Inselberg Monic Jacket Review

Lightweight, weather-resistant shells are the bread-and-butter of outdoor gear. Something that can be stashed anywhere, pulled on in an instant and versatile enough for just about any adventure sums up the Inselberg Monic Jacket and other great wind shells I’ve tested over the years.

Inselberg Monic Jacket Features:

• 3D anatomical fit
• Hand pockets and internal pockets
• TPU zipper pulls
• Stowable, low-profile hood
• 100% nylon shell with mixed nylon/elastane side panels
• Dual micro-hem adjusters
• DWR treatment for added water resistance
• Weight: 155 grams (medium, actual)
• MSRP: $180

Lightweight, comfortable and versatile

Last spring, I tested the Inselberg Infima Jacket and appreciated its warmth and breathable insulation. But, it wasn’t ideal as a dedicated trail running jacket. So, enter the lightweight, uninsulated Inselberg Monic Jacket — that’s even billed as a trail running piece. Using hybrid construction, the Monic features 100% nylon front and back panels with nylon/elastane stretchy side/underarm panels. Hybrid construction isn’t groundbreaking, but proper execution of the craft remains an imperfect art form.

While the Monic is a lightweight shell, it retains all the features that we’ve come to expect, including dual-sided hem toggles, hand pockets and interior stash pockets. For added measure, Inselberg decided to go with a deployable hood, which provides added utility. Zipping the hood into the collar was made cool in the 1980’s — around the same time as zip-off sleeve jackets — so, it is a “been there, done that” kind of vibe.

Slipping on the Monic is like being draped in a custom-fit suit coat. Everything about this jacket just feels perfect. Both the hem and sleeve length are spot-on to eliminate wrist or waist gaps when stretching or bending. I dig the minimalist sleeve cuffs that keep things in place without added bulk. The cut of the jacket is just right too. It’s trim enough to not get in its own way, but not baggy either. I’m going to call it an “optimal athletic fit.”

While the ergonomic and body-mapped fit is excellent, the secret sauce is the stretchy side panel, which allow fluid movement under all conditions. Again, this is not a new method, but the way Inselberg placed those panels is a work of art. The added breathability and movement allows for excellent airflow and, certainly, comfort.

As an added bonus, the Monic wears quietly. The nylon fabric, thankfully, doesn’t have that swish-swish effect with each movement as it quietly performs under load. My primary activities have been hiking and trail running and it’s a great jacket for both uses. In temperatures from the 30’s into the 50’s, the Monic has been outstanding. Surprisingly, an early-morning trail run in the low 50’s remained quite comfortable — with only the need to slightly unzip the jacket for a little more airflow.

Unzipping the jacket was really only a necessity when the hood was zipped into the collar. When it’s stuffed in there, the collar becomes a bit like a scarf, which is quite nice in cold conditions, but stuffy on warmer trail runs. Breathability elsewhere has been excellent, with the stretchy side panels expelling a considerable amount of heat and moisture to prevent greenhousing under load. Breathability is absolutely a strong suit here, full stop. 

The deployable, form-fitting hood features a small brim visor and minimalist elastic trim that keeps it close to my face. The fit is great when worn alone or atop a running cap or beanie. when in use, the collar sits below the chin so it never gets in the way of breathing or natural head movements while running. If it gets really cold, there’s no ability to tuck your chin in the collar, so you’ll be out of luck if you get caught in bad weather. If the hood is just hanging out when not in use, it does flop around annoyingly in the wind. It’s all good though as that’s pretty common with hooded running jackets.

Should you get caught in inclement weather, the shell fabric is treated with DWR and does an excellent job at shedding light moisture. The side panels don’t have any water protection. With its primary function being wind and cold protection, I think the shell does an admirable job. And, the water resistance is better than expected

As an added bonus, the versatile black color makes for an awesome all-around for even casual use. I’ve brought it along for inclement weather on evenings and slipped it on as added protection in the cold or rain. Inselberg’s ethos aligns with this — making great clothes that excel in the mountains, but are also stylish for other uses.

Fit: I’m 5’11” and 175 lbs., wearing the size medium.

Buy Now: Visit Inselberg.com