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BG TOP PICK: Top Pick for Lightweight Warmth: The Montane Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie combines cutting-edge quick-drying down, sustainable materials, and an ultralight design, making it an essential insulation layer for adventures in any weather throughout the year.
Montane says:
Uncompromising focus of thermal efficiency, the Alpine 850 Nano offers exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio where every gram counts.
PINNACLE PROTECTION - Built to excel in the coldest environments, the 850 fill power goose ExpeDRY™ down pushes what is possible in thermal performance
EFFICIENT PERFORMANCE - Lightweight materials and essential features are critically engineered for maximum performance and minimal weight
RESPONSIBLE MATERIALS - Alongside RDS certified Down, the materials used are 100% recycled for a reduced environmental impact
Our Verdict
I’ve been putting the Montane Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie through its paces since April, and it’s impressed me from the very start. Montane sent it to me before my TGO Challenge; since then, it hasn’t left my pack. It’s become my go-to insulation layer for everything from cold bivvies to windy summits, offering warmth without weighing me down.
One of the standout features is the ExpeDRY™ goose down, which Montane promotes as a fast-drying technology due to real gold particles bonded to the down. At first glance, this sounded more like a marketing gimmick than anything practical. However, I’ve been genuinely surprised by how well it works. In damp or high-humidity conditions ( or a rain storm coming back from the pub one night), the down dries noticeably quicker than others I’ve used. That’s a game-changer, especially in environments like the Scottish Highlands, where staying dry is never guaranteed.
Weighing in at just 227g for the medium, the Alpine 850 Nano is impressively lightweight, making it ideal for those counting every gram. Despite its lightness, it doesn’t compromise on warmth, thanks to the 850-fill power down and well-placed synthetic insulation panels in high-moisture areas. These panels keep bulk to a minimum while ensuring you stay warm and comfortable.
The 100% recycled Pertex Quantum outer fabric is another win for sustainability, and it’s surprisingly It is durable for how thin and lightweight it feels. The PFC-free DWR coating adds windproof protection, which has been invaluable on those windy days, and the trim fit moves well with the body, especially during technical activities like climbing or scrambling. It fits easily under a shell without feeling restrictive, and the micro-bound hood adds a good layer of warmth when needed.
While it’s packed with features—like elasticated cuffs and hem, as well as lightweight YKK zips—the blend of warmth, weight, and quick-drying ability genuinely sets this jacket apart.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Our new insulated block has improved fit ergonomics and is engineered with optimum arm lift for mountain activities and technical movements in mind
- Specifically placed synthetically insulated panels reduce bulk and manage moisture
- Reduced vertical seams optimises ergonomic patterning for a precision fit and reduces construction for a lower weight
- Micro bound hood offers critical protection
- Elasticated cuffs seal in warmth
- Micro elasticated hem for light protection from cold weather ingress
- Lightweight YKK zipped centre front
- Lightweight YKK zipped hand pockets
- Trim fit
Specifications
- Small weighs: 215g
- Medium weighs: 227g
- Large weighs: 235g
- XLarge weighs: 252g
Material & Construction
- PERTEX QUANTUM 100% Nylon (recycled) 10D ripstop with PFC Free (C0) DWR coating for lightweight, windproof protection
- 60g (medium) of ALLIED FEATHER RDS certified ExpeDRY™ 90/10 Goose Down 850FP highly effective thermal protection, that dries faster and stays dry in high humidity and extreme conditions
- PRIMALOFT GOLD 100% Polyester (recycled) insulation for high moisture areas
