What is the Icarus?
The Icarus offers reliable, lightweight warmth for those out in all conditions. Exceptionally versatile, you're able to wear it as a technical, super warm midlayer or as a protective outer layer in less severe conditions.
What is it made of?
Insulation: Taking care of the insulation inside the Icarus is 180g of Primaloft Thermoplume. Don't be ashamed if you haven't heard of it before, we hadn't either! This brand new form of insulation from Primaloft is a jump forward in terms of synthetic insulation; it essentially copies the shape of down but using synthetic fabrics, meaning it retains the same compressibility, feel and loft as down but with the added benefit of performing in damp conditions. All of this down is held in place by micro-baffles which keep the pack size and weight to a minimum without sacrificing warmth.
Outer fabric: Surrounding this is a Pertex Quantum Eco outer fabric - this offers a high level of water and wind resistancy when the weather turns against you. If you do happen to get a little toasty, the combination of the synthetic insulation and lightweight outer fabric means the jacket packs down to a fraction of its original size.
What are the features?
Montane supply the Icarus with a snug fitting insulated hood which is designed to fit under a climbing helmet when belaying or mountaineering, while a microfleece lined chinguard provides a soft surface next to skin when the jacket is done all the way up. Articulated arms with Montane's technical tailoring means the jacket resists rising up when reaching for holds above your head. Pockets wise, you get two hand pockets and another on the chest; more than enough for the usual bits and bobs. Lastly, an adjustable hem an elasticated cuffs keep the cold out.
How does it fit?
The Icarus features a regular fit which should suit most users. There's plenty of room in the shoulders, while the length is about average. If sized correctly, there's enough room for layers underneath.
Where does it fit in the layering system?
The Icarus can either be used as a super warm midlayer with a shell over the top or an outer layer when the weather is less severe. It's a little snug to be used as an over-layer, however you could if you sized up.
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Articulated arms
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Pertex Quantum Eco outer fabric
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Primaloft Thermoplume
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Wind and water resistant
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Two hand pockets
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Chest pocket
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Pre-elasticated cuffs
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Microfleece lined chinguard
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Insulated under-helmet hood
How Should Your Insulated Jacket Fit?
Insulated jackets are pedantic little things. Too tight and you'll compress the insulation and limit the warmth capabilities of your brand new jacket, too loose and you'll spend hours warming up the dead space inside the jacket. Getting the correct fit isn't just about aesthetics, it will determine how warm you are.
The Incorrect Fit
Too loose: A jacket which is too loose will keep you relatively warm, however it will take far longer to do so and will waste large amounts of your precious energy. 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. If your jacket is too loose, heat will be able to escape through the hem, the sleeves and the neck of the jacket; it's a little like sticking the heating on in your car with the windows cracked open - it will heat up, just incredibly slowly.
Too tight: A jacket which is too tight is arguably worse than one that is too loose. If your jacket is far too tight, the baffles can compress to a point where the insulation can't loft effectively, limiting the amount of warmth it can trap. Essentially, it won't work!
The Correct Fit
It's a tricky one to explain, but it's somewhere in the middle. You've first got to consider how many layers you'll tend to wear underneath; will you have just a t-shirt then the jacket, or possibly a baselayer, midlayer and then the jacket? When you've figured out your layers and you've popped your insulated jacket over the top, you shouldn't have any dead space inside. The cuffs and hem should be comfortably sealed around your waist and wrists with room to move. 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. Your shoulders and chest area should have enough room so that your hands can touch behind your back without feeling restricted.
Additional Information
Lastly, consider which activites you'll primarily be carrying out while wearing the jacket. Are you primarily using it as a winter climbing piece, or an everyday/dog walking jacket? You'll find that technical climbing jackets tend to feature a shorter cut, while urban and casual jackets feature a longer cut to offer additional warmth with less mobility.
To see examples of what a badly fitting and correctly fitting jacket looks like, click here.