Montane Minimus vs Montbell Versalite

I have the Minimus Smock, and the few times I have used it I have been happy with it, although, to be fair, this has not been often. Maybe twice in good rains, and a few other times in wet weather… but I have enjoyed using it the few times I have used it. However, after reading a few threads here on BPL, the overall durability of Pertex Shield+ seems to be short lived…TBH though, it will spend it's fair amount of time just hanging out in my pack… and at 5.4 oz, I am happy with that!

The Versalite is my preference, because I like the zippered hand-warmer pockets (I won't buy another rain jacket without pockets) and I like pit zips.

The Versalite is my 4th Montbell rain shell and all of my previous Montbell rain shells have held up very well. I haven't had the Versalite long enough to comment on the durability and I will admit that the shell material is incredibly thin (looks more like a wind top), so I have a slight concern in that regard.

"Montane Minimus vs Montbell Versalite

Which would you choose and why?"

Depends on how you intend to use it. I do most of my backpacking in the Sierra, and I have yet to find anything better than the Minimus. It is very light at just over 5 oz, doubles as a wind shirt, and performs very well in heavy rain. I can also layer underneath it, and the map pocket is spacious and very handy. That said, I would be skeptical as to its durability if I intended to wear it a lot while carrying a pack, or doing heavy bushwhacking. If you are aware of its potential shortcomings, and your hiking does not involve them, I'd say you will be hard pressed to find a better jacket.