravity occupies a sweet spot in the market—premium performance without the premium-plus price tag of the most established brands.

Layering Versatility: A Four-Season Solution

One of the Microgravity’s greatest strengths is its versatility as part of a layering system. The jacket is designed with layering in mind, with a slightly relaxed fit that accommodates insulating mid-layers without feeling bulky.

In winter conditions, I’ve comfortably worn it over:

• A merino base layer and heavyweight fleece
• A base layer and lightweight down jacket
• A base layer and synthetic insulated mid-layer

In milder conditions, it works perfectly over just a base layer or light fleece. The jacket’s own lining is comfortable against skin on warmer days when you might wear it over a t-shirt.

This versatility effectively makes the Microgravity a four-season jacket when properly layered, enhancing its value proposition significantly.

Aesthetic Considerations: Form Meets Function

While performance remains paramount for technical gear, let’s be honest—appearance matters too. The Microgravity manages to balance technical functionality with clean, contemporary styling that doesn’t scream “I just came from the mountain” when worn in urban settings.

The jacket is available in seven colorways ranging from subdued (Black, Navy, Forest Green) to more vibrant options (Crimson, Azure Blue). The cut is athletic without being constrictive, and the minimal branding (just a small logo on the chest and upper back) gives it a sophisticated appearance compared to more logo-heavy competitors.

This versatility extends its usefulness beyond purely outdoor pursuits—I’ve worn mine as a rain jacket in New York City and received compliments rather than looking out of place.

Packing and Travel Considerations

For travelers and backpackers concerned about space and weight, the Microgravity offers impressive packability. The jacket stuffs into its own chest pocket, creating a compact package approximately the size of a large sandwich (10″ × 6″ × 3″).

This packability came in handy during a three-week trip to Patagonia where baggage weight was strictly limited. The jacket took up minimal space in my backpack yet provided complete weather protection when conditions turned harsh.

The material also resists wrinkling—after being compressed in a pack for days, it shakes out looking presentable with no permanent creasing.

Sustainability and Ethical Considerations

Increasingly, outdoor enthusiasts are considering the environmental impact of their gear choices. Allies has made commendable efforts in this regard:

• The outer fabric uses 100% recycled polyamide
• The DWR treatment is PFC-free (avoiding the harmful perfluorochemicals used in many water-repellent coatings)
• The jacket is produced in facilities certified by Fair Wear Foundation, ensuring ethical labor practices
• Packaging is minimal and uses recycled materials

The company also offers a repair program to extend the lifespan of their products and will accept worn-out jackets for recycling when they eventually reach the end of their useful life.

While no manufactured product can claim zero environmental impact, the Microgravity represents a positive step toward more sustainable technical outerwear.

Real-World Testing: The Ultimate Proof

While laboratory testing provides useful metrics, nothing substitutes for real-world experience. Over six months, I’ve subjected the Microgravity to:

• Alpine climbing in the Cascades
• Backcountry skiing in Colorado
• Trail running in Pacific Northwest downpours
• Desert hiking in Utah
• Kayaking in Alaska
• Urban commuting in Chicago winters

This diverse testing revealed the jacket’s true character. It’s not perfect for every single scenario—no jacket is—but it performs admirably across a wider range of conditions than any other shell I’ve used.

Perhaps most telling was the reaction of my regular outdoor companions, several of whom have since purchased their own Microgravity jackets after witnessing its performance firsthand.

Care and Maintenance: Preserving Performance

Like all technical outerwear, proper maintenance extends both performance and lifespan. Allies provides clear care instructions:

1. Wash in cold water with a technical cleaner (I use Nikwax Tech Wash)
2. Rinse thoroughly
3. Tumble dry on low to reactivate the DWR treatment

After approximately 15 washes, you may need to reapply a DWR treatment (I’ve used Nikwax TX.Direct with good results). This maintenance schedule is comparable to other high-end shells.

The jacket has proven surprisingly resistant to common damage sources. After catching it on a sharp branch during a bushwhacking section, I expected to find a tear, but the fabric remained intact—a testament to the ripstop construction.

Where to Purchase

The Allies Microgravity Jacket is available directly from the Allies website as well as select specialty outdoor retailers including REI, Backcountry, and Moosejaw. Occasional sales can bring the price down to around $299-$329, typically during seasonal transitions or holiday promotions.

When purchasing, I recommend trying on if possible to confirm sizing. The jacket runs true to size for an athletic fit with room for layering, but individual preferences for fit may vary.

The Verdict: Is the Allies Microgravity Jacket Worth It?

After six months of rigorous testing across diverse environments and activities, my assessment of the Allies Microgravity Jacket is overwhelmingly positive. It delivers on its promises without the marketing hyperbole that plagues so much outdoor gear.

The strengths are substantial:

• Truly waterproof while maintaining excellent breathability
• Exceptionally lightweight without sacrificing durability
• Versatile across activities and seasons
• Thoughtfully designed features that enhance functionality
• Reasonable price point for the performance category

The weaknesses are minor:

• Limited color options compared to some competitors
• No women’s-specific cut (though the unisex sizing works well for many)
• Relatively new brand means long-term durability is still being proven

For anyone serious about outdoor pursuits who wants a jacket that can handle multiple activities and environments, the Allies Microgravity represents an excellent investment. Its combination of technical performance, versatility, and value makes it my top recommendation for an all-around outdoor shell jacket.

As I prepare for another season of adventures, I take comfort in knowing that my search for the “perfect jacket” has reached a satisfying conclusion. The Microgravity has earned its permanent place in my pack—and that might be the highest endorsement an outdoor enthusiast can offer.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Hype

In an industry saturated with marketing claims and incremental “innovations,” the Allies Microgravity Jacket represents something genuinely different—a fundamental rethinking of what a technical shell can be. It doesn’t just match the performance of established premium brands; in many ways, it surpasses them while offering better value.

Whether you’re an occasional hiker looking for reliable protection or a dedicated alpinist seeking the perfect balance of weight and performance, this jacket deserves your serious consideration. After all, when you’re miles from shelter and the skies open up, the quality of your outerwear isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety and the freedom to pursue your adventures regardless of conditions.

The best gear is the kind you forget you’re wearing until you need it. By that measure, the Allies Microgravity Jacket might just be perfect.