Review: MONTANE MINIMUS JACKET High-performance rainwear that doesn't end just by light weight
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
table of contents
A highly perfect work worth the weight, functionality, design, and price
The recent trend of "be lighter and more compact" in outdoor gear seems likely to continue, but I am amazed at each manufacturer who responds with a thorough response to the insatiable demands of users with products that exceed expectations. This minimas jacket is an extremely lightweight and compact item that is unthinkable before, yet highly functional and stylish, and is extremely lightweight. Its high level of perfection is no exaggeration to say that Montain, one of the top manufacturers in the fast and light-oriented genres, is a crystallization of determination and pride. Let's start a review right away.
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Detailed review
Item name (price)
MONTANE MINIMUS JACKET (Reference price: 29,160 yen)
Front and back
Main Specifications and ratings
| evaluation | |
|---|---|
| Waterproof (20 points) | 16 |
| Breathability (20 points) | 16 |
| Comfort (20 points) | 16 |
| Weight (10 pieces) | 9 |
| Storage capacity (10 items) | 9 |
| Durability (5 points) | 2 |
| Ease of use (5 points) | 4 |
| Design (5 pieces) | 5 |
| Price (5 items) | 3 |
| Overall score | 80 |
| Specs | |
| material | 15D + 40D PERTEX Shield+ nylon rip-stop |
| Layer | 2.5 layer |
| Color variations | Black Blue spark Shadow Vivid green |
| weight | 232g (size M) |
| 1 (Breast) | |
| Pit zip | none |
| Food | Helmet compatible |
| Storage method | Staff sack included |
This is amazing!
Amazing lightness and compactness
Considering that regular rain gear is roughly around 400g, it is about half that (232g M size), making it the lightest of the ultra-lightweight rainwear that has been popular these days . What's more, the overwhelming storage capacity, which is about the size of an apple, is one of the major features of the PERTEX Shield+, the fabric used in this rainwear. Incidentally, the specs outperform the current competitors (for example, OUTDOOR RESEARCH HELIUM HD JACKET).
Comfort due to high breathability and comfortable feel due to unique fabric processing
Another feature of the PERTEX Shield+ is its excellent breathability (25,000 MVTR), which is a simple numerical value, which is higher than Gore-Tex. Furthermore, to enhance breathability to the extreme, microtape seams are used to process the lining seams, not only the performance of the material, but also the finest details have been applied. When I actually tried walking around, I found that if I were to go on a day trip for just a few hours, it was so comfortable that I could still wear it on my T-shirt and go all the way to the end, even when walking on a humid low mountain .
Furthermore, despite being made so thin, both the outer and lining have an exquisite roughness, which makes the lining comfortable to the touch and less slippery when carrying a backpack on the outer material .
Excellent tailoring for a comfortable fit and easy movement
The three-dimensional cutting that does not interfere with body movement , which is also thoroughly implemented in other Montein clothing, is still alive and well here. The hood with three adjuster that prevents the hem from lifting even when you move your arms widely , and the hood with three adjusters that firmly shuts out the rain and wind are particularly excellent. The fit is excellent and the finely crafted design is designed with the real user in mind.
Other rainwear comes with similar parts, but the Minimas jacket has a special fit.
Large, easy to use, and ventilation pocket
The pockets allow you to store maps with plenty of room to spare. A D-ring is also included on the inside.
The pockets are mesh-like in lining, making them a ventilation option when it's hot.
A pocket large enough to fit a map . The lining is made of breathable mesh material (although it's just a little relaxed) and can also be used as ventilation.
High quality of other basic parts
The tabbed Velcro adjustable cuffs allow for both ventilation when it's hot and prevent rainwater from entering when it rains.
The hem can be adjusted with drawstrings installed on both sides. Prevents the infiltration of wind and rain and loss of body temperature.
This is not good
Durability
Although it is difficult to avoid fabrics that are as thin and lightweight as possible, the overall brittleness cannot be wiped out. It wasn't a concern if it was just a normal mountain path, but I felt that it would easily tear if it was caught on rocks or tree branches. Hatting the bush while wearing this would be a great challenge. Also, if used for a long period of time, the coating on the lining will inevitably weaken with 2.5 layers of fabric, so it was thought that such concerns should be paid attention to in the future (unconfirmed).
Summary: What kind of activities do you recommend?
If you're looking for light and compact rainwear to take you on a hike for just a few hours, this item is definitely a great choice. However, at the same time, don't want to cover all your activities all year round with this one. Although it can prevent rain and wind to some extent, it cannot survive long periods of heavy rain. In that sense, it is perfect for light and fast climbing for a day trip or one night. Of course, this is also the best option when you prioritize light and compactness for short-term activities such as trail running or cycling.
We also recommend this article about rainwear.
- Check out the types of rainwear and how to choose them before purchasing
- Rainwear for mountaineering that you can't miss this season [for hiking and trekking]
- Ultra-lightweight rainwear that you won't miss this season [for trail running and fast packing]
- Comparison review: Which rainwear you should have if you're going to climb? ?
- Comparison review: We compared ultra-lightweight rainwear that is great for mountain climbing and running [2016SS]
