With 220g of 750fp down, the Montane Resolve XT is a warm enough insulated jacket for most winter conditions in the British hills. I found it ideal for a blowy December summit camp – and was warm enough wearing it layered over a microfleece while fighting to erect a tent in a blizzard. However, jackets with higher fill power down are warmer for the weight, and in really cold conditions you’ll want a good mid-layer underneath.
BEST FOR: winter mountaineering
Stars: 4.5 | Price: £350 | Weight: 568g (men’s medium) | Fill: 220g of 750fp RDS-certified duck down with HyperDRY PFC-free hydrophobic finish | Shell: Gore-Tex Windstopper 30D nylon ripstop with PFC-free DWR; 100% recycled nylon lining | Hood: stiffened peak, adjustment at sides and rear | Cuffs: elasticated | Hem: drawcord with 2x adjusters | Pockets: 2x handwarmer, 1x inner | Sizes: S–XXL | Womens/Mens version: both
montane.com
With 220g of 750fp down, the Montane Resolve XT is warm enough for most winter conditions in the British hills. I found it ideal for a blowy December summit camp – and was warm enough wearing it layered over a microfleece while fighting to erect a tent in a blizzard. However, jackets with higher fill power down are warmer for the weight, and in really cold conditions you’ll want a good mid-layer underneath.
The baffle design is stitch-through, which means that cold spots are possible. The burly 30D Windstopper face fabric does a great job of shielding the down from the elements, though. And because the down is hydrophobic, it can resist moisture for much longer. I found this the most windproof and water-resistant of all jackets tested. The hood is also excellent – by far the best tested, with a really good peak and three points of adjustment. This makes it great for both using in camp and as a layering piece in seriously filthy winter conditions.
It has good coverage of your backside and doesn’t ride up under a pack. Sizing is about average – you can fit a layer or two under it, but it could be hard to fit over a hardshell as well. Overall, a great choice for British winter use: built to take the weather, warm enough for 90% of conditions, and at a competitive price.
