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Montane Krypton Shirt
Tested
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Price:
£79.95
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Weight: 451 grammes
(medium)
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Features:
'Technical lightweight single-layer wicking shirt', Pertex
Microlight with Shield technology outer shell, Dryactiv
Suede lining, active cut with drop tail, integral rollaway
adjustable hood, single-handed, non-whip face drawcords,
deep front zip, elasticated cuffs, venting chest pockets,
single-handed adjustable drawcord hem, stuff sac, large
zipped pouch pocket.
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Good cut, windproof and decent wicking, warm liner.
We lost the stuff-sac as always.
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The Concept Visually the Krypton's not a million miles away
from Montane's full-on serious winter pile / Pertex Extreme Smock and
the concept is similar, but aimed at warmer conditions and more
active use. That means it's an all in one windproof, water-resistant
and insulation garment, but the thin Dryactiv Suede - no, not real
suede - liner is much thinner than pile or even microfleece which
means it shouldn't get anything like as warm.
Features Like we said, the Krypton's not dissimilar to the
Extreme Smock and you get the same Chest Cross-Vent system with twin
vented chest pockets proving cooling potential along with an active,
drop-tailed cut. There's also a roll-down lined hood with adjustable
and tethered draw cords for those chilly head-covering moments.
Otherwise all is neat an competent with elasticated cuffs and a
shockcord adjustable hem.
In Action In common with other lined windproofs like Marmot's
Driclime range and the Mountain Equipment Microtherms, the Krypton's
a great substitute for a conventional fleece offering similar
insulation values coupled with genuine windproofing and a reasonable
level of water resistance.
It's
also an alternative to the effective but very warm pile-Pertex,
Buffalo-type garments for those of us who run hotter than average and
go into steaming kettle mode in warmer kit, but like the concept of a
simple, all in one garment. Like them it keeps the worst of the
weather out and wicks effectively to cope with excess sweat.
Although the liner's slightly thinner and denser than microfleece,
it seems to offer about the same level of insulation and thermally we
reckon it's around the equivalent of a 100-weight fleece fabric, but
with added windproofing making it feel warmer in real life.
We used it for general walking and mountain biking in cooler
weather and found it worked well. A slimmish cut minimises billowing
fabric syndrome and the drop tail protects your butt from the ingress
of muddy water. Just as well really. We also liked the simple but
effective hood , which is great for instant warmth when the wind gets
up or you stop.
The garment's totally windproof and shrugs off light showers,
though it won't cope with heavier rain. We found the lining wicked
effectively used with a good baselayer, though you can also wear it
next to the skin if you choose. One thing we would like to see
though, is more extensive venting, perhaps full length side zips. The
chest vents work okay in windy conditions or when screaming downhill
on a bike, but when the sweat really hits the fan, things can still
get a little sticky.
That's not a huge problem as, at around 450 grammes, the Krypton
is pretty light and packs down reasonably small and no insulating
garment is going to keep you cool when working hard, the best you can
ask for is good wicking, which you get here, and maximum venting,
which you half get.
Good for active use in cold conditions or moderate use when it's
wamer, the Krypton keeps the worst of the wind and wet out while
sorting out your own internal humidity pretty effectively. That makes
it an excellent and more versatile substitute for a conventional
fleece-type garment, which also works fine under a waterproof shell.
It's nicely designed and seems to be well made with little touches
like the two-way zips on the chest venting pockets upping the yum
factor.
We liked the integral hood too, it makes the whole garment more
versatile and it's great that you can roll it down out of the way for
running or cycling use. And when things get too hot, it's light and
compact enough to stow away. Downsides? If we're quibbling we'd like
more venting. Finally, you can argue that a combination of a
microfleece and lightweight windshirt is more versatile since you can
wear them either together or separately, though to be fair, Montane
has those bases covered elsewhere in its range.
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Performance
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Value
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Pushed for time:
Another addition to the shelled microfleece-type genre
and just as effective as the Marmot Driclime or ME
Microtherm, though slightly less warm and a little lighter.
That means great wind protection, reasonable water
resistance and good wicking. The cut and design work well
too reflecting Montane's long history of pile-Pertex smock
making. Overall a versatile and effective understated sort
of garment that'll suit those who find pile-Pertex too warm
or want a fit and forget all round top for active use in
colder conditions. Nice.
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