Lightweight Hardshell Recommendations

I’m looking for a new hard shell jacket. I’m trying to find a do-it-all one that can be used for different activities (skiing, ice climbing, hiking, etc). For me this basically just means having (2) pockets big enough for skins or ice climbing gloves with a little room for other things like snacks and a hat.

So far I’ve been unable to find what I’m looking for so hoping someone here might have some ideas.

Exact specs I’m looking for:
6~7 ounces in weight (~200g) 
Actually waterproof (WPB layer and not just DWR coating)
Helmet compatible hood
Two big pockets ( arcteryx beta ar has my ideal pockets)
Full length zipper

So far I’ve looked at:
OR
Mountain Hardwear
TNF
Patagonia
Rab
Mammut
BD
Marmot
Montbell

The MH Quasar Lite 2 is looking like the best option but would prefer lighter weight. Curious about other jackets in the 9-11oz range but again prefer lighter. 

I don't know if two big front pockets in a hardshell will come out to 6-7oz. Most will be around the 11oz mark. Even the dyneema shell from HMG is 6.14oz in a size Large and that only has a stuff pocket and nothing else.
https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/products/the-shell

I just got an OR intersellar and it's pretty great. I would prefer double napoleon pockets to stay out of the way of a harness or backpack straps, but otherwise it's awesome. Incredibly breathable as well. 11.6oz

Any lighter and I don't think it would still qualify as an all-around hardshell.

EDIT: I personally only look for a 3L fabric for a hardshell. You may go lighter with a 2.5 layer if you're willing to sacrifice durability, but I personally stick to 3L unless it's for a rain jacket. 

I have a Marmot Minimalist that I really like. I don't think you're going to get what you want at the weight limits you state. Even the old Patagonia Alpine Houdini was 7 oz. 

BD liquid point. full gore-tex but only 400g.

you won't notice the extra 200 :)

It has to do it all and weigh half as much as all the top rated pieces on the market eh :-)

jdejace wrote: It has to do it all and weigh half as much as all the top rated pieces on the market eh :-)

Ya pretty much. I don’t think it’s asking too much. Basically add an ounce of mesh to an existing 6 ounce jacket so I can have some big pockets. 

North west alpine gear might* be willing to put a big mesh pocket in their eyebright jacket for you. Maybe. Either way its light!

https://rab.equipment/us/flashpoint-2-jacket

Rab Flashpoint 2
6.5 oz
3 layer pertex shield (fully waterproof)
Helmet compatible hood
2 big pockets

That said, this is an ultra light piece. Keep expectations in check in terms of durability.

It's heavier (11oz), but I'd also look at the Rab Kinetic
https://rab.equipment/us/kinetic-plus-jacket

They call it a softshell, but it's actually fully waterproof and stretchy. Very durable and comfortable. This is my favorite shell jacket when I'm willing to carry a bit more weight.

Scott Bennett wrote: https://rab.equipment/us/flashpoint-2-jacket

Rab Flashpoint 2
6.5 oz
3 layer pertex shield (fully waterproof)
Helmet compatible hood
2 big pockets

This is pretty sweet and checks most of the boxes. Nice work! 

I've just never been able to get over Pertex Shield's lack of breathability. Especially as a use-it-for-everything piece, it just gets a little swampy for me. Maybe I just sweat a lot.

That’s funny I looked at that Rab Flashpoint 2 nearly 100 times and was sure it had everything I was looking for. Then I went to purchase and I swear the image I saw had no pockets. Thanks for the callout.

Still curious if there are other options. 

have a look at the Columbia OutDry Ex featherweight jacket. By far the most robust lightweight jacket I have tried. It has two chest pockets which have mesh inners for nice ventilation and also should fit skins depending on the size of your ski. The hood fits well over a climbing helmet but might be a bit tight over a skihelmet. It is 250g but I guess that is close enough. So far I really like the OutDry membrane which doesn't wet out and breathability seems to be ok especially with the ventilation pockets.

Señor Arroz wrote: I have a Marmot Minimalist that I really like. I don't think you're going to get what you want at the weight limits you state. Even the old Patagonia Alpine Houdini was 7 oz. 

I love my Minimalist but the hood is not helmet compatible. I just ordered an Interstellar, hoping it’s everything the reviews say it is.