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One of the more technical jackets we have used over the past 6 months, the Axis Alpha Down jacket on first appearance is similar in design to the Montane Quattro Fusion, a jacket we very much enjoyed testing and reviewing and have continued to use over the past few years.

Montane has a great reputation for creating some very innovative clothing, with a wide mix of materials to produce equipment built to withstand harsh conditions. The  Axis Alpha follows suit and is packed full of design features that Montane describe as being, ‘ the ultimate piece of protective clothing for fast-paced activity in cold and changeable conditions. Based on cold chamber lab research and extensively athlete-tested, this jacket has been engineered with body-mapped fabric and insulation technologies to balance protection from the elements with efficient heat and moisture management, keeping you comfortable when working hard in the elements.’

We gave the Axis Alpha a tough test in some of Scotland’s harsh winter environments throughout the Cairngorms and Northwest Highlands. The past winter season had been a mix of conditions from crisp cold days and heavy snowfall to a slight rise in temperatures which brought on a sudden thaw in which slogging our way over wet ground was unavoidable. The perfect conditions then for the Axis Alpha!

Keeping a steady balance of body temperature is very important for winter activities, so choosing a jacket that keeps the elements out, whilst also wicking away a build of moisture from the inside can often be a tough ask. The days are short and packs heavy, so having a reliable layer that can be worn throughout the full day is key.

The  Axis Alpha Down jacket, as the name might suggest, is made from a mix of synthetic insulation in Polartec Alpha, and 800+ FP Goose Down. Montane have used an abundance of research and testing to distribute each material to key areas of the jacket. A quick glance at the Axis and it’s easy to see where the differences lie.

Polartec Alpha insulation is by far one of our more favoured choices and has never let us down. The open weave fibres pull moisture away from the skin keeping you dry. The 120g/m2 hi-loft insulation is distributed across the back, under the arms and in the hood. This is the same weight of insulation we found on the Quattro Fusion and although slightly heavier in weight for use in winter, is not designed to keep you warm when stationary, but instead, regulate sweat and warmth whilst on the move. These are key areas for a usual build-up of moisture so the use of Polartec Alpha is a great choice, with only a small amount of moisture noticeable on our back which is very common for the heavier load carried for this time of year. On day trips with a smaller pack, this was not an issue. 30 Denier Pertex Quantum Air nylon across the back and under the arms offers tough outer material that’s breathable and quick drying.

The areas in which Montane call ‘micro chambers’ commonly known as baffles, hold in the goose down insulation and are located in the core body, upper arms, and head. Filled with 90g of 90/10 water-resistant fluorocarbon-free HyperDry down, the tight baffles keep the feathers locked in place rather than a larger baffle in which the down fill can expand and move. The high fill power plus the many sewn-through baffles offer insulation whilst still being able to breathe freely. 30 Denier Gore-tex Infinium nylon in the core body and over arms is again a highly breathable and tough outer layer, although unlike Pertex Quatum Air is also near to fully waterproof, a great addition to protect the down fill from moisture and reduce its performance.

We found the Axis to work best as all-day wear for high workload activities including steep ground work, and multiple days spent covering large distances. The slim fit means that not many layers can be placed underneath, although this is good as the Polartec Alpha works more efficiently the closer it is to the skin.

As a windproof, it’s rock solid, and when paired with a decent pair of goggles and balaclava kept us tucked away from some tricky weather high on the Cairngorm plateau. In worsening weather conditions, we found the breathability to be reduced but still working when underneath a waterproof shell, made using Gore-tex Pro. When stationary for long periods of time a large insulating jacket is needed to be placed on top as the Axis doesn’t build up or store warmth without moving.

The high technical aspects don’t just stop with the choice of fabrics. The structure of the jacket follows the movement of the body and the hood with stiffened peak is helmet compatible and one of the best we have ever used. Plenty of adjustments offer great protection.

Pre-elasticated cuffs are great for quickly placing over lighter gloves or fitting neatly into larger winter gloves or mittens. The pocket space we found could be improved for our needs. The chest pocket is on the small side and was a struggle to get items in and out with gloves on. The lower hand pockets are raised only just above the hip belt, and again although large enough to fit in a spare pair of gloves, food, map, compass, etc, the drawcords are difficult to grab a secure hold of with larger gloves and would be improved if beefed up just slightly.

Our Verdict

Montane have created once again a cold weather all-day jacket that followed us on most adventures this winter season. It’s one thing to label all the science behind the Axis, but what really matters is does it perform up to expectations, and for us, it certainly does that! Breathability is superb as we expected the use of Polartec Alpha to be. The zoned micro baffles with high FP goose down manage body warmth very well, with the tough outer shell making this a perfect choice for high workloads in unforgiving environments. This is not the type of jacket you are going to grab for muddy walks with the children or dog, nor is it the most versatile of jackets, aimed strongly towards mountaineering. The down fill does make it a difficult jacket to clean at home, and along with the price tag, the Axis will most likely be a piece of kit for serious adventure in mind. The design and stylings may not be to everyone’s tastes, but we think it channels the effort Montane have put into the technical aspects of the jacket. Electric Blue colour tones make for a nice contrast to the white, grey, and mellow tones of winter.

Trek Scotland is a small family business based in the picturesque village of Tomintoul in the North East region of the Cairngorms National Park. They provide bespoke Mountain Guiding for Single Day Walks and Lightweight Multiday Trekking experiences, including wild camping, in the stunning Cairngorms wilderness and surrounding areas. Whether in the high mountains or lower valleys, their Multiday Treks are equipped with high quality, lightweight camping and trekking gear. They only work with small groups and, whatever your ability, pride themselves on designing your outdoor experience completely to your needs and with professional guidance and expertise. Adventure is waiting... Read more from Trek Scotland