What is the Minimus Jacket?
The Minimus jacket is one of the most comfortable, lightweight and packable shell jackets available. The combination of the Pertex Shield waterproof membrane, the 20 denier outer fabric and the soft inner fabric ensures performance and reliability in a range of changeable conditions.
What is it made from?
Starting from the inside, Montane give you a surprisingly soft and pliable fabric which feels great next to skin but also glides easily over additional layers on colder days. In the middle sits a Pertex Shield membrane; this membrane is fully waterproof, fully windproof, highly packable and one of the most breathable options available, making it perfect for moving quickly in the mountains. The outer fabric is a 20 denier nylon and offers protection from rucksack straps and general wear and tear. All of these fabrics have been chosen to offer the perfect balance between weight and performance, allowing the jacket to pack into a size not much bigger than an apple. Impressive, right?
What are the features?
Features wise, it's a pretty minimalist piece but still retains all the usual mountain features you'd expect from a Montane shell. You get a fully adjustable, roll-away, helmet compatible hood with a wired peak to prevent water dripping onto your face, a full length zip with a storm flap, a mesh lined map size chest pocket which also doubles up as the stuffsack, and lastly an adjustable hem and cuffs. The lack of hand pockets is to allow the jacket to fit more comfortably when wearing a harness or while using a rucksack with a large hipbelt... besides, who puts their hands in their pockets when walking in the mountains?
How does it fit?
The Minimus features a nice long, tapered fit with articulated sleeves to increase comfort and mobility. There is plenty of room in the shoulders and chest, yet the jacket fits beautifully when wearing just a baselayer.
Where does it fit in the layering system?
It's designed as an outer layer which is where it will be used 90% of the time. You can stick a synthetically insulated jacket over the top when you stop for lunch to offer additional warmth, but the Minimus works best as the layer on the outside of your layering system.
Summary
The Minimus is a fantastic jacket for the money; it's light, stretchy, breathable, well-fitted and packs down to a size not much bigger than an apple. It's a brilliant choice for those needing a spring/summer shell for chaneable weather conditions.
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Long, tapered fit
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One chest pocket (fits a map)
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Chest pocket doubles as stuffsack
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Helmet compatible hood
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Articulated arms
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Packs down to apple size
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Highly breathable
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Fully water and windproof