Montane featherweight smock, any good??

[taws6]

Hi,
I am considering buying a Montane featherweight smock to replace my current waterproof.
I currently have a dpm 'gore-tex' ( ex military) raincoat, but it is heavy and doesn't pack small enough for my likeing and the hood's too large (but is excelent anti bramble).

Anyone tried the Montane, and is it resistant to snags on brambles? How would you rate it, and will it survive some rough(ish) use (backpack mainly)???
I see the pack size and weight looks impressive.

I am also open to surgestions for a showerproof top, but would prefer dark or green in colour, lightweight and small pack size.

Thanks for your advise,

Paul.

[litefoot]

I have one of the winproof smocks in olive green,made of pertex,and stuffs into it`s own sack as big as an apple.A great bit of kit to put in your bag and put on when feeling chilly.
They are very lightwieght however and I would not want to wear it if I had to push through some brambles or similar as it would be shredded,to be fair they are not designed for that.
Regards Litefoot.:)

[maverick moocher]

I use something that sounds similar, a Paramo windproof smock, excellent bit of kit about £50 from Cleyspy in your neck o'the woods ;)

[Lurch]

It's a great product provided you bear in mind what it's designed for.
It's the kind of jacket to stuff in your pack or pocket when it may or may not rain and you'd rather not carry a 'proper' waterproof. Whilst it's ripstop (I think!) I wouldn't want to push through any thorny bushes with it, for that you need something heavy.
In other words, I agree with litefoot!

[taws6]

Thanks for the replys.
I was afraid it might rip, I have a Arktis windproof smock (simular), but there's no way I'd go near brambles in that, plus it's not waterproof. Just hoped the Montane would be a bit more sturdy, nevermind.
I read about the Fuera Windproof Smock,(is this the Paramo you mean?) it looks and sounds good, but does it pack small?
My nearest retailer doesn't have it in stock, I'd like to see it in person really.
Not so sure about reproofing, never done it before, but it sounds good for a while anyway.

Thanks for all the advise,

[scanker]

I have two. They're very good for the size and weight and are a lot tougher than I think they ought to be from the feel of them. Great to have in a bag to throw on for a shower or a break from the wind - very effective at that. Not really waterproof though. I think each of mine were picked up for about £20, so look out for offers.

[Scots_Charles_River]

I use the Pertex/Thermal lined smock for MTBing, Climbing, Winter walking, canoeing and it's excellent if you are moving, if not, they eventually get wet but as I sya when moving they are very breathable and dry quickly. They have many vents.

So for hanging about and fires - a no no - I'm afraid.

Nick

[Mikey P]

The Montane Featherweight is superb for running/biking/hiking but way too thin for heavy work - the Arktis windproof is actually a more robust material! The Arktis is meant for either keeping warm during a temporary stop or to be worn under combat jacket/smock.

Basically, anything with a Pertex outer will snag and may damage easily.

For windproof garments which are a bit more robust, try softshell, like Schoeller fabrics. They are, however, much heavier.