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For everyday rainwear and less technical hikes, the Montbell Thunder Pass makes a strong value case: Montbell UK lists the men’s three-layer shell at £140, and a T3 reviewer reports it handled heavy rain and windy outings well. That does not make it a substitute for every technical mountain shell. Its lack of pit zips and the reviewer’s concerns about face coverage are meaningful trade-offs if you hike hard or spend time in exposed terrain.

What you get for £140

Montbell UK’s current men’s product listing describes the Thunder Pass as a relaxed-fit, PFAS-free, three-layer DRY-TEC shell intended for metropolitan wear and laid-back hikes, with room for layers. The page lists the jacket at £140 and specifies a 50-denier nylon ripstop outer, a weight of 328 g, water-pressure resistance of at least 20,000 mm, and breathability of 15,000 g/m²/24 hours measured under JIS L-1099 B-1. Those are Montbell’s published specifications, not independent test results. Montbell UK’s Thunder Pass listing

The listed features include a tri-axial hood, Aqua-Tect front zip, water-repellent pocket zips, adjustable cuffs and hem, two zipped hand pockets, seam sealing and an included stuff bag. Montbell calls it “Fully seam-sealed but not fully waterproof.” In particular, its Japan product page explains that pockets cannot be seam-sealed and valuables should be kept in a waterproof case; that page concerns an earlier listing, so it is useful for interpreting the warning, not for current model details. Montbell Japan’s Thunder Pass page

How it performed in reported use

T3 reviewer Matt Kollat says he used the 2026 refresh, model #1128770, for several weeks, including on a very rainy day in London with a backpack, windy coastal outings and countryside walks. He reports that the jacket neither wet out nor let moisture in during the London outing. He also says he became hot while walking, an important reminder that a waterproof shell’s comfort depends on exertion and ventilation as well as rain protection. This is a reviewer’s field report, not a controlled waterproofness test or a head-to-head comparison. T3’s Montbell Thunder Pass review, 30 September 2026

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Kollat praises its supple feel, packability, everyday versatility and value. He describes the Aqua-Tect zipper as somewhat stiff and prone to making the fabric bulge at the midsection. Those are his observations from use, not established fit or performance findings for every wearer.

Where the trade-offs matter

Ventilation on strenuous walks

The Thunder Pass has no pit zips, according to T3. If you tend to overheat while climbing or walking quickly, the lack of underarm vents may matter more than it does for commuting or a relaxed walk. Kollat’s report that he became hot while walking makes this a practical consideration, although it does not establish how the jacket will feel 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
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  • STOW-AWAY HOOD: This versatile jacket includes a stow-away hood, that unfolds from the collar—always available at a moment’s notice.
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Hood coverage in exposed weather

Montbell describes the hood as close-fitting while allowing head movement and visibility. Kollat wanted the front to extend farther to give the face more protection. If keeping wind-driven rain off your face is a priority, try the hood on with the layers you expect to wear and check its coverage before buying.

Pockets are not a dry bag

Water-repellent pocket zips do not make pocket contents safe from water. Follow Montbell’s warning and put valuables that must stay dry in a waterproof case.

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Is it suitable for hiking?

For day-to-day wear, countryside walks and less technical hikes, the evidence supports the Thunder Pass as a capable option at its listed UK price. Its three-layer construction and published protection figures provide a useful specification basis, and Kollat reports positive use in heavy rain and coastal wind. But those points do not prove long-term durability or establish that it is appropriate for every mountain objective.

For sustained, high-output hiking, consider whether the missing pit zips will frustrate you. For demanding or exposed mountain use, compare the hood and activity-specific features with shells designed for that environment rather than assuming the Thunder Pass’s fabric ratings settle the question. T3 characterizes the alternatives below as more technical options; its comparison is editorial, not proof that the jackets are interchangeable.

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Columbia Men's Glennaker Lake II Rain Jacket, Black/City Grey, Medium
  • 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.
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Does spending more get you something useful?

It can, if the extra features match your activity. In its 30 September 2026 review, T3 listed the Arc’teryx Beta AR at £600 and described it as a more technical shell with GORE-TEX PRO ePE, a DropHood and pit zips. T3 listed the Mountain Equipment Makalu at £300 and described it as a more hiking-focused shell with a helmet-compatible hood and pit zips. Those are the prices and descriptions in that review, not a guarantee of current local pricing or availability. See T3’s comparison and regional prices

T3’s reviewer summed up the price proposition this way: “The Montbell Thunder Pass is proof that a properly capable 3-layer waterproof shell doesn’t have to cost north of £300.” That is a reviewer’s value judgment, not a universal price threshold. The useful question is whether you need the ventilation, hood design or other mountain-specific features found on pricier shells—not simply whether a more expensive jacket exists.

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Columbia Men's Watertight II Jacket, 2024 Columbia Grey, Large
  • 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.
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Price and model details vary by region

Montbell UK’s listing shows the men’s Thunder Pass at £140 as of 5 October 2026. T3’s 30 September 2026 article reports prices of £140 in the UK, $150 in the US, €149 in Europe and AU$250 in Australia, and identifies the refreshed model as #1128770, replacing #1128635. The official UK page captured for this article does not display a model number. Check the official local listing for current price, stock, colors and model details before ordering.

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.