Montane Launches New eVENT Kit

We've just got our paws on the Montane range guide for Winter 2004, or in Montane speak 'cold '04', don't take it too literally though, since according to them, right now is 'hot '04'.

Anyway, 'cold '04' generally starts some time in September, so while we don't have any scoop pics yet, we thought you might like a quick preview of a few new bits and bobs in the Montane range.

New eVENT

First, the range of waterproof / breathable eVENT kit has been expanded in the expectation of even more rain. The existing Superfly Jacket has, as we told you when we tested the current version, been tweaked. The wire-peaked hood's been expanded, so that the jacket's now useable over a climbing helmet, making it a better bet for lightweight alpine use and those with really silly hair styles. New colours too and a weight of around 425 grammes.

There's also a new G-Force Smock which, like the Superfly is made from 3-ply eVENT and at 400 grammes is claimed to be 'the lightest weight eVENT smock in the world'. To up its versatility, it also has a helmet-sized rollaway hood, a chest pocket and, for better fit and mobility, stretch panels at hips and elbows made from FREEFLOW STRETCH 3-layer fabric. Price is expected to be £160 for the G-Force and £200 for the Superfly.

For all over protection, you can also throw on a pair of the new 400-gramme Spectra Pants again in 3-ply eVENT with reinforced stretch panels on the seat, knee and ankle. Anyone who's had problems finding lightweight shell pants with full-length zips for use with crampons, skis or simply convenience will be glad to know that the Spectra uses water-resistant zips with a waterproof flap behind for the full length of both legs. Price should be £150.

Other Stuff

The eVENT kit is the real headline grabber, but there's some other new stuff too. There's now a lightweight down jacket called the Cocoon featuring a wind- and water-resistant Pertex Microlight shell stuffed with 200 grammes of 600+fill power down and aimed at providing ultralightweight but effective insulation. Price is £150. If you're planning to be out in wetter, wintery places, the fully-taped, Lava jacket is the one to look at, it has the same quantity of down but with a waterproof outer. Price £175.

This year's lightweight windproof stuff from Montane was excellent and the range is about to include a new cycling-specific top, the Featherlite Velo in Pertex Microlight which has reflective bits plus a deep, scooped rear for added protection and a full-length zip with an all-in weight of just 100 grammes. Price is 40 quid.

Last but not least, the popular Extreme Salopettes return by popular demand, it says here. Using a combination of pile and Pertex, they're probably not the best choice if you run hot, but should be spot on for those hideous, cold, damp Scottish winter days when the weather's out to get you... They also get new reinforced patches in high-wear areas like knee, seat and ankle, plus full-length zips for venting and potential escape when it all gets a little bit too hot. At 900 grammes, they're not the lightest legwear out there, but they do replace mid and outer layers with one garment. Price is £150.

Web Site

The new kit's not yet up on Montane's web site and won't be in the shops till next month we think, however for the current range, see www. montane.co.uk.