Rain jacket - what's worth having?

[Penguin]

Just got back from the Western Arthurs with my Kathmandu Ampatu Gore-Tex Active Shell. I must say I am mega-impressed, much better than anything I have had beforehand such as Macpac Hollyford Event. It is very light however and I put a small hole in the cuff during a close encounter with some of the abrasive rocks up there. Also the face protection is poor so for cold weather not so good.

I was travelling through the WA's with sthughes. I wore:

Cuben Jacket

Very happy with it. Good abrasion resistance. Waterproof. Seemed to breath. It is a bit short. Also, I am not sure how many seasons it will last with multiple wears, only time will tell.

Very happy so far.

P

[icemancometh]

Double zips are awesome!
So you can open from the bottom, good for harnesses, toilets, venting

Anyway, been using an Atomic DT (the original from Montane) for the last couple of years. Light 300g for the XL, comfy, light! Great droptail.

montane-atomic-DT-red.jpg (22.42 KiB) Viewed 9004 times

Been to various countries with me and up and down some snowy/icy hills (alpine NZ/resort and BC skiing) too as well as some Tassie tracks.

I'm just about to list a brand new XL which I bought as a spare if anyone is keen. Just haven't been able to kill my one so need to move this out. $150 shipped. Red of course!

[nakedape]

Double zips are awesome!
So you can open from the bottom, good for harnesses, toilets, venting

I get that they have purpose - but they are a pain to use when your fingers are cold/numb & your struggling to put your jacket on in a down poor. They're obviously good on longer jackets, alpine jackets etc - but cant see the point on many jackets, plus they do not have to appear of every garment.

Anywho - I picked up a Macpac Prophet in 40% off sale (otherwise it would have been far too expensive). Lets hope the *&%$#! thing works!

Cheers for the input everyone!

[icemancometh]

I put a zip pull cord on my double zip and have no trouble even with big gloves/mitts...speaking of which the new BD Solo Lobster looks the goods...lobster verson of the Mercury

[remin]

I've been using this:
http://www.kitbag.com.au/products/Black ... hable.html
And couldn't be happier.

[gayet]

With all those bits hanging off it, what does it weigh?

[Ent]

Anywho - I picked up a Macpac Prophet in 40% off sale (otherwise it would have been far too expensive). Lets hope the *&%$#! thing works!

Cheers for the input everyone!

I hope so to but meet an unhappy owner of one on the WA (Western Arthurs a mountain range in SW Tasmania, actually 000 might need to know that Hobart is the capital of that state as well ). It wetted out and even leaked at the first sign of decent rain. Actually WA (Western Arthurs) was a good test of gear. I was very happy as usual with my PP Vista in Goretex Pro Shell but sadly it is no longer made. Finally in the driving rain of a few days and endless up and down scrambles the DWR started to stop working. Not bad after a few years use and it still seemed ok to wear but did not have the force field look much admired by others. Tried re-proofing the DWR as per the advice on the label of the product used so be interested if this breathes life back into it. Initial test was as good as new but experience has taught me that a DWR coating needs a few hours of rain to gauge if it works.

On the lighter weight gear side not a fan of the Montane Event jacket. No issue with the Event as it DWR is good and breathes well. Actually no better than Gore-tex Proshell in my humble opinion but as good/bad. Cut is poor and hood a disaster. The seam sealing tape is coming away after a few uses. The Rab pants are much better put together and are in a similar weight Event material. Would not be caught up in the great eVent/Gore-tex debate. In my experience both are as good or bad as each other. Jacket design is more important consideration, especially the hood. Surprising number of designers stuff this aspect up. The Vista is ok but not as good as it could be.

Was impressed by the jackets used by Sthughes and Penguin. The breathable Cuban appears to have merits and appears to handle a bit of hard going while a feather weight. The lightweight Gore-tex of Sthughes fared well with a small hole or two in the sleeve but given the terrain this was almost to be expected of any jacket outside the traditional weight Gore-tex ones like the Vista. Sthughes was not as "caring" as Penguin so an impressive performance by the jacket. My Vista was treated like "an expendable" as when it comes to drops I am more concerned about me than any piece of gear. Just love it but worried what to replace it with when it decides that it has had enough of me.

Cheers

[remin]

With all those bits hanging off it, what does it weigh?

Surprisingly light actually. I don't have electronic scales, so cant tell you the exact weight.
Also, you can never have enough pockets

[Nuts]

Maybe your Montane jacket has a helmet hood ent?, many do.

