Waterproof Jackets

Montbell Rain Trekker 2.0 | Review

Montbell have thought outside of the box with this new version of their popular Rain Trekker jacket – and the results are impressive.

This jacket is a little confusing. It uses a Gore-tex Windstopper membrane, which is classed as weather-resistant rather than weatherproof. It also features a tightly woven ripstop nylon face fabric. This combination results in a jacket that Montbell describes as offering a “high level of waterproofness.” Fortunately, I’ve found this to be true.

Montbell Rain Trekker 2.0: The Top Line

This is a lightweight rain jacket that ticks a lot of boxes. It’s light but protective and well-specced, making it ideal for long-distance hiking.

Pros: Excellent balance between weight and durability, well-designed and cut, lots of versatility
Cons: Quite minimalist – so no pit zips, wired peak or two-way zips.

Buy the Montbell Rain Trekker 2.0 : £305 at Montbell.co.uk

How I Tested It

I’ve used this over the course of some very wet hiking in North Wales. It’s been with me on days where it’s stayed in my pack – when I’ve been glad of its low weight – and it’s also accompanied me on days where it’s been needed from start to finish.

Materials and Performance

It’s unusual to see a jacket designed for wet weather that uses a Windstopper membrane rather than standard Gore-tex. My guess is that Montbell’s focus here is on balancing rain protection with breathability.

OM editor Will wearing a size L. Will is 5 foot 10. Photos: Dave Macfarlane

Is it breathable? On paper, it’s rated at 20,000 g/m²/24 hrs. In the field, it felt comfortable and reasonably fresh to wear – I don’t recall ever feeling overly clammy in it.

Is it waterproof? Yes. I’ve faced some pretty brutal weather in this – sideways rain and all – and it’s been very reliable. Crucially, there’s excellent adjustment at the hood, so you can really batten down the hatches, and the PU-coated zips do their job well. Montbell says the design minimises the number of seams – for instance, there are none on the shoulders – which reduces potential leak points and helps prevent chafing when wearing a backpack.

I’ve also been impressed by its durability. It’s a lightweight waterproof jacket, but it feels tough and hard-wearing – very different, in fact, to many modern Gore-tex jackets that now have a softer, almost softshell-like feel. The material here has very little stretch or softness, which, while it adds to the jacket’s water resistance and durability, does make it a bit rustly and swishy.

Details

The hood has three-point adjustment, holds its shape well, and moves nicely with your head. It doesn’t have a stiffened or mouldable peak, so facial coverage is a little limited – though it pairs really well with a cap.

There’s a Velcro tab on the back of the hood and a small loop inside the jacket, allowing you to roll up the hood into a collar. It’s also handy for hanging the jacket up. The cuffs have small Velcro tabs and partial elastication. There’s not too much volume, though, which means you’ll likely need to remove any chunky gloves before putting it on.

Other details include a hem adjustment tab and hand pockets positioned high enough to sit above a harness or backpack hip belt. Helpfully, these pockets are large enough to hold an OS map without folding it in half.

Sadly, there are no pit zips – a feature I always like to have on a membrane-lined jacket – and I think the jacket would benefit from a two-way main zip.

The Fit

I’m 5 foot 10 and currently somewhere between a medium and a large. I opted for a size L and I don’t regret it. The fit and cut are excellent, with plenty of room for layering and good articulation. It drops slightly at the back, providing full coverage over your backside, even when crouched forward while cycling.

What It’s Best Suited To

This is one of those jackets that serves as a reliable all-rounder. It’ll handle rough days in the mountains, yet its understated look means it works just as well as a daily jacket. Its low weight and packability also make it an excellent option for backpacking. I’d happily take this on my next long-distance walk.

Montbell Rain Trekker 2.0: Verdict

This ticks a lot of boxes in terms of performance and functionality. I like how Montbell have thought innovatively with their approach to waterproofing, and what they’ve done here works well. This has quickly become a new favourite for me.

Buy the Montbell Rain Trekker 2.0 : £305 at Montbell.co.uk