Shiny new thing: MB Ultra Light Shell Jacket

I'm not certain, but it looks like the pit areas are just exposed mesh to maximize breathability in those areas. If you enlarge the pictures and look at the pits/sides, you can see the mesh as part of the exterior of the jacket.

del

No waist cinch on a wind jacket is a bit of a no bueno for me.

I agree with Rick…I would just get a Marmot Ether.

I use my Ether most of the year…it layers well if needed…also, it has a hood AND hand pockets.

-Mark in St. Louis

My 2.5oz Montbell tachyon anorak has a waist cinch, and a nice adjustable hood.

I think a thin long sleeved baselayer (merino, hood, 6-9oz range) would be more versitale than this.

I'll have to swing by the mb store and check it out. I've used a driclime or vapour rise on most winter outings over the last couple years, and paired with a light base, they're pretty unbeatable. Though I like rab's pertex equilebrium fabric for breathability, I find the vapour rise is a little hot for skinning even on cold days, so a lighter weight pertex pile like the MB is appealing. Though I think you could easily incorporate this into your summer backpacking, a light unlined hooded windshirt usually does the trick when I'm moving. Looks like it could be a good skiing or frigid running layer though.

I wish it had a hood though, looks interesting. It would be cool if it were lined with a merino wool mesh though…

Thx for the comments everybody! I'm probably not in the market for a layer like this anyhow, but was just curious for thoughts. I already have a Montane Mountain Star recently that I've liked so far, which seems in the same class as the Ether Driclime … though perhaps it is not a directional knit / two-layer like the Ether.

In any case, I surely don't need it. Things don't get cold enough here often enough to need a layer like this.

But, Serge if you can go check it out, let us know what you think!

"Though I like rab's pertex equilebrium fabric for breathability, I find the vapour rise is a little hot for skinning even on cold days, so a lighter weight pertex pile like the MB is appealing."

RAB now makes a lighter version of their vapour rise – both pants and top. I'll be using them this winter.