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Montane's Lightweight Hiking Layering System

Feb 15, 2021

 

Intro...

 

Dart Nano T-Shirt

The Montane Dart Nano T-Shirt lives up to its billing as a pinnacle technical tee. Weighing in at a feathery 70-81g depending on size, this recycled polyester top is a full 30% lighter than Montane's already previous Dart shirt. The APEX Lite fabric provides exceptional moisture management to keep you dry and comfortable even during strenuous activity. The permanent Polygiene anti-odor treatment allows you to wear it for extended periods without getting funky.

 

Despite being incredibly lightweight, the Dart Nano doesn't sacrifice durability or performance. The recycled polyester construction is tough enough to withstand rugged use on the trail. The ergonomic athletic fit and stretchy fabric allow unimpeded mobility. It's an ideal warm-weather active layer for any fast and light mission.

 

Dart Nano T-Shirt Weighs: 72g (Medium)

Women's Dart Nano T-Shirt Weighs: 56g (UK12)

Dart Nano Zip T-Shirt Weighs: 74g (Medium)

Women's Dart Nano Zip T-Shirt Weighs: 63g (UK 12)

 

 

Protium Lite Fleece

The Montane Protium Lite Hoodie is a game-changer for hikers seeking a balance of warmth and weight. By enhancing the warmth-to-weight ratio, Montane has made this hoodie 35% lighter without compromising thermal performance. The lightweight THERMO Grid Lite fleece offers exceptional thermal protection, making it an excellent choice for cool-weather hiking.

 

Comfort and practicality are vital features of the Protium Lite Hoodie. The high-stretch fabrics and precision fit ensure freedom of movement, making it ideal for dynamic outdoor activities. The permanent Polygiene anti-odour technology is a boon for multi-day hikes, keeping the fabric fresh for longer. Additional features like a snug under-helmet hood, YKK zipped hand pockets, and low-profile flat-locked seams add to its functionality. Weighing just 261 grams for a men's medium size, this trim-fit hoodie combines performance and practicality seamlessly, making it a fine addition to any kit list.

 

Protium Lite Hoodie Weighs: 261g (Medium)

Women's Protium Lite Hoodie Weighs: 245g (UK12)

Protium Lite Pull-On Weighs: Weighs: 193g (Medium)

Women's Protium Lite Pull-On Weighs: 166g (UK 12)

 

Genoa Lite Pants & Shorts

Designed for year-round performance, the Montane Genoa Lite pants are 5-pocket jeans re-imagined for a life outside.

 

Made from breathable GRANITE softshell, a plain weave made of recycled fibres that has a cotton-like feel perfect for everyday and active wear. 

 

Weighing only 327g for the men's 32''/medium, they are water-repellent and wind resistant with 4-way stretch to give you ultimate freedom of movement and comfort while climbing, hiking, or in downtime between activities.

 

Built to endure throughout high-intensity activities and maximise movement, these quick dry trousers are finished with a fluorocarbon-free DWR coating to protect you from light rainfall.

 

Genoa Lite Pants Weighs: 327g (Medium)

Women's Genoa Lite Pants Weighs: 298g (UK12)

Genoa Lite Shorts Weighs: 202g (Medium)

 

 

Sirocco Lite Insulated Jacket

The Montane Sirocco Lite Insulated Jacket is an exceptional blend of lightweight insulation, breathability, and wind resistance, perfect for active outdoor enthusiasts tackling variable conditions.

 

This hybrid jacket uses wind-resistant, recycled insulation across the core to trap warmth. At the same time, fleece panels on the arms and sides ensure excellent breathability and stretch for unrestricted movement. This balance of warmth and airflow makes it ideal for high-energy activities like hiking and climbing. The trim fit and articulated cut allow full mobility without compromising comfort, whether worn as a standalone layer or under a shell.

 

Practical details like low-profile stretch cuffs, hem, and a lightweight, full-length zip add to its versatility. However, wearing a harness might make the lower pocket placement less convenient

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At 264g for the men's medium, the Sirocco Lite offers impressive performance without weighing you down. It is an excellent choice for year-round use, as an outer layer in spring and summer or a dedicated mid-layer during autumn and winter.

 

Sirocco Lite Insulated Jacket Weighs: 264g (Medium)

Women's Sirocco Lite Insulated Jacket Weighs: 239g (UK12)

Sirocco Lite Insulated Hoodie Weighs: 287g (Medium)

Women's Sirocco Lite Insulated Hoodie Weighs: 254g (UK12)

 

 

Cetus Lite Petrichor Waterproof Jacket

The Montane Cetus Lite Petrichor Jacket 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.

 

 

Notably, the Petrichor fabric is soft and pliable, lacking the noisy, crinkly feel typical of waterproof shells, making it exceptionally comfortable. The lightweight design (weighing approximately 309g for a men's medium) means it packs down easily, an ideal choice for unpredictable British weather. The durable water repellent (DWR) treatment, free from harmful PFAS and fluorocarbons, requires regular upkeep, especially under heavy use, to maintain water-beading quality. Routine washes and reproofing with technical products ensure optimal performance, helping the jacket resist wetting out during prolonged exposure.

 

The Cetus Lite’s fit is functional yet spacious enough to allow layering, and the extended back and articulated sleeves enhance comfort during hikes. The fully adjustable hood provides excellent protection without hindering peripheral vision, while the Aquaguard zips on the main zip and hand pockets add to its overall waterproof integrity. Although the hand pocket placement may be slightly inconvenient when wearing a backpack with a waist belt, this is a minor trade-off considering the jacket’s overall design and utility.

 

Cetus Lite Petrichor Jacket Weighs: 309g (Medium)

Women's Cetus Lite Petrichor Jacket Weighs: 300g (UK12)

 

Montane’s relentless pursuit of lightweight performance means that you can travel further and move faster as the days get lighter and the world of adventure opens before you. This season, Montane's ultralight Sirocco Lite jacket and the Cetus Lite jacket have been launched to complement their premium apparel for incremental gains that add up to massive benefits.