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Is the Montbell Thunder Pass Worth It? A £140 Waterproof Jacket Reviewed

The Montbell Thunder Pass looks like strong value for city rain and casual hikes, but no pit zips, hood coverage and non-waterproof pockets limit its appeal for technical use.
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For everyday rainwear and less technical hikes, Montbell’s Thunder Pass makes a convincing case at £140. Montbell UK lists it as a PFAS-free, three-layer shell, and T3 reviewer Matt Kollat reports that it handled a very rainy London day, windy coastal outings and countryside walks. But no pit zips, limited face coverage from the hood in the reviewer’s experience, and a warning that the pockets are not fully waterproof help explain why a more technical mountain shell may still be worth paying for.

What do you get for £140?

Montbell UK currently lists the men’s Thunder Pass Jacket at £140. Montbell describes it as a relaxed all-rounder for city wear and laid-back hikes, with space for layers. Its published specifications and features are:

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  • Construction: three-layer DRY-TEC with a 50-denier nylon ripstop outer; Montbell describes the construction as PFAS-free.
  • Weight: 328 g, according to Montbell UK.
  • Water-pressure resistance: at least 20,000 mm, according to Montbell UK.
  • Breathability: 15,000 g/m²/24 hours, measured using JIS L-1099 B-1, according to Montbell UK.
  • Details: a tri-axial hood, Aqua-Tect front zip, water-repellent pocket zips, adjustable cuffs and hem, two zipped hand pockets, sealed seams and an included stuff bag.

Those water-resistance and breathability figures are Montbell’s published fabric specifications, not independent verification of the finished jacket in every condition. In particular, a high fabric rating does not make every opening or pocket waterproof.

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Is the Thunder Pass waterproof in real use?

T3 Active Section Editor Matt Kollat says he used the 2026 refresh for several weeks, including during a very rainy day in London with a backpack. He reports that the jacket neither wetted out nor let moisture in on that outing. He also wore it in windy coastal conditions and on countryside walks, and praised its soft, supple feel, versatility and packability. This is useful field reporting, not a standardized waterproofness test or a head-to-head comparison.

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Kollat also says he became hot while walking. That matters if you plan to wear the jacket during sustained, strenuous activity: waterproof fabric performance and ventilation are different things, and this jacket has no pit zips.

What are the practical compromises?

No pit zips for extra ventilation

The Thunder Pass does not have underarm pit zips. The shell’s listed breathability may help manage moisture, but it does not provide the direct airflow of opening vents when exertion builds. For commuting, casual walks and moderate hikes, that may be an acceptable omission; for fast or strenuous uphill travel, it is a feature worth prioritizing.

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  • WATERPROOF JACKET: Crafted from a waterproof nylon shell durable enough to withstand anything from drizzle to downpour at a moment's notice
  • PACKABLE PROTECTION: With a sleek, packable design, this jacket folds into its own hand pocket for easy transport
  • STOW-AWAY HOOD: This versatile jacket includes a stow-away hood, that unfolds from the collar—always available at a moment’s notice.
  • HANDY FEATURES: Includes zippered hand pockets, elastic cuffs, and an adjustable hem that helps seal out the elements.
  • BUILT TO LAST: Columbia’s attention to detail is what sets our apparel apart. Specifying only the highest quality materials, expert stitching, and craftsmanship. This is a long-lasting garment you will enjoy for seasons to come.

The hood’s face coverage may not suit everyone

Montbell describes the hood as close fitting while allowing head movement and visibility. Kollat wanted it to extend farther at the front for better face protection. Those are complementary considerations: a hood can feel secure and preserve visibility yet still leave a wearer wanting more coverage in driving rain.

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Pocket zips do not make pockets waterproof

Montbell’s UK listing says the jacket is “Fully seam-sealed but not fully waterproof.” Montbell Japan’s page for an earlier listing explains the pocket caveat: pockets cannot be seam-sealed, so they are not fully waterproof, and valuables should be carried in a waterproof case. A water-repellent zip should not be treated as protection for a phone, wallet or other moisture-sensitive item.

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The front zip may feel stiff

Kollat found the Aqua-Tect front zip somewhat stiff and observed that it could make the fabric bulge around the midsection. Treat this as one reviewer’s experience rather than a universal fit issue; it is a reason to check the zip and jacket drape when trying one on.

