The Montbell Storm Cruiser Rain Jacket is a 3-layer technical rain shell purposely designed for hiking, backpacking, and general mountain travel. Weighing 9.4 ounces in men’s large, it punches above its weight in features and performance, offering reliable weather protection and comfort in adverse conditions. Featuring pit zips, hipbelt-compatible chest pockets, a three-way adjustable hood, hem adjustment, and hook-and-loop wrist cuffs, it’s a durable rain jacket focused on function and reliability.

• Gender: Men’s and Women’s
• Type: 3L Waterproof/Breathable DRYTEC
• Breathability: 40,000 g/m2/24 hrs (JIS L-1099 B-1 method)
• Water resistance: 20,000mm
• Seam-taped: Yes
• Pockets: 2
• Weight: 9.4 oz (actual, men’s large)
• Fabric Body: 30-denier Ballistic nylon ripstop (PFAS-free water repellent finish)
• Features: Water-resistant zipper, three-way adjustable hood with brim, pit zips, hip-belt compatible chest pockets, elasticated cuffs, hem adjustment, optional roll-up hood

Fabric and Weather Protection

The Storm Cruiser uses a 3-layer waterproof/breathable construction with a durable outer fabric and a protective inner lining. It’s made with DRYTEC, Montbell’s 30-denier Ballistic nylon ripstop (PFAS-free water repellent finish) and has excellent breathability and waterproof ratings. While it is a little heavier and warmer than the Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket I previously owned, the exterior is more durable, quieter, and more comfortable to wear in cooler weather.

Long pit zips let you dump excess body heat and reduce perspiration

Breathability and Comfort

The Storm Cruiser’s breathability and waterproof ratings are excellent (see above), both in real life and in the testing lab, and the jacket handles heat and humidity well. In addition, the jacket has pit zips for thermal regulation, 17 inches in length, running from the elbows to mid-torso to vent heat built-up and prevent internal condensation. The pit zips also use water-resistant zippers and are easy to open or close on the fly while hiking.

Hipbelt-compatible handwarmer pockets provide accessible storage and hand protection on the move.

Hood and Adjustments

The head-sized (as opposed to helmet-sized) hood has a high neck for face protection and with three types of adjustment. This is a rare bounty!

• Elastic cords buried in the neck regulate the size of the face opening.
• A vertical velcro strap controls the position of the brim and allows you to fold the hood down to create a collar when it’s not needed.
• A horizontal elastic cord tgha wrap around the head and control hood volume

The combination of these elements makes this one of the best rain jacket hoods I’ve encountered over the past 20 years. Despite that, I still wear a waterproof Outdoor Research Billed Seattle Rain cap in extended rain to augment the bill coverage and keep water off my glasses.

The Storm Cruiser has a 3-way adjustable hood

Fit and Mobility

The fit is roomy without being ungainly, and it’s easy to layer the jacket over warm mid-layers. Articulated sleeves and a well-shaped torso allow for natural movement, whether hiking uphill, using trekking poles, or scrambling over uneven ground.

The sleeves are long enough to keep wrists covered during movement, and the hook-and-loop cuffs seal effectively over gloves. The hem length provides adequate coverage without interfering with a pack hip belt.

Hook and loop cuff seal out rain and seal in heat

Pockets and Layout

Pocket placement is practical for backpacking. The hand pockets are positioned high enough to remain accessible while wearing a hip belt. That’s rare on rain jackets sold in the USA. They are large enough for gloves or small items and provide good protection from rain. The water-resistant zippers feel solid and operate smoothly.

Weight and Packability

While the Montbell Storm Cruiser is not an ultralight jacket (9.4 oz in a men’s large), it’s still very lightweight for a 3-layer shell. It packs down to a manageable size, fits easily in a backpack, and does not feel cumbersome to carry. The slightly higher weight reflects its more durable fabric and construction.

Comparable 3L Waterproof/Breathable Rain Jackets

Recommendation

The Montbell Storm Cruiser is a superb rain shell for people who spend a lot of time outdoors in wet weather. It offers consistent waterproof performance, superb breathability, and a comfortable fit. Feature-rich, it may be more jacket than more occasional users need, but for regular hiking and backpacking, it provides an excellent mix of durability, functionality, and protection.

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