Katywrightrrfc wrote:Had a look into the Montane Minimus jacket but not completely sold on it yet so would like to hear any opinions on this too!
I have the older version of the Minimus. I use it as a light weight waterproof for hill running. I was impressed initially as it held up well on claggy dreich days where the atmosphere is wet, and with short downpours. However it doesn't hold up in prolonged wet conditions or in serious downpours. For any proper winter hiking I think it would be pretty pants. If you're willing to spend £160 you can do a lot better than the Minimus. The new version might be better, but it is still only Pertex, not Gore-tex. Pertex just isn't as reliable for prolonged rain or snow.
I am incredibly impressed with my Montane Alpine Pro - it is like wearing a personal shelter. It is made using Gore-tex Pro which is the "rugged and durable" form of Gore-Tex. The pockets are map sized and sit above the pack belt. The fit is relaxed so great for layering (my Alpkit Apogee insulated jacket layers really well under it). It is on the heavy side and doesn't pack small so might be a bit too much for what you're looking for. The RRP is £360 but I got mine for £175 from SportPursuit.
If I was looking for a new summer waterproof that had the potential to be used in winter I would be tempted by the Montane Pac Plus or the Fleet.
You could check out Montane's discount shop "Mountain Kit" https://mountain-kit.co.uk/ where you can get some serious discounts. Happy shopping.