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New for the Autumn/winter season from Montane is the Khamsin Softshell. It is a lightly insulated, wind resistant, technical softshell that is perfect for those changeable windy autumn days on the hills. It is made from wind resistant Raptor Flex fabric that is 88% recycled and has excellent four way stretch, making it super comfortable to wear. On the inside it is lined with an Octa fleece lining that, much like Rab’s Vapour-rise or Polartec Alpha material, offers light insulation that is highly breathable and exceptional at wicking away moisture. If you are only wearing a short sleeve shirt underneath, it has a lovely soft feel next to the skin.

The jacket has an adjustable hood, at the back, that can be cinched in to keep it snug around the head and a reinforced peak to keep it out of your vision. However, this means it isn’t helmet compatible. The cuffs don’t offer any adjustments however, they are elasticated and fit quite tight around the wrists which keeps it to a nice streamlined fit. The waist has an elasticated drawcord on the inside that can be adjusted to fit. It is quite a fitted piece and generally quite long in the arms as you would expect with a technical jacket. Which means it moves with you very well and doesn’t restrict any movement. This is helped by the Raptor Flex fabric, which feels durable to the touch whilst being relatively light. Like most softshell jackets the Khamsin doesn’t have taped seams and is therefore not fully waterproof, however it will happily take a shower and with the new PFC-free DWR coating beads off the moisture well. This was the case when taking the jacket out on a recent trip to Lochnagar in the Cairngorms. It was a mixed weather day with a fairly constant 20mph wind, gusting to 30mph and the occasional shower. The jacket performed excellently, taking the edge off the wind chill whilst not feeling too hot inside on the up hills. Only during the heavier showers did I decide to put on a hardshell however the Khamsin never got damp on the inside.

Two zipped pockets and an inside chest pocket offer plenty of options to stash hats, gloves or snacks. The main zip has a storm flap on the inside to help keep any drafts or moisture encroaching in. Overall, I found the Khamsin a very comfortable, very functional softshell that works great as an in-between jacket when it's windy or cold enough to need something tougher than a fleece but not wet enough for full waterproofs. I look forward to using the jacket more in the colder months ahead and seeing how it performs.

Nick Brown
Nick has had a love of the outdoors, especially the mountains, for over 20 years. His passion has led him all around the world on many multi-day treks and mountain climbs in the greater ranges. As well as experiences in harsh environments such as the jungles of Asia and South and Central America and the vastness of the Trans-Siberian railway. A qualified Mountain Leader, he spends most of his time exploring the Scottish highlands and wild areas bagging Munros. On top of this, he enjoys trail running and rock climbing and strongly believes any outdoor experiences are good experiences - no matter what the weather, especially for mental well-being and happiness. Read more from Nick Brown