Montbell Dual Aspect Shell Jacket

Jump to: Our Verdict / Features / Specifications

A feature rich, lightweight shell jacket that can handle the worst of the UK weather.

Patagonia says

The Dual Aspect Jacket is a fully PFC-free waterproof/breathable technical shell built for alpine climbing in the harshest conditions. This combination of full storm protection for the worst possible weather, a construction designed specifically for freedom of movement in the mountains, and a materials package free of perfluorinated chemicals is an important step forward in creating highly technical jackets with lower impacts on the environment. Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.

Our Verdict

Patagonia’s Dual Aspect Shell Jacket has an abundance of high end features for dealing with the worst kinds of weather.

The full coverage neck combined with the adjustable hood provides great protection when out in the driving rain. Double napoleon pockets on the chest combined with higher seated hand pockets mean easily accessible pockets even when you have your backpack hip belt fastened.

Dual-way zippers on both the main zipper and the pit-zips mean they are easy to use even when wearing gloves.

To top it all off the jacket also features a RECCO® reflector for added security when out in the backcountry.

The one part of the jacket I found unusual was Patagonia’s choice to make this a 30D jacket and then market it as a climbing jacket, in my eyes 30D is way too low to be used anywhere near mountainous conditions. Which in turn makes this a perfect hill walking jacket than the proposed climbing jacket.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Shell is made of 3-layer H2No® Performance Standard 100% recycled nylon ripstop face with a slick jersey backer, a waterproof/breathable barrier and a PFC-free DWR finish (durable water repellent coating that does not contain perfluorinated chemicals) 
• Hood with laminated visor and reinforced brim effectively sheds water, plus two-way adjustment provides good visibility in poor conditions with or without a helmet 
• Two-way center-front zipper is easy to use with gloves and designed for stormy belays 
• Two chest pockets with storm flaps; two watertight handwarmer pockets stay clear of a harness or pack waistbelt 
• Watertight, two-way pit zips provide ventilation; engineered underarm gusset gives great reach without lifting the body of the jacket 
• Low-profile cuffs use tapered tab hook-and-loop closures for tight wrist seals; dual-adjust drawcord at hem keeps out weather 
• Concealed RECCO® reflector; Fair Trade Certified™ sewn

Specifications

• Small weighs: 445g
• Medium weighs: 478g
• Large weighs: 499g
• Fit: Regular

Fabric

• H2No® Performance Standard shell: 3-layer, 3.4-oz 30-denier ECONYL® 100% recycled nylon ripstop face with a slick jersey backer, a waterproof/breathable barrier and a PFC-free DWR finish (durable water repellent coating that does not contain perfluorinated chemicals).
• Fair Trade Certified™ sewn

Help and advice:

• Time-Saver Guide to PFC Free
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Waterproof Jacket
• What is Bluesign?
• Why is ‘PFC Free’ Important?
• Choosing a Waterproof Jacket
• MVTR Breathability
• Hydrostatic Head

(Unfortunately, we are unable to ship Patagonia products outside of the European Area (defined as the European Economic Area plus Switzerland and the UK))