Blog

Montbell utilises high-quality materials and meticulous design to deliver ultralight and functional down pieces. From expeditions in the coldest regions, to winter walks in your local park, find the perfect insulation piece for your next adventure outdoors. Montbell categorizes its products into three classifications: lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight. The heavier options offer greater insul …

ExpeDRY™ works through a permanent and chemical-free bonding of non-toxic gold particles to the down cluster, which actively attacks the humidity inside the insulation and keeps the entire chamber dry in extreme conditions. 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 …

Discover our range of Montane's down insulated winter jackets, engineered to keep you warm in cold weather conditions. Created with outdoor activities in mind, we have a range of Montane down jackets that offer lightweight versatility, durability and warmth. Ideal for high-altitude adventures or cooler evenings at camp, our down jackets have been designed with exceptional warmth to weight rat …

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 guide, we' …

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 …

New to the market this season is Montane’s Kamen range of Down Jackets. These come in two variations. The standard Kamen and its bigger brother, the Kamen XT which is being reviewed. They both feature 800 fill ExpeDRY Goose down, designed to resist water and moisture so it stays lofty even in damp conditions, but the XT version has a box wall construction. This means rather than the baffles …

This guide breaks down the warmth levels and technical details of Rab’s current down range, helping you compare models at a glance. From ultralight options built for fast-moving alpine missions to fully waterproof expedition-grade insulation, we’ve listed key specs, including fill weight, fill power, and notable features, for each jacket. We’ll also explain the key factors that d …

You might have noticed a few subtle changes in the latest down range, not just the new additions to their winter range, but also the switch from Nikwax to Grangers for Rab’s hydrophobic down treatment. It’s part of a new partnership that brings Grangers’ Down Defend® Technology into the 2025 line-up, giving the down a more durable, water-repellent finish that helps …

Washing a down jacket or sleeping bag can feel nerve-wracking, and with good reason. Many people are afraid that washing will cause down to clump and ruin their expensive gear. It’s a common fear, and one that’s kept plenty of jackets unwashed for far too long. But here’s the truth: regular cleaning is not only safe, it’s essential if you want your down to perform at its be …

Four-Season Review: Montane Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie From the chill of dawn on a springtime Scottish coast to the biting frost of winter in the Lakes, the Montane Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie has been with me every step of the way. Over the past year, it has become my go-to insulation layer, tackling everything from multi-day treks to daily hikes with unwavering reliability. Montane kindly p …

Montane Women’s Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie – with added GOLD!! Jacket tested in a UK12, (Eclipse Blue) weight: 196g The Montane Women’s Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie is a highly thermally efficient, technical down jacket. My first impression of this jacket is the weight - it is extremely light - weighing less than 200g. I have tested this jacket for six months, from late spring, throu …

Sometimes you get an item of clothing that as soon as you put it on it feels right. Montane’s Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie for me is one of these. A very lightweight down jacket that for dry days provides plenty of warmth as my outer layer and then gives me a lot of comfort as a middle layer when the rain is falling. As of October 2024, the  Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie is the second …