New From Montane This Winter 2012

The Montane Ice Guide jacket - PrimaLoft-filled technical insulation for winter mountain use.

Featherlight Down Jacket - down, microbaffles and bright colours.

Women's version looks particularly nice. More images below.

The Punk - dark, mean, moody and guaranteed to keep your ears warm thanks to windproof panels there.

Last but not least, the Rock Band.

We're just back from catching up with the guys from Montane - we'll have a quick round-up of their new stuff for spring tomorrow, but just to whet your appetite a little, here's a quick taster of what's coming from the brand later this year in the form of both clothing and a couple of bits of neat cold condtion head gear. All this stuff out in early autumn 2012.

Ice Guide jacket

We're massive fans of PrimaLoft in UK conditions so it's great to see another option in the form of Montane's Ice Guide Jacket. It uses synthetic PrimaLoft insulation in three different weights - 170, 133 and 40g - so it's zoned to maximise insulation in crucial areas, but allow easier movement elsewhere.

The outer is Pertex Microlight with 'a bit of stretch' to it and a DWR treatment. It has a proper, helmet-compatible hood complete with wired peak and two handwarmer pockets. The latter have PrimaLoft in front and behind them for proper cosy insulation.

Finally, Montane has used a YKK Vislon zip for a slick, easy action with gloves in cold conditions. It feels really warm and looks good too in a cool black finish. Price once it's out in late summer/early autumn will be £185.

Featherlight Down Jacket

Montane joins the micro-baffled down jacket brigade with the fetching Featherlight Down Jacket. It uses microbaffles, doesn't weigh much and comes in a selection of nice colours. That's all we've written down for some reason, so we'll find out more and report back on stuff like weight and down fill power. The price we know is £170.

Super Technical Balaclava

Onto accessories and one of the more technical balaclavas out there in the shape of The Punk... It's made from a mix of Polartec PowerDry, Pertex Microlight and Dry Active Stretch, it says here. The stretchy bit goes over the top of the head, the section over the ears is windproof, there's mesh in the mouth area for easy breathing and even a little peaklet to protect your eyebrows. Should be spot on for seriously arctic conditions and will retail for £20. Hello Northern Corries...

The Rock Band

Same principle as The Punk, the Rockband is a headband sort of thing with windproof ears and will sell for £12.

And that's it for the winter taster. Spring/summer kit tomorrow and full Montane info at www.montane.co.uk.