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The Montane Phase Lite Gore-Tex Jacket is a high-performance, lightweight waterproof jacket built for fast-paced adventures, but is just as much suited for those that prefer long and slow exploits. It features a 40 Denier Gore-Tex performance shell, rated at 28,000 mm hydrostatic head with excellent breathability.

Built with recycled nylon face and backer fabrics and Gore-Tex’s new ePE membrane, it is PFC/PFAS-free, marking a greener step in waterproof technology as we are seeing with many outdoor brands due to new EU legislation.

Weighing approximately 350g in my size (men’s medium), it is truly an ultralight 3-layer shell. It is worth noting that I could have sized down to a Small for a more streamlined fit. I’m that awkward size between and Small and Medium, and with the possibility of layering in colder months, I wanted a little more space to make the jacket that little bit more versatile across activities.

This jacket is not to be confused with its namesake from previous seasons. A name change may have been sensible on this occasion, as the main differences are notable.

Tested in what felt like the driest of summers, I did get one opportunity to truly put the jacket to the test. On a warm summer's day, on a day-hike from Saltburn to Whitby following the coastal path of the Cleveland Way, the warm sunshine made way for a torrential downpour barely miles from the finish point. The waterproof was deployed and pit-zips opened for half an hour of warm and wet sideways rain. *Note, it would be recommended to close the pit zips on the side exposed to the sideways rain – Lesson learnt. Despite this user error, the jacket performed well in otherwise T-Shirt weather, keeping me dry and cool despite the warm conditions. The hood is compact and fitted and can be tightened with the one-handed system, making it easy to adjust in changeable conditions. With the ever-changing updates and improvements to fabrics, gone are the days of loud-crinkly crisp-packet-esque waterproofs, making way for quieter, soft-to-touch membranes which are comfortable even against skin.

The jacket features two large side pockets which stretch the full length of the jacket on both sides, making it easy to store items, even when some hip-belts might obstruct the lower chambers of the pockets.

The 40D face material is durable enough to withstand prolonged periods of rucksack use but is also soft to the touch and keeps the overall weight of the jacket to a minimum. It is worth noting that the new environmentally friendly membranes and DWR coatings need more maintenance than people might be used to. Regular washes are essential to the upkeep and sustained performance of all outdoor kit, but particularly with the new non-fluorocarbon DWRs as they may be more susceptible to holding natural oils and dirt (in areas next-to-skin, or across the shoulders when wearing rucksacks), which impact the waterproof capabilities.

For more everyday use and going into the depths of winter, I would probably reach for something a little heavier and more durable. But for a jacket you will be using for fast hikes through the hills, through later summer into autumn, the Phase Lite would be a more than capable companion.

Mathew Garbutt
Mathew is an avid sports fan who plays football semi-professionally for a local team. As a child, Mathew and his family would Car Camp in the Lake District regularly, which is a tradition he has passed-on to his own young family. He is a strong advocate for the outdoors and the importance of his children being outside and exploring the many wonderful places on offer around the North-East and beyond. It was through working at Ultralight where Mathews love for the outdoors and particularly wild camping flourished, taking up many of the opportunities presented to him through his work. Trips to Scotland are a regular occurrence, from taking-in Munros to the snow-capped mountains of the Cairngorms for winter-skills training. More recently, Mathew has re-found his love for running and particularly enjoys meeting with a group of friends on a Sunday morning trail run. Mathew joined UOG in 2017 and is a Purchasing Assistant in our Buying Team. Read more from Mathew Garbutt