Overall Rating
- Wind protection(4.5)
- Waterproofness(5)
- Breathability(4.5)
- Weight and dimensions(5)
- Fit and freedom of movement(5)
- Design and functionality(4)
Summary
Three-layer shell with one of the best weight/waterproofing ratios on the market. Comfortable cut and suitable for the female body: an excellent ally for training days with changeable weather or for ultra-running competitions. Also suitable as an emergency shell for hiking or climbing, when backpack space is at a minimum.
Pros
- Weight
- Excellent fit and freedom of movement
- Soft and comfortable fabric
Cons
- One pocket
- No loop for a carabiner
Weighing in at just 144 grams, the women’s version of La Sportiva‘s Ethereal Pro is one of the lightest three-layer waterproof and windproof shells you can wear on the trail. Made of Pertex® 3L membrane, it guarantees a water resistance of up to 20,000 water columns. Perfect for long adventures on the trail or for ultra-running competitions.
Technical features of La Sportiva Ethereal Pro W
- Weight: 144 g
- Sizes: XS/XL
- Waterproofing: 20,000 mm* RET: 20,000 g/m2/24h
- Fabric: Main (HDL12) Pertex® Shield Face: 100% Polyamide Membrane: 100% Polyurethane, Back 100% Polyamide
- Adjustable elasticated hem
- Reflective details for night visibility
- Central YKK® water repellent zip
- Elasticated cuffs
- 1 chest pocket with YKK® water repellent zip, usable as a packability pocket
- Structured, adjustable hood with protective visor and mesh insert for a better fit and breathability
- Link to the manufacturer
Test mode
I tested the La Sportiva Ethereal Pro W shell on several occasions from autumn 2024 to spring 2025. I wore it for trail running outings in heavy rain, during changeable weather with light rainfall and on hikes in strong winds. I used it both on high-impact outings to evaluate its breathability and on slower-paced outings to evaluate its thermal comfort and wind protection.
La Sportiva Ethereal Pro on-site test
Weight and dimensions
One of the most interesting features of this shell is its weight, which is among the lowest on the market. At only 144 grams we have a highly compressible 3-layer hardshell. I have to be honest, I have never seen such a light and at the same time protective jacket; it really is a big step forward in terms of technological innovation. Years ago, when I took part in ultra-trail races that required a mandatory shell that held 20,000 water columns, I had to bring a very bulky jacket with me: now having the Ethereal Pro in my backpack would mean a big improvement in terms of both space and weight.
The jacket can be folded away into its single pocket: the pocket is quite large and in fact if you compress it or put it in a vacuum bag (as I usually do if I need to optimise space for an outing) the jacket can become much smaller.
The only flaw I found is that the compression pocket, once closed, doesn’t have a loop to tie the jacket to a harness, for example. This is a detail that I really appreciate and that I have used in activities other than trail running. For example, I could well see this shell also being used for mountaineering and climbing in the summer, to provide extra protection in case of bad weather.
Impermeability and breathability
Being used to 3-layer thick laminated shells, at first glance the Ethereal Pro seemed more like a windbreaker than a hardshell and for this reason I was a little doubtful until I tried it in action. I used the shell during trail running outings in wind and light rain and I was positively surprised by its excellent waterproofing. With a little air, the fabric dries very quickly after getting wet.
The only occasion when the impermeability of the shell didn’t completely satisfy me was during an excursion when I remained for several hours in pouring rain. However, I doubt that any other kind of shell would have protected me better in that case.
The La Sportiva Ethereal Pro has no ventilation openings, but the fabric is very breathable when performing high aerobic-impact activities.
Despite the high breathability, the shell has an excellent windproof seal.
Feeling of La Sportiva Ethereal Pro
As I’ve already mentioned, the fabric is very soft and pleasant to wear. Even with a short-sleeved shirt on, it feels good; very different from the usual plastic-like shells. The panel construction also guarantees excellent freedom of movement, which is very much appreciated when running.
Details
The jacket has a central, one-way water-repellent zip and a pocket, also water-repellent and compression-moulded. Obviously if you want to save weight somewhere you have to remove something, but personally I would have preferred to have a second pocket either on the chest or on the stomach: I often find myself putting both hands in there to warm up.
The jacket has elastic cuffs and even if the sleeves are a bit long, as in my case, there is no heat loss. It has a central, one-way water-repellent zip and a pocket, which is also water-repellent and compressive. Obviously if you want to skimp on weight you have to remove something, but personally I would have preferred to have a second pocket either on my chest or on my stomach: I often find myself putting both hands in there to warm up
The jacket can be adjusted and tightened at the edge with an elastic band with drawstring. The hood can also be adjusted in the same way.
The hood is very well designed: it has a rigid peak to protect the face from water and an inner net that allows for a snug fit. The hood can be tightened and loosened as desired with the elastic at the back.
Another detail that shouldn’t be overlooked is the presence of reflective inserts, very useful if you’re running at night, as often happens during ultra-trail races.
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Fit
The La Sportiva Ethereal Pro shell has an excellent fit. On the official website it is described as a slim fit but in reality only the cut at the waist makes the jacket ‘slim’. The shoulders and length, on the other hand, are soft, a feature that I really appreciate, especially in a jacket that I have to wear for hours and be able to move freely in.
I am 158 cm tall and I used a size S. Only the sleeves were slightly long, but otherwise the size was correct. Potentially I could have used an XS, but I wouldn’t have liked the result, preferring a more generous fit.
Recommended for
The La Sportiva Ethereal Pro is an extremely protective and lightweight three-layer shell. Ideal for those looking for a garment with high technical performance to wear both on trail adventures and in ultra running competitions.
Also excellent as a safety shell to keep in your rucksack in summer, spring and autumn. Even if we are at a very high level of specialisation, it is still a very versatile garment, which can be appreciated by both athletes and amateurs and which finds its field of use in competitions where grams make the difference or in excursions with a heavy rucksack where a minimum bulk can be very useful.
