New from the nice people at Montane is what they say is the
world's lightest weather-resistant jacket...
The new Jestream fluttered through our letterbox and landed
softly on the doorstep with a resounding thudette. It's tiny and
light and very, very minimalist. Made from Pertex's ultra-lightweight
Quantum fabric, the Jetstream is totally windproof and, thanks
to a DWR - durable water repellant - treatment, also reasonably water
resistant.
What you're really wondering though, is just how light and small
it is. Well, it comes coccooned in a neat little carrying pouch with
a microfleece backing that's designed not to go around your waist,
but to strap neatly onto your arm.
The weight, with the carrying pouch is 98 grammes for a
large. Without the pouch though, it's an astonishing 77
grammes on the OM digital scales of justice. That's just mad.
It's about the same size as a medium satsuma and, packed in its
carrying pouch, slightly bigger than the iconic iPod, though it'll
keep you significantly warmer...
We haven't used it in anger yet, but the gament incorporates a
drop tail along with a close fit for active users, has a full-length
zip and reflective dots for safety at night. Based on previous
experience, we'd expect excellent breathability from the Pertex
Quantum fabric.
It's not designed for use with heavy packs, but if you're after a
tiny, stash and forget windproof for, say, running, or biking, then
the Jetsream should be right up your sleeve...
In the shops now priced at £60, the Montane
web site now has their new autumn / winter 2005 catalogue in
dowloadable PDF form, but as it's 5MB, you'd best have broadband or a
lot of spare time...
