What is the Norste XT Jacket?
Montane's Norste XT Jacket is a dependable, exceptionally comfortable and breathable waterproof shell jacket built for long days on the hill when the weather refuses to play ball.
Designed for hikers, hill walkers, trekkers and general mountain use, it combines robust waterproof protection with good breathability to keep you comfortable when the rain settles in for the day.
Thanks to its 3-layer Pertex® Shield construction, it's noticeably quieter to wear than a classic Gore-Tex hard shell, whilst still offering the same reliable waterproof performance.
Materials & Technology
PERTEX® Shield 3-Layer Waterproof Fabric
The Norste XT Jacket is built using three-layer PERTEX® Shield, which is a soft, highly breathable, waterproof fabric designed for low bulk protection in the mountains when weight and breathability are key.
The jacket's three-layer construction combines a waterproof, windproof and breathable membrane, robust 40D polyamide face fabric and a 20D tricot backer.
The 40-denier recycled nylon ripstop outer offers good levels of abrasion resistance for regular use with backpacks while remaining lightweight. Whilst the 20-denier tricot backer, protects the waterproof membrane from abrasion and improves next-to-skin comfort and durability when worn over base layers.
The jacket feels reassuringly sturdy yet still soft, and packable, making it ideal for wearing all day or stashing in your rucksack, just in case, without taking up heaps of space.
Waterproof Performance
Pertex® Shield delivers a hydrostatic head rating of 20,000mm for dependable waterproof protection in prolonged wet conditions. Whilst a breathability MVTR score of 20,000 g/m2/24hrs allows excess heat and moisture to escape throughout the day to keep you feeling comfortable on challenging sections of trail.
Non-Fluorocarbon DWR Finish
The outer fabric is treated with a non-fluorocarbon DWR (durable water repellent) coating to encourage rain to bead off the surface of the jacket rather than soaking into the face fabric, without the use of harmful forever chemicals.
Features and Functionality
Pivot 2 Adjustable Hood
The jacket features a fully adjustable hood with a laminated, flat, stiffened peak for maximum shelter from the elements. The hood features Montane's PIVOT 2 hood system, which can be adjusted with one hand to provide independent aperture and crown adjustment for a secure fit that naturally moves with your head, improving visibility in poor conditions.
Waterproof Protection with Storm Guard Zip
The jacket is fastened with a YKK Aquaguard Natulon recycled waterproof zip with an inner Storm Guard placket to help prevent water getting in through the zip and for additional protection against the elements. Combined with fully taped seams, the jacket provides dependable waterproof protection during prolonged exposure to wet conditions.
Pit Zip Ventilation
Bonded two-way pit zips let you quickly dump excess heat when you pick up the pace or are exploring in warm, wet climates. Pit zips offer excellent ventilation if you're starting to get a bit warm on steep sections of trail, allowing you to effectively manage your body temperature throughout the day, without having to open the jacket completely and get soaked.
Minimal Seams for Maximum Breathability
Montane has thoughtfully designed the jacket with minimal seams to increase breathability while improving overall durability and comfort levels. Vital seams are offset throughout the jacket to further enhance durability across the seams and extend the jacket's longevity.
Pack-Friendly Pocket Design
For storage, you'll find two zippered hand pockets with YKK Aquaguard Natulon recycled zips for secure storage of various trail and everyday essentials. The pockets are positioned to remain accessible when wearing a climbing harness or backpack hip belt, ensuring they stay functional, whatever the adventure.
Adjustable Hem and Cuffs
The jacket is finished with an adjustable bottom hem and cuffs to help further seal out the elements, helping to trap warm air inside the jacket and cold winds out. The adjustability lets you easily fine-tune the fit across various layers and gloves.
Key Features
- PERTEX® Shield 3-layer waterproof fabric
- 20,000mm HH waterproof rating / 20,000 g/m²/24hr breathability rating
- 40D recycled nylon ripstop face fabric
- Non-fluorocarbon durable water repellent (DWR) finish
- Pivot 2 adjustable hood
- Fully taped seams for waterproof protection
- Storm guard internal zip placket
- YKK AquaGuard® NATULON® recycled zips
- Two zipped hand pockets
- Pit zip ventilation for temperature regulation
- Offset seam intersections improve construction, durability and comfort
- Laminated peak, reduces seams, weight and improves durability
- Regular fit
How does the Norste XT Fit?
The jacket is created with Montane's regular fit, which is ideal for versatile multi-activity use. It offers ample room for your layering system without being overly loose when worn over just a base layer, allowing it to look just as at home on the mountain as it does running errands on the weekend.
What is the Norste XT best for?
- Hiking and hillwalking in wet conditions
- Multi-day trekking and backpacking
- Year-round mountain use
- Everyday outdoor use in poor weather