MontBell Tachyon Anorak and Dynamo Wind Pants Review

[Addie Bedford]

Companion forum thread to:

MontBell Tachyon Anorak and Dynamo Wind Pants Review

[Danny Milks]

This review is a breath of fresh air. How so? Well BPL reviews are generally very objective and hold products to the highest standards, which is why we all love BPL. However, it sometimes gets depressing to read about all the things wrong with each reviewed item. In this case, it is nice to read that Will found something with which he is very happy. Yay!

For years I have used the MontBell U.L. Wind Parka and Pants. They are perfect for hiking in the Sierras. The Parka weighs an ounce more but has a full zip, a zippered pocket, 15-denier fabric, and costs $10 less.

[Philip Werner]

I've had my eye on this Montbell windshirt ever since my hike across Scotland in May. I'd stopped carrying them to save weight, but it's clear to me that the 2.4 oz is a small price to pay for better comfort.

You don't say much in the review about breathability. How is the MB when you sweat, compared to one made from eVent?

[Will Rietveld]

Hi Philip. I did say that the thin fabric of the Tachyon affords more breathability than most other wind shirts. I don't know of any Event windshirts. The Event rain jackets I have tested are remarkably breathable, but they still get very steamy inside when you hike in them. This is very subjective, but I feel a lightweight windshirt like the Tachyon is much more versatile for wind protection than an Event jacket, and it weighs a lot less. The lightest current Event jacket weighs about 10 ounces, so there's a huge difference in weight. That said, I wonder why no one has come up with a lightweight Event windshirt. For example, UK manufacturer Crux has sleeping bags with a thin 2-layer Event shell; why not use the same fabric for a windshirt? Best, Will

[David Chenault]

Good words Will (as always). Perhaps the most outstanding thing about the anorak is the cost! Seems like quite the bargin.

[JW]

Thanks for a great review. The pants are exactly what I was looking for. I have the previous gen. MB wind pants and retrofitted with my own zipper, however these new ones use the new fabric which looks great.

[jscott]

Can I assume that the pants and anorak keep mosquitoes from biting (drilling) through? (A reason to wear them when the wind's not blowing!)

[Jeff K]

Great review!

Sounds like great products at a great price.

Can anyone compare these to a Patagonia Houdini and the BPL Thorofare pants?

[Greg Mihalik]

The Anorak is lighter than the Houdini, does not have a stand-up collar, and is not a full zip.

I like the Anorak much better. Just as windtight, packs smaller, lighter, and IMHO better designed.

[Jeff K]

Thanks for your feedback Greg.

Can you comment on the difference in breath ability, durability, and water resistance?

[Ross Bleakney]

I have other Montbell wind pants and wind shirts and they protect me from the mosquitoes, so I assume these do as well. It is a big reason I carry them.

[Greg Mihalik]

"Can you comment on the difference in breath ability, durability, and water resistance?"

I can, but it is all relative to the individual and the environment.

I find the Tachyon feels warmer (may not breathe as well) than the Houdini. My Tachyon is a tighter fit and has only a 10" zipper. I haven't found it to be an issue.

The Tachyon is new to me this year and sheds water very well, compared to my well-worn Houdini. Only time will tell.

[Frank Deland]

How does this compare to the Golite Ether Windshirt w/hood? I know that the Golite is a full zip, but is the material similar?

[Dan @ Durston Gear]

Nice review. It would be nice to see Montbell come out with a hoodless version which I would prefer.

[Eugene Smith]

I picked up the Tachyon last spring when it became available, did a short initial response thread some time ago, I found the fit to be typical of Montbell products, for me (6',170lbs) a Medium fits just right in all areas and allows me to layer over my Montbell UL Down Parka. I typically use my Patagonia Nine Trails jacket and find that the Tachyon doesn't breathe as well but keeps out wind quite a bit more. The cut and fit of the Tachyon is superior in my opinion, it's slimmer in the chest and more athletic in it's trim. The Tachyon complete with hood packs up about 1/3 the size of my Patagonia Nine Trails windshell.

