ANATOLY IVANOV / PROSE / 2008-08-05

OUTDOOR 2008: MONTANE SLIPSTREAM WINDSHIRT PREVIEW

by Anatoly IVANOV

BACKPACKING / CLIMBING / CYCLING / RUNNING / TRAVEL / PREVIEWS

Despite the widespread misunderstanding of the windshirt concept by the outdoor enthusiasts, Montane continues to deliver for the shrewd. Among the lightest windshirts on the planet, the Slipstream combines the best materials, the minimum of features and the great Montane fit.

Photo: Montane Slipstream / With permission from Montane / Author: Image Visual Communications

If you’re one of those who misses out on the great features of a windshirt-based clothing system, both for the backcountry and the city, I’ll do my best to explain its functions in a separate post. Subscribe to my RSS feed to stay tuned.

WHAT’S NEW AND INTERESTING?

For spring 2009, Montane designs a new iteration of the classical ultralight windshirt:

• Pertex Quantum Core main body fabric: 32 g/m2 ultralight densely woven nylon breathable to 98%, wind-resistant to 1 ft3/mn and water repellent to a spray grade 4 rating.
• Pertex Quantum Rip-stop outer-arms and shoulders fabric: 29 g/m2 ultralight densely woven nylon breathable to 98%, wind-resistant to 1 ft3/mn and water repellent to a spray grade 4 rating.
• Slim cut with drop tail.
• Full length, semi-automatic front zip with anti-snag baffle.
• No hood (I rarely use a hood on the windshirts that do have it).
• Articulated arms.
• Elasticized hem and cuffs.
• 85 g (3 oz) in size Medium.

I’ve tried the preproduction version of the Slipstream at the Montane booth during the European Outdoor 2008 show in Friedrichshafen: great fit in size medium.

The Pertex Quantum fabric is excellent: I have been wearing it almost daily since 2005!

Unfortunately, a lot of windshirt manufactures have either cancelled their super thin wind-shell products or have switched to cheaper and slightly lower performing fabrics… As a response to the lack of retailer and consumer interest.

In my opinion, education is key. Price is less relevant for such an indispensable item. Hence my upcoming windshirt post.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

• Manufacturer: Montane (montane.co.uk)
• Model: Slipstream
• Year: 2009
• Materials: Pertex Quantum Core, Pertex Quantum Rip-stop, elastic material at hem and cuffs, zipper
• Main features: a rare ultralight windshirt made of the excellent Pertex Quantum material
• Men’s model: yes
• Men’s model weight: 85 g (3 oz) in size Medium
• Women’s model: no

AVAILABILITY

Should be in stores worldwide in spring 2009.

MY QUESTIONS AND DOUBTS

Can’t think of any right now.

But, as always, I remain a bit reserved till the moment I try the gear for some time in real-life conditions.

I suspect this one will perform without a hitch though.

ALTERNATIVES

• GoLite Wisp windshirt
• Marmot Ion windshirt (my personal favorite)
• Montbell UL windshirt
• Outdoor Research Synapse windshirt
• Patagonia Nine Trails windshirt
• Wild Things Epic windshirt

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