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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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Sun hoodies have become indispensable gear for long-distance hikers and anyone exploring the outdoors in summer. Sun hoodies have gained popularity for their all-in-one solution for sun protection, moisture management, and temperature regulation, making them an essential part of any kit list. Historically, hikers relied on sunscreen, hats, and loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts for sun pro …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Unlike traditional waterproof technology, Petrichor’s hydrophilic membrane actively breathes to physically transport moisture away from damp layers and skin, and out into the air. The membrane manages your own microclimate to enable you to move fast and light while staying dry - the harder you work, the harder it works. This technology excels even when your baselayer is slightly wet, th …

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 …

From active sheet insulation that responds to your output to loose fill insulation that mimics the structure of down, we use a variety of types of PrimaLoft® synthetic insulation in our gear. Each one has its unique benefits, tailored to particular conditions and activities. So how do we select which one to use in each product? Discover how these PrimaLoft® insulations work to provide you wi …