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Review: Montane Women’s Minimus Lite Waterproof Jacket 

Written by Fiona

June 27 2024

Montane describe the Minimus Lite Waterproof Jacket as a “super lightweight stretch waterproof jacket ideal for running and endurance days”. There have been plenty of wet weather testing days recently and some very windy conditions, too. I have been wearing the jacket for running and walking. 

Features include: 

  • 20 Denier PERTEX® SHIELD fabric
  • Durable Water Repellent finish (DWR) 
  • Fully seam-taped construction
  • Fully adjustable hood with 3 points of adjustment
  • Full-length durable YKK AQUAGUARD® front zip with internal storm flap
  • Pre-elasticated cuffs
  • Two hand pockets with YKK AQUAGUARD® zips to easily stash essentials
  • Adjustable hem with cinchable drawcord to minimise heat loss
  • Weight: 200g 
  • Price: £185
  • See: Montane Minimum Lite Waterproof jacket 

My thoughts: Montane Women’s Minimus Lite Waterproof Jacket 

The fabric is soft-feel and reminds me of my former favourite jacket, the OMM Kamleika, which eventually wore out. (The fabric became worn and the waterproofing became inadequate.)

It’s a softer feel than my current favourite and very much tried-tested-and-proven waterproof running jacket, the Montane Spine Gore-Tex running jacket. The latter jacket is created with 13 Denier Gore-Tex Active Shell.

The Montane Women’s Minimus Lite is made with 20 Denier PERTEX® SHIELD fabric, which is a 2.5-layer stretch nylon mini rip-stop woven material. It is rated 20,000mm Hydrostatic Head.

It’s possible to wear the jacket on bare skin because the grey backing fabric is soft. In contrast, I find the Montane Spine jacket a bit cold or clammy on the skin.

The 20 Denier PERTEX® SHIELD fabric doesn’t make a sound in the wind or when I move – and that is a bonus. Rustling fabric can be irritating for many people.

The jacket fits well. I have a small and I am a UK10 frame. There arm length could be a bit longer for me, but I do have long arms. The torso length is just adequate. I am around 5ft 8in, so if you are taller I suggest you go for a larger size.

Because this is a neat fitting jacket – I can fit it over a lightweight insulated layer but no more than that – I would probably reserve the jacket for summer wear on the trails.

The cuffs of the arms are simply elasticated, which I am happy with. You won’t get customised adjustment, however, such as with a velcro adjustment tab.

The hem can be cinched with a drawcord, although I rarely use this feature. The stretchy fabric provides excellent freedom of movement. 

The hood can be adjusted to give a great fit. I wore the jacket in very strong winds and it stayed tight on my head. The peak could be a bit wider but it’s adequate for keeping some rain off the face. 

The jacket is really good at keeping out the wind and it is also nicely waterproof. The wet rolls off the surface of the jacket thanks to the DWR. It is also a fairly breathable jacket. 

It’s a cheaper jacket than the Montane Spine and that’s because it doesn’t utilise Gore-Tex fabric. Where I noticed this most was in terms of long-term waterproofing and breathability.

The Minimus is totally fine for a shorter runs or walks in heavy rain or a longer run or walk in lighter rain. The DWR can’t cope with very heavy and prolonged downpours and it starts to wet out. 

When working hard – such as running for a sustained period – and therefore building up a sweat, I found I got a bit damp inside the jacket. It wasn’t a huge issue because the fabric is quick drying but it’s not as breathable as the Gore-Tex Active Shell.

There are three colours to choose from. I prefer a lighter or brighter colour but the lilac does get a bit dirty with wear.

The pockets are useful, although I usually carry a rucksack so I don’t need pockets in a lightweight waterproof jacket.

In conclusion, the Montane Women’s Minimus Lite Waterproof Jacket is nicely lightweight and adequately waterproof if you are in light rain or sorter downpours. It doesn’t cope so well in sustained and heavy rain although you end up damp rather than soaked. It is easy to wear and a great jacket to pop in a rucksack for summer running or walking. It’s an ideal windbreaker, too.

 

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