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What is the Fortes XT Hoodie?
It's a highly durable and surprisingly technical synthetically insulated jacket that's engineered to protect against prolonged exposure to the worst of winter mountain conditions. It utilises a body-mapped Primaloft Active Vent insulation coupled with Montane's APT technology to effectively manage moisture while trapping vital warmth, for adaptable protection during various mountain pursuits.
What is it made from?
Insulation: The Fortes XT uses PrimaLoft® Gold Active Vent Insulation for breathable warmth, with a body-mapped construction for the perfect balance of warmth, weight and packability, making it suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities. Montane has used 160 g/m² throughout the torso and 60 g/m² in the hood and underarms for maximum manoeuvrability and lesser bulk.
Primaloft® Gold Active is a synthetic insulation that provides ample warmth, even when wet. The ability to retain heat when wet is a huge advantage to synthetic insulation compared to down, alongside it being a vegan alternative. This insulation is also incredibly breathable and helps to regulate body temperature, balancing the body's microclimate when working hard. It's made from 80% recycled polyester, which, though recycled, maintains performance and feel. This insulation does not migrate to reduce the chance of cold spots forming over time and has a four-way stretch to enhance flexibility and freedom of movement - perfect for climbing, ski touring, or even using hiking poles.
Fabrics: Montane has used lightweight 12-denier Barrier Tough + for the outer fabric. This densely woven mini-ripstop material is made from recycled nylon yarns and is exceptionally abrasion-resistant for its weight, allowing it to withstand the rigours of mountain use whilst keeping the jacket's overall bulk to a minimum. The fabric is finished with an acrylic coating for increased weather protection and a PFC/PFAS free DWR (durable water repellent) coating to allow it to shed light rain and snow without the use of harmful forever chemicals. However, please note, this does not make the jacket waterproof.
For the lining, Montane have used a lighter-weight 10 denier recycled nylon ripstop fabric with Air Permeable Technology. This light, yet robust material is tough enough to withstand frequent use, yet highly air permeable to provide maximum breathability and effectively manage moisture for all-day comfort in the mountains.
What are its features?
Starting from the top, a fully insulated and adjustable hood provides protection from the cold on exposed routes. It uses Montane's PIVOT 3 hood system, which provides a linked crown and aperture dual adjustment to quickly be cinched in with one hand over a climbing helmet or beanie hat without restricting your field of vision, reducing time spent faffing on the mountainside in adverse conditions.
The jacket is fastened with a Lightweight YKK Vislon Natulon recycled zip for minimal weight and bulk, whilst an insulated placket helps prevent cold winds from entering the jacket through the zip.
As previously mentioned, the Fortes XT Hoodie features body mapped insulation, providing more warmth in more exposed areas such as the main body and less under the arms and hood to reduce bulk, maximise freedom of movement and comfort when layering. To further enhance movement, Montane have used their Reach fit construction which offers improved arm lift and forward reach, making the jacket ideal for climbing and scrambling.
Thoughtfully designed offset seam intersections throughout the jacket improve durability across the seams, enhancing comfort levels and extending the jacket's longevity. An 'Outside-In' construction cleverly uses the jacket's durable face fabric at strategic points to provide enhanced abrasion-resistance in high wear areas.
For storage, you'll find two zipped hand pockets for storing various snacks and trail essentials, a single zipped internal chest pocket for protecting more valuable items and two internal stash pockets for keeping a beanie and gloves close to hand. All of the pockets are strategically placed to be accessible even when using a climbing harness.
Once you're done with the jacket, it can be easily packed into the included cube stuff sack to take up minimal space in your pack. This stuff sack also doubles as a source of extra fabric should the jacket need to be repaired at some point in the future to extend its lifespan.
Finally, the Fortes XT boasts Montane's 'mountain fit,' which is cut to provide enough room underneath for a technical layering system. The fit is engineered with articulated sleeves for an enhanced range of movement and optimum arm lift to minimise hem rise during various dynamic outdoor activities.
Features
- APT technology utilises breathable lining fabrics to maximise insulation performance direct to the body, with protective face fabrics to lock out cold weather
- Body mapped insulation to reduce bulk under the arms and hood whilst maximising warmth in the main body and arms
- Reach + fit construction offers unparalleled arm lift and articulation for excellent movement
- PIVOT 3 fully adjustable, helmet-compatible hood system with integrated front mountain safe adjustment points and rear speed adjustment
- Outside-In construction utilises the durable face fabrics internally on high abrasion areas
- Insulated CF placket prevents heat loss
- Included Cube stuff sack for efficient packability has been constructed to provide maximum fabric for use as a garment repair
- OFFSET seam intersections improve construction, durability and comfort
- Fully adjustable hood and hems for complete protection
- 2-way YKK Vislon Natulon recycled CF zip
- Single harness and pack compatible YKK Natulon recycled zipped chest pocket, insulated to keep essentials warm and protected
- 2x harness and pack compatible YKK Natulon recycled zipped hand warmer pockets and 2x internal self-fabric stash pockets
- Built on the Mountain Fit block with added volume to fit over layers, dropped rear hem for added protection, and sleeve articulation that prioritises arm lift