MONTURA PAC MIND JACKET & 2024 Spring/Summer Rainwear Review: Unique and well-thought-out attention to detail is as impressive as ever

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Rainwear, an essential item for mountain climbing and hiking, requires more than just protection from the wind and rain. This is especially true in Japan, with its complex climate, four seasons, and rainy seasons. It must protect from the wind and rain, and must be breathable and breathable to stay comfortable even in humid conditions, as well as provide some level of insulation to withstand wide temperature fluctuations. Of course, in addition to durability and portability for tough routes, comfort and ease of movement are also important factors. Therefore, if you plan to wear rainwear year-round in Japan's mountainous areas, it's best to choose one that's not only lightweight and waterproof, but also offers a high level of balance of various functions

When thinking about what constitutes an "elite-level" piece of rainwear, one that would surely rise to the forefront the MONTURA PAC MIND JACKET . Montura, which has been supported by users who seek the real thing, from alpinists and mountain guides to rescue teams, has created its latest waterproof jacket, which not only provides the protection and lightness needed for active activities in harsh conditions, but is also packed with the maker's attention to detail, down to its lightweight and compact design that makes it easy to carry. In addition to the PAC MIND JACKET , we were able to try out three other items, including two representative models from the Montura rain jacket family that are suitable for a variety of uses, so we would like to review them all right away.

I tried out the PAC MIND JACKET on some spring mountain climbing and hiking

Main features of the MONTURA PAC MIND JACKET

The MONTURA PAC MIND JACKET is a rain jacket ideal for a variety of activities in harsh outdoor environments. Crafted with lightweight, highly packable 2.5-layer GORE-TEX Paclite Plus fabric, it offers excellent weather protection and durability while remaining compact. The lining features a three-dimensional, abrasion-resistant surface for a comfortable feel and supple feel. Montura's expertly crafted cut offers exceptional freedom of movement while minimizing weight. Other features include a uniquely designed hood with stretch fabric at the back for a snug fit, comfortable yet airtight cuffs and hem, a smooth, airtight front zipper, and a packable interior mesh pocket that can be turned inside out. This jacket meets the high standards required for serious outdoor activities like climbing, mountaineering, and trekking, all while maintaining a minimal weight

Favorite points

• Lightweight yet weather-resistant and durable
• Highly breathable for a smooth, dry feel even when worn over a T-shirt
• Stretch fabric at the back for a self-adjusting fit, and a long brim and wind flap for a waterproof hood
• Three-dimensional cutting for excellent ease of movement
• Packable and can be stored in the inner pocket
• Stretch cuffs for a snug fit and airtight seal
• Smooth, lightweight, waterproof Vislon front zipper

Points of concern

• It would be even better if it had underarm ventilation (pit zips) or a double front zipper for better ventilation
• The stretch material at the back of the head is difficult to dry when wet
• A chest pocket makes it even more convenient when you're on the move

Main specifications and evaluation

Detailed review of wearing it on the spring trail

Comfort: Lightweight and flexible, with a slim, streamlined silhouette that allows for easy movement

The first thing that strikes you when you pick it up is how light and fluffy it is. Its weight of less than 300 grams is no joke. It's very thin, yet still retains a subtle firmness, so even though it's light, it feels reliable as a shell

The waist has a slightly slim silhouette. The armholes are also tight, so it doesn't feel baggy, and it has a sophisticated look that is typical of Italy. However, it's not so slim that you can't wear a mid-layer underneath, so you don't have to worry about it being rainwear that can be used for a wide range of activities all year round. As always, the three-dimensional cut from the shoulders to the arms is excellent, so there is no resistance to upper body movement, including raising and lowering your arms, and there is no feeling of the hem being pulled

Wearing size M (176cm, 62kg)

The GORE-TEX PACLITE® PLUS lining is specially coated to enhance durability and provide a comfortable, slip-on feel. This three-dimensional structure eliminates the sticky, vinyl-like feel of typical 2.5-layer rain jackets from a generation ago, leaving a smooth, comfortable feel

The GORE-TEX seam tape applied to the seams is not only carefully laminated, but is also extremely thin and narrow, less than 15mm wide (see photo below), so it has minimal impact on comfort, such as stiffness at the seams, and on breathability.I am impressed by the high quality of the construction, which has been designed to maximize comfort as clothing

Ultra-thin (13mm) seam sealing ensures breathability and minimizes weight

Weatherproof and breathable: Reliable waterproof and windproof protection with ample breathability to keep you dry

Of course, everyone is concerned about comfort, but waterproof performance is also a fundamental aspect of rainwear. GORE-TEX PACLITE® PLUS, a waterproof and breathable fabric, is basically a two-layer structure consisting of an outer fabric (highly durable nylon) and a membrane, plus a special coating (0.5 layer) on the back, making it as thin and light as possible within the GORE-TEX lineup. However, just like standard GORE-TEX products, it has passed rigorous storm tests and meets high waterproof standards, so its waterproof and windproof performance is proven to be strong enough to withstand even rigorous mountain climbing

more information on GORE-TEX storm testing, please see this page where we previously interviewed GORE-TEX

It effectively blocks out rain even when it's pouring down in the field

I actually tried wearing it on a rainy May trail, and it was as waterproof and windproof as I expected. There are two main reasons for its strength against the rain

First of all, the fabric is, of course, excellent. Not only does the rain not penetrate the fabric at all, but even the droplets that fall on the fabric just roll off, and this continues for a relatively long time even in the rain (see photo below). This means that the water-repellent properties are also excellent. Currently, there is a global shift to PFC-free materials, and water-repellent treatments are no exception. While rain jackets with new PFC-free water-repellent treatments do not contain organic fluorine compounds (based on performance as of 2024), they still inevitably have a slight drop in performance. Perhaps because the PAC MIND JACKET was made before the PFC-free transition, meaning it uses a conventional water-repellent treatment, it does in fact (though this is something I can't say out loud) have extremely high water-repellent performance.

In tests, the material maintained its high water-repellent properties for a long period of time

Another major factor is that the construction of the clothing itself is designed to thoroughly shut out rain in every detail

For example, the hood has a high collar that covers the chin, a long brim filled with foam, and a flap made of stretch material on the inside of the hood at the forehead (see photo below)

As we will explain later, the unique stretch fabric at the back of the head requires no adjustment and always maintains a comfortable fit, making it a smart design that protects your face from rain while ensuring a comfortable fit and a wide field of vision (see video below)

Furthermore, the cuffs combine waterproof stretch material with Velcro to provide both an excellent seal and a comfortable fit. Although it may be a small detail, the Velcro on the sleeves is thinner and stronger than regular Velcro, and is made from resin that is less likely to lose its shape. This reflects the company's commitment to functionality and comfort, even in the smallest details, without compromising as much as possible (see photo below)

GORE-TEX stretch material on the underside of the sleeves provides a comfortable fit

Breathability is satisfactory (even better with underarm ventilation)

In terms of breathability (resistance to stuffiness), I would say it's pretty good, without feeling overly stuffy. Like a standard waterproof and breathable jacket, it won't get stuffy inside if you're not sweating too much, but if you're active, such as going uphill, the inside of the garment will inevitably get stuffy. To begin with, the characteristics of the GORE-TEX membrane make it less suitable for this time of year, when the temperature and humidity differences between the inside and outside of the garment are small. However, the fabric itself is thin and releases heat easily, so it doesn't get stuffy in that respect

It can be used as a wind shell in situations where sweating is minimal

However, while the breathability is not bad, it's a bit disappointing that it doesn't have underarm ventilation. In my experience, the presence or absence of ventilation makes a much bigger difference in how well a garment stays cool than the performance of the fabric. This jacket has mesh linings on the left and right hand pockets, which helps with ventilation to some extent, but it's still not enough. Of course, ventilation does come with a trade-off of a slight increase in weight and stiffness, so I'm sure this was carefully considered, but there's no doubt that ventilation is an absolute advantage in terms of staying cool

Functionality: Front zipper, hood, cuffs, pockets, packable design, unique and crafted with ingenious details

The more you look at the details of this garment, the more you realize how carefully and thoughtfully it is made

High-quality front zipper

The front zipper is a lightweight, durable, and waterproof Vislon type, which is much smoother and easier to operate than the waterproof zippers found on ordinary rainwear, and I really like it (photo below)

Vislon zippers are lightweight, highly durable, and easy to operate, making them a more high-end waterproof zipper

Multifunctional pockets with ample storage capacity

The jacket is equipped with two waterproof zippered hand pockets on the left and right sides, and an inner mesh zipper pocket on the back left. The left and right hand pockets are large enough and waterproof to block rain, and the pockets are lined with mesh, so they can be left open for ventilation (see photo below)

The pockets are lined with mesh, so if you feel like the inside of your clothes is getting stuffy, it's a good idea to leave the zipper of the pocket open

There is an inner mesh pocket on the left side, which is packable so you can turn it inside out and roll up the clothing and pack it in (see photo below)

The mesh security pocket on the left lining is packable and can be rolled up and stored inside out

Hood provides a perfect fit without the need for adjustment

And the aforementioned hood is one of the most unique and functional features of this jacket

While most headbands have a drawcord or Velcro strap that you manually adjust at the back of the head, this model only has a circular stretch material (which of course keeps water out). However, this stretch is so well done that just putting it on gives you an exquisitely perfect fit. It naturally follows your neck movements by stretching, so it doesn't obstruct your field of vision, and the comfort is truly eye-opening. What's more, it's helmet-compatible (just barely), making it easy to use for a variety of activities (see video below)

The only drawback is that this stretch material takes longer to dry after getting wet than the rest of the fabric, so this area stays wet and can be a little uncomfortable for a while

The hem is lightweight and made of stretch material to prevent water and cold air from seeping in from below. The back is slightly longer, so it doesn't ride up even when you're moving around, and it always fits naturally around your waist (see photo below)

The sleeves are made of stretch material, and the length is slightly longer towards the back, so your bottom won't flip up when you move

Check out other rain jackets

the PAC MIND JACKET we've looked at so far , Montura offers an interesting lineup of rainwear to suit different seasons, scenes, and activities. This time, I was able to try out these other models at the same time, so I'll write about my impressions of how they differ from each other and what scenes they suit.

