Montane Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie Review - “A highly technical, lightweight down hoodie, for active people with high demands for packable, performance”
Posted by Lois Fife on Oct 29, 2024
Montane Women’s Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie – with added GOLD!!
Jacket tested in a UK12, (Eclipse Blue) weight: 196g
The Montane Women’s Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie is a highly thermally efficient, technical down jacket. My first impression of this jacket is the weight - it is extremely light - weighing less than 200g.
I have tested this jacket for six months, from late spring, throughout summer and into the cooler days and nights of autumn, I have used this jacket in varying conditions. It has performed particularly well at the end of an active day on the bike, or hike when adding a warm layer is needed before the body cools down. It was also ideal as an added layer on exposed walks, where the DWR coating helps keep the wind out. It is warm thanks to the 850-fill power and 52g of ExpeDRY™ 90/10 Goose Down which lofts to fill the narrow, stitch-through baffles. Even when the weather was a bit damp on a morning, the down performed well, didn’t clump and dried quickly, largely down to the very clever fast-drying Real-Gold tech (non-toxic gold particles that vibrate water molecules to speed up the evaporation process). The addition of Primaloft Gold in certain areas helps manage moisture too when active.
The outer fabric is a 10D lightweight ripstop Pertex Quantum, a key factor in keeping the weight of the jacket down, but you need to be careful when using it. I unfortunately caught the sleeve of mine camping, so am very aware of its vulnerabilities when I am wearing it.
Described as a trim fit, I find that the jacket, particularly around the upper body is quite roomy, this is probably due in part to the diamond-shaped underarm panel that has been added to allow maximum movement. It certainly does this.
The three-panel hood is snug and cosy, with a self-coloured elastic trim to keep out the draughts.
Elastic is also added to the cuffs and hem, both of which are located on the inside of the jacket, as the outer fabric extends beyond the elastic, making for a comfortable and highly aesthetically pleasing finish. It also comes with two essential zipped hand-warmer pockets. The jacket has good eco-credentials too - with PFC free DWR outer, 100% recycled ripstop nylon outer, 100% recycled polyester Primaloft Gold insulation and RDS certified down.
In conclusion, this is a highly technical, lightweight down hoodie, for active people with high demands for packable, performance clothing.
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Lois Fife |
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Lois is a keen cyclist and is always plotting a route… either for her next trip or looking for a different way to commute to work! She is regularly seen heading for the hills on a packed-up bike, be it for a quick overnight wild camp, or a longer multi-day adventure. She is currently plotting her route to walk the TGO across Scotland. She is a British Cycling level 2 leader and has been involved with MTB Guisborough encouraging the next generation of mountain bikers. Lois joined Ultralight Outdoor Gear in 2021 and is part of the Customer Service Team. She is always keen to get her hands on new kit to try in the field and share her findings on the website. |
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