Montane Featherlite Down Women's Jacket

Product Information

Water resistant-treated down is common nowadays, and we think that for UK use in particular it's well worth seeking out since it allows the down to maintain its loft (ie. go on working to insulate) for longer in damp conditions. We've considered the use of hydrophobic down a plus point in this review.

Montane Womens Featherlite Trail Jacket | UK | Ultralight Montane Womens Featherlite Trail Jacket | UK | Ultralight

The outer fabric needs to be light to allow the fill to loft, but also reasonably durable. Crucially, it should be down-proof to ensure your expensive fill stays where it's supposed to. A DWR treatment will help the insulation stay dry for longer, and we've favoured more weather-proof fabrics in this review. The Transcendant comes out at 433g in a size medium. Whilst that makes it the heaviest of the models on test it is still fairly light for its size, and its overall warmth probably justifies the weight. Still, if you're in an alpine or Scottish winter type situation in which if every gram counts, then its relatively high weight is another count against the Transcendant (along with fill and features).

The Best Down Jackets Tested In 2023

What was once the Arc’teryx Cerium LT is now the Cerium Hoody. There are a couple of updates, with new colourways, different ingredient fabrics and perhaps most notably a new liner that’s derived from natural materials (castor bean oil). When it comes to cut Arc'teryx really have worked their magic, passing the basic 'lift test' with flying colours - i.e. raise your arms to climb and the hem simply doesn't lift. In this review, that's a rare accolade. Weight aside, this is what we liked most about it: it just fits. This makes climbing in it feel like a dream, simply because it's akin to wearing a warm, fitted fleece. That said, it does size accordingly and a Medium is definitely on the snug side of the spectrum.

Montane Featherlite Down Jacket - TGO Magazine REVIEW: Montane Featherlite Down Jacket - TGO Magazine

We’re particularly impressed by the eco credentials of the Nordic Expedition as it’s made from bluesign approved fabrics, the down fill is certified by the Responsible Down Standard and the DWR treatment is PFC-free. What’s more, Haglöfs as a brand is a leading member of the Fair Wear Foundation and is a certified climate-neutral company. Commendably, Montane use ethically sourced down throughout their down range, and claim to be the first brand in the world to commit to the Responsible Down Standard across their entire catalogue. The final notes on fit come from the adjustability around the hem and hood, which both have elastication to modify fit according to size, taste, and weather. Endurance expeditions and athletes are critical in the development of our garment designs ensuring Montane clothing is fit for purpose. They are our reason to be critical within our design processes. From unsupported ventures to the North Pole, smash and grab route attempts on the North Face of the Eiger to high profile scientific work in the high Arctic. All of these athletes help Montane develop clothing that will withstand the harshest of conditions both physiologically and environmentally. The down is ethically sourced and RDS-certified, and it is hydrophobic, being treated with Alpkit's 'Downtek' treatment. Along with the DWR this allows a degree of insurance against damp affecting the insulation. On the ethical front, Alpkit only use RDS-certfied down, which may come as a pleasant surprise in a relatively budget offering.Fill power: A higher fill power means that a given weight of down occupies more volume, and thus insulates more effectively. Unfortunately there are two different testing standards, which give non-equivalent values. EU-rated down is superior to US-rated down of the same quoted fill power, but it's not always clear which standard a brand is using. We've assumed parity in this review. The Featherlite features Montane's 'regular' fit. Essentially, it isn't baggy, it isn't tight, it sits perfectly in the middle. It's designed to be worn fairly snugly to prevent heat loss, however you can easily fit a midweight fleece underneath if you feel the cold.