Breathable Active Insulation Instead of relying on bulky insulation, the Khamsin Lite uses highly breathable OCTA® insulation to help maintain a comfortable microclimate throughout changing activity levels and weather conditions. It delivers efficient warmth where you need it most while allowing excess heat to escape, keeping you feeling comfortable when moving fast or working hard in the mountains, reducing the risk of overheating.
What is the Khamsin Lite Hoodie?
The Khamsin Lite Hoodie is a lightweight, insulated softshell jacket designed for ample warmth and breathability when you're moving fast in the mountains. It's built for hikers, trekkers, trail runners and mountaineers who need a lightweight, insulating layer that effectively manages moisture and warmth on challenging trails.
Its combination of performance materials makes it ideal for various high-output activities in cold climates, and it can be worn as an outer layer in dry conditions or beneath a waterproof shell when the weather's not playing ball.
Materials & Technology
AEROFYLTE Lite WR Softshell Fabric
The outer of the jacket is made from Montane's AEROFYLTE Lite WR fabric, which is a lightweight two-way stretch softshell material designed to balance durability, breathability and weather resistance. It's made from a combination of recycled nylon and elastane, with a tightly woven plain weave structure that provides excellent abrasion resistance and durability while remaining flexible and comfortable during movement. The material meets both Oeko-Tex® and Bluesign® certification standards.
The fabric is finished with a non-fluorocarbon DWR (durable water repellent) coating that encourages light rain or snow to bead off the fabric, without the use of harmful forever chemicals. However, please note this does not make the jacket waterproof.
OCTA® Insulation
Inside the jacket, Montane has used OCTA® 100 fleece insulation, which is a lightweight, hi-loft synthetic fleece insulation designed for breathable warmth when moving fast on the trail. OCTA® 100 is made from 100% recycled polyester and uses a unique fibre construction with a distinctive cross-section with eight projections aligned in a radial pattern, surrounding a hollow fibre. Its innovative construction makes the fabric super light, quick drying, highly breathable and extremely warm, to help regulate temperature during intense activity while maintaining warmth in colder conditions without overheating. This innovative fleece insulation also meets Oeko-Tex® certification standards.
Montane has used the OCTA® 100 insulation in a clever body-mapped construction to maximise breathable performance, providing warmth in key areas and keeping bulk to a minimum.
Features and Functionality
Lightweight Insulated Mountain Hood
The low-profile hood is designed to sit comfortably under a climbing helmet to provide warmth and protection in exposed conditions. Elastic trims around the edge of the hood help maintain a secure fit while keeping bulk low.
Breathable Body-Mapped Construction
Montane has used a combination of stretch softshell fabric and breathable OCTA® insulation in a body-mapped construction to allow the jacket to regulate temperature effectively when the trail gets tough. This helps to prevent you from overheating on steep ascents while still providing ample warmth when your activity levels drop.
Pack and Harness Compatible Storage
For storage, you'll find two zipped hand pockets and a bonded chest pocket for quick access to essentials such as a mobile phone, GPS device, gloves and snacks. The hand pockets are positioned to remain accessible when wearing a climbing harness or backpack hip belt, ensuring they stay functional, whatever the adventure.
Recycled YKK NATULON® Zips
The jacket is fastened with a YKK NATULON® recycled front zip that provides reliable performance while reducing environmental impact. The full-length zip allows quick ventilation to help regulate temperature, should you start to warm up on steep ascents.
Stretch Construction for Dynamic Movement
The Khamsin Lite's stretch fabric construction and articulated design provide an excellent range of movement for hiking with poles, reaching up high or moving fast in the mountains. Montane has used minimal seams throughout to reduce bulk and improve comfort when wearing a backpack or running vest.
Key Features
- AEROFYLTE Lite WR lightweight stretch softshell outer fabric
- OCTA® 100 breathable synthetic insulation
- Outer fabric made from 94% recycled nylon
- Insulation made from 100% recycled polyester
- Non-fluorocarbon durable water repellent (DWR) finish
- Bluesign® and Oeko-Tex® approved fabrics
- Low-profile insulated hood
- Minimal seams to maximise the stretch and freedom of movement
- YKK NATULON® recycled centre front zip
- Two harness and pack compatible zipped hand pocket
- Bonded zipped chest pocket for accessible storage
- Stretch construction for unrestricted movement
- Trim fit
How does the Khamsin Lite Hoodie fit?
The Khamsin Lite uses Montane's Trim fit, which is designed to sit closer to the body for maximum thermal efficiency, moisture management, and to reduce excess material for comfort when moving fast in the mountains. Although the fit is slim, there is still enough room for a baselayer or two underneath.
What is the Khamsin Lite Hoodie best for?
- Winter hiking and hillwalking
- Mountaineering and alpine climbing
- Cold-weather trail running or fast packing
- High-output mountain activities in cold climates
- Breathable, active insulation layer within a technical mountain layering system
Low-Bulk Design With its trim fit, minimal seam construction and low-profile insulated hood, the Khamsin Lite layers comfortably beneath a waterproof shell jacket when conditions deteriorate. Its low-profile design eliminates excess bulk while maintaining excellent freedom of movement, helping create a more efficient layering system for winter hiking, mountaineering and alpine adventures.
Pack & Harness Compatible Storage The Khamsin Lite's pockets have been strategically placed to ensure they stay accessible and functional, whatever the adventure. Two zipped hand pockets are positioned above the hip line, ensuring they remain fully accessible when wearing a backpack hip belt or climbing harness. Whilst a bonded chest pocket provides quick access to essentials like your phone, GPS or snacks without needing to stop and remove your pack.
Responsibly Built with Recycled Materials The Khamsin Lite delivers technical performance with responsible material choices. The softshell outer is made from 94% recycled nylon, while the OCTA® insulation is made from 100% recycled polyester fibres, helping to minimise the product's environmental impact without compromising durability or performance.
FAQ
Is the Khamsin Lite Hoodie good for winter hiking?
Yes. The Khamsin Lite Hoodie uses a combination of a stretch softshell outer and OCTA® insulation for winter hiking, hillwalking and mountain adventures where breathability is just as important as warmth.
Is the Montane Khamsin Lite Hoodie stretchy?
Yes, the AEROFYLTE Lite WR outer fabric features a two-way stretch, while the articulated design and minimal seam construction allow unrestricted movement for climbing, hiking and fast-moving mountain activities.
Is the Montane Khamsin Lite Hoodie waterproof?
No. The Khamsin Lite Hoodie is not waterproof, but it is treated with a PFC-free DWR finish for light water resistance.
Is the Montane Khamsin Lite Hoodie made with recycled materials?
Yes. The outer fabric is made from 94% recycled nylon, while the OCTA® 100 insulation uses 100% recycled polyester. Both fabrics are also Bluesign® approved and Oeko-Tex® certified.
What is the Montane Khamsin Lite Hoodie designed for?
The Khamsin Lite Hoodie is built for active outdoor use, whether hiking, mountaineering, fastpacking or trail running in cold climates, providing breathable warmth without excessive bulk.