[Ent]

Hi Nuts

Not that I understand. The model I got is rather well known for a poor hood. To small and restrictive with no real way to adjust it. Still given what it cost I can forgive it a bit but not the unraveling of the sealing tape Still it was a worthwhile experiment in a sub one kilogram XXL full (pants included) wet weather shell. It is more than tough enough for track wandering outside one or two of the more notorious tracks

Cheers

[nakedape]

Anywho - I picked up a Macpac Prophet in 40% off sale (otherwise it would have been far too expensive). Lets hope the *&%$#! thing works!

Cheers for the input everyone!

I hope so to but meet an unhappy owner of one on the WA (Western Arthurs a mountain range in SW Tasmania, actually 000 might need to know that Hobart is the capital of that state as well ). It wetted out and even leaked at the first sign of decent rain.
Cheers

Be assured that if I have a similar experience it will be going straight back to the shop and Blacksheep (on here) will be hearing from me!

[Nuts]

Hi Nuts

Not that I understand. The model I got is rather well known for a poor hood.

Cheers

Interesting, iv'e lost track, which jacket?

[Ent]

Hi Nuts

The Super Fly I believe is a much better designed hood. Typical of much clothing the model is not mentioned on the permanent labels. Oops found the invoice. It is the Montane Venture jacket, the early model.

Cheers

[ULWalkingPhil]

I just picked up a Montane Air Jacket on sale, It's eVent and weighs 310grams for the large size. Purchased it this morning online here in Australia brand new for $135.00, orginal price $450.00

Very happy with this bargain. I've picked up some great bargains of late, this has to be one of the best bargain out.

The Atomic DT jacket $68.70

I don't know if where allowed to mention the store, PM me if you want to know.

[ULWalkingPhil]

My Montane Air eVent Jacket turned up in the post today.
Super light, compared to my old Goretex Jacket.

I wonder how durable the Montane Air Jackets are with a pack on? Anyone have any experience with this rain Jacket or any in the 300gram range.

[icemancometh]

I've had no visible wear on any of my Montane items WP or not from pack straps...the only thing was with the colour rubbing onto my baselayers from the windshirt when I was sweating.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I've had no visible wear on any of my Montane items WP or not from pack straps...the only thing was with the colour rubbing onto my baselayers from the windshirt when I was sweating.

Thanks icemancometh. after all most packs have some sort of soft padding. The Air rain jacket is a 3 layer jacket. I read online that 3 layer jackets are the most durable for packs. But this jacket is a lot lighter than most eVent Jackets. I think a lot of the weight is saved in not having the two hand pockets.

[icemancometh]

I don't see much wear issues with jackets in general unless you are very rough on your gear OR you are a guide and live in the thing. Otherwise, most people simply don't use them enough.


I see MHW have also released to the public the Ueli Steck WP Anorak too though it's about $2/g!
I like the look of the new packs.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I don't see much wear issues with jackets in general unless you are very rough on your gear OR you are a guide and live in the thing. Otherwise, most people simply don't use them enough.


I see MHW have also released to the public the Ueli Steck WP Anorak too though it's about $2/g!
I like the look of the new packs.

$2.00 per gram,, That's one jacket that would benefit from being as light as possible.

[ULWalkingPhil]

Backpackinglight has just posted a review on lightweight rain jackets, around the 200gram mark, only one eVent jacket made it into the review and that is a Montane Spektr, It's got a very bad review. With less than 20 hours of use, tester got saturated, water coming through under the shoulder pads from the backpacks, Which makes me wonder on the durability of this eVent Ultra lightweight 3-Layer that this jacket and my new Montane Air Jacket I picked up last week, It's made with the same lightweight eVent fabric.

I plan to use my Montane Air Jacket on a upcoming hike in the Gold Coast Hinterland for 4 days. Got me worried I'm going to be wet and cold.

Maybe they had a dud, I don't know, But I'm concerned now after reading this bad report.

[DB24]

So what did Backpackinglight recommend? I use a Peter Storm jacket, have had no complaints but have hardly used in anger yet.

[forest]

I'm just back from Tassie where I used the Montane Air Jacket for a week. (Okay it didn't rain all the time but it was used in anger a bit)
Loved it, no leakage and the DWR is awesome. Just needs a shake and it's nearly bone dry.

Didin't look even close to wetting out, even with a pack on.

I'll be taking mine to NZ next week and I have heard on the grapevine it rains there on ocassion
At this stage I have no reservations about mine.

The Spektr has never been given a bad review before this one and they have been around for a while. Maybe the one tested was a dud ?? (I wouldn't buy one just based off that roll closure though)

I also have a eVent "packa" which has probably seen somewhere around 30 days use in the rain (It's what I wear when training etc or used before the Montane)
The fabrics look like nearly the same thickness to me between the Montane and Packa. No leakage on the Packa and it's still going strong even after NZ and the Snowy's a few times.

[ULWalkingPhil]

So what did Backpackinglight recommend? I use a Peter Storm jacket, have had no complaints but have hardly used in anger yet.

10 jackets where tested, all where recommended apart from the Montane Spectr.

The jackets tested:
Montane Spektr
Montane lite speed H20
Golite Malpais
Outdoor Research Helium
Marmot Essence
Haglofs Ozo
The North Face Triumph Anarok
Montbell Versalite
Rab Pulse
Outdoor Research Helium II

The Haglofs Ozo had the highest score closely followed by the Rab Pulse.
The tester had no problems in recommending any of the jackets apart from the Spectr.

I'm guessing they must have had a dud.



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[ULWalkingPhil]

I'm just back from Tassie where I used the Montane Air Jacket for a week. (Okay it didn't rain all the time but it was used in anger a bit)
Loved it, no leakage and the DWR is awesome. Just needs a shake and it's nearly bone dry.

Didin't look even close to wetting out, even with a pack on.

I'll be taking mine to NZ next week and I have heard on the grapevine it rains there on ocassion
At this stage I have no reservations about mine.

The Spektr has never been given a bad review before this one and they have been around for a while. Maybe the one tested was a dud ?? (I wouldn't buy one just based off that roll closure though)

I also have a eVent "packa" which has probably seen somewhere around 30 days use in the rain (It's what I wear when training etc or used before the Montane)
The fabrics look like nearly the same thickness to me between the Montane and Packa. No leakage on the Packa and it's still going strong even after NZ and the Snowy's a few times.

Hi forest.
Thanks for the update. I'm glad to hear you had no problems with your jacket, I've worn mine once so far, about to throw it on now, as it's a very wet day today, I've found the same as you with the beading, the jacket practically stays dry. I love the hood on it, it's the best hood I've ever worn on a rain jacket.

Montane recommends to wash jacket very often and to use Nikwax Tech Wash, at 150ml per wash for one to two garments, I searched online and found here in Australia it's apx 20.00 for 300ml

They have to be joking. I purchased 4 litres from the UK last Thursday for less than 100.00 posted and it arrived last Monday.



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[wayno]

where did you buy the nikwax?

[icemancometh]

So what did Backpackinglight recommend? I use a Peter Storm jacket, have had no complaints but have hardly used in anger yet.

10 jackets where tested, all where recommended apart from the Montane Spectr.

The tester had no problems in recommending any of the jackets apart from the Spectr.

I'm guessing they must have had a dud.

What was the end use? There are a big range of jackets in there. Something like the Lite Speed H20 would be barely waterproof (probably in the low thousands for its rating) and not designed for extended use. More like an emergency thing. The Helium is like the Montane Atomic/Marmot range etc

Again, only based on my own Montane experience Phillip I've had no seam sealing coming off on my Atomic Jacket and I've easily skied, climbed and hiked 100+ days on it as a conservative estimate). Only the cuffs are showing wear mainly from being used over gloves and being opened and closed a LOT on the ski hill. That said, this was obviously made a couple of production runs ago...

Last edited by icemancometh on Thu 22 Mar, 2012 5:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[ULWalkingPhil]

where did you buy the nikwax?

Chain reactions

[bfpollard]

I use a Mont Tempest. I find it amazing, awesome larger 'bushman' fit, covering most of my thighs. They look great and the Hydronaut Pro material breathes amazingly. I paid $360, worth every cent thus far.

[wayno]

the end use is supposed to be backpacking.

[norts]

I am still having problems with Macpac Resolution. Please Note Cam.
I have just completed the BWT Anniversay walk.
Before the walk I washed it in Grangers 2-1 as sold to me by Macpac at Launceston, Afterwards as I don't have a drier I dried the jacket and ironed it.
I was walking in a Berghaus Tech t shirt and a light colombia shirt, over the top I was wearing the Resolution. It was snowing all the way into Pelion Hut. At about the 3 hour mark in the walk I was getting very cold and I could feel that I was wet. I then had to make the decision to either speed up and get to the hut before I started to get really cold or get out another layer. If I did do that I would then have another wet layer so I pushed on.
When I got to Pelion hut the jacket was wet inside and out, my t shirt and shirt was not just damp they were very wet.
This was the worst conditions I have used the jacket in, and it failed miserably.
I compared my shirt to another walker who had just done the same walk, He was wearing a Montane Jacket with Event. He had a shirt and merino top. His shirt had a slight damp feel to it.
Luckily I was spending the next day in the hut and was able to dry my clothes. The jacket, which took most of the day to get dry. I would have been in trouble if I had been tenting it and had to walk the next couple of days.
I have never been that wet in a rain coat before. The Resolution was my first foray into " breathable jackets" my coat before this was a Oringi, I use to get damp in that but never wet, and I did some wild walks in it
I will be looking for another jacket, I cant trust this jacket.

Roger