Mountain Equipment Zeno Jacket – Men’s Review

Let’s Talk About Mountain Equipment Zeno Jacket – Men’s

The Mountain Equipment Zeno Jacket – Men’s is designed to offer serious weather protection in a lightweight and packable format. Mountain Equipment, a company renowned for its high-quality outdoor gear, aims to provide reliable waterproof and breathable protection with this jacket. It’s targeted towards hikers, climbers, and anyone needing a dependable shell for unpredictable weather.

I was on the hunt for a lightweight, packable waterproof jacket that could handle sudden downpours on the trail without adding unnecessary bulk to my pack. My old rain jacket, a heavy, non-breathable vinyl affair, was essentially a portable sauna. I needed something that breathed well and packed small.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the Mountain Equipment Zeno Jacket – Men’s’s lightweight feel and the quality of the recycled DRILITE fabric. It felt surprisingly robust for its weight, and the Alpine fit seemed trim but not restrictive. The jacket packed neatly into its hand pocket, a definite plus for saving space in my backpack.

Compared to the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L and the Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid, the Mountain Equipment Zeno Jacket – Men’s seemed a better fit for my needs. The Torrentshell was bulkier, and the Beta SL Hybrid was significantly more expensive. The Zeno hit the sweet spot of price, weight, and features.

My initial reaction was excitement. Finally, a lightweight jacket that didn’t feel like it would disintegrate at the first sign of a gust of wind. The promise of waterproof protection in such a compact package seemed almost too good to be true.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Mountain Equipment Zeno Jacket – Men’s to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Mountain Equipment Zeno Jacket – Men’s on a multi-day hiking trip in the Scottish Highlands. The weather was, predictably, varied, with sunshine one minute and torrential rain the next. I experienced conditions ranging from drizzle to full-blown storms.

The jacket performed admirably in the wet conditions. The DRILITE fabric kept me dry even during sustained rainfall, and the adjustable Mountain Hood provided excellent coverage. The YKK WR zips on the pockets kept my essentials dry.

The jacket required no breaking in and felt comfortable from the first wear. The articulated sleeves allowed for a full range of motion, crucial when navigating tricky terrain with hiking poles. The fit felt secure without restricting movement.

The only minor issue I noticed after the first use was some condensation build-up inside the jacket during periods of high exertion. This was easily mitigated by opening the pit zips, but it highlighted the limits of the fabric’s breathability in very humid conditions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Mountain Equipment Zeno Jacket – Men’s has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of kit. The fabric has held up well to abrasion from my backpack straps and the occasional brush with rocks and branches. I’ve used it extensively on mountain biking, hiking, and climbing trips.

There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear, despite some fairly rough treatment. All the seams are still intact, and the zippers are functioning smoothly. The jacket washes easily in a machine and dries quickly, making maintenance a breeze.

Compared to my previous rain shell, the Zeno outperforms it in almost every aspect. It’s lighter, more breathable, more packable, and offers superior weather protection. It’s also holding up to wear much better than I anticipated.

Breaking Down the Features of Mountain Equipment Zeno Jacket – Men’s

Specifications

The Mountain Equipment Zeno Jacket – Men’s boasts the following specifications:

• Fabric: Recycled Polyamide with PU Membrane (DRILITE 2.5-layer). This provides a balance of waterproofness, breathability, and environmental friendliness.
• Weight: 11.3 oz (320g). An impressively light weight for a fully waterproof jacket, making it ideal for activities where minimizing weight is crucial.
• Fit: Alpine. A trim, athletic fit that allows for a full range of motion while minimizing excess fabric.
• Hood: Fully adjustable Mountain Hood. Provides excellent protection from the elements with a secure and customizable fit.
• Zips: YKK centre front zip with laminated outer flap and internal flap and YKK underarm pit zips with internal flap. High-quality zippers and additional flaps ensure waterproof protection and allow for ventilation.
• Pockets: 2 large ventilated pockets with YKK WR zips. Ample storage space with water-resistant zippers to keep essentials dry.
• Cuffs: Adjustable cuffs. Allow for a secure and customized fit to seal out the elements.
• Hem: Dual tether hem drawcords. Provide a secure and adjustable fit around the waist.
• Packability: Packs into hand pocket with twin karabiner carry loops. Convenient and space-saving packing with the option to clip it to a harness or backpack.

These specifications are important because they directly contribute to the jacket’s performance and usability. The lightweight fabric and Alpine fit make it comfortable to wear during high-output activities. The waterproof zippers and adjustable hood provide reliable protection from the elements.

Performance & Functionality

The Mountain Equipment Zeno Jacket – Men’s performs its job exceptionally well. It provides reliable waterproof protection, is lightweight and packable, and offers a comfortable and athletic fit. It excels at keeping the user dry and comfortable during various outdoor activities.

Its strengths include its lightweight design, excellent weather protection, and well-thought-out features such as the adjustable hood and pit zips. A weakness is breathability; while adequate for most conditions, it might struggle during high-exertion activities in very humid environments. Overall, it exceeds expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent. The materials used feel durable and well-made. The weight is impressively low, and the Alpine fit offers a good balance of mobility and weather protection.

The jacket is user-friendly. The adjustments are intuitive, and the features are well-placed and easy to use. There is no significant learning curve; it’s ready to go straight out of the box.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Mountain Equipment Zeno Jacket – Men’s should last for many years. The recycled Polyamide fabric is durable, and the YKK zips are known for their reliability. Regular washing and reproofing will help maintain its waterproof performance.

It’s easy to maintain. It can be machine washed and tumble dried on a low setting, and a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment can be reapplied as needed to maintain its water repellency.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mountain Equipment Zeno Jacket – Men’s doesn’t come with many additional accessories, focusing on minimalist design. The included stuff sack, integrated into the hand pocket, is the primary accessory. There are no external loops to attach items.

Customization options are limited, with no specific provisions for attaching external accessories or modifying the fit beyond the adjustable cuffs and hem. Its strength is in its simplicity.

Pros and Cons of Mountain Equipment Zeno Jacket – Men’s

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Who Should Buy Mountain Equipment Zeno Jacket – Men’s?

The Mountain Equipment Zeno Jacket – Men’s is perfect for hikers, backpackers, climbers, and trail runners who need a lightweight and packable waterproof jacket for unpredictable weather. It’s an ideal choice for anyone who prioritizes weight savings and performance.

Those seeking a highly breathable jacket for high-output activities in humid environments might want to consider a more specialized option. People who prefer a jacket with numerous pockets and external attachment points may also find the Zeno’s minimalist design limiting.

Must-have accessories include a lightweight backpack to carry the jacket and appropriate base layers to regulate body temperature in varying conditions. Regular application of a DWR treatment will help maintain the jacket’s waterproof performance.

Conclusion on Mountain Equipment Zeno Jacket – Men’s

The Mountain Equipment Zeno Jacket – Men’s is a standout performer in the lightweight waterproof jacket category. It delivers on its promise of reliable weather protection in a packable and comfortable design. Mountain Equipment has successfully created a jacket that excels in simplicity and functionality.

The price is justified given the quality of the materials, the performance of the jacket, and its durability. At around $130, it offers excellent value for money compared to other high-end waterproof shells.

I would personally recommend the Mountain Equipment Zeno Jacket – Men’s to anyone seeking a lightweight and reliable waterproof shell for outdoor adventures. It has become my go-to jacket for hiking, climbing, and backpacking, and I am confident that it will serve me well for many years to come. Invest in staying dry and comfortable on your next adventure.