Montane's Fortes Range Explained
Nov 03, 2025
Discover the Montane Fortes Range: Performance, Warmth & Innovation
Montane’s Fortes Range redefines synthetic insulation for the mountains. Designed for hikers, climbers, and mountaineers who demand lightweight warmth, breathability, and durability, each Fortes piece combines cutting-edge materials and construction to deliver comfort in challenging alpine conditions. From the high-loft protection of the Fortes XT to the agile performance of the Fortes Lite and Nano, this range showcases Montane’s expertise in temperature regulation, freedom of movement, and environmental responsibility. Whether you’re climbing, trekking, or facing changeable mountain weather, the Fortes Range keeps you warm, dry, and ready for the ascent.
What is PrimaLoft Active Gold Vent?
Lightweight Warmth and Thermal Efficiency.
PrimaLoft® Gold Active Vent insulation strategically uses microfibres for industry leading performance. Enabling air flow and actively managing moisture by allowing water vapour to escape, to regulate body temperature for all day comfort. It's warm, durable, and soft, featuring 4-way stretch to allow a wider range of motion so you can move freely during any activity.
The Fortes Range Features 'Barrier Tough' a Super Lightweight Ripstop.
Barrier Tough is a densely woven mini ripstop fabric made from super lightweight 12D Recycled Nylon. It offers excellent abrasion resistance and is finished with a DWR without the intentional use of PFAS Chemicals.
APT. Air Permeable Technology.
APT (Air Permeable Technology) maximises insulation and warmth, makes the garment work more efficiently and ultimately, improves user comfort. Constructed using recycled ripstop nylon in 10D offering <10 CFM with a grade 4 DWR without the intentional use of PFAS chemicals.
The Fortes Range Compared
Fortes XT
''Engineered with air-permeable tech to deliver our warmest synthetic layer yet.''
Men's Fortes XT Hoodie Weighs: 588g (Medium)
Women's Fortes XT Hoodie Weighs: 557g (UK12)
● Barrier Tough + A densely woven mini-ripstop textile using super lightweight 12 Denier recycled nylon.
● Core body, kidney area and top of sleeve — 160 g/m² PrimaLoft® Gold Active Vent Insulation.
● Hood and under arm — 60 g/m² PrimaLoft® Gold Active Vent Insulation.
● APT — Air Permeable Technology utilising a 10 Denier recycled nylon ripstop.
Fortes Lite
''Lightiweight, nylon outer ripstop jacket with an innovative breathable lining.''
Men's Fortes Lite Hoodie Weighs: 328g (Medium)
Women's Fortes Lite Hoodie Weighs: 294g (UK12)
Men's/Unisex Fortes Lite Pants Weigh: 309g (Medium)
● Barrier Tough — A densely woven mini-ripstop textile using super lightweight 12 Denier recycled nylon.
● Core body — 60 g/m² PrimaLoft® Gold Active Vent Insulation.
● Hood and sleeves — 40 g/m² PrimaLoft® Gold Active Vent Insulation.
● APT — Air Permeable Technology utilising a 10 Denier recycled nylon ripstop.
Fortes Nano
''Ultra-light insulated windproof pull-on with innovative moisture management.''
Men's Fortes Nano Pull On Weighs: 203g (Medium)
Women's Fortes Nano Pull On Weighs: 185g (UK12)
● Barrier Tough — A densely woven mini-ripstop textile using super lightweight 12 Denier recycled nylon.
● Core body — 40 g/m² PrimaLoft® Gold Active Vent Insulation.
● No insulation under the arms to reduce bulk and maximise breathability.
● APT — Air Permeable Technology utilising a 10 Denier recycled nylon ripstop.
Fortes XT Insulated Hoodie
Our Verdict: Montane described this piece to me as a Scottish belaying jacket. I've been using it since February, including as my stationary insulation on a March section of the Pennine Way, I would say it is a fair characterisation.
At 588g (Men's Medium), it is heavier than some insulation pieces, but that weight translates into real insulation. The PrimaLoft Gold Active Vent fill is body-mapped, with denser coverage through the torso and lighter amounts in the hood and underarms. The result is a jacket that locks in warmth where you need it most. The 12D nylon ripstop outer is tougher than it looks, holding up well under pack use, while the APT liner adds a bit of comfort and helps avoid clamminess.
Features are carefully considered. The PIVOT 3 hood adjusts securely with or without a helmet, and the set-back cuffs extend insulation over the wrist, sealing neatly with gloves. A dropped hem provides better coverage, and the two large internal dump pockets are excellent for hats, gloves or a map. External pockets remain usable with a harness or pack.
This is not a piece for high-output movement. It is a serious, high-loft insulation layer built for belays, rest stops and exposed mountain use, where staying warm and protected matters most.
Fortes Lite Insulated Hoodie
Designed to keep you warm without weighing you down, the Montane Fortes Lite jacket features a lightweight nylon ripstop outer fabric designed to withstand biting winds. Inside, our APT breathable liner and PrimaLoft Active Vent insulation work together to trap essential warmth while effectively managing moisture, so you stay comfortable even during active pursuits.
Experience unparalleled freedom of movement thanks to our innovative REACH articulation and PIVOT 2 hood systems. These advanced construction techniques ensure you can move without hindrance while staying protected from the elements. Plus, with gear-compatible pocket configurations, you'll have all the adaptability you need for your mountain adventures.
Fortes Nano Insulated Pull On
The Montane Fortes Nano pull-on is your essential running jacket for cold-weather training, offering a perfect blend of warmth, protection, and lightweight performance.
This innovative running smock features a lightweight insulated jacket design, crafted with a durable nylon ripstop outer. It's engineered to be exceptionally windproof, shielding you from biting winter winds without weighing you down. Inside, the highly breathable APT liner actively manages moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable even when you're pushing your limits.
What truly sets the Fortes Nano apart is its strategic use of PrimaLoft Gold Active+ insulation. This advanced insulation provides efficient warmth in all conditions, and it's intelligently mapped throughout the jacket to focus heat where your body needs it most, while simultaneously reducing overall weight. The result is a warm running jacket that delivers targeted warmth and unrestricted movement, so you can stay focused on your stride.
Montane described the Fortes XT to me as a Scottish belaying jacket. I've been using it since February, including as my stationary insulation on a March section of the Pennine Way, I would say it is a fair characterisation. At 588g (Medium), it is heavier than some insulation pieces, but that weight translates into real insulation. The PrimaLoft Gold Active Vent fill is body-mapped, with denser coverage through the torso and lighter amounts in the hood and underarms. The result is a jacket that locks in warmth where you need it most.