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UOG TOP PICK: Warm, weather-resistant and robust, the Montane Fortes XT Insulated Hoodie is a high-performance synthetic belay jacket built for exposed mountain conditions.
Montane says:
Lightweight 12D Nylon ripstop outer fabric with acrylic coating offers exceptionally lightweight all weather protection, whilst our APT highly breathable liner enhances comfort and ensures critical moisture management is maintained. Strategically mapped Primaloft Gold Active Vent maintains performance when wet and ensures warmth in focused critical areas whilst keeping overall weight low. Alongside our REACH+ and PIVOT3 hood systems, the Fortes XT Hoodie is designed for pinnacle, uncompromised severe mountain protection.
Our Verdict
Montane described this piece to me as a Scottish belaying jacket. I've been using it since February, including as my stationary insulation on a March section of the Pennine Way, I would say it is a fair characterisation.
At 588g (Medium), it is heavier than some insulation pieces, but that weight translates into real insulation. The PrimaLoft Gold Active Vent fill is body-mapped, with denser coverage through the torso and lighter amounts in the hood and underarms. The result is a jacket that locks in warmth where you need it most. The 12D nylon ripstop outer is tougher than it looks, holding up well under pack use, while the APT liner adds a bit of comfort and helps avoid clamminess.
Features are carefully considered. The PIVOT 3 hood adjusts securely with or without a helmet, and the set-back cuffs extend insulation over the wrist, sealing neatly with gloves. A dropped hem provides better coverage, and the two large internal dump pockets are excellent for hats, gloves or a map. External pockets remain usable with a harness or pack.
This is not a piece for high-output movement. It is a serious, high-loft insulation layer built for belays, rest stops and exposed mountain use, where staying warm and protected matters most.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- APT technology utilises breathable lining fabrics to maximise insulation performance direct to the body, with protective face fabrics to lock out cold weather
- Body mapped insulation to reduce bulk under the arms and hood whilst maximising warmth in the main body and arms
- Reach + fit construction offers unparalleled arm lift and articulation for excellent movement
- PIVOT 3 fully adjustable, helmet compatible hood system with integrated front mountain safe adjustment points and rear speed adjustment
- Outside-In construction utilizes the durable face fabrics internally on high abrasion areas
- Insulated CF placket prevents heat loss
- Included Cube stuff sack for efficient packability has been constructed to provide maximum fabric for use as a garment repair
- OFFSET seam intersections improve construction, durability and comfort
- Fully adjustable hood and hems for complete protection
- 2-way YKK Vislon Natulon recycled CF zip
- Single harness and pack compatible YKK Natulon recycled zipped chest pocket, insulated to keep essentials warm and protected
- 2x harness and pack compatible YKK Natulon recycled zipped hand warmer pockets and 2x internal self-fabric stash pockets
- Built on the Mountain Fit block with added volume to fit over layers, dropped rear hem for added protection, and sleeve articulation that prioritizes arm lift
Specifications
- Small Weighs: 552g
- Medium Weighs: 588g
- Large Weighs: 597g
- XLarge Weighs: 622g
- XXLarge Weighs: 641g
- Back Length: 78.5 (M)
Material & Construction
- Barrier Tough + A densely woven mini-ripstop textile using super lightweight 12 Denier recycled nylon yarns, excellent abrasion resistance for its weight. With an acrylic coating for increased weather protection.
- Insulation - Core body, kidney area and top of sleeve - 160 g/m² PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation Active Vent PrimaLoft® Lightweight warmth and thermal efficiency, designed for breathability and effective moisture management. Packable insulation that remains warm even if wet. 4-way stretch enables freedom of movement.
- Insulation - Hood and under arm - 60 g/m² PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation Active Vent PrimaLoft® Lightweight warmth and thermal efficiency, designed for breathability and effective moisture management. Packable insulation that remains warm even if wet. 4-way stretch enables freedom of movement.
- APT - Air Permeable Technology utilising a 10 denier recycled nylon ripstop fabric with engineered air permeability of 10cfm to maximise insulation warmth, efficiency and end-user comfort.
