Montane Mens Dyno XT Softshell Jacket RRP £140

Product Information

We'd hate to suggest what that might stand for, but this sort of marketing blurb does invite mockery). We can accept goods back for exchange or refund or Credit, The goods need to be of re-saleable quality and all labels and relevant paperwork are present. A bonus feature is an almost-hidden inside pocket (we didn't discover it for weeks), a tight stretchy sleeve that's designed to hold your smartphone still and secure. As a climbing softshell it is also potentially let down by its fit, which is a shame because it has a whole lot going for it otherwise.

lycra), which makes for something both tough and stretchy - ideal properties in a mountain softshell. While the fabric feels more breathable than we expected for its weight, it still would not be our first choice for aerobic activity in warmer conditions. Stretchy, warm and super tough, thanks to a densely woven nylon face, the Montane Dyno XT Jacket provides breathable wind and water resistance in cooler conditions. Weight-wise it comes in at 350g (size L), which makes this one of the the lighter of the models on test.

Another feature for which the brand have a well deserved reputation is the quality of their hoods, and the Squall's doesn't disappoint. At 238g (size S) this is the lightest of all the softshells on test thanks to the thin Schoeller stretch-woven fabric and the lack of "bells and whistles" features; weight conscious mountaineers might be particularly keen on this.

The YKK Vislon main zip is one of the chunkier and more durable on test (albeit not quite as big as the Squall's). For active summer use we've found the breathability on offer here is good, while when it does rain the DWR treatment happily resists a light shower.Overall fit, with a view to climbing as well as walking, when sleeve articulation, hem length and zero hem lift become more important. If the volume is too big you've got a toggle to reduce it and this toggle doubles as a method of hood storage (although this isn't a particularly intuitive system and will require you to take off the jacket). Add a bigger hood and the ROM would be a great climber's softshell rather than the quite good one that it currently is. We may be able to arrange for a repair to be carried out at your cost, so please contact us for further details if you would like to use this service. The fabric is as much a mouthful as the name of this jacket, with the main material being Durastretch Engineered Eco DWR Heavy BS (BS?

For helmet-free use, three points of adjustment allow the hood to be pulled in close around the head. A fully adjustable hood is compatible with a climbing helmet giving this jacket a versatile edge on others as well as a wired peak keeping you well protected. Light, stretchy, breathable, well cut for movement and with a sensibly minimal feature set, the Squall Hooded Jacket is one of our favourites in the review. It's rugged for its weight then - and it's also stretchy, with a blend of 7% elastane and 93% nylon. With four pockets and a climbing helmet hood, this jacket is perfect for climbing, mountaineering, and mountain walking.Two different fabrics are used: an 86% nylon / 14% spandex 90D stretch woven ripstop material in the body and hood, and a 91% nylon / 9% spandex mix of 120D stretch woven Cordura in the shoulders and lower sleeves.