Montane Dart Lite Long Sleeve T-shirt Review - “The Dart Lite kept me comfortable and warm when tested down to low single figure °C temperatures”
Posted by Danny Pearson on Oct 27, 2023
Surprisingly, Montane’s new Dart Lite T’s are made from recycled plastic bottles so are helping to reuse plastic waste. The resulting polyester fabric is quick drying as polyester doesn’t absorb water so is perfect for wicking away moisture.
I have used the standard Dart long sleeve base layer before and prefer this new Lite version. I tend to get quite hot when hiking especially up hill and the Dart Lite seems to move moisture more effectively and also dry more quickly. It has a slightly perforated look to the material that lets it breathe but this does make it cooler when the wind picks up, needing the use of a wind-shirt.
As is typical for a t-shirt designed for faster-paced activity it has a close fit. I went for a Large because I like a close but not sprayed-on feel. I would imagine that it would work well as a running T in cooler conditions.
The length of the body is not too long which I prefer, some cross-over running T’s have a long back which I’m not keen on. The Dart Lite has a good all-round fit for multi-activities.
The fabric perhaps lacks some stretch compared to the original Montane Dart but I never noticed this in use. It was always comfortable and the flat seams meant no rubbing under a pack.
The fabric has a Polygiene odour control treatment which seems to work well. I haven’t used the Dart Lite on a multiday trek yet which is the true test of whether fabrics will become stinky but after multiple uses it has been fine for day long use.
Under a lightweight shell (Montane Phase Nano Jacket), the Dart Lite kept me comfortable and warm when tested down to low single figure °C temperatures in windy conditions without feeling the need to use a mid-layer. I will continue to use it as the mercury drops as we go into the cooler months as I think it will be ideal as a first layer when wearing a waterproof to keep me comfortable and dry.
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Danny Pearson |
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Dan is a keen distance walker who loves to geek over the latest gear. In the last few years, Dan has completed a couple of TGO Challenge crossings of Scotland (with another planned for 2024), GR221 in Mallorca, Dales High Route and Hadrian’s Wall plus countless other self-planned routes. A keen mountain biker but finds he doesn’t bounce so well these days when the inevitable happens. |
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