Should you spend more on a waterproof jacket?

It depends on whether the added features solve a problem you actually have. T3’s 30 September 2026 review compares the Thunder Pass with the Arc’teryx Beta AR and Mountain Equipment Makalu, describing them as more technical options and listing UK prices of £600 and £300 respectively. T3 describes the Beta AR as having GORE-TEX PRO ePE, a DropHood and pit zips, and the Makalu as a hiking-focused shell with a helmet-compatible hood and pit zips. Those differences may matter for technical mountain use; the higher prices do not by themselves make either jacket the right choice for every wearer.

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  • WATERPROOF JACKET: Crafted from a waterproof nylon shell durable enough to withstand anything from drizzle to downpour at a moment's notice
  • PACKABLE PROTECTION: With a sleek, packable design, this jacket folds into its own hand pocket for easy transport
  • STOW-AWAY HOOD: This versatile jacket includes a stow-away hood, that unfolds from the collar—always available at a moment’s notice.
  • HANDY FEATURES: Includes zippered hand pockets, elastic cuffs, and an adjustable hem that helps seal out the elements.
  • BUILT TO LAST: Columbia’s attention to detail is what sets our apparel apart. Specifying only the highest quality materials, expert stitching, and craftsmanship. This is a long-lasting garment you will enjoy for seasons to come.
Consideration Montbell Thunder Pass More technical options cited by T3
Price in the cited sources £140 on Montbell UK’s listing, accessed 5 October 2026. Arc’teryx Beta AR: £600; Mountain Equipment Makalu: £300, as reported by T3 on 30 September 2026. Prices and availability may change.
Ventilation No pit zips, according to T3’s review. T3 says both alternatives have pit zips.
Hood or mountain-specific detail Tri-axial hood; Kollat wanted more coverage at the face. T3 describes the Beta AR’s DropHood and the Makalu’s helmet-compatible hood.
Best-supported fit in the evidence Everyday wear, city rain and less technical hikes, based on Montbell’s positioning and Kollat’s reported use. More feature-rich choices to consider when technical mountain features are a priority; the cited review does not establish that they are interchangeable or universally superior.

Prices outside the UK differ: T3 reported regional prices of £140, $150, €149 and AU$250 in its 30 September 2026 review. Check the official Montbell store for your region for current price, stock, colour choices and model details; the UK page cited here does not show a model number in its captured listing.

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Who should buy the Montbell Thunder Pass?

The Thunder Pass is a strong value candidate if you want a relatively light, packable shell for daily rain, travel, casual walking and less technical hiking, and you do not need pit zips or a helmet-compatible hood. Its listed weight and three-layer construction add context to the price, while Kollat’s reported outings offer a favorable—but limited—account of real-world use.

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  • ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Columbia Men's Watertight II Jacket is crafted of a waterproof nylon shell durable enough to withstand anything from drizzle to downpour at a moment's notice.
  • HANDY FEATURES: This rain jacket features an abrasion resistant chin guard, two zippered side pockets, elastic cuffs, and an elastic hem.
  • COMFORT & WARMTH: Crafted of a waterproof 100% nylon shell, this rain jacket is lightweight while remaining protective. It also packs into your hand pocket.
  • SNUG FIT: Elastic details and a zippered closure provide a snug, yet comfortable fit that allows for movement.
  • OMNI-SHIELD - Go ahead, try and get dirty. Omni-Shield helps you stay clean and dry by resisting the absorption of liquids. Unlike most fabrics that absorb moisture, Omni-Shield repels moisture and dries quickly—avoiding stains and keeping you clean.

Look at more technical shells if your plans regularly involve hard exertion, exposed mountain weather or helmet use, or if additional ventilation and more face coverage are must-haves. The available reporting does not establish long-term durability or comparative performance, so it cannot settle whether the Thunder Pass will last as long as a more expensive jacket.

Verdict

For everyday rainwear and less technical hikes, the Montbell Thunder Pass is easy to recommend on value: Montbell lists a PFAS-free, three-layer shell for £140, and T3’s reviewer reports favorable use across city, coast and countryside outings. It is not a universal substitute for a technical mountain shell. The missing pit zips, the hood coverage noted by the reviewer and the non-waterproof pockets are real trade-offs—not reasons to spend more unless they matter for your use.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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