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Four-Season Review: Montane Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie

From the chill of dawn on a springtime Scottish coast to the biting frost of winter in the Lakes, the Montane Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie has been with me every step of the way. Over the past year, it has become my go-to insulation layer, tackling everything from multi-day treks to daily hikes with unwavering reliability.

Montane kindly provided me with the hoodie ahead of the Great Outdoor Challenge (TGO)—a coast-to-coast trek across Scotland in May last year. Since then, it has accompanied me through spring, summer, autumn, and now the winter. Whether layering up on cool summer mornings or braving sub-zero winter conditions, this hoodie has consistently impressed with its versatility, warmth, and innovative design.

Warmth and Insulation

The standout feature of this hoodie is its filling: 60g of 850-fill power ExpeDRY goose down, which incorporates a “permanent and chemical-free bonding of non-toxic gold particles to the down.” Admittedly, I was initially sceptical of the bold claims surrounding this gold particle-based technology. However, I've become a believer after multiple trips in damp conditions—and even enduring a complete soaking during a dog walk. The down has consistently bounced back impressively, demonstrating exceptional performance in retaining warmth even when exposed to moisture and drying significantly faster than untreated down and some chemically treated alternatives I’ve used.

Equally impressive is the thoughtful integration of synthetic Primaloft Gold insulation in moisture-prone areas, such as under the arms and along the collar near the zip. These strategic placements utilise synthetic insulation where it excels, ensuring optimal performance in areas more likely to encounter moisture from breath or sweat while maintaining the hoodie's lightweight and efficient design.

Weight and Packability

At just 227g for a men’s medium, the Alpine 850 Nano is a gram counter’s dream, compressing easily into its supplied stuff sack and taking up minimal space in your pack. Personally, I’ve often skipped the stuff sack, preferring to stuff it directly into my pack for quicker access—but for those who prefer neat packing, the stuff sack does its job well.

Fit and Comfort

The hoodie’s trim fit is another highlight. It’s tailored to move seamlessly with the body, especially during technical activities like climbing or scrambling. I appreciated the optimised arm lift design, which allowed for a full range of motion without the hem riding up—a small but vital detail for mountaineers and climbers.

The hood, while minimalist, provides excellent coverage and layers comfortably under a helmet. The elasticated cuffs are set back into the sleeve, which means the down insulation comes right to the jacket's cuff and works well with gloves. The micro-elastic hem does a commendable job of sealing in warmth, but no adjustment is needed. Overall, the fit is snug without feeling restrictive and layers effortlessly under a waterproof shell.

Durability and Materials

The outer fabric is 10D Pertex Quantum ripstop nylon, made entirely from 100% recycled materials. It’s astonishingly lightweight and surprisingly durable for such an ultralight piece, with the material standing up well to light abrasions from rocks and gear during regular use. However, as with any ultralight product, it does require a degree of care to avoid snags or tears, particularly in rugged environments.

The PFC-free DWR coating has performed admirably, shedding light rain and snow and adding a practical layer of weather resistance.

Practical Features

The Alpine 850 Nano’s design is refreshingly straightforward, with no superfluous extras to weigh it down. The two hand-warmer pockets are perfectly positioned for easy access, even when wearing a harness or rucksack. The lightweight YKK zip on the front and pockets operate smoothly, and the lack of integrated storage isn’t a dealbreaker. The hoodie comes with its stuff sack, which I must admit I forgo, simply stuffing the jacket into my pack when not in use.

Drawbacks

While the jacket’s performance is undeniably impressive, the lightweight materials demand careful handling, especially when navigating dense woodland or rocky terrain where snags are more likely. This is a fair trade-off for its ultralight build, but it is worth considering if your adventures frequently involve rugged environments.

Additionally, some may prefer an integrated pack-away pocket instead of the separate stuff sack provided, though this is more a matter of convenience than functionality.

Verdict

The Montane Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie has proven itself as a four-season essential. Its innovative ExpeDRY down technology and strategically placed synthetic insulation make it a versatile and reliable layer for year-round use. Lightweight, packable, and sustainably produced, it ticks almost every box for climbers, mountaineers, and hikers who prioritise performance without compromise.

Whether chasing peaks or exploring trails, this hoodie offers warmth, innovation, and sustainability in one unbeatable package.

Andy Neil
Andy has been a keen long-distance hiker and wild camping enthusiast since he completed the Cleveland Way in 2015. Since then, he has walked thousands of trail miles all over the UK and is an active member of the Wild Camping UK community, being an admin of the largest wild camping community on Facebook. He strongly advocates for responsible wild camping and believes it is important to leave no trace when camping in the wilderness. He joined the UOG team in 2021 and works as a website developer and content creator. Read more from Andy Neil