Even with design limitations, the Montane Phase is still a good performer with adequate protection in wintery weather.
The Montane Phase features in our guide to the best waterproof jackets and is made from Gore-Tex Performance fabric, which has a high (28,000mm) hydrostatic head rating and is breathable and tough. It is slightly stiff, but that feels protective in severe weather. It does rustle, which is especially noticeable with the hood up.
The design has limitations. The hood has internal front drawcords, which mean the top of the jacket has to be opened to adjust them. They’re not far below the top and so are easier to operate than others in this test, but external ones would be an improvement.
Montane doesn’t say the hood is helmet-compatible, but it is quite big and needs quite a bit of cinching down with the rear volume adjuster to get a good fit.
The two handwarmer pockets are roomy but cutoff if wearing a hipbelt. There’s no external chest pocket and the internal one is only just big enough for a medium-size smartphone.
In wintry weather the Montane Phase performs well. Once the hood is adjusted it gives good protection and moves with the head.
The fit is on the slim side. The Large is comfortable for me over a medium fleece but nothing thicker.
The weight of the Montane Phase is reasonable for a waterproof jacket suitable for year-round use, but it is the heaviest of the men’s jackets we’ve tested this season.
The price is good for a Gore-Tex jacket .If you can live with the hood and the lack of chest pockets, it’s a good choice.
Compare the Montane Phase to other waterproof jackets in our guide to the best waterproof jackets for hiking.
Written and tested by Chris Townsend
Chris wore the jackets on low- and high-level walks in the Cairngorms and Monadhliath hills in autumn and winter 2022/23, often in rain and sometimes in blizzards. He describes himself as 5ft 8in tall with a stocky build and short legs.
This review was first published in the Spring 2023 issue of The Great Outdoors.
