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I was recently given the opportunity to test the new Tenacity Nano Hoodie from montane. I was excited and intrigued as Montane describe it as their “lightest ever softshell hooded jacket, tough enough for any challenge”. Well I already love the versatility of a softshell jacket as you can use them for just about any activity. They’re breathable enough for fast moving activities yet durable enough for when the terrain gets rough. They’re also a great option for changing weather conditions so you don’t have to keep stopping and swapping jackets. I already own a Montane softshell jacket which is high loft lined and very comfortable. The only downside of that jacket is that it’s a little on the bulky side for packing. I use it more as an Autumn/Winter active piece, so I had always planned on adding a lighter Spring/Summer softshell to my outdoor kit.

So down to the jacket itself. I have been wearing the jacket for the last couple of months and I’m really impressed with it. It is incredibly light, about half the weight of my current softshell jacket and packs down really small. To make the jacket as light as possible, Montane have not given it a lining, just the DWR treated Granite Stretch Nano fabric which is all you need for a lighter summer softshell. Like the name suggests, the fabric has a good amount of stretch to it, so I didn’t feel restricted at all when out hiking and scrambling. The fabric felt surprisingly soft against my skin yet was still tough enough to withstand walking through overgrown bushes and heather and came out unscathed.

As I live in the UK I got hit with a couple of showers on my hikes and the DWR treatment did its job. Obviously, it’s not designed to be a highly waterproof jacket, just offering enough protection against light showers. If I felt it getting any heavier, I would still throw on my waterproof jacket. The DWR treatment also offered a good amount of wind resistance, which I was thankful for any time I was at a height or out in the open. A sign that the breathability of the jacket was working well because I didn’t feel like I was damp which could have then left me more likely to feel the cold wind. I never felt the need to take it off when the temperature rose, I just pushed the sleeves up occasionally for extra air flow if needed.

The Tenacity Hoodie is described as a trim fit which I would agree with. I usually wear a size UK14 in most jackets, so I stuck with that size. I still have room underneath for a thicker layer without feeling restricted. The only small issue I have found with the fit is with the area across the chest. Looking back at the photos I can see that the fabric looks like it's pulling or gathering in a strange way between the chest and the pockets. However, it does not feel tight at all, actually it's roomy. And the jacket is so comfortable to wear that I did not even notice this until I saw the photos. I’m not sure if it’s the type of fabric or the small stitch line to the side of the chest causing that. This doesn’t really bother me, but I feel like this might be even more noticeable for those with bigger chests. Maybe that disappears for those with a smaller chest size? But other than that small niggle, the fit feels great. The smooth, minimalist design allows me to wear a waterproof or warm layer over the top without it being bulky or uncomfortable. I was mainly wearing mine as an outer layer as we have recently been lucky enough to get some warm and dry weather.

Lets get down to the features. I like the fit of the hood. I have a small head, so this can be challenging. It’s not designed to fit a helmet underneath, so you don’t have to remove any access space straight away. Though a helmet will fit well over the top as it doesn’t have any pull cords at the back of the head. It fits nicely over my head, even with my hair up in a ponytail. But if you do find it needs to be altered slightly, then there’s 2 pull cords on the inside of the hood which tightens around the edge. The small peak of the hood can be slightly manipulated too with what feels like a small piece of wire. Always better than it flapping around in the wind. The hem of the jacket uses the same type of pull cords, one on each side so you can get a closer fit.

They have kept the seams to a minimum which is more comfortable when layering, especially when wearing it with a harness over the top. Theres 2 generous size zip pockets which are compatible with both a harness and rucksack hip belt. Now these are important for me as I never go anywhere without my dog so easy access to his treats is a must. Some brands remove the pockets when they go lighter so I’m glad this isn’t the case. The cuffs are pretty simple, half elasticated and half without. I actually find this more comfortable than fully elasticated ones. They just sit nicer when moving, rather than getting stuck up my arm.

Overall, I’m really happy with the jacket. They have gone for what looks like a simple design, but really it’s been well thought out for everything you need. It’s super light, super packable and super comfortable. This is now one of my staple summer pieces.

Sam Naylor
Sam joined UOG in 2015 and is our web team leader and head of premium marketing. She has always had a love for the outdoors, working as an outdoor instructor for multiple sports across the country, as well as outdoor retail. Her favourite hobbies include hiking, climbing, snowboarding and mountain biking. Most days she loves nothing more than hiking in the Lake District with her dog by her side. Read more from Sam Naylor