I personally really rate the Ridgeline Monsoon II Smock, and although am quite spoilt when it comes to top end kit, having both Harkila Pro Hunter, and a Nomad Smock. (i work for Scott Country) the Monsoon II is the one I reach for off the clothing rack.
The Monsoon in my personal opinion takes a hell of a lot of beating in terms of performance, and value for money, and it looks great too.
I just posted a review up on a thread in our Trade Forum section, and copied into here for you
Although my opinion may be seen as biased as I am the Sales Manager for Scott Country, i will be completely honest in my short review below:
I have also included the official fabric test report, which manufacturers seldom release
I was given my Monsoon II when they first came out in 2011 by John at Ridgeline. I had until them always been a Harkila ProHunter fan, and have both jacket and trousers. I have a labrador gun dog that needs loads of exercise and am on the hill at least twice a day.
Living in Scotland the weather here is less than ideal, and recently have experienced the wettest weather on record.
I often tell people who ask what the garment is when I am wearing the Monsoon (with my Pro Hunter trousers) that it's akin to "closing the double glazing when its pouring outside"
Literally with the hood up and the hatches battened down, i will it to rain heavier as I know nothing will get through.
People often say wearing waterproof membrane gear can get very hot, and yes like most Gore Tex type garments, (Monsoon using RL Tex) the Monsoon can get toasty, however if you wear the right undergarment, and ensure the chest zip is vented during high activity, I have never found it a problem.
I wear a microfibre base t shirt, or base layer and never find an issue, even when working on the hill during high activity it performs perfectly.
My only "grumble" is that I often dont strap down the cuffs, and when picking up wet dummys from ditches etc, or climbing over fences I get the inside of the cuffs wet. It's not an issue as you have the inner storm cuffs so water doesnt work its way inside, its just when you next go to wear the jacket later in that day, you feel a bit clamy and cold when you first put it on. Saying that if you dry it properly then its never an issue, i usually throw mine in a heap in the back of the vehicle.
I have worn my Monsoon in literally a "Monsoon" and its performed better than expected.
The pockets are well sealed, and with the waterproof zip covers, my iphone or GPS can live safely in the pocket easy to get to when I need it.
For the money, and in my vast clothing experience, i honestly dont know of a better garment.
Take my short review with a pinch of salt if you wish, but it is completely honest.
Paul
