MontBell Tachyon Anorak and Dynamo Wind Pants Review

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?

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

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!)

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.

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.

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?

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.

rain pants?

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?

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.

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?

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.