Montane Shell Ranges Explained
Jan 29, 2026
Incorporating reliable waterproof protection, breathable fabrics as well as lightweight, packable designs, Montane's waterproof jackets combine comfort with protection. In short, a Montane waterproof jacket helps you focus on breaking new boundaries, no matter what the weather throws at you.
Browse Montane's range of waterproof jackets and choose from a range of options to find the waterproof shell that suits your adventure needs best. Whether fast packing, hiking or climbing – we’re sure we have a waterproof jacket to keep you dry in the mountains. Below we've outlined the differences in each shell range and what they are best suited for.
Montane Shell Family Naming Structure
XT
The XT range has been designed to be tougher, more technical and with an extended feature set for tough mountain use.
XT products have been designed for mountaineering activities such as alpine climbing, Scottish winter days, mountain scrambling and gnarly days out on the hill. This range usually has our‘mountain fit’ which has been cut to accommodate additional layers and added tailoring for high-reach movements and colder conditions.
Lite
Lite products use lighter materials and optimized features for moving faster.
Our Lite products have been designed for fast and light days out whether you are fastpacking, hiking, trail running, lightweight mountaineering or moving in warmer conditions. Across our Lite range, you will find our trim fit, which is closer fitting for fast-moving and high-output adventures.
Nano
Nano products are all about high-performance materials, minimalist feature sets, low weight and tiny pack sizes without compromising on functionality.
In the category, we have the lightest appropriate weight with an optimized feature set for fast and light mountain activities such as fast packing, trail running, ultra-running and podium racing. Throughout this range you will find our trim and next to skin fits which are close-fitting and offer superior comfort and performance advantages.
Unisex Minimus Nano
At 106g (Medium), the Montane Unisex Minimus Nano Pull-On is a highly specialised waterproof for running, fastpacking and race use, where the priority is carrying the lightest possible protection. The Pertex Shield fabric provides reliable wet-weather cover, with a 15,000mm hydrostatic head and a high breathability rating, but the real appeal is how little space it takes up in a vest or small pack.
Norste Lite
Built for essential wet weather protection, the Norste Lite Jacket has been designed for users needing durable, highly waterproof protection in a lightweight packable Using PERTEX Shield, this highly waterproof membrane is protected by the highly durable 40D nylon face fabric, whilst the 20D tricot backer keeps the fabric lightweight and improves overall comfort.
Cetus
Montane’s Cetus Petrichor Jacket is a lightweight, high-performance waterproof designed for fast-moving days in the mountains. Weighing around 398 grams, it balances weather protection with excellent breathability, making it a solid choice for hillwalkers and those tackling changeable conditions.
The jacket is built with Montane’s PETRICHOR 3-layer technology and boasts a 20,000mm hydrostatic head for waterproofing while maintaining an impressive breathability rating (<5 RET).
Cetus Petrichor Pants Weighs: 314g (Medium
Cetus Petrichor Jacket Weighs: 398g (Medium)
Women's Cetus Petrichor Jacket Weighs: 370g (UK12)
Cetus Lite
The Montane Cetus Lite Petrichor balances eco-conscious design and high-performance protection; it features Montane's unique PETRICHOR technology, a 3-layer system combining a non-porous, hydrophilic membrane, recycled nylon ripstop outer, and durable tricot inner. The fabric effectively wicks away moisture, maintaining breathability even during strenuous activity, which is particularly impressive given the absence of pit zips; with a 20,000mm hydrostatic head and RET <5 breathability, the Cetus Lite is exceptionally suited to long, wet days in unpredictable conditions.
Phase Lite
Combining lightweight Gore-Tex ePE performance shell with advanced construction techniques and essential feature set, the Phase lite ensures maximum wet weather protection and full garment breathability whilst minimising weight. BARRIER and STORMGUARD construction techniques enhance wet weather protection, and are engineered alongside our streamlined feature set, including the PIVOT 2 fully adjustable hood and pack compatible hand pockets to ensure the Phase Lite jacket delivers everything you need, and nothing you don’t.
Norste
At 407g (Medium), the Montane Norste 3L Jacket feels like a proper hillwalking waterproof rather than a just-in-case shell. The 40D Pertex Shield fabric gives the jacket a good balance of protection, durability and packable weight, while the 3-layer construction feels more robust for regular use. The hood is the standout feature for me, with separate crown and face adjustment, plus a stiffened peak that gives useful coverage in driving rain.
Torren
The Torren jacket breaks new ground in waterproof protection by delivering exceptional breathability and packable performance that’s optimised for pushing limits in the mountains. This PFC/PFAS chemical-free, high-performance jacket features 3-layer, highly breathable (RET 7) PETRICHOR TECHNOLOGY™ fabric with excellent wet weather protection (20k Hydrostatic Head), a helmet-compatible hood, harness-compatible pockets, and pit zips to ramp up breathability even further. When you have to push hard for the summit, the Torren has the durability, protection, and performance to back your moves.
Norste XT
The Montane Norste XT 3L Jacket is the most capable option in the Norste range for regular hill use. The 40D Pertex Shield 3-layer fabric gives a more protective and comfortable feel than a lighter 2.5-layer shell, making it better suited to longer spells in wet weather. The real advantage, though, is the pit zip ventilation, which gives you a direct way to dump heat on climbs or in mild, humid rain.
Spirit Long
The Spirit Long offers serious wet-weather protection without feeling cumbersome. The longer cut is its standout feature: I wear a large size, and the hem sits just above my knee, keeping the upper legs and seat well protected when conditions turn foul. The fit is regular and works well over a fleece or light insulated layer. The hood adjusts at two points, around the face and the crown, allowing a secure fit in wind and rain. The cuffs close with a hook-and-pull fastening.
Extreme
The Montane Extreme Jacket has a legendary reputation. So much so that Montane have re-released it having discontinued it for a few years and the fact that they have barely changed the design since it's first incarnation nearly 30 years ago says it all. Used by numerous Mountain professionals the Extreme jacket is built for harsh conditions.
The directional material pushes moisture away from the body whilst keeping you warm. The reinforced patches on the elbows have a hydrostatic head of 10,000mm and the outer material is now 100% recycled.
Incorporating reliable waterproof protection, breathable fabrics as well as lightweight, packable designs, Montane's waterproof jackets combine comfort with protection. In short, a Montane waterproof jacket helps you focus on breaking new boundaries, no matter what the weather throws at you. Browse Montane's range of waterproof jackets and choose from a range of options to find the waterproof shell that suits your adventure needs best. Whether fast packing, hiking or climbing – we’re sure we have a waterproof jacket to keep you dry in the mountains.