Montane Alpine Resolve £360
Employing zoned Gore-Tex Pro Most Breathable fabrics in tough 40D and even tougher 80D weights, Montane’s Alpine Resolve is a top-end waterproof that competes squarely with other premium shells. The rugged construction balances weight and protection for difficult conditions, while also ensuring good lifetime durability.
The jacket is well-specced too, with a fully adjustable and helmet-compatible hood with a wired peak. There are two-way pit zips, a Napoleon chest pocket, two roomy hand pockets and an inner stretch mesh dump pocket.
Overall fit is excellent, with full coverage and great freedom of movement. The cut is a little trimmer than other shells here, which will suit slimmer builds, though it still leaves adequate room for layering.
This jacket is also cheaper than direct rivals like the Mountain Equipment Lhotse/ Manaslu, which uses the same fabrics. So, although still not exactly cheap, it’s comparatively good value.
IF WE’RE BEING FUSSY
The standard cordlocks (rather than the embedded components of some rivals) add a little bulk around the face. They’re also a bit trickier to use with gloves. The narrow cuff tabs don’t always give a super-secure closure, and ideally we’d like an inner zipped pocket.
■ MEN’S SIZES S-XXL
■ WOMEN’S SIZES 8-16
■ WEIGHT 480g (men’s M)
■ FABRIC 40D Gore-Tex Pro Most Breathable (main body, 100% recycled nylon face fabric), 80D Gore-Tex Pro Most Breathable at shoulders, hips and elbows (100% recycled nylon face fabric)
Verdict
A top-quality winter jacket that feels rugged and protective, while also managing to save a few grams over most rivals.