Review: Monton Men’s PRO Joes 3-in-1 Thermal Winter Jacket

The Monton Men’s 3 in 1 PRO Joes Jacket has the versatility to use well for three seasons, as it is in fact a softshell style outer jacket with a removable quilted vest tucked inside. The windproof material with its durable water repellent (DWR) coating can keep you warm and relatively dry in changeable weather, while the vest alone keeps out the cold on those spring / fall morning rides. The PRO Joes could do with a little more reflective stuff if you ask me, though.

While it doesn’t come cheap, even at its discounted price of £ 120 (down from £ 200) on Monton’s website, the PRO Joes design means you’re getting a decent amount of kit for your money. As I mentioned, it includes both a jacket and a vest, which you can wear together or independently.

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At the start of the test period, at the end of September, the weather was relatively mild (as it is during most of October as well). This meant I spent a lot of time wearing the outer jacket, which I found comfortable around 12 ° C to 5 ° C with just a base layer underneath.

Below 12 ° I add the quilted vest, and in the morning frosts I’ve ridden so far, I felt perfectly warm.

The jacket’s windbreaker is impressive, it blocks some fairly strong winds, even those coming from the north with their freezing cold. The exterior also doesn’t have a lot of bulk, which surprised me given the heat.

Most of the fabric has some sort of softshell feel, while under the arms and on the back it’s thinner, probably for breathability (you also have ventilation holes under the arms). It is fully lined with fleece to keep you warm.

Considering its warmth, the breathability is decent, even during long climbs. The full-length zipper works smoothly and is easy to use with gloves on, so if you need to let out some warmth, it’s easy.

Monton opted for a DWR coating that performs well in light rain and drizzle, and it also holds up well to road spray, whether in traffic or when following the wheel of a fellow rider.

However, this is by no means a raincoat, and regular to heavy rain will seep in fairly quickly. I didn’t find the PRO Joes this quick to dry either. However, you at least stay warm when wet.

As far as the design goes, Monton has focused well on the details. It’s cut nicely for use on a bike, with plenty of length in the arms and elongated cuffs that fill the space between the jacket and your gloves.

You also get a drooping tail for decent coverage in the running position and a nice high neck.

You also get discarded pockets, if indeed you can throw away a pocket. There is an offer zipped on the chest and two other zipped “hand” pockets like you would find on a normal coat. I didn’t really find much use for these if I’m being honest because any weight you put on them just makes the front of the jacket feel a bit heavy.

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Monton says its size is aligned with the Asian market, which is one or two sizes smaller than US / EUR. Inside this jacket, the label says two sizes: China – XL and US – L. I wear medium in most brands, but Monton’s size guide does indeed state that Chinese XL is recommended for my weight from 70 to 80 kg. Stick with Monton’s guide and you should be fine.

The overall quality is high, which must be considered the price. The workmanship is neat and neat, and the discreet stitching is comfortable.

The vest part is attached by a small loop at the top of the neck, which allows it to sit independently of the vest when you are wearing both. Therefore, you don’t feel limited, because they always move like two separate pieces of clothing.

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The only black “pick” isn’t ideal for a winter jacket in my eyes, and it would be nice to see brighter offerings for dreary day trips. Reflectors are also missing a bit. There is a band on the left arm below the Monton logo, but with us in the UK driving on the left side of the road, that’s not exactly ideal.

There is also a small reflective logo on the back, lower right. It’s very small anyway.

Value

The Monton is quite affordable at its (officially) reduced price of £ 120, and not exactly outrageous at the RRP of £ 200 if you consider you’re getting a quality gilet as well.

Steve was impressed with Specialized’s RBX Softshell Jacket a few weeks ago. It has rated its warmth, breathability, and wind protection, and it also has a decent level of water resistance. It will set you back £ 150.

Rapha’s Pro winter jacket costs £ 180 and appears to have a similar design to the Monton, including a DWR coating.

Both are cheaper than the Monton’s full RRP, which we still base the value on, although the kit will rarely cost that. Even at £ 200 the Monton is not too expensive, especially if we have a very cold winter.

Conclusion

Other colors and more reflections would be great for riding at night or on dark days, but when it comes to performance the Monton really delivers. Good weather protection, the addition of the vest and the fact that it is very well done all help to justify its hefty price tag.

Verdict

A good quality “system” that withstands all the temperatures winter can throw at you and also offers some water resistance