While Mavic use Gore fabrics on some of their garments, the lightweight, packable Notch jacket has its own Rain Tech material, with all the seams sealed to avoid leakage.
Although pitched at the lightweight end of the jacket market, the Notch isn’t bereft of features. There’s an external storm flap over the zip, and a pocket on the chest. Around the back there’s the slightly curious Pak Back – undo a couple of zips and a panel expands, ostensibly to cover a hydration pack.
There’s also a port on the right side of the chest for a hydration hose to pass through. It’s an interesting idea, but there’s not enough room under the expanding panel for anything but the smallest of packs.
The fit is close, with a long back and good sleeve length. You get the same thin Lycra cuffs as on jackets half the price, though. You don’t have to worry about rain getting in, but water stopped beading after only a few minutes, hampering breathability and increasing clamminess inside.