Montane's Kamen Hoodie and NAT Baffle Construction Explained
Nov 11, 2018
Baffle construction plays a crucial role in how efficiently a down jacket traps and retains warmth while keeping weight to a minimum. Montane’s Kamen Hoodies use two specialised baffle designs: Offset Boxwall and Nip & Tuck (NAT), each engineered for distinct performance advantages. By improving loft, minimising cold spots, and staying warm without adding bulk, these construction methods play a big part in how each jacket stands up to demanding mountain use.
Montane's Baffle Construction Explained
Montane's Kamen XT showcases Offset Boxwall construction, which uses simple but effective design to ensure that the down is actively guided as close to the body as possible. This achieves maximum thermal efficiency without additional materials and weight.
Then, Nip & Tuck (NAT) construction is used in the Kamen Hoodie to loft down towards the body, maximising the thermal performance of the warm-air layer retained by the down.
Stitch-through construction is utilised on the Anti-Freeze Lite for lightweight packability because the down can be compressed under load without impacting performance.
Offest Boxwall Baffles
(Used in Kamen XT Hoodie)
Ensures maximum thermal performance by guiding the down to the closest possible proximity to the body.
Maximum thermal efficiency.
Nip and Tuck (NAT) Baffles
(Used in the Kamen Hoodie)
Improves thermal performance by lofting down towards the body.
Thermal efficiency that isn't effected by load.
Stitch-through Baffles
(Used in the Anit-Freeze Lite)
For a lightweight packable build.
Down can be compressed under load.
Kamen Down Hoodie
Weighs: 492g (Men's M) 450g, (Women's UK12) | ExpeDRY 800FP Goose Down | 180g FW (Men's M) | Pertex® Quantum Diamond Outer
The Kamen Down Hoodie combines 180g of 800 fill-power ExpeDRY goose down with targeted Primaloft Gold panels in the shoulders and collar to handle moisture and compression. At 492 g (Medium), it's incredibly warm, yet low-weight for cold mountain environments. The Pertex Quantum Diamond Fuse outer fabric is impressively tough for its weight, resisting abrasion and shedding light snow effectively.
Fit is generous enough for layering, with good reach and articulation through Montane’s REACH+ patterning. The hood adjusts with a drawcord at the crown and two drawcords around the face, though the latter require the jacket to be opened slightly to operate, which feels unnecessary. Hem drawcords adjust easily from either side. The elasticated cuffs seal out wind and extend slightly inside the sleeves, so the down loft continues beyond the wrist, working well with gloves.
The two hand-warmer pockets are large, reaching high on the chest, and two internal dump pockets provide ideal storage for gloves or maps. Warmth is excellent, comfort is high, and the overall construction is solid. For cold, dry conditions or alpine use, the Kamen offers reliable protection with refined technical detailing.
PIVOT 3 Adjustable Hood
Helmet compatible hood system with intergrated mountain safe adjustment points.
NAT Baffle Construction
NAT baffle construction improves thermal performance by lofting down towards the body.
Pockets
2x harness and pack compatible YKK Natulon recycled zipped hand warmer pockets and 2x internal self-fabric stash pockets.
Kamen XT Down Hoodie
Weighs: 592g (Medium) | ExpeDRY 800FP Goose Down | 200g FW | Pertex® Quantum Diamond Outer
The Kamen XT Down Hoodie delivers serious insulation and robust weather resistance in a carefully engineered package.
At 592g (Medium), it is clearly aimed at top-of-the-mountain use rather than fast-and-light duties. The ExpeDRY 800 fill-power goose down is treated to dry faster and resist moisture, so the insulation maintains loft for longer in damp conditions. Montane has paired this with PERTEX QUANTUM Diamond Fuse, a tougher face fabric than most ultralight shells, which withstands abrasion and pack use well. Offset box-wall baffles maximise loft and minimise cold spots, while synthetic panels in the shoulders and collar reduce compression and manage moisture where it matters.
The fit is mountain-oriented, with three-point hood adjustment and set-back cuffs that extend the down further over the wrist, sealing neatly with gloves. Two large internal dump pockets are excellent for stashing gloves or hats, while external chest and hand pockets remain accessible when wearing a harness or pack. I particularly like the dropped hem, which improves coverage and helps keep warmth locked in.
Breathability is limited by design; this is not a piece for sustained high-output movement, but it excels in static or exposed alpine use. The build quality and fabric choices make it feel far more durable than many ultralight down jackets, giving it absolute confidence as a reliable fortress layer when conditions turn harsh.
Primaloft Gold Insulation
Added Primaloft Gold synthetic insulation panels in CF collar and shoulders to manage moisture build up and provide durable insulation in high compression areas.
REACH+
Reach + fit construction offers unrestricted arm-lift for the technical mobility needed in climbing and vertical environments.
Harness Compatible Pockets
2 Harness and pack compatible YKK Natulon recycled zipped hand warmer pockets.
What's ExpeDRY™ Technology?
ExpeDRY is Allied’s innovative ultra dry down featuring FUZE® technology for a chemical-free alternative to hydrophobic-treated down.
ExpeDRY works through a permanent and chemical-free bonding of gold particles to the down cluster which aid in the evaporation of water molecules, causing the down to dry faster and stay dry in high humidity and extreme conditions.
The gold particles in the treatment generate the ‘excitement’ normally created by heat in the evaporation process, speeding up the vibration in the water molecule. The rate of evaporation is greater than that of absorption, which helps to create a drier insulative chamber. It also helps with internal moisture such as sweat during high-energy activities leading to more regulated warmth.
How does ExpeDRY™ Insulation work?
The ExpeDRY gold particles create an electro-static shield that provides a small hydrophobic barrier and weakens the hydrogen bond that allows water to form. By attacking the hydrogen bond of the water molecule, ExpeDRY helps keeps moisture from coalescing into droplets (as is the case with performance in use) and helps break that bond to help any water to dry faster.
This helps to create a drier insulative chamber in the product. It also helps with internal moisture such as sweat in high-energy activities which offers more regulated warmth.
What is PrimaLoft Active Gold Vent?
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.
PrimaLoft Active Gold Vent in the Kamen Range
Added Primaloft Gold synthetic insulation panels in CF collar and shoulders to manage moisture build up and provide durable insulation in high compression areas.
Terms and Conditions
The winner will win a Montane Kamen Hoodie or Kamen XT Hoodie in their chosen style and colour (subject to availability).
The competition starts on 1st December 2025 and ends on 5th January 2025. All entrants between these dates will be entered into the draw. The winner will be drawn on 6th January 2025, and the winner will be notified via email. If you don't get an email from us, unfortunately, you have not been successful on this occasion.
Every correct entry submitted between the competition dates will have their email address entered into the draw. The draw uses a random number generator and will be completely fair, with each email address having the same chance to win as any other. Only one entry per person will be accepted. No dialogue will be entered about the administration of the competition/draw.
You can also enter the draw by sending your entry to us by post at the following address: Ultralight Outdoor Gear, Unit 2, Tees Valley Court, Wynyard Business Park, Billingham, TS22 5FE, United Kingdom. Add your name, answer, and email address inside.
If you purchase one of the prize items and then win the competition, you are entitled to a refund of the cost of the item!
Baffle construction plays a crucial role in how efficiently a down jacket traps and retains warmth while keeping weight to a minimum. Montane’s Kamen Hoodies use two specialised baffle designs: Offset Boxwall and Nip & Tuck (NAT), each engineered for distinct performance advantages. By improving loft, minimising cold spots, and staying warm without adding bulk, these construction methods play a big part in how each jacket stands up to demanding mountain use.