REVIEW: UF PRO Monsoon

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Now that the days are getting longer and the temperatures are rising, it's not snow coming from above anymore, but mostly rain. It's high time for us to introduce you to the flagship product in this regard from UF PRO, the Monsoon Rain Jacket. The Gore-Tex upper part is only available in plain black, defining itself as specialist outdoor equipment.

This is what the jacket looks like from the front and back. The only outer pockets are located on the front chest with a side opening. At the bottom corner of the pockets, there are small "holes" covered by a membrane in the outer shell, allowing moisture to escape from the pocket when storing wet gloves, for example. The Monsoon extends far down the back, protecting the rear pants pockets and their contents from rain. Although it's not as long as a snowboard jacket (so don't sit in wet places!), the cut ensures freedom of movement is not restricted.

An important element to staying dry is the hood or Hood Harness. The one on the UF PRO Monsoon has a civilian cut, which significantly limits peripheral vision on one hand but keeps you dry in the wind on the other. There's a bendable wire inserted in the upper part of the hood's front, allowing you to adjust the shape of the face closure to your individual needs.

If the hood is not needed, you can't detach or zip it off, but there are snap buttons integrated into the collar to secure the hood from flapping around while climbing or getting caught on something. This ensures full rain protection in just two clicks.

We particularly find the visor that can be attached to the hood innovative, as it can be adjusted to the circumference of your head. Using it has two noticeable advantages: firstly, your eyes are better protected from splash water from above, especially when looking up. Secondly, the hood sits more securely on your head, so even in strong winds, it won't blow off and will move slightly with you when you look to the side.

The UF PRO Monsoon has ventilation openings on the sides under the arms. Like all external zippers, these are also waterproof. The openings are fully open, so you can reach through if desired. The cut at the waist is adjustable and fairly close-fitting. This is very practical when wearing a climbing harness or a backpack with hip straps, as it prevents creases from forming, but it also makes the jacket less suitable for concealed carry.

On the sleeves, the jacket features laminated Velcro straps in a proven system to adjust the wrist width. By the way, the Three-Layer Gore-Tex the jacket is made of also keeps you dry under the shower, which we tested because we haven't had any torrential rainfalls recently (normal rain wasn't an issue anyway).

A special highlight of the Monsoon is hidden on the inside. Mesh panels are sewn into the shoulder area of the jacket, allowing UF PRO Air/Pac inserts to be placed inside. These prevent the outer material from directly touching the shoulder, aiding in heat regulation, and provide additional padding when wearing a backpack or other loads with shoulder straps. As you can see in the picture, all seams are sealed inside.

CONCLUSION: The UF PRO Monsoon is a great rain jacket, but not suitable for every purpose. The few pockets are a downside for everyday use, but a positive aspect for outdoor activities due to the lack of pressure points and the resulting close fit. As for rain resistance, the Monsoon completely convinced us. So if you're looking for an excellent rain jacket for off-grid adventures as well as a stylish companion for urban everyday life, the Monsoon is the right choice.

Get the UF PRO Monsoon directly from the manufacturer for EUR 345.00.