EXPERT-TESTED PRODUCTS
Editor Isaac Williams put the Montane Composite Hooded Down Jacket to the test
First up, this is a performance jacket, so no surprises the focus is more locked-in than smart-casual, but that’s worth bearing in mind. If you need a coat that serves dual purposes – trips to the shops as well as winter hikes, for example – you may be better off going one size up from your usual.
Practicality is provided by a full-length front zip and two zipped hand pockets – both of which are plenty big enough for a phone, keys or even small water bottle. There’s a hood, too, which sits tight against the head and – though I’m no climber myself – is designed to fit easily under a helmet. And that front zip extends all the way to the chin, so with the hood and zip up you’re guaranteed Kenny from South Park levels of wind and cold protection.
Cold-weather performance
As I quickly realised after a couple of unexpected showers, this is not a waterproof jacket. But nor does Montane claim it to be, so I can’t mark it down too harshly for that. It’s worth noting, though, that you’ll want to pair it with a thin, waterproof outer layer if you’re expecting rain.
What it is, however, is supremely cold-defying and breathable. That’s a winning combination if, like me, you’re prone to overheating, even if it’s objectively chilly out. The 750+ fill insulation does an excellent job of keeping the cold out, but that insulating material is confined to the torso, while the arms are kept lighter – constructed from the same stretchy, lightweight fabric mentioned earlier.
I should say that, while the weather wasn’t great, the temperatures hovered around the 5-6°C mark for both of my outings in
