Weight: 331g (m), 301g (w)

Best for: Packability and all-round use in all but the worst weather.

Overview

This affordable, lightweight jacket is constructed with recycled Pertex Shield Revolve 2.5-layer fabric with a 20,000mm waterproof rating. For its price and weight, it has a sufficient feature set, including a fixed hood with peripheral cord adjustment, pack and harness-friendly water-resistant pockets, pit zips and a drawcord at the waist. 

Performance

The relaxed but functional fit of this jacket leaves plenty of room for clothing layers underneath. It allows good mobility for fast-paced walking and tricky terrain, and the hood has tramping-standard features, such as an easy-to-use cinch-cord, a reasonable brim and good head coverage. 

I was impressed with the DWR coating, which, while new, shed water like a duck’s back, but the single flap coverings on the pit zips can be prone to leak in prolonged rain. The inner coating of the Shield Revolve fabric has a rubbery feel which is clammy against bare skin and doesn’t wick moisture as well as 3-layer fabrics, but it’s otherwise quiet and comfortable. 

Breathability was passable, with some evident moisture build-up inside after working hard, but the large pit zips do assist in mitigating this. Overall, this is a decently weatherproof and practical jacket suited to casual tramping, travel and walking.

What we like

Light and packable, reasonably priced, practical features.

Limitations

Moderate breathability, clammy against bare skin, pit zips could be better sealed.

Why buy the Minimalist Pertex? 

The Minimalist lives up to its name in weight and cost but doesn’t lack features for tramping and travel use, with acceptable breathability and sufficient weatherproofing for all but the stormiest weather.