Montane

When you're putting in the effort on a ski tour ascent or navigating a challenging line, your body's engine runs hot, creating an internal build-up of heat. Getting chilled from damp inner layers is just as problematic as being soaked by a storm. Montane's entire mission is built on mastering this challenge. 

Montane dropped a genuine game-changer in the world of waterproofs: their own fabric called PETRICHOR TECHNOLOGY™. Not only is it seriously impressive, but it's also Montane's answer to creating top-tier performance without the "forever chemicals" (PFAS) that have long dominated the industry. So, how does it work? It's a smart, 3-layer system with a non-porous hydrophilic membrane at its heart. Forget tiny holes—this membrane actively pulls sweat and vapour away from your body and breathes it out. The really clever part? The harder you work, the more it breathes, making it perfect for intense activities where you're generating serious heat, even in the cold and damp.

The construction is a lightweight sandwich:

• The Face Fabric: A 100% recycled Nylon 21D Ripstop face that can handle scrapes and scuffs in the mountains.​
• The Membrane: The clever hydrophilic centre that does all the breathing.​
• The Lining: A durable Tricot lining that feels good against your other layers.​

This technology is making its debut in the Cetus Lite and Torren jackets for the Autumn/Winter 2024 season. In fact, the Torren Jacket has already won a 2024 ISPO Award for its innovative, forward-thinking build, which the judges praised for its timeless appearance and material composition. This is Montane putting its money where its mouth is—creating top-tier gear that’s also making responsible choices for the planet.

While Montane is now developing its own fabrics, it also has a long history of working with the world's leading textile suppliers to get the best materials for the job.

Pertex: Montane and Pertex have been partners in innovation for over 25 years. You’ll find Pertex fabrics across the Montane line, each chosen for a specific purpose. Pertex Shield offers a great mix of waterproofing and breathability, while Pertex Quantum is fantastic for creating super-light, moisture-wicking layers, as seen in the popular Montane Prism Jacket. This long-standing relationship shows a shared appreciation for what it takes to create gear that performs when it counts.

GORE-TEX: Montane also holds a license to use GORE-TEX fabrics, a name synonymous with waterproof protection. They were the first technical outdoor brand in over a decade to be granted a new license, which speaks volumes about their reputation for quality. They use different GORE-TEX materials, from the highly wind-resistant GORE-TEX Windstopper to ultralight 3-layer membranes, to create jackets for specific alpine pursuits. The Montane Spirit Jacket is a great example of their expertise in creating reliable waterproof jackets, and for those needing ultimate protection, a Montane Gore Tex jacket is an essential piece of kit

Alright, let's connect this tech to the stuff that really matters: shredding down a mountain. Montane has a killer lineup that’s perfect for skiers, especially those who love to earn their turns in the backcountry. A successful day in the mountains relies on an intelligent layering system, and Montane provides ideal options for each part of it.

For any ski day, whether at a resort or in the backcountry, staying warm during static moments is critical. This is where the Montane Anti-Freeze Jacket excels. As a lightweight, highly packable down jacket, it's the perfect insulating layer to throw on when you stop moving.​

For Ski Touring: While you wouldn't typically wear it for the high-exertion climb (where you'd overheat), it's invaluable for stops. You can quickly pull it on over your other layers during a transition or a lunch break to retain warmth, a use case confirmed by mountain guides who use it during winter climbing and ski expeditions. Its excellent packability means it disappears into your rucksack until needed.​

For Resort Skiing: The Anti-Freeze is perfect for providing serious warmth on freezing chairlift rides or while waiting for friends. It's significantly warmer than a fleece but still light enough not to feel bulky. On cold, dry days, it can even function as an outer layer, though it is not waterproof and should be worn under a shell in wet snow or rain. The Anti-Freeze collection includes the standard version for versatile use and the even warmer Anti-Freeze XT for the most frigid conditions

If you spend your winters on the skin track, you know the struggle. You need protection from the wind and snow, but you overheat the second you start climbing.

The Mid-layer: Protium XT Hooded Fleece Jacket - A crucial piece for any ski tourer is a versatile mid-layer. The Protium XT Hoodie is an ideal choice, designed as a warm, stretchy fleece for active mountain use. Its fabric offers excellent mobility and breathability, and the snug hood fits comfortably under a helmet.

The Shell: Nordes and Torren Jackets - The Montane Nordes Jacket has become a go-to shell for ski touring. Its hybrid construction gives you a weather-resistant shield where you're most exposed but allows for amazing ventilation around your back and under your arms. Another excellent choice is the Montane Torren Jacket, which uses Montane's innovative PETRICHOR fabric and is loaded with technical features like pit zips for ventilation when you’re working hard.

Not every day is a backcountry epic. For resort laps and general mountain fun, you need a jacket that’s tough, reliable, and versatile.

The Synergy and Solution Jackets: The Montane Synergy Jacket is a great example of a versatile, all-round mountain shell built with a durable GORE-TEX fabric. Similarly, the Montane Solution Jacket is a fantastic choice for a hard-wearing shell with an award-winning, timeless build that focuses on sustainable manufacturing. Both are the kind of jackets that will keep you sheltered from storms for many seasons to come.

Montane's expertise doesn't stop at waterproofs. They apply the same lightweight, high-performance thinking to their entire range.

Insulation: For those freezing days on the chairlift or chilly alpine starts, Montane uses a mix of high-quality insulation. You'll find options with PrimaLoft and Thermo Lite synthetic insulation, which are brilliant for the often damp and variable conditions we get in the UK and Europe because they maintain their insulating properties even when wet.​ Key pieces like the Montane Anti Freeze Jacket and the Montane Icarus Jacket are favourites among mountain athletes. The classic Featherlite Down Jacket also continues to be a benchmark for packable warmth.

Legwear: The legendary Montane Terra Pants are a perfect example of their functional approach. They use a fabric called TACTEL, which is tough, quick-drying, and offers fantastic freedom of movement for trekking and climbing. This makes them ideal as montane walking trousers. Beyond their famous trousers, the collection of montane pants and even shorts offers options for every climate and activity.

Mid-layers and Base Layers: The same principles apply to what you wear underneath. A Montane fleece provides crucial warmth while remaining breathable, working as part of an effective layering system.

Packs and Accessories: Montane's philosophy extends to their equipment, including the durable backpack and lighter Montane rucksack options. The Montane Trailblazer pack series is designed for moving fast on the trails, while essential accessories like gloves ensure protection in all conditions.

Any brand can create gear that performs well in a controlled lab setting.They can run hydrostatic head tests, measure moisture vapour transmission rates, and simulate wind resistance. But the real test—the one that truly matters—happens out in the wild, when the weather turns, fatigue sets in, and every piece of equipment is pushed to its absolute limit. This is where Montane's philosophy truly shines.​

Montane doesn't just talk the talk; their gear is forged and validated in the crucible of some of the most brutal endurance events on the planet. This isn't just a marketing exercise; it's a core part of their research and development process. By partnering with these races and the athletes who brave them, Montane gets unfiltered, real-world feedback on what works and, just as importantly, what doesn't.​

Montane is the title sponsor of the legendary Spine Race, a non-stop, 268-mile winter ultramarathon along the Pennine Way in the UK. This race is infamous for its horrific weather—competitors face driving rain, snow, ice, and relentless winds for days on end. It’s a true test of physical and mental fortitude, and it's the perfect environment to push waterproof jackets, insulation, and baselayers to their breaking point. The insights gained from athletes finishing (or not finishing) The Spine Race are invaluable. Does a zip fail after being opened and closed hundreds of times with frozen fingers? Does a hood provide adequate protection in a sideways blizzard? This is the kind of feedback that leads to tangible product improvements.

In the Alps, Montane supports the Tor des Géants, an incredible 330km endurance trail race through the Aosta Valley in Italy. With a staggering 24,000 meters of vertical ascent, it's one of the toughest high-altitude trail races in the world. Athletes are moving fast and light through a classic alpine environment, experiencing huge temperature swings from sunny valleys to freezing-cold mountain passes. This is where Montane's "Further. Faster." ethos is put into practice. The race provides a unique opportunity to test the performance of lightweight shells, the packability of insulation, and the breathability of their entire layering system in a high-output, high-altitude setting.

Beyond these flagship events, Montane works closely with a team of professional climbers, mountaineers, and ultra-runners. These athletes are out in the mountains day in and day out, using and abusing the gear in real-world scenarios. Their detailed feedback, from the placement of a pocket to the cut of a sleeve, directly influences the next generation of Montane products. When a piece of kit can survive the demands of these athletes and the rigours of The Spine Race or the Tor des Géants, you can be confident it will handle whatever you throw at it on a weekend ski tour or a multi-day backcountry adventure. This commitment to field testing ensures that every Montane garment isn't just built to a specification; it's proven to perform.

Montane isn’t just focused on making great gear for today; they are actively working to protect the playgrounds we all love for tomorrow. Their responsibility platform, called "Further. Forever.", is about being transparent, lowering their environmental impact, and helping people make educated choices when they buy outdoor clothing.​

A huge part of this is their move to become PFAS-free. As we saw with the PETRICHOR technology, they are investing heavily in finding high-performance alternatives to these chemicals. They are also increasing their use of recycled materials, like the recycled nylon face fabric in their latest jackets.​

This thinking also extends to the longevity of their products. By creating items with a timeless appearance and high-quality construction, Montane encourages more responsible consumption. The idea is to buy a great piece of kit that lasts, not something that follows a fleeting trend and ends up in a landfill.​

Montane's approach is a breath of fresh air. They prove that you don't have to choose between top-tier performance and making better choices for the environment. So next time you're looking for a new jacket or a pair of pants to join you on your mountain escapades, give Montane a serious look.