Montane 200 Waterproof Jacket Review

Overview (£90, 254g Large)

Rollaway adjustable hood with wired peak and single hand operated, non-whip face aperture draw-cords DWR Beardguard lined collar Full length two-way water resistant zip Chest pocket with water resistant zip Hook and loop adjustable cuffs Stealth reflective strips Single hand adjustable, draw-cord hem Active cut with drop tail Own stuff sac (with handle/velcro clip) 57g/m2 super lightweight coated Nylon mini rip-stop - Combining lightweight, durable protection from the rain with a high degree of moisture permeability Waterproof to a minimum of 6,000mm hydrostatic head and breathable to a minimum MVTR of 10,000g/m2/24hrs

This is the lightest fully waterproof that I own and is almost exactly half the weight of my bulkier Gore-Tex jacket. The sale price of £70 and the quality of the construction convinced me to buy it.

The fabric is ripstop coated nylon that is highly breathable. With a HH of 6000mm it will withstand some very serious weather.

I want to draw particular attention to the way that the Zips and hood have been constructed.

Main Zip

There are three main features of the zip that are very interesting and I think a little unusual. All of these features greatly increase the water resistance of the zip.

Main Zip - Feature 1

The first main feature is that the zip is almost entirely waterpoof on it's own. It is a relatively fine-toothed zip and has built into it a rubberised outer covering that meets exactly in the middle. This will stop the bulk of bad weather.

Main Zip - Feature 2

The second feature is the blue fabric covering the zip. This is a stiff waterproof fabric that protects the zip from driving rain.

Main Zip - Feature 3

Finally behind the zip is a black proofed ripstop nylon that is the final stop behind the zip and will provide a block against any water that may ingress.

Map Pocket Zip

The zip is the same style as the main zip but without the front and the back covering fabrics. It should be very waterproof.

Hood Features

The hood has two main features that are nice to see on an ultralight jacket and also are amazingly practical.

Hood Feature - Wired Hood

The hood has a wired beak with fabric reinforcing. In this image you can also see the seam taping which is on every seam that you can find.

Hood Feature - Volume Adjuster

The hood adjuster is a clever piece of lightweight design. it consists of a strip of velcro running down the hood with a velcro tab at the top forms and adjuster. Since the amount of strain on this velcro is very small the amount used will be more than adequate and add to the comfort of the hood.

Hood Feature - Foldaway

The hood folds away under a flap and is held in place by three pieces of velcro. Again this is good efficient design and produces a nice comfortable collar when it is not raining.

Outdoor Testing

Testing to date has been limited due to good weather!! I have however been out once in some heavy rain. The jacket was waterproof and was very comfortable. It had none of the internal moisture that seems to be the hallmark of wearing Gore-Tex layered fabrics.

Short-Term Conclusions

It is a very stylish and well-designed jacket at an amazing weight. It will not last forever but it should provide a good level of service.

My next few trips are bound to feature this jacket as a replacement for my 3-layer Gore-Tex jacket.