Blog

Montane Women's Anti Freeze XT Down Hoodie Review - ''I feel prepared for winter’s cold and somewhat unpredictable weather and equally looked after on a trip to the pub after a day on the fells.''

Posted by Lois Fife on Dec 04, 2025

The Montane Anti Freeze XT down hoodie is not only a highly practical jacket, providing excellent insulation for frosty mornings and cold clear days, but the technical materials and clever design features help the jacket adapt to more dynamic activities. With ExpeDry goose down and a PFC free DWR coated outer, it will cope with the unexpected changes in weather too. The warmth and fit of this jac …
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Montane Fortes XT Insulated Hoodie Review - ''Warm, weather-resistant and impressively robust for its weight, the Fortes XT Insulated Hoodie is a serious winter layer built for exposed mountain use.''

Posted by Andy Neil on Dec 03, 2025

Montane described this piece to me as a “Scottish belaying jacket”, and having used it since February, I’d say that’s pretty accurate. It’s been my go-to insulation piece on cold trips through the Highlands earlier in the year, and it came with me on a March section of the Pennine Way too, where nights were long, windy and properly cold. The Fortes XT’s real fo …
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Montane's Kamen Hoodie and NAT Baffle Construction Explained

Dec 01, 2025

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 …
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Montane Kamen XT Down Jacket Review - ''I wouldn’t hesitate to include this on a UK winter kit list or if heading on an expedition to higher altitude peaks.''

Posted by Nick Brown on Nov 24, 2025

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 …
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SamBob Alpha 120 Hoodie Review - ''My go-to active insulation when the temperature drops.''

Posted by Andy Neil on Nov 20, 2025

When I heard that SamBob were releasing a 120gsm Alpha Direct version of their classic oversized thru-hiking hoodie, I was instantly interested. I’ve used a lot of Alpha 90 over the years and always loved how breathable and versatile it is, so the idea of a warmer, loftier 120gsm version immediately grabbed my attention. When the box arrived at the warehouse, I grabbed one immediately and h …
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What is VerticalX ECO SR Insulation?

Oct 01, 2025

Built with lightweight, recycled bluesign® approved fabrics, the Vesper features VerticalX™ ECO SR insulation, which balances warmth, stretch, and breathability. Its wind- and water-resistant shell provides protection from unpredictable weather while maintaining comfort during high-output activities. Thoughtful design details like the insulated hood with brim, elastic cuffs, and adjustab …
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2025 Phase Lite Gore-Tex Jacket

Aug 18, 2025

Combining lightweight Gore-Tex ePE performance shell with advanced construction techniques and essential feature set, the Phase lite ensures maximum wet weather protection and full garment breathability whilst minimising weight. BARRIER and STORMGUARD construction techniques enhance wet weather protection, and are engineered alongside our streamlined features set, including the PIVOT 2 fully adjus …
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Montane Women’s Protium Lite Hoodie Review - ''This has been the mid-layer I have turned to over the last few months whilst training for a coast-to-coast walk in May''

Posted by Lois Fife on May 06, 2025

This is an extremely comfortable and versatile zipped hoodie. The close-fitting design and 4-way stretch fabric help it move with the body. This has been the mid-layer I have turned to over the last few months whilst training for a coast-to-coast walk in May, coupled with a long or short sleeved base-layer and a waterproof when an outer layer is required. The gridded ‘Thermo-grid’ bru …
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Montane Sirocco Lite Hoodie Review - ''Sirocco Lite is a very versatile, lightweight, midlayer that is very comfortable and snug without restricting movement.''

Posted by Nick Brown on May 01, 2025

The new Sirocco Lite insulated hoodie is a midlayer with some extra warmth where you need it. I got to use it on a recent trip to the highlands in April when the weather can drastically change the higher you go. It is not unusual to be in a short sleeve shirt at the bottom only to find yourself scrabbling for your warmer layers as you pass snow patches at the tops. The Sirocco Lite is a great lig …
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Montane Tenacity Nano Hoodie Review - ''I’ve encountered multiple weather conditions from blazing sun, blustering winds, and the traditional British staple. On and off showers.''

Posted by Liam Hollinshead on Apr 08, 2025

If you’re in the market for jacket that combines unrestrictive movement and comfort in a lightweight package, then look no further than Montane’s Tenacity Nano Hoodie. Useability & ConstructionDesigned to cope in changing weather conditions (which ideal for British weather!) and activities, this softshell jacket is anything but. Made from GRANITE Stretch Nano a tough fabric twinn …
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Montane Women's Tenacity Nano Hoodie Review - ''It’s super light, super packable and super comfortable. This is now one of my staple summer pieces.''

Posted by Sam Naylor on Apr 02, 2025

I was recently given the opportunity to test the new Tenacity Nano Hoodie from montane. I was excited and intrigued as Montane describe it as their “lightest ever softshell hooded jacket, tough enough for any challenge”. Well I already love the versatility of a softshell jacket as you can use them for just about any activity. They’re breathable enough for fast moving activi …
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Montane Tenacity Nano Hooded Softshell Jacket

Apr 01, 2025

Experience unparalleled freedom of movement with the Montane men's Tenacity Nano, our lightest ever hooded softshell jacket. Built from an incredibly lightweight and breathable fabric that's also highly abrasion-resistant, this jacket is perfect for fast-paced adventures weighing just 276g. The double weave GRANITE Stretch Nano softshell offers exceptional 4-way movement and excellent re …
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