Montbell Thunder Pass Jacket review: 3-layer waterproof shell that makes expensive shells harder to justify

This is a big moment. It’s the first time I’m reviewing anything from Japanese outdoor specialist Montbell on T3. Better still, I’ve been testing one of the brand’s ‘entry-level’ waterproof shells, the Thunder Pass, which feels like the perfect introduction to what the company does so well.

What makes the Thunder Pass fascinating is its ability to deliver high-end specs at an affordable price. It’s not often you get a 3-layer construction with decent waterproofing and breathability below the £200/$200 mark. On top of that, you get a 50D ripstop outer and a fabric that feels surprisingly light and supple for something this durable.

I’ve been testing the Thunder Pass for the last few weeks, and it’s quickly becoming my go-to everyday waterproof shell, not just because it looks great. I love Arc’teryx and Montane waterproofs as much as anyone, but many of them feel built for the mountains. The Thunder Pass feels just as at home everywhere else, and that’s exactly where I’ve been using it.

Montbell Thunder Pass Jacket review

Price and availability

The Thunder Pass has been part of Montbell's range for well over 15 years, but the jacket was refreshed for 2026, replacing the long-running #1128635 version with the new #1128770 model, which I tested.

It’s available for £140 / $150 / €149 / AU$250 at Montbell UK, Montbell US, Montbell EU and Montbell AU. In the UK, the jacket comes in seven colours. I tested the wonderful yellow colourway.

Design and build quality

The Thunder Pass uses Montbell’s own DRY-TEC waterproofing technology, a 3-layer PFAS-free construction with a 20,000mm hydrostatic head rating. It’s rated at 15,000 gsm/ 24 for breathability.

If you don’t know what those numbers mean, all you need to know is that the Thunder Pass will protect you from moisture without making you feel too stuffy. Better still, the 3-layer fabric feels supple and light, which is unusual for such a well-specced shell.

Speaking of weight, my men’s medium jacket weighs a mere 328g (11.6oz), which isn’t incredibly lightweight but plenty light for the purpose. It feels light enough to have in your bag as an emergency layer, should the rain start pouring.

Despite its supple, lightweight nature, the Thunder Pass features a 50-denier nylon ripstop outer fabric with a water-repellent finish. The different panels are connected with neat stitches that are fully seam-sealed on the inside to prevent water from entering.

The colour-matched Aqua-Tect zip runs through the full length of the front of the jacket, and the pocket zips should be water-repellent, too. There are no pit zips, which might be an issue for ‘serious’ hikes, but for everyday use, the breathable fabric and the front zip offer more than enough ventilation.

The tri-axial hood offers a close fit, but I wish the front extended a bit more to keep rain from hitting my face. I really like Arc’teryx’s hood design, and even though I appreciate that the Beta AR is more of a mountaineering shell than an urban jacket, the same feature that keeps your face moisture-free at high altitudes could do the same in the city.

The website says the Thunder Pass’s hood should roll up with a hook-and-loop tab fastener, but I couldn’t figure out how to do it. On the other hand, the cuffs are adjustable with a Velcro-style strap, and there are elastic hem drawcords to prevent drafts from entering the jacket from below.

Oh, Montbell supplies a colour-matched stuff bag with the jacket, which is not only a nice gesture but it also makes it easier to keep it tidy in your backpack. Excellent thinking!

Performance

I love the supple nature of the Thunder Pass (might have mentioned this a couple of times already) – it makes the jacket perfect for its purpose as an everyday shell. Three-layer fabrics can feel horrible, plasticky/clammy, but Montbell’s DRY-TEC material allows full freedom of movement and doesn’t make squishy sounds, either.

I used the shell on various occasions, including a full (very rainy) day in London, windy days by the coast and walks around the countryside. The London day proved to be an excellent test for the waterproofing, not just because of the relentless rain but also because I wore a backpack, which made me hotter.

To my delight, the Thunder Pass performed exceptionally well, neither wetting out nor letting moisture in. Granted, I got a bit hot while pounding the streets of London, but that would happen in any layer, so I wouldn’t chalk that up to a Thunder Pass’s inability to ventilate my body heat.

Wind protection is excellent, too, but as I mentioned above, I would have appreciated a more protective hood. The hood adjustability is good, and I like that there is a little lip at the front to keep the rain and wind out of your face when it’s coming sideways.

The length is perfect; the back is slightly longer so that you can lean forward without exposing your lower back. The arms are also the correct size, and I appreciated the Velcro-style fasteners at the cuffs, which allow quick and precise adjustments.

The front zipper is worth its own paragraph. The Aqua-Tect model integrates water-resistant properties directly into the zipper track, eliminating the need for storm flaps. Not only does it reduce fabric weight, but it also prevents the zip from catching. It’s a bit stiff, though, so the zipper can make the fabric bulge in the midsection. Not my favourite look!

Verdict

The Montbell Thunder Pass is proof that a properly capable 3-layer waterproof shell doesn’t have to cost north of £300. It feels unusually soft and supple for such a protective jacket, packs down easily, looks good enough for everyday wear and still has the waterproofing and durability needed for hiking.

There are a few compromises, most notably the lack of pit zips and a hood that could offer more protection around the face, but neither feels particularly serious at this price. The Thunder Pass offers exceptional value and has quickly become one of my favourite everyday waterproof shells.

Also consider

If money is less of an issue, the Arc’teryx Beta AR is a considerably more technical shell designed for serious mountain use. Its GORE-TEX PRO ePE construction, excellent DropHood, and pit zips offer greater protection and ventilation, though at £600, it costs more than four times as much as the Thunder Pass. Eek!

For something more hiking-focused, the Mountain Equipment Makalu is an excellent option. Its rugged 3-layer GORE-TEX ePE construction, helmet-compatible hood and pit zips make it better suited to long days in the mountains, while its £300 price sits neatly between the affordable Thunder Pass and flagship alpine shells.