Montane’s Minimus Lite running jacket promises an impressive balance of lightweight design and heavy-duty protection. The outdoor brand has built a strong reputation for creating reliable, weatherproof sportswear, trusted by hikers and runners alike for their durability and high-performance materials.
With a women’s size small weighing just 215g, the Minimus Lite is designed for minimal bulk without sacrificing waterproofing, thanks to a hydrostatic head rating of 20,000mm together with fully taped seams.
Montane also touts its breathability and stretch-fit construction, aimed at delivering comfort and freedom of movement on long, wet runs.
Ultra runner Lily Canter put the claims to the test during her muddy training runs, so does this jacket deserve a place in our list of the best waterproof running jackets?
Pros
- Stylish trim fit
- Warm and flexible
- Solid waterproofing
- Adjustable hood with stiff peak
- Lightweight and packable
Cons
- No option to clip back sides when partially unzipped
- Drawstring hood toggles flap in face
| RRP | £185 / $235 |
| Women's sizes | UK 6 - 16 |
| Men's sizes | XS–XXL |
| Waterproofing | Stretch fabric, 20,000mm |
| Weight | 215g / 7.6 oz (size 10) |
Design and features
I was immediately impressed with this jacket. Unlike many other waterproofs it looks fairly stylish, owing to the trim fit and simplistic design. One of the standout features of this attractive 20 denier Pertex Shield jacket is its lightweight packability—it can easily be stashed away when not in use, making it perfect for unpredictable weather.
I could roll it up small enough to fit inside my running belt giving me more flexibility when I didn’t want to carry a hydration vest. Although it is fitted, it does include some adjustment features.
There are cinchable drawstrings at the hem to help seal out the elements which is effective at preventing water from seeping in around the hips. And two decent-sized hand pockets on either side are big enough to store essentials like a phone or snacks, adding a level of convenience for longer runs.
The hood is another key design element—its relatively stiff peak is effective at keeping rain and snow out of your eyes, ensuring clear vision in harsh conditions. The hood is also adjustable at the back, allowing for a custom fit. Meanwhile elasticated cuffs are designed to minimise heat loss, keeping you warm when the temperatures drop.
Performance
With an impressive 20,000mm hydrostatic head rating this running jacket is perfect for light to moderate rain and snow. During autumn rain, I found it kept my upper body dry, and in temperatures below zero it held in a lot of warmth so I only needed one base layer underneath.
However, when I tested it in the shower (yes, really!) I found the force of the water did seep through in patches, so this might not be 100% effective in torrential rain.
For the usual rainy weather, though, the snug fit, elastic cuffs plus adjustable waist and hood were all very effective at preventing water from trickling in, and because it’s so lightweight, I didn’t feel weighed down even as the jacket absorbed moisture.
While there’s limited adaptability for heat, except being able to unzip the front for ventilation, the Minimus Lite largely excels in moisture management.
Unlike cheaper alternatives, it doesn't gather sweat along the inside panels. That being said, when I took it off after an hour or more of running, sweat had pooled along the seams.
Fit and comfort
This jacket excels in comfort and fit, and I loved the autumnal vibes given off by the saffron red colourway. The flattering cut is both functional and stylish – something that drew several compliments – and it allows for full freedom of movement while running, even on technical, twisting terrain.
The fabric’s soft, stretchy design is a standout feature; Montane has engineered it to move with your body, allowing for dynamic, unrestricted movement.
The material itself is constructed from abrasion-resistant nylon ripstop with reinforcement yarns, making it durable enough to withstand the demands of rugged trails. This durability doesn’t come at the expense of comfort though, as the jacket remains soft to the touch and extremely breathable.
During high-intensity runs, I found it effectively managed moisture, helping me stay dry when working up a sweat. Despite these strengths, I encountered a few minor annoyances with the jacket’s design.
When unzipped to cool down, the material either side of the zip tended to flap around, which was quite distracting.
A popper or snap button to secure them would be a useful addition to solve this nuisance. Additionally, the hood’s drawstrings bounced against my chin while running, which I found rather irritating.
Sustainability and price
Montane is clearly taking sustainability seriously, not just paying lip service to eco-friendly claims. One of the standout features of their approach is the Know What You Are Buying icon, which appears on all of their products.
This transparency initiative provides clear information on the materials used, including any potentially harmful chemistry, such as PFCs, which are often found in waterproof coatings. By including an overall percentage of lower impact materials, Montane allows consumers to make more informed choices and easily compare products.
The Minimus Lite, is made from 100% nylon giving it a rating of 0% for lower impact materials. While this may seem disappointing at first glance, it’s important to note that this jacket contains no PFCs, which is a significant positive. This means that while the jacket may not be the most sustainable in terms of materials, it is still a step forward in reducing harmful chemicals in outdoor gear.
Given its durability and high-quality construction, the Minimus Lite is an item worth investing in and holding on to for the long term – reducing waste in the process.
Although the product commands a relatively high price tag for a lightweight running jacket, this is rightly so, due to its top-notch waterproofing.
While this price reflects the quality and performance, there are cheaper alternatives like the Janji Rainrunner, which offers excellent breathability thanks to its layered panels. However, this added breathability comes at the expense of robust waterproofing.
When it comes to style though, the Minimus Lite stands out. Its trim, flattering fit is not only comfortable but also visually appealing, making you look good even in the worst of conditions.
Verdict
The Montane Minimus Lite running jacket strikes an impressive balance between performance, comfort, and style. With a 20,000mm hydrostatic head rating, it excels in moderate rain and snow, keeping you dry and comfortable without feeling weighed down.
Its lightweight, packable design and flattering fit make it ideal for trail runners, while the adjustable hood, waist and cuffs offer added protection. Though not highly adaptable for heat, its reasonable breathability ensures a decent amount of moisture management during intense runs.
While it’s pricier than some alternatives, the Minimus Lite's durability and sleek design make it a solid investment for serious runners.
About the author
Lily Canter is a freelance journalist and running coach (among a myriad of other jobs, including competitive ultra running) who contributes to LFTO with expert coaching advice and granularly detailed gear reviews.
She also founded women’s running club Great Bowden Runners. As a qualified England Athletics running coach, Lily loves nothing more than seeing women achieving their running goals.