Montane has a strong track record of working closely with serious mountain professionals to develop garments that are tough enough for the rigors of endurance expeditions. From unsupported ventures in Antarctica to smash and grab routes in Patagonia, this has given Montane a wealth of testing in harsh environments to help them develop the best hard shells on the market.
Features
Montane’s Fleet Jacket is a lightweight waterproof breathable shell perfect for fast hiking or trail running. It uses two different GORE-TEX fabrics to maximize performance and minimize weight, with a strategic athletic fit geared towards fast hikers and runners.
It’s also an excellent example of how Gore Active combines with C-knit to reduce friction inside the membrane, which can deteriorate the fabric over time. The membrane is laminated with 30D face fabric throughout the torso but beefier 40D material at the shoulders and hips.
The durable water-repellent treatment on the jacket is PFC-free and made with 58 percent recycled polyester. It’s a sustainable choice, and Montane says it puts durability at the heart of its garments. It also recycles its clothing and offers a repair service, which it claims enables less waste in a landfill.
Fit
Montane is a brand that prides itself on lightweight, breathable and functional clothing. The Fleet jacket reflects this philosophy.
It has a range of mountain-specific features tailored to fast-paced activities on the trail. The hood has a stiffened peak to shed rainwater and 3 points of adjustment to cinch it down in high winds. It also folds away to avoid snagging on branches while running.
The shell is made from Pertex Shield+, a 2.5-layer waterproof/breathable laminate with a face fabric, membrane, and protective film. It offers a waterproof rating of 28,000mm static head and a good breathability of 10,000g/m2/24h.
Insulation
Insulated jackets are designed to help you stay warm by controlling heat transfer between your body and the exterior. This can be achieved in different ways – some use synthetic insulation, responsibly sourced down or a blend of the two.
Synthetic insulation, commonly called polyfill, is often mapped into the core of a jacket, while down insulation is used around the sleeves and collar for added warmth. This approach, called hybrid insulation, is a great way to tailor your jacket to an activity.
The Montane Fleet Jacket is a GORE-TEX Active waterproof designed for fast-paced mountain activities where durability, temperature control, and moisture management are essential to comfort. It is constructed from two GORE-TEX fabrics which are strategically layered to maximize performance while reducing weight. It has a 30 CFM face fabric throughout the torso, with 40D Gore-Tex Active laminated fabric on the shoulders and hips.
Weight
The Montane Fleet Jacket isn’t the lightest waterproof coat on the market, but it’s still a pretty reasonable weight. It’s also got a few features that make it a worthwhile addition to your gear collection.
Firstly, the Montane Fleet Jacket uses a Gore-Tex Active membrane for its water resistance. This is a 2.5-layer waterproof/breathable laminate, incorporating a face fabric (ripstop), membrane and protective film all within the same shell.
This is an excellent choice for various outdoor pursuits, from hiking to running. It’s a lightweight, durable, waterproof coat with unique features, including twin pit zips, zipped handwarmer pockets and a cincher at the hem.
The Gore-Tex above Active membrane is paired with a 30D face fabric to save weight where it’s not needed and a beefier 40D fabric for the shoulders and hips. This combination helps the Fleet Jacket deliver the best waterproof protection for its weight class.
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