The lightweight, durable, and highly breathable TRIBUTE JACKET is perfect for light and fast winter mountaineering

the Tribute Jacket appears to be any lightweight rainwear, but a closer look reveals that it is a jacket designed for more demanding activities, including mountaineering, alpine climbing, and winter ski mountaineering, which involve challenging terrain and cold climates.

Wearing size M (176cm, 62kg)

The fabric is made of a highly durable nylon material with a 3-layer GORE-TEX Active construction, which is surprisingly thin and lightweight for a 3-layer construction, yet it offers the ultimate in comfort and durability, with a supple, smooth feel, and above all, extremely high breathability. The length is the longest of the jackets we've introduced, and the width is not too slim, so it's designed to be comfortable enough to wear as a winter outer layer with a mid-layer underneath

The two-way Vislon zipper in the center (top left in the photo below) and ventilation under the armpits (top right in the photo below) allow for maximum air circulation even during active, sweaty activities all year round. Naturally, it was the most breathable (ventilated) of all the jackets I tried on, and I never felt stuffy

The helmet-compatible hood is made of a wide range of waterproof stretch fabric and also features a drawcord, giving it a step more flexibility and adjustability than the Packmind (bottom left photo). The two zippered pockets on the left and right also have gussets, so you can store larger items like ski seals (bottom right photo)

This model is also packable, meaning it can be rolled up and stored in the inner mesh pocket. Ultra-lightweight yet offering reliable protection and excellent breathability, the TRIBUTE JACKET is perfect for challenging year-round mountain climbing and variation routes, as well as snowy mountains and backcountry skiing, providing comfort and maximum protection in even more demanding situations

The DANUBIO G JACKET is extremely comfortable for both serious outdoor activities and everyday wear

The DANUBIO G JACKET stands out from other jackets with its simple and subdued coloring, making it a versatile model that can be used seamlessly from the city to mountain huts and even the fields. However, the material used is lightweight and highly breathable GORE-TEX Active, making it a high-end, authentic jacket with such high performance that you could get hurt if you underestimate it.

Wearing size M (176cm, 62kg)

While the silhouette is generally slim, the jacket is slightly looser and more oversized than the other two. The hood is not made of stretch fabric, but rather uses standard Velcro and a tight elastic band (top left photo below). Apart from the two hand pockets (bottom left photo below), there is an internal security pocket, and it is not packable like the other two models (top right photo below). The sleeves and hem are also designed to be well-balanced rather than extremely lightweight (bottom right photo below). Consideration can be seen everywhere, making this jacket comfortable to wear in gentle situations

However, the excellent fabric material combines high levels of lightness, protection, and breathability, and the basic comfort and ease of movement are still intact, making it perfectly suitable for hiking. In that sense, it can be said that out of the three pieces of clothing we have reviewed here, this is the one that can be worn in the widest range of situations

Summary: All models are comfortable and easy to move in, making them excellent for comfort. Choose the right one for your occasion and purpose

The PAC MIND JACKET is made from a material that offers many of the essential elements of mountaineering rainwear, such as lightness, compactness, waterproof breathability, and comfort, and is tailored with a clever pattern that takes style, comfort, and ease of movement into consideration. It's also packed with smart features that make it easy to use while on the move, making it a highly refined waterproof jacket. The only thing missing is underarm ventilation (considering Japan's humid climate), as it would have allowed it to be used for a wider range of activities all year round, but this would also have had disadvantages such as increased weight, so it's not a must-have.

In any case, with rain gear this well-made, there's no doubt that it will provide a certain level of satisfaction in terms of security, comfort, and convenience, no matter what activity you're doing

The other two pieces also offer the comfort and ease of movement that you expect from Montura, which pursues "absolute comfort," and each is optimized for more strenuous activities or multiple situations, so rather than choosing one that is best, it's best to choose the model that best suits your needs

In any case, this is not only recommended for all enthusiasts who want to enjoy the outdoors seriously, but with the PFC-free era just a few years away, it could also be said to be a piece of rainwear that everyone should get in 2024 as a "pinnacle of rainwear."

For more information and to purchase the "MONTURA PAC MIND JACKET,"

Please check the official online store for information on the latest model arrivals and product details

   

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