We loved Montane's Spine jacket, and felt that for running in harsh conditions it would be hard to beat. Well has its replacement managed that tall order? Rob Greenwood zipped up to investigate. #waterproof #goretex #outdoorgear
I wish it had pit zips... Do you think for warmer but wet weather (im in the uk too) it would still be better than a Patagonia Torrentshell (with pit zips) or my other option, the Rab Zenith? Cheers!
Before I answer there's a fairly major caveat, which is that I've not used either; however, I don't think that Patagonia's H2No or the Paclite Plus featured on the Rab Zenith have anywhere near the levels of breathability that the Gore Tex Active featured on the Phase Nano, so I'd definitely go for that over the other two.
@@ukclimbingofficial I've read that breathability only works when the material is dry. So as soon as rain starts, the jacket can't push out moisture, making me think pit zips are the only way to cool down, as I don't plan to wear it unless it's raining...appreciate the reply!
@@xlmusic6419 That's not entirely true, but you're along the right lines. Breathability decreases (as opposed to stops) when the jacket's face fabric wets out, which is why you want to wash/proof your jacket frequently in order to help maintain that DWR treatment, which helps to prevent this happening. Pit Zips definitely have their uses, but their primary use is to dump heat whilst it's not raining, and if it's not raining then then why would you want to wear a waterproof? In my eyes you'd be far better getting a jacket that performs well in the rain (and looking after it).
Thanks for a great review, Rob. Does the Phase Nano have an internal popper at the top, that allows the jacket to be warn unzipped without falling off the shoulders. My inov-8 Stormshell does, and it is one of my favourite features that I would not compromise on
