New hybrid insulated jacket offers water-resistant down combined with fleece panels
Montane say their new Quattro Fusion jacket is ‘designed for serious alpinists’. Using thermal imaging data collected in cold and wet lab conditions with Montane athletes, the brand has built a jacket with some interesting features that look set to extend its usefulness well beyond that of a traditional down jacket.
The Quattro Fusion combines water-resistant down with Polartec’s warm and breathable fleece. The idea is to create a jacket that will keep you comfortable in the mountains whether moving or resting.
Polartec’s Alpha Direct fleece, in the warmer weight of 120g/m2, has been added where it’s needed most – the back panel, hood, forearms and lower side panels.
Alpha Direct has powerful wicking properties and offers excellent freedom of movement, with an open-pile structure for maximum breathability and quick drying. Montane claims this helps mountaineers and climbers keep comfortable during both vigorous activity and rest periods.
The Quattro Fusion jacket also features nylon ripstop outer fabric for wind resistance, a climbing-helmet-compatible hood, snug cuffs to prevent heat loss, an adjustable hem, and lightweight zip pulls designed for ease of use while wearing gloves.
Our view? At 472g there are lighter insulated garments available, but few of the lightest options are as versatile as this appears to be. For a very specific type of user – climbers, alpinists and ski mountaineers taking on big challenges in cold places – this could be a great option.
Gary Smith, CEO of Polartec said: “Montane calls the Quattro Fusion Jacket one of its most technical and innovative products yet. That makes us very proud to be a part of something so cutting edge. Polartec invented fleece and continues to be at the forefront of its production. That it’s continually chosen for such technical garments trusted by serious alpinists and mountaineers fulfils our ambitions.”
472g / £225
montane.co.uk