Heading to Japan and will be doing a lot of outdoor adventuring on a pretty tight timeframe so I don’t want weather to be something I worry myself about.
I’m looking for a light packable spray jacket that isn’t plastic bag adjacent in terms of quality, doesn’t look awful and something I can pack down pretty small.
In terms of cost I’d like to keep it down where possible, also open to other forms of outer shell including ponchos packable spray jackets super compact umbrellas etc.
Just did this, wait till you get to Japan and go to a Montbell store
Get a rain shell, puffer, and umbrella. It will be cheaper in yen and they have a tax free station (or use Pie VAT app) for foreigners.
It's high quality, cheaper, ultralight approved, and you can try it all out in the store.
Yup, this was going to be my exact suggestion. Montbell rainwear and puffers are really well regarded for onebag and you'll get them way cheaper over there. There's a specific puffer (maybe the Plasma?) that is heavily recommended for its weight:warmth ratio and the Versalite is considered one of the best packable rain jackets (and I believe the Japan version has pockets that the international version doesn't). They'd pair superbly.
You've also got the option of Snow Peak too which is another great outdoor leaning Japanese lifestyle brand with really nice jackets.
I think I went to one in Kyoto that was right next to the central rail station but it's all sort of a blur.
u/OP the stores are pretty big, however. Idk if you're American, but picture like an REI store size if you're familiar (which is big for Japan, it was actually nice being in a proper capitalism warehouse lol).
I would drop a caveat about the sizing though. They are Japanese sizes, so they run small for fat north american folk like myself.
I tried a few montbell jackets on when I was in Kyoto and was near the mega mall nearby Kyoto station, and the sleeves on the jacket I tried were super baggy but the body fit was extremely tight. So unfortunately had to fall back on "western" options.
Larger Montbell stores in Japan carry their “western fit” styles they sell in North America and Europe.
It’s very polite of them to call our sizes “western fit” instead of just “bad habits and no self control fit”
It’s not just that the “western fit” sizes are wider, they are also cut for taller people with broader shoulders. It’s not entirely about weight. I’m a 5’2” woman and in Japanese sizes for Montbell jackets I buy a men’s small instead of a women’s medium just to get the sleeves to be long enough. The women’s “western fit” size small OTOH isn’t too short.
Ah yes, good point.
I was able to fit into a Japanese XL ha
some Montbell stores carry "R" (relaxed) sizes which I find fit overfed foreigners a little better
How much cheaper is it? Which montbell items did you get, and did you compare to the US prices? Versalite is $285 US; how much is it in Japan? Just want some actuals to compare cuz I’m about to do a similar trip. There’s also the time problem, as I don’t have as much time to find a store once I land.
I already have a lot of gear. So, I ended up getting a bigger puffer for snow trips and whatnot.
The Alpine Down Puffer, https://www.montbell.com/jp/en/products/detail/1101708?fo=0&color=NV
Sorry, I can't give you an exact price, because I bought Christmas gifts for other people (so my CC charge isn't right) and I don't have the receipt.
It's online at that link for JPY42,415 ($272 USD), I want to say my charge was $180 USD so around JPY28,000?
What city are you landing in? A trip to the Montbell store from the major cities should be fairly quick.
Ah, about 1/3 off. That's pretty good! I have an Arcteryx for my rain jacket + insulating layer, but have been wanting to try Montbell stuff to see how they compare. Thanks for the quick reply and info!
If you already know your sizes, you can also look at Montbell's factory outlet website (https://webshop.montbell.jp/outlet/) to ship to a local store that you are heading to. Takes about 4-5 days to reach the store typically (but can be up to a week), and you can still apply tax free if the store support that (not all does, so check before hand). Limited stocks and colors, but they update new stocks regularly.
The outlet prices are slightly discounted against retail, and they indicate whether it's western sizing or not. Bought a western sized Alpine down parka for my wife at only around 140 USD recently via shipping from the outlet site to a local store when I visited Japan in Nov.
Versalite is about 30,000 yen. Converted to USD is about $192.29. You can another 10% off at locations that offer tax free.
It's 7% refund instead of 10% using the pie vat app, they take 3% as the administration fee.
Thanks for the reply and the info!
This. I bought a Montbell Versalite simply because it’s the best ultralight on the market. I wasn’t going to Japan but I did buy it from Montbell Japan’s website and had it shipped. Wonderful jacket. You happen to be going to the country that makes it!
Just go to montbell on day one. Source: I bought my rain jacket at montbell in Japan :)
It’s fantastic.
Outdoor research helium jacket is the answer. It looks good. Is light weight. Very water proof
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KETL Bodbrella folds itself
https://preview.redd.it/gegzjwdud89g1.jpeg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=89c70096c6f5ea8eb17fc1cf1dd43fd868617a9f
into the pocket.
I brought a rain jacket but never used it there in a month. Instead a bought lightweight umbrella in Montbell and used it all the time.
As mentioned before, just wait until you get to Japan and grab a Montbell Versalite. Love mine. Truly Ultralight, and packs down to the size of a baseball (even my western sized XL).
Bluffworks has one that folds into its own pocket and has actually useful pockets. Breathable too.
I went to Japan couple of time with a Coalatree Barrage Technical Shell. It packed down really small though I didn't pack it into its own pocket, but instead rolled it into an even smaller MEC small packing cube. Easily fit in the crossbody sling bag that I used while walking around. Didn't feel like a gross plastic bag when wearing it even when humid out. Layered it with a puffy jacket underneath for insulation when needed
For extra humid days I bought a really tiny umbrella at a store connected to a train station
i use outdoor reseach fold rain jacket, 10000 water resistant, I use for trail running and travelling, light weight, strong functional, durable, vaule for money,
I’d get a small umbrella for the city and a rain poncho for backpacking. There are plenty of options for lightweight packable rain gear, but anything decent will be pricey.
Rab Phantom is amazing and packs to nothing.
**or just get one quality wool coat… handles rain, manages moisture and movement —unlike down - is warm, cozy, breathable—unlike rain shells - you don’t need to pack them, they usually have nice pockets—wear in the airport, hike, walking all day in the city. - long(knee-ish), allows more comfort,coverage, and temp control, -button ups- one handed use even with gloves, repairable, massively more durable-sustainable than zippy’s(no.1 fail point, sensitive)
*** also japan makes so much dope gear… so shop there for sure! do a little research before, enjoy good luck
*** just offering upgraded gear thoughts
Marmot PreCip
I came here to say this. The PreCip is one of the best bargains out there. Great light shell. I have owned several over the years, and have beaten them up backpacking.
Umbrella. No one wears a rain jacket in Asia.
As evidenced by all the Montbell recommendations, right?
true when it's hot, but in winter when it's cold there are plenty of locals who wear rain jackets, especially when hiking.
Patagonia Houdini /thread
Seriously though, I travel for work a ton and never go anywhere without it now.
I thought this was more a Windbreaker than rain jacket?
They said packable spray jacket not “work in rain for 12 hours” jacket.