Montane Krypton Smock Tested

Montane Krypton Shirt Tested

Price: £79.95

Weight: 451 grammes (medium)

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.

Good cut, windproof and decent wicking, warm liner. We lost the stuff-sac as always.

---

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.

---

Verdict

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.

Performance
Value

---

Montane Web Site

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.

Know more or want to?

If you'd like to add your own experiences of this product check out our user review system and post your opinions to the world. If you have questions you can mail us direct, ask Richard Gear or try a posting to our gear forum.