Pertex Quantum Vest Claims to be Lightest Single Weather Protective Garment Available (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2004)

One problem facing the ultralight backpacking consumer (not the mainstream lightweight backpacker) is the not the lack of available technology for ultralight apparel: it's the lack of available desire to make ultralight garments!

Fortunately, Montane has taken a hairpin turn into the ultralight fringe, an element that most larger companies have ignored. And, at the end of the road: the Montane Vapour ultralight, and windproof, gilet (that's "vest" for those of us on the left side of the big ocean).

The Vapour is utterly simple: At 1.9 oz (size large), it's may be the lightest wind-resistant torso garment available.

The ability to cut the wind - and even a temporary drizzle - slightly has tremendous benefit to a backpacker. Even wind shirts with full length arm protection are difficult to ventilate when you're moving fast while wearing a pack. This is where the vest comes in.

Imagine an ensemble consisting of your base layer, the Montane Vapour vest, and an ultralight eVENT jacket: this could be a fastpacker's dream kit for long distance hiking in wet conditions.

The Montane Vapour vest has a half-length front zip, elasticated (that's "elastic" for those of us on the left side of the big ocean) armholes and hem, and a separate pocket that morphs the Vapour into a wearable fanny pack (trail runners will like that), and Pertex Quantum (now with Shield DWR technology) fabric is going to put the Vapour on a lot of Birthday gift lists next year.