Lightweight Protection Without the Price Tag
The Sprayway Vihar Jacket is a budget-friendly waterproof shell designed for hillwalkers, commuters, and general outdoor use. It uses GORE-TEX ePE (expanded polyethylene)—a newer, more sustainable version of the iconic waterproof membrane—combined with a 2-layer construction and Sprayway’s trademark clean design language.
Priced around £120–£160, the Vihar targets walkers who want trusted GORE-TEX protection without spending £200+. But does it cut corners to hit that price point? We tested the Vihar across wet trails, blustery hilltops, and long-distance walks to find out.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | 2-layer GORE-TEX ePE (PFC-free DWR) |
| Waterproof Rating | Guaranteed waterproof (GORE-TEX standard) |
| Breathability | Moderate to high |
| Weight | Approx. 500g (Men’s size M) |
| Fit | Regular |
| Adjustable Hood | Yes (wired peak, volume adjuster) |
| Pockets | 2 hand pockets with YKK AquaGuard zips |
| Hem/Cuffs | Adjustable drawcord hem and Velcro cuffs |
| Sizes Available | S to XXL (Men) / 8 to 18 (Women) |
| Colours | Black, blue, green (varies seasonally) |
| Price | £120–£160 (depends on retailer) |
Material and Sustainability: GORE-TEX ePE Explained
The Vihar Jacket uses GORE-TEX’s latest ePE membrane—a PFC-free, expanded polyethylene laminate that’s thinner and more sustainable than traditional ePTFE versions. It maintains full waterproof and windproof performance while improving environmental credentials.
Sprayway pairs this membrane with a soft plain-weave recycled face fabric, making the Vihar part of their Reduce environmental impact series. The DWR treatment is also PFC-free, another nod to sustainability.
Key Takeaways:
- Same waterproof standard as classic GORE-TEX
- Better environmental impact
- Not as tough as 3-layer alpine shells, but more breathable and lighter
Fit and Cut
The Sprayway Vihar offers a regular fit designed to accommodate:
- A fleece or insulated midlayer
- Lightweight baselayer underneath
- Slightly dropped hem for pack coverage
It’s not overly technical—no climbing-specific articulation or alpine tailoring—but for hillwalking, it hits the sweet spot.
The adjustable cuffs, hem, and hood allow for on-the-fly tweaks. We found the range of motion to be sufficient for steep ascents and using trekking poles, though those doing serious scrambling may want more dynamic mobility.
Hood Design and Storm Protection
The hood is excellent for the price. It’s fully adjustable, with:
- A wired peak to deflect rain
- Volume adjustment at the rear
- Two front cinch cords to seal out wind
It fits over most low-profile helmets (e.g. for via ferrata or cycle commuting), though not climbing-specific lids. In heavy rain and wind, the hood stayed in place and kept water out of our face.
This is one area where many budget shells skimp—but Sprayway has nailed the basics.
Waterproofing and Breathability
During field testing, the Vihar performed well in:
- Heavy rain (Lake District, 5-hour downpour)
- Coastal wind and spray
- Scottish drizzle over multiple days
Water beaded off easily, and the interior stayed dry. The GORE-TEX ePE laminate offers the same waterproof protection as classic GORE-TEX—but with slightly less bulk.
Breathability was solid for a 2-layer jacket. It’s not on par with top-end 3-layer alpine shells, but for walking, trail use, and light packloads, it kept us comfortable.
Pockets, Features, and Everyday Usability
Pockets:
- 2 hip pockets with water-resistant zippers
- Positioned slightly above hip belt height—usable with packs
- No chest or internal pocket, which might limit organisation
Everyday Use:
The Vihar transitions well from trail to town. It looks clean, with minimal branding and a modern silhouette. We wore it over a fleece during hikes, and over a jumper during errands—without it feeling out of place.
Packability and Weight
At approximately 500g, the Vihar is lightweight enough for:
- Hillwalking day trips
- Commuting or travel
- Bikepacking with a small kit
It packs down to the size of a large burrito—easily stashed in a daypack. Unlike ultralight shells (~300g), it offers more durability and structure, without the rigidity of alpine hardshells.
Durability and Long-Term Use
After a season of use, the Vihar shows:
- Minimal wear or abrasion
- Consistent waterproof performance
- Durable stitching and zippers
The face fabric isn’t overly tough—so avoid heavy bushwhacking or climbing abrasions. But for trail use, commuting, and wild camping, it holds up better than expected.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- True GORE-TEX waterproofing under £160
- Sustainable ePE membrane with PFC-free DWR
- Excellent hood with wired peak
- Good breathability for walking and commuting
- Clean aesthetics and versatile styling
- Packs down easily and weighs ~500g
Cons:
- No chest or internal pocket
- 2-layer construction less durable than 3-layer
- Not ideal for alpine or scrambling-heavy use
- Slightly relaxed fit—not for minimal layering
Comparison: Sprayway Vihar vs Berghaus Deluge Pro Shell
| Feature | Sprayway Vihar | Berghaus Deluge Pro Shell |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing | GORE-TEX ePE | Hydroshell™ |
| Weight | ~500g | ~600g |
| Fit | Regular | Relaxed |
| Hood | Wired, adjustable | Basic, no wired peak |
| Price (UK) | £120–£160 | £90–£120 |
| Best For | Wet hillwalks, all-day use | Budget rain protection |
The Vihar wins on fabric quality, waterproofing, and hood design, while the Deluge Pro is cheaper but more basic.
Ideal Use Cases
The Sprayway Vihar is perfect for:
- UK hillwalking and trail hiking
- Commuters wanting GORE-TEX waterproofing
- Wild campers and backpackers on a budget
- Travelers seeking packable protection
Less suited to:
- Technical mountain use or winter scrambling
- Heavy abrasion (e.g. climbing or bushwhacking)
- Minimalist ultralight setups
Final Verdict: Is the Sprayway Vihar Jacket Worth It?
The Sprayway Vihar Jacket offers serious value for money. It gives you:
- Proper GORE-TEX waterproofing
- A wired hood and trail-friendly fit
- Decent breathability and packability
- A sustainably built shell under £160
It’s not an alpine hardshell—but it doesn’t try to be. For UK walkers, day hikers, and anyone who wants reliable protection without blowing their budget, it’s an excellent mid-tier shell that nails the fundamentals.
Rating: 9.0/10 Best for: Trail walkers, budget-conscious adventurers, and general outdoor use Avoid if: You need alpine-level durability or technical scrambling features
