Weathershedding
The Mishmi Takin Virunga uses an eVent membrane matched with a lightweight exterior layer. We’ve found eVent to dependably block rain and this iteration lived up to our expectations. In addition, a slight drop tail and a helmet compatible hood increased the weather shielding. Waterproof zippers on the main zip and two Napolean pockets further kept the interior dry. 

Breathability
Mishmi Takin was born out of the founder’s search for rain gear that could handle the humidity and temperatures of the tropics. So when he couldn’t find any, he built his own. He started with the eVent membrane, which is more open to vapor transport than other membranes. Then he added mechanical vents in the upper back and on the front. Finally pit zips dump even more heat. All in, the Mishmi Takin Virunga is one of the most breathable 3-layer shells we’ve tried. On a sweaty multi-day bike ride in the rain, it kept a tester from overheating, while everyone else was wet from the inside.

Function
The Napolean pockets of the Mishmi Takin Virunga sit high out of the way of a harness or pack straps, but that also means there is nowhere to warm hands. Reinforcements along the lower sides of the jacket help protect from pack abrasion. The hood’s three-point adjustment is easy to fit over a helmet or cinch snug. It also has adjustable wrists. The only complaint: some testers didn’t like the multi-color scheme of the zippers, including glow-in-the-dark pulls. Sizing was a bit big.

Durability
Testers purposefully put the Mishmi Takin Virunga away wet and covered in road grime to see how it survived the next day. This is an important test, because eVent is all about free flow through the jacket pores; it works best when it’s clean. Regardless, the mud did little to impact the jackets breathability or waterproofness. Heavy bushwhacking similarly had no impact on the lightweight rip stop shell.

Packability
Breathability and weight are often linked but not in this case. While the Mishmi Takin Virunga is one of the most breathable shells we’ve used, all the venting adds up, pushing the weight to 16 ounces. That’s a little heavy for a spring and summer shell.