Blog

Ultralight Outdoor Gear Awards 2023

Posted by Andy Neil on Dec 22, 2023

2023 was an excellent year for new ultralight equipment and clothing, and we wanted to highlight some of our favourite gear that hit the market this year. Some pieces, like the Montbell Plasma 1000, pushed the limits of what it means to be ultralight even further. Others, like the Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions sleeping pad, showed real innovation by raising their R-value to an industry-leading 8. …
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Mastering Winter Hiking: A Layering Guide

Posted by Andy Neil on Nov 14, 2023

Hiking in the winter can be a magical experience, with pristine, snow-covered landscapes and crisp, invigorating air. However, it also comes with unique challenges, including fluctuating temperatures and unpredictable weather conditions. Mastering the art of layering your clothing is essential to ensure you stay warm, comfortable, and safe during your winter hikes. In this comprehensive guid …
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Montane Dart Lite Long Sleeve T-shirt Review - “The Dart Lite kept me comfortable and warm when tested down to low single figure °C temperatures”

Posted by Danny Pearson on Oct 27, 2023

Surprisingly, Montane’s new Dart Lite T’s are made from recycled plastic bottles so are helping to reuse plastic waste. The resulting polyester fabric is quick drying as polyester doesn’t absorb water so is perfect for wicking away moisture. I have used the standard Dart long sleeve base layer before and prefer this new Lite version. I tend to get quite hot when hiking especially up hill …
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Montane Dart Zip Neck Review - “Good breathability & fast drying qualities make this ideal for intense activities”

Posted by Charlotte Arnold on Oct 02, 2023

The fabric being 100% recycled polyester isn't the softest base layer I've ever worn, but it definitely has the most stretch. I found it very comfortable nonetheless. The high wicking, good breathability & fast drying qualities make this ideal for intense activities or a great layering piece for cooler conditions. Another great feature of the fabric, especially with prolonged wear, is th …
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Montane Dart XT Zip Neck Review - “The thickest of the Dart range and has a lovely thermal, brushed pile on the inside that is comfortable against the skin”

Posted by Lois Fife on Oct 02, 2023

The Women’s Dart XT Zip neck long sleeve base layer is the thickest of the Dart range and has a lovely thermal, brushed pile on the inside that is comfortable against the skin and a smooth tight-knit outer fabric. The 4-way stretch Polyester/Elastine blended fabric makes for a close-fitting technical garment that not only moves easily with the body but also takes moisture away leaving y …
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Montane Dart Lite Long Sleeve T-Shirt Review - “The lightweight fabric worked well under a waterproof ... and as a stand-alone layer when the sun came out.”

Posted by Lois Fife on Oct 02, 2023

The Women’s Montane Dart Lite long sleeve base layer is the lightest weight item in the Dart range and is perfect for warm weather activities, high exertion sports or as part of a layering system. The 100% recycled APEX PK Eco fabric doesn’t have much stretch and fits where it touches, so isn’t highly compliant with the movement of the body during activity. The plus side is that fabric …
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The Ultimate Guide to Lightweight Baselayers

Posted by Andy Neil on Oct 02, 2023

Arguably, the most essential piece of outdoor clothing is your baselayer. The base layer is the layer that sits closest to your skin and is the fundamental layer of the three-layer system, baselayer, mid-layer and protective outer shell. The baselayers move moisture away from the body, which helps with temperature regulation. They tend to be made from synthetic materials, usually polyester, …
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Montane Dart XT Zip Neck Review - ''I tested mine during an August Munro bagging backpacking trip and was comfortable all day''

Posted by Mark Richardson on Sep 07, 2023

For me, a baselayer is all about comfort, and that means high wicking, odour control and those details that make a garment fit well. Montane’s  Dart series are great examples of an ideal baselayer, the fabric has 4-way stretch and flatlocked seams which means they can sit against your skin without feeling restrictive in any way, and without the irritation that a conventional se …
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Montane Dart Zip Neck Review - ''A close fit is essential for wicking of sweat away from the skin, and Dart does this really well''

Posted by Mark Richardson on Sep 07, 2023

For me, a baselayer is all about comfort, and that means high wicking, odour control and those details that make a garment fit well. Montane’s  Dart series are great examples of an ideal baselayer, the fabric has 4-way stretch and flatlocked seams which means they can sit against your skin without feeling restrictive in any way, and without the irritation that a conventional se …
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Montane's New Season: Autumn Collection

Posted by Fran O'Donnell on Aug 24, 2023

We know plans can change in the mountains, just as the weather can. Our new season gear has adaptability built in, so you’ll be prepared, no matter whatever you encounter. Discover lightweight, breathable clothing and equipment that doesn’t compromise on protection. From protective waterproof jackets to warm, down jackets, technical fleeces and durable legwear – our technical layers are designed t …
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Andy’s 2023 TGO Kit List

Posted by Andy Neil on May 09, 2023

May means one thing here in the Ultralight office, The Great Outdoors Challenge, or the TGO for short. We are incredibly proud to be a sponsor of this communal coast-to-coast crossing of Scotland. Three of our team, Danny, Chris and myself, are participating in this year’s TGO, so I thought I’d give you an insight into what’s in my pack and some of the gear I’ll be taking for this year’s chal …
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Montane Womens Allez Pull-on Review - Ultralight Outdoor Gear

May 05, 2022

A baselayer is a baselayer isn’t it? Not so, I Love my Montane Allez Pull-on and did so the first time I put it on. What I like about it is Polartec fleecy grid fabric on the inside face is just so soft and comfy while still being highly breathable. I wore mine on a warm and sunny late September day hiking above Zermatt in Switzerland, it was 20 degrees but I didn’t overheat and felt …
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