Montane Men's Extreme Smock Windproof Jacket

This smock deserves its 5 Star Rating.

After 6 hours of light to medium rain, the smock only let by around the arm pits. The reason for this was likely due to pressure transfer from my day sack shoulder straps. Everywhere else was dry and cosy.

The temperature control of the Extreme is very good indeed. I walked with only a Poly Prop long sleeve base layer and purposely pressed on a bit to generate some heat. With the side vents and the mesh lined pockets open, you remain comfortable. Really push it and you get very warm indeed. That said however, the wicking action will dry your back in about 10 minutes after you calm down a bit.

The fit is very good if you are not carrying too much excess. If you have had one too many pies then you are better off with a Buffalo. I usually wear a large, but found the Extreme too tight around the shoulders. The extra large is not bulky and fits extremely well. Try one on before you buy, I would have been disappointed had I bought the large on-line.

The hood excellent, lots of room and keeps out the wind and rain without any hassle. Pile lined so relatively quiet as well which is a bonus.

All in all very pleased, I will still carry my Paramo for when the heavens really open, but am astonished at the wet weather performance of what is ostensibly a non-waterproof smock.

Walk safe.

For me there always room for improvement in any outdoor garment, but in the Montane Windproof Smock I was unable to find any: hard as I tried.

My original concerns upon purchase were the velcro hood, the durability of the outer shell, and the levels of waterproofing.

My worries about the hood being too flimsily connected to the jacket were aleviated when standing on the top deck of a North Sea ferry amidst 60mph winds. In fact, this hood is superbly put together, in terms of adjustable fit and windproofing. Best hood I've ever had on any jacket, ever.

With regards to the outer shell, I'd read a previous comment on this jacket which complained of the material ripping when washing. I've resigned myself to never machine washing this garment just in case, but there have been a dozen or so snags on sharp twigs and rough garage walls in the last three months of ownership, when subsequent whincing examinations have detected zero damage. Well chuffed.

I've been caught in steady drizzle in this jacket, but not proper deluge. It coped well, my core didn't get in the least bit wet and my collar dried quickly enough to not be irritating. Lets face it: this is not a waterproof shell and shouldn't be treated as such, but as the insulation still works when wet I've successfully worn it on top of a Berghaus RG1 in nastier weather. The only drawback here is not being able to regulate heat with the SENSATIONAL venting zips. Forget people saying that this gets too hot: the venting is absolutely suberb. I'm wearing mine now in front of my PC. Other people have complained about pack size (which in fairness is pretty bulky), but again there is no reason why this would be in your pack as the venting is so effective that it can be worn even on a steep ascent.

Other features that I like are the fleecy tunnel pocket (no need for gloves when watching the footy), and the scoop tail (no draughty back, ever). The kangaroo pocket, being double velcro, is a little fiddly to access, but no way would that even come close to losing a star for this beast of a winter garment!

Instant warmth: look no further.