I was wetter than ever when walking on Thurs is snowy windy conditions, wearing merino wool and hardshell, just to test out the system.

Montane Extreme Smock Technical Softshell Jacket - Absolute-Snow Montane Extreme Smock Technical Softshell Jacket - Absolute-Snow

An insulated jacket works by trapping the natural heat that your body gives off in the fibres of the insulation; this creates a micro-climate inside your jacket, keeping you warm and toasty.

Hunker down behind the main zip with its back-up, Velcro-fastened storm-flap, snuggle into the fully-lined hood with its easy-to-slam shut Velcro-secured chinguard and you feel oddly invincible and protected. This may not be an issue for you, but I sold mine within a year as a sailor and canoeist it just didn’t work as well as a buffalo.

Montane Extreme Jacket – Montane - DE Montane Extreme Jacket – Montane - DE

Not everyone is going to strap themselves to a huge sledge, but this point is worth considering if you’re wearing a rucksack with the waistband around your waist. You should be able to lift an arm up above your head without the hem of the jacket lifting more than an inch or so, and the sleeves should be long enough that when carrying out the same motion, they aren't mid-way up your forearm. If you intend to use the Extreme for hiking, or treks, I recommend you adjust it down to a snug fit before you set off. An exceptionaly well designed jacket that just does the job brilliantly, I use mine for winter hiking and it intergrates with a daysack perfectly. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development.Maybe a women would be not so keen to wear them next to skin because the side vents on the smock would be a bit revealing. I wouldn't use the same system for easy climbing, or hill walking though - but the Buffalo big face plus HA salopettes is superb for serious Scottish climbing. Finally the ultimate duvet down jacket for maximum warmth and comfort consider the Cloudmaker Duvet Down Jacket.

Montane | Mens | Hydrogen | Extreme | Jacket | Shadow - Trekitt Montane | Mens | Hydrogen | Extreme | Jacket | Shadow - Trekitt

For optimum lightweight comfort and performance it should be worn against the skin or over a fast wicking technical layer such as the Bionic. The iconic women’s Montane Featherlite Down Jacket offers exceptional warmth without compromising on weight. I’m going to do this for smaller items I want to keep warm ( like my compass, which froze solid on the first day! Designed and built without compromise, the Extreme Smock has become a trusted favourite of Mountain Rescue teams and outdoor professionals all over the world.For cold snowy days in the UK it works excellently as a single layer garment or with the addition of a thin baselayer and waterproof shell for rain. Not bad for a softshell that delivers on the promise of keeping you warm, no matter what the temperature. To provide extra comfort and warmth, the Extreme Smock has a soft fleece beardguard at the inner collar, and to add versatility, it has a fully adjustable and removable pile lined hood that features a three point adjustment and a wired peak. My only problem with it is that on the bike the side vents are a hassle if you want to use them while riding (not at any other time). The saving grace when you are moving, are the main-zip and two venting pockets, which open into a pile-free chest band and make a noticeable difference, particularly in strong winds.