What is the Phoenix Lite?
The Phoenix Lite is a lightly insulated, packable and highly versatile jacket featuring a PrimaLoft Silver Thermoplume insulation and Pertex outer fabric. It excels at providing high amounts of warmth without the excessive bulk and weight.
What is it made of?
Insulation: The beating heart of this jacket really is its impressive insulation. Montane feature 115g of PrimaLoft Silver ThermoPlume insulation with Cross Core technology in the main body. 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.
Now, onto the 'Cross Core' part (get ready for some nerdiness). Cross Core, in simple terms, mixes the already proven and incredibly high performing PrimaLoft synthetic insulation with Aerogel. Originally developed and used by NASA in their aeronautical applications, Aerogel is made from 95% air and is the lightest solid material known to man. This incredible material boosts the warmth of the jacket substantially without adding more than a few grams of weight. All of this insulation is kept in place via a micro-baffle construction, minimising the weight and pack size whilst keeping warmth high.
Outer fabric: Surrounding this clever insulation is a tough, reliable 20D Pertex Quantum nylon fabric. A durable water repellent coating provides valuable weather protection if you happen to get caught out. Please note, it is not waterproof, always take a shell... because, knowing our less than predictible weather conditions, it will rain!
What are the features?
Starting at the top, an insulated hood keeps your head nice and toasty and can be worn under a helmet thanks to its snug fit - ideal when climbing or belaying. Two zipped hand pockets store all the essential items that you want close to hand, while an elasticated hem and cuffs seal in the warmth. The YKK Vislon front zip has an internal storm flap behind it helping to eradicate the cold spot caused by zips.
How does it fit?
The Phoenix Lite features a slim, tapered fit with an average length (68.5cm back length). It's primarily going to be used over just a baselayer/t-shirt, so it'll work best when sized snug. Articulated arms prevent the hem of the jacket lifting excessively when reaching above your head.
Where does it fit in the layering system?
The Phoenix Lite is designed to offer plenty of warmth when worn as either a midlayer or outer layer. If the conditions warrant it, you'll be able to fit a shell over the top without a problem, however it really shines when worn on its own just over a baselayer.
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20D Pertex outer fabric
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PrimaLoft Silver ThermoPlume insulation
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Cross Core technology
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Contains the lightest solid material known to man
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Two zipped hand pockets
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Full-length YKK Vislon front zip with internal storm flap
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Elasticated cuffs
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Elasticated hem
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Under-helmet hood