First Look: Montane Quattro Fusion Jacket

'Fusion' and 'Hybrid' are becoming the current buzzwords of the outdoors industry, but what does it actually mean? The definition, according to the All the Gear dictionary, is "something having two kinds of components that produce the same or similar results". So how does this work with outdoor gear? Montane has decided to deliver a lesson.

New into All the Gear HQ is Montane's winter 2017 flagship jacket, the Quattