Review: Mont-Bell Torrent Flyer Jacket - It's still as convenient as ever

Yasushi Hisatomi

11 years ago

table of contents

Top class in terms of cost performance
Detailed Review
Summary: What activities is it recommended for?

Top class in terms of cost performance

The Torrent Flyer Jacket is an ultra-lightweight rainwear product from Montbell, a leading Japanese outdoor gear brand that, in my opinion, is unrivaled when it comes to cost performance. This jacket is once again an excellent choice, offering the perfect combination of weight, performance, and price. Let's get started with the review

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Detailed Review

Item name (price)

Mont-bell Torrent Flyer Jacket

Front/back

Main specifications and evaluation

For a thorough comparison of recommended rainwear, including the Torrent Flyer, please see "Comparative Test: A Comparison of Ultra-Lightweight Rainwear for Mountain Climbing and Running [2016 Edition]"

evaluation
Waterproof (20 points)	18
Breathability (20 points)	16
Comfort (20 points)	16
Weight (10 points)	9
Storage capacity (10 points)	7
Durability (5 points)	2
Ease of use (5 points)	2
Design (5 points)	2
Price (5 points)	4
Overall score	76
Specifications
material	GORE-TEX Paclite [Outer: 12-denier Ballistic Airlite nylon ripstop]
Layer	2.5 layer
Color variations	Cerulean Blue (CEBL), Evergreen (EVGN), Golden Orange (GDOG) , Graphite (GRPH), Red Brick (RDBR)
weight	215g
pocket	1 (chest)
pit zip	can be
Food	It's small, but that doesn't mean you can't wear a helmet
Storage method	stuff sack

This is amazing!

High waterproofing in this category and pit zips prevent stuffiness during activity

The Torrent Flyer excels above all else with its high level of waterproofness, unmatched by other models. It once again demonstrates the superior waterproof performance of GORE-TEX products . Ultra-lightweight rainwear, developed with the goal of being extremely thin (compact), lightweight, and highly breathable, inevitably has lower waterproof performance than all-season rainwear. However, the GORE-TEX Paclite used in this model delivers extremely high levels of waterproofness that rival those of regular rainwear. While jackets made from other materials visibly lose their water-repellent properties within a few minutes of heavy rain, this model maintained its water-repellent properties for a significantly longer period of time, preventing water from seeping into the fabric.

While maintaining this lightness, the 2015 model boasts significantly improved breathability and is equipped with pit zips, essential for greater comfort , allowing for effective control of moisture inside in both sunny and rainy weather.

Ultra-lightweight rainwear made with Gore-Tex, the lightest and most compact in its class

Despite being made of Gore-Tex, it is incredibly light at just 215g. However, while it should be highly compact, the included stuff sack is a bit too roomy, which is a shame

While the standard GORE-TEX Paclite uses 20D (denier) nylon, this model is made with a whopping 12D, resulting in an astonishingly light overall weight of just 215g ( the lightest GORE-TEX rainwear in the world as of January 2015 ) . This lightness is achieved not only through the thickness of the thread, but also through the use of a lightweight and flexible sewing technique called smart sewing. While lighter and more compact waterproof jackets are now available, it's honestly amazing that they've been able to achieve these specs for several years now.

Cuff fit

Although it's a small detail, the adjustable Velcro cuffs with tabs also have elastic, which not only prevents wind and rain from entering but also makes them fit more comfortably around the wrist .

Chest pocket that can hold a map

The only pocket I could just barely fit a map , but of course a smartphone or other items would fit in much more easily.

This is not so good

Coloring

"Is this harassment?" That's what I thought when I saw the color variations of the 2015 model. The vivid colors and the stark contrast of the chest pocket may be a matter of personal preference, but it's hard to say for sure

Food

While the functionality seemed perfect, I did have some issues with the hood compared to competitors. The brim is short and the overall coverage is a little shallow. A small brim means rain can easily get into your face from the front, and a shallow brim means rain can easily get in from the sides. Adjustment is done with drawcords at the back of the head and both cheeks, but the fit around the chin felt particularly awkward.

Lining texture

Everyone recognizes the excellent waterproof and breathable properties of GORE-TEX Paclite, but I just can't get enough of the feel of it . Compared to other materials, it feels a bit sticky and vinyl-like, and the discomfort increases when you sweat . That said, the lining of the Torrent Flyer feels a little uneven compared to other brands' Paclite products, so it's not as uncomfortable.

Summary: What activities is it recommended for?

The Torrent Flyer Jacket, developed by one of Japan's most popular brands and made with the most reliable waterproof and breathable material, a solid choice for those just starting out in mountain climbing and only interested in day hikes . Lightweight and easy to carry, with excellent functionality and affordability, it's recommended for many beginner hikers. It's also great for active activities like cycling and trail running, or slipping into a bag while out and about. However, we can't confidently recommend it, as individual differences in design, feel, and comfort can make it difficult to recommend. If you're concerned about these factors, we recommend trying it out in a store.

supplement

There's another issue that's been bothering me. The Storm Cruiser Jacket, the company's best-selling rainwear, underwent a complete overhaul in 2015, and with the significant improvements in functionality, I'm wondering about the significance of this model . The 2015 Storm Cruiser model employs the lightweight and comfortable 3-layer Gore-Tex "GORE C-Knit Backer Technology," making it a significantly lighter (257g) and more compact piece of gear. Priced at just under ¥20,000, and judging by the specs, the Storm Cruiser seems like the perfect choice for Montbell rain gear. I'll report back on the results of my investigation at a later date. → I've reviewed the Storm Cruiser!

Torrent Flyer Jacket

Mont-Bell

22,680 yen

215g