[Casey Bowden]

Anyone have experience sleeping in the wind pants? Specifically next to skin comfort and breathability (sp?).

[William Cefalu]

rain pants?

[F. Thomas Matica]

Is it easy to adjust the hood with gloved hands???

Sometimes, for warmth/wind management, I like to tighten or loosen my hood when on the go.

[Jeff Issenberg]

I’m excited to see that a windshirt has made it into the BPL recommendations. I haven’t had a lightweight windshirt but have been thinking about which one to go for.

My question is about the comfort range of the Tachyon compared to what I’ve been using, a Columbia Titanium long sleeve button down shirt made with moisture-wicking Omni-Dry nylon. Definitely not light at 10 oz., but it has a wide temp range. When it’s hot on the trail I use this shirt only and role up the sleeves (there’s a buttoned tab that keeps them up). It also works well over a base layer when it’s colder. Is the Tachyon comfortable against the skin and is this what you’d wear when it’s around 70 F or is it only good when it’s cooler?

[Jason Elsworth]

I prefer shirts for warmer weather and windshirt for cooler. I wouldn't wand to wear a wind shirt at 70F. I have been looking for a hooded windshirt lighter than my Montane Lite-speed and this sounds great.

[Eugene Smith]

Jeff,

I've used my Montbell Tachyon windshirt or my Patagonia Nine Trails windshirt for temps below 60F when it's cool and wind is present. Above those temps for me I find I need very little in the way of wind protection as the air temperature at that range is comfortable. Windshirts are quite different than nylon button up hiking shirts which are far from windproof, rather they're intended to be layered over a baselayer, midlayer, or insulation piece. I wouldn't use the Tachyon against your skin if you're on the go, it would stick to you Glad like Press and Seal, become clammy, and likely feel like you're wearing a trash bag. Can you use the Tachyon at 70F? I suppose so but 70F is rather "warm", if it were a cool 70, overcast, with wind present, I believe the Tachyon would nearly cut all the wind and breathe well enough to keep you comfortable. If you're moving again, I'd find the Tachyon too warm and would likely throw it in my pack.

[Arapiles .]

I just received the latest Japanese MontBell catalogues: the 7 denier fabric used in the Tachyon is also used in a full-zip jacket (65g for a men's jacket) and a vest (45g for a men's).

[John Davis]

Will said:

For me (6 ft/1.83 m, 170 lbs/77 kg), the Tachyon Anorak and Dynamo Pants in size Large are a perfect fit.

Eugene said:

I found the fit to be typical of Montbell products, for me (6',170lbs) a Medium fits just right in all areas and allows me to layer over my Montbell UL Down Parka.

Could this be resolved, please.

Also, how badly does the Tachyon flap in the wind, given that Eugene can layer it over down?

[Greg Mihalik]

"Also, how badly does the Tachyon flap in the wind…"

Wearing a baseball style cap…
At 40+ mph it is hard to hear.
At 10 mph it is not to bad.

Wearing a thick knit stocking cap, and adjusting the hood, you could probably quiet it down quite a bit.

[Eugene Smith]

John,

I should explain briefly and will try not to speak frivolously for Will. It's been my observation in Will's articles and reviews that he sizes up on his shells considerably to accommodate being worn over winter down gear, which is also sized appropriately to be worn over his mid and base layers. I purchased the Montbell Tachyon with the intentions of only layering it over a thin BPL Beartooth Hoody, and my Montbell UL Down Parka which has a very low baffle height and slips neatly under a wind shell without compromising down loft or warmth. If for example I owned a Nunatak Skaha down parka for winter use I'd definitely size up to a Large in the Tachyon.

Also, I prefer my garments to fit slim rather than roomy, just my preference. This may explain the size fluctuation. Preference and function.

[Author]

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