Biographical Information:
Name: Matt Bradley
Age: 23
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 10" / 178 cm
Weight: 160 lb / 73 kg
Email address: mattbradley1@gmail.com
City, State, Country: Santa Rosa, California, USA
Date: January 9, 2007
Backpacking Background: I started Backpacking in fall 2001 and it quickly became a passion. Since then I have become a real ounce-weenie. I have a very ultralight approach, somewhat in the style of Ray Jardine. In 2005 I attempted to thru-hike the PCT with a sub-10lb base weight. I completed 1700 miles before getting off the trail due to injuries. I am an all season backpacker and I usually don't hesitate to go on a trip just because it is windy, wet or cold.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Manufacturer: Montane
Year of Manufacture: 2003
URL: http://www.montane.co.uk
Listed Weight: 3.5 oz / 100 g
Weight as Delivered: 3.4 oz / 98 g
Materials: Pertex Microlite
MSRP: N/A
Product Description: The Montane Featherlite Smock is an extremely lightweight windbreaker pullover. The Smock is a relatively simple cut without embellishments like gussets or articulated elbows. It is cut with a drop tail, elasticized cuffs and waist, and a quarter-length YKK coil zipper. The Smock is constructed entirely of Pertex Microlight. This fabric seems rather fragile upon inspection but as I will explain later it is surprisingly durable. The Smock fits into an included stuff sack that Montane says is about the size of a "typical eating apple." I'd say it is more like the size of a tennis ball.
Montane Featherlite Smock

FIELD USE

I have used the Smock extensively for all manner of activities in all manner of weather conditions. I have used it cycling, day hiking, backpacking, car camping, for day-to-day use, and on my PCT hike through the deserts of California and the Cascade mountains of Oregon and Washington. It has seen rain, wind, sun, and snow (both falling and compacted underfoot). Temperatures have ranged from around 60°F (15°C) down to 25°F (-4°C). Elevations have ranged from sea level up to around 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). I also wore it while learning to use an ice axe on compacted snow fields which is a very abrasive environment.

SUMMARY

a.Impressions
I initially got the Smock when I was first transitioning to an ultralight backpacking approach. The jacket was shipped in its stuff sack and when I first opened the package I was shocked at how small it was. The blue color that I got is called "electric" and is quite bright although I have found it acceptable for wearing around town when out for walks or bike rides. Before ordering the jacket I was advised to size-up a little bit because they run small. This proved to be good advice. I would typically wear a medium but the size large is perfect for me.
b. Design
In the years I have owned this jacket I have never found the simple design to be a problem. I was initially concerned about the durability. When I tug on the seams I can see the stitching holes stretching. However, having worn this jacket through all manner of brush, chaparral, and while sliding down snow fields I can say that the material is quite durable. After three years of use it only shows minor snags and some pilling of the elastic material on the waist and cuffs. One problem I ran into was that the seam on the right chest started to separate after less than a year of use. I was able to stitch it up with no further problems but it does make me question the quality of manufacturing from this company.
The Smock has a ¼ length YKK zipper for adjusting ventilation. This zipper is easy to operate except that the storm flap behind it continually gets caught in the zipper. I was initially concerned that this would have a tendency to damage the fabric of the storm flap however I can so far see no damage to the fabric there. This once again attests to the surprising durability of the Pertex fabric. However, the fabric catching continues to be a nuisance and requires extra care every time I use the zipper. Perhaps Montane could reinforce the storm flap with a heavier duty material in future versions of the Smock.
c. Performance
When the Smock was new I was very impressed by the water repellency if the fabric. The weave is very tight and the DWR worked perfectly. However, I was young and stupid back then and I washed the jacket in laundry detergent which destroyed the water repellency. Montane recommends using Nikwax products to restore water repellency. I have tried this with limited success. Despite the initial water repellency of the Smock, it would not be a great choice for extended rain storms. I still wear it hiking on wet days when I am going to be working up a lot of sweat. It is significantly more breathable than a waterproof/breathable jacket and I would rather get a bit of rain soaking trough than drown in my own sweat.
The wind resistance on this jacket is excellent. On breezy, cool days the Smock is the only thing that will keep me comfortable whether I am climbing a hill or resting. It provides just the right amount of extra warmth while rarely making me sweaty. On occasion I have worn the Smock directly against my skin while doing laundry out on the trail. It works OK for this purpose but it makes me feel kind of hot and clammy. It is perfect for layering over an insulating jacket or vest and the wind resistance makes a breezy fleece jacket into a warm garment again on windy days. The Montane Smock is one of my favorite garments to wear outdoors. I can pack it with me almost anywhere. The included stuff sack is extremely small but I stopped using it a long time ago since it is easier to pack the unstuffed jacket into a nook in my pack or pocket. In fact, I hardly ever go anywhere without it and I consider it a great piece of survival gear since it is so small and light and can be stuffed with leaves and debris in an emergency to create a very warm insulating garment.
d. Conclusions
Montane has created an extremely versatile, wind and water repellent garment for only 3.4 oz. I do have a few concerns about the overall durability of the Smock but it hasn't been a serious problem in the time I've owned it. The Smock is clearly an ultralight piece of gear and needs to be treated accordingly. Nevertheless I have found it to be extremely versatile and it has suited my needs very well.

THINGS I LIKE

Lightweight
Surprisingly durable
Wide comfort range

THINGS I DON'T LIKE

Weak stitching
Zipper catches on storm flap

SIGNATURE

Peace and Love,
Matt

Owner Review by Matt Bradley

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