Review: MILLET TYPHON 50000 "Lightweight, waterproof, breathable, stretchy" All-weather jacket and pants are the future
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
table of contents
I can hear the footsteps of the "Rain Gear"
Millet, which has always pioneered new horizons in mountaineering equipment by combining practicality and durability while always being innovative, has done it again
These days, it's no longer surprising to see lightweight rainwear weighing around 300g. In addition to being lightweight, manufacturers are competing to make their rainwear more attractive by offering high breathability to prevent stuffiness, and by using stretch fabrics to make it easier to move around. It's fair to say that the rainwear competition has now entered the stage of "lightness + α."
Amidst all this, Millet has already updated its "W7" series, which was released to great acclaim in the 2016 Spring/Summer collection. This season's successor, a waterproof shell, has been significantly updated. Not only is it light, easy to move in, and less stuffy, but you can also choose from three types of waterproof pants to match the jacket: rain pants, trekking pants, and easy pants. This ambitious product continues its unique approach. The arrival of clothing that can be worn rain or shine, both in name and in reality, marks the beginning of a new market for "all-weather clothing," which goes beyond the concepts of "rain gear" or "rainwear."
As an editorial team that loves new things, there was no way we wouldn't reach for this jacket. Let's take a look at the Tayfon 50000 series, one of the most noteworthy jackets this season
Detailed Review
TYPHON 50000 ST JKT exterior
TYPHON 50000 ST TREK PANT appearance
Main specifications and evaluation
| Specifications | ||
|---|---|---|
| item | TYPHON 50000 ST JKT | TYPHON 50000 ST TREK PANT |
| material | Dry Edge™ Typhon 50000 3-Layer Jersey Back 100% Nylon Durable Water Repellent | Dry Edge™ Typhon 50000 3-Layer Jersey Back 100% Nylon Durable Water Repellent |
| size | XS,S,M,L,XL | XS,S,M,L,XL |
| Color variations | 7317(SAPHIR) 0247(BLACK-NOIR) 1458(KHAKI-VT ARGILE) 7360(BRIGHT ORANGE) 7365(CLOUD DANCER) | 7317(SAPHIR) 0247(BLACK-NOIR) 1458(KHAKI-VT ARGILE) |
| Weight (measured) | 289g (UK size S) | 210g (UK size M) |
| Two hand warmer pockets with waterproof zippers that also serve as ventilation | 2 side zip pockets, 1 back zip pocket | |
| Food | Articulated hood with adjustable fit at top, back and front | ― |
| water resistance | 20,000mm | 20,000mm |
| Breathability | 50,000g/m2/24h | 50,000g/m2/24h |
| accessories | ― | Waist belt |
| evaluation | ||
| waterproof | ★★★☆☆ | ― |
| Breathability | ★★★★☆ | ― |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ | ― |
| mobility | ★★★★☆ | ― |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ | ― |
| Storage capacity | ★★★☆☆ | ― |
| durability | ★★★★☆ | ― |
| Ease of use | ★★★★★ | ― |
What's great about it
Stylish design
The previous "W7" series had a loose fit around the waist and sleeves, which was typical of Japanese models, for better or worse. The latest model has been completely revised, with a slimmer fit and longer sleeves . It has been transformed into a stylish form that is common in overseas models. This is because the brand claims that it is "suitable for both nature and the city," and it is clear that they are conscious of making it comfortable to wear for everyday use.
Comfortable enough to wear in rain or shine
The proprietary, ultra-thin membrane, "DryEdge Typhon 50,000," offers a water resistance of 20,000mm, sufficient for rainwear, while achieving an astounding 50,000g/m²/24h breathability . For comparison, this figure is in a league of its own, considering that the "Pertex Shield+" commonly seen in lightweight rainwear these days only boasts a 20,000g/m²/24h rating. The three-layer construction, with the membrane sandwiched between a smooth, comfortable 15D knit lining, The slim silhouette, combined with the three-dimensional cut and stretch effect, allows for excellent freedom of movement . The stiff, scratchy feel of rainwear of the past is a thing of the past.
The overall stretchy construction allows for natural movement while walking, providing a comfortable fit in any situation
It would be a shame to only wear this incredibly comfortable jacket when it rains, as it's hard to believe it's rainwear. I actually used it on a hike on a sunny day in April, and I realized how convenient it is to wear, both comfortably even when drenched in sweat during the hike and providing protection from the slight wind and cold
The knitted lining feels great against the skin, making it one of the most comfortable rainwear available to date. The pockets are lined with mesh, which also acts as ventilation
There is no underarm ventilation, but the pockets are mesh lined and the front has a double zipper that allows the front to open wide, ensuring breathability and comfort
Finally here! Fully waterproof trekking pants
To save time and effort, and to reduce weight, many hikers have been secretly waiting for "trekking pants that can also be used as rainwear," and now they have finally reached a practical level. These aren't just "highly water-repellent trekking pants" like those available up until now, but truly "fully waterproof."
To begin with, if you wear conventional rainwear (pants) on a sunny day, they're stuffy, stiff, and uncomfortable against the skin, so you'll end up taking them off right away. By adding breathability, stretch, and comfort (from the lining) to the waterproof performance of ordinary rainwear, these rain pants have finally become "rain pants you can wear on normal sunny days ." Like the jacket, they use a highly stretchable fabric, with effective three-dimensional cutting around the crotch and knees, making them completely comfortable to wear even when you're making large movements in your lower body.
The lining feels comfortable against the skin, but if you're concerned about the feel or coldness, you can wear tights underneath and there's no problem. As trekking pants, they are quite thin, so if you're only wearing these on your bare skin, I recommend only wearing them in the summer
Adjustable part to prevent rain from entering
The hood is large enough to fit over a helmet, but it also has Velcro and drawcords on the back and both sides, and stretch fabric that fits snugly around the forehead, allowing for precise size adjustments to prevent gaps around the face. The sleeves and hem are also equipped with mechanisms to prevent water from seeping in and improve the fit
A hood with adjustable functionality to fit any size or shape
The cuffs are elastic and have Velcro, making them easy to adjust and providing a comfortable fit
The drawcord at the hem prevents the waist from flapping, and the buttons to fasten the pants back on are easy to press
Lightweight, compact and packable
The weight of 289g (jacket UK size S) may not be surprising, but it is still quite light. What's more, the jacket can be rolled up and stored in the hood without the stuff sack, as shown in the photo below, and the trekking pants can be stored in the back pocket, which is a nice feature
This is what I'm curious about
water repellency
This is what it looks like when it's brand new and exposed to a waterfall for about a minute. It's very water-repellent when you first start using it, so maintenance is important
Since I haven't conducted any objective tests, this is merely my impression, but I felt that the water-repellent properties deteriorated somewhat quickly due to the fine brushed surface, which enhances the texture and comfort. After being exposed to a shower and a waterfall for some time, the garment initially repelled water droplets beautifully, but after a few minutes, the water droplets gradually became trapped in the brushed surface, making them more likely to remain, resulting in the outer fabric becoming wet more quickly. Of course, water did not seep inside, but this is thought to reduce breathability because the moisture on the surface narrows the path for water vapor. Based on these results, it is likely that comfort will be limited in the event of prolonged rainfall
The zip pocket that doubles as ventilation can be tricky to use
Although fully opening the pockets improves breathability, they are still pockets, and if you open the zippers for breathability, there is a risk that items inside may fall out. This cannot be considered ventilation. Of course, the breathability of this garment itself is excellent, so it's not so much of a problem that it gets stuffy without ventilation, but if you're going to add ventilation, I would like it to be done under the arms or in some other good way
Further improving the functionality of "trekking pants"
I think they've made great progress so far, but to be a little harsh, there's still room for improvement as trekking pants. For example, durability. While they're thin and light, considering they're trekking pants that you'll wear all the time, I don't mind them being heavier, so I'd like them to be more durable
Or the fit around the waist and size adjustment. Currently, the design is more simple and similar to that of rainwear, but if the fit and comfort could be improved by providing more cushioning and a better fit in the waist area, or by using a waist adjustment mechanism that is less likely to slip down rather than the current attached belt, then the pants would be even more complete as trekking pants
Summary: What kind of occasions is it recommended for?
The TYPHON 50000 is an "all-weather" garment that transcends the boundaries between rainwear and activewear. It's not only a three-season waterproof outerwear, but also perfect as a light jacket to keep you warm on sunny days or as a windbreaker on ridges. Its sophisticated silhouette makes it easy to wear from the entrance of your home to the peak. In that sense, it's a versatile and highly usable outerwear that can be worn for a variety of purposes and meets a variety of needs with just one piece
With that in mind, when it comes to pants, it is recommended that you choose from the three types that best suit your needs
If you're only thinking of using them as rain gear, then a loose-fitting pair of basic rain pants . However, these rain pants aren't overpants (the traditional style), but are based on engineer pants, so they move with your body and are more comfortable than ever.
the trek pants reviewed here if you want to wear them alone (or with tights) for regular hiking, or the easy pants if you want to wear them alone but with a wider range of motion and priority on ease of movement . Of the three, my personal recommendation is the trek pants, which can do almost anything, but in any case, try them on in the store and experience this revolutionary piece for yourself!
![(Millet Typhon 50000 Stretch Rain Jacket [MIV01479]) Millet Typhon 50000 Stretch Rain Jacket](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81Bc4jZDXRL._SS300_.jpg)
We also recommend this article about rainwear
- Types of rainwear and how to choose them - things to check before you buy
- This season's must-have mountain climbing rainwear [for hiking and trekking]
- This season's must-have ultra-lightweight rainwear [for trail running and fastpacking]
- Comparison Review: What is the best rainwear to have when hiking?
- Comparison Review: Ultra-lightweight Rainwear for Mountain Climbing and Running [2016 Spring/Summer]
Related reading
Review: MILLET Typhon 50000 Warm Stretch Jacket. Waterproof, highly breathable, stretchy, warm, and comfortable. What more could you want?
MILLET Typhon Phantom Fast Jacket Review: This ultra-lightweight rainwear has finally evolved into a world-class "monster" in both lightness and strength, making it a must-have rainwear for any weather
Review: MILLET Breather Toy Hoodie - The ultimate fall/winter activewear. An active insulation jacket with ultra-water-repellent properties
Comparison Review: A serious comparison of water repellents for those who want to seriously restore water repellency. Tested at a specialized testing facility. [Cooperation: MILLET]