Mont Bell Neige Jacket
A$350
blue rather than grey; 385 grams

Mont Bell Rain Trekker Jacket A$230; 365 grams

Mont Bell Neige jacket and Rain Trekker jacket

Mont Bell use two fabrics for their technical shells. Goretex and Breeze Drytec. Goretex you have no doubt heard of, but Breeze Drytec is the one to take note of because it is even more breathable.

The numbers:
Breeze Drytec: 15,000 g/m2.24hrs
Goretex: 13,500 g/m2.24hrs
Typical waterproof - breathable fabric: 7,000 g/m2.24hrs

The Neige jacket and Rain Trekker jacket are made of the waterproof and ultra-breathable Breeze Drytec fabric. Both jackets are made of 3-layer fabric, yet are as light as (or lighter than) less-durable 2.5-layer jackets. This is largely because the (outer) face fabric is a special nylon called Ballistic. Ballistic is 150% more abrasion resistant and 200% stronger (tear strength) because the nylon has been heated and stretched, aligning the molecules like tensiled steel. Hence Mont Bell shells can be made very light without sacrificing durability.

The Neige and Rain Trekker jackets have pitzips for insulation and two side pockets. The Neige jacket also has an internal pocket. All zips are Aqua-tech (waterproof) zips.

The major difference between the jackets is that the Neige has reinforced shoulders and outer arms for durability. This makes the Neige the better option for mountaineering and hiking with a heavy pack and the Rain Trekker the ideal choice for adventure racing, day hiking, or mountaineering with lighter packs.

Mont Bell Light Alpine Pants
A$290

Mont Bell Light Alpine Pants

These are the pants equivalent of the Neige jacket described above. Again, the material is 3-layer Breeze Drytec with Ballistic nylon. The pants have full-length waterproof zips, internal gaiters, crampon scruff patches, and an integrated belt (hence you need no braces).

Bask Mont Blanc v3
A$380

Bask Mont Blanc v3

Dermitaz MP (13,000g/m2.24hrs)
3D-profiled knees, reinforced stretch material for knees and seat, adjustable belt and optional suspenders, 2-way waterproof YKK side zips with inner storm flaps, 2 side pockets with waterproof YKK zips.

We all love our clothing to be light - it makes clothing easier to carry and easier to wear. The products on this page achieve their lightness while still comprising 3-layer materials; that is, the inner protective layer has not been sacrificed in contrast to products made with 2.5-layer materials such as Goretex Paclite and Marmot Precip, which are more prone to being worn out through rubbing against the wearer.