Montane Cetus Lite Jacket Review - “My go-to jacket for the last 5 months (May to September)”
Posted by Lois Fife on Oct 02, 2024
This has been my go-to jacket for the last 5 months (May to September) and has performed well when needed, either as protection from a sudden summer shower or worn for a full day on the Lakeland fells in low cloud and constant drizzle.
This Cetus ‘Lite’ jacket in Deep Forest, size UK12 weighs 290g and packs down pretty small for stashing in a backpack. The Montane 3-layer Petrichor Waterproof Technology provides a hydrostatic head of 20,000 so it will conform to mandatory kit lists for most endurance events. It is also highly breathable with a RET value of <5, so the build-up of moisture inside is managed well even when walking quickly and uphill. Considering the lack of pit zips, I thought this might be an issue, but in practice, it wasn’t.
The 21 denier, 100% recycled Nylon ripstop fabric is durable, and after wearing a backpack on most outings it is showing no sign of wear or abrasion. I have laundered the jacket about 4-5 times over the period to prevent the build-up of grime and contaminants that can cause the PFC/PFAS chemical free fabrics to deteriorate and subsequently underperform.
The non-helmet compatible hood was ideal for hiking and general wear, and was fully adjustable to give a really good fit. The laminated peak offered protection from the rain, yet the cut at the sides didn’t restrict visibility.
The full length, Aquaguard, waterproof zip sits neatly in the zip garage when fully closed. The 2 hand pockets have waterproof zips too. These pockets sit at about waist height, so access with a closed backpack waist belt is a little awkward.
The regular fit allows room for additional insulation to be layered underneath. This has proved beneficial as the weather has turned colder, and I can wear it over a down jacket at the end of the day. Hook and loop Velcro tabs make the sleeve cuffs easy to adjust. And 2 side adjusters on the hem cinch the bottom of the jacket for an enhanced fit. I really like the longer fit of this jacket and the curved hem line at the back makes the jacket versatile for use on the bike too. The shaped panels, chest darts and articulated sleeves of this Women’s version makes for a flattering fit.
- Stats based on Women’s size 12
- Pit to pit measurement 56cm
- Back length (collar to hem) 75cm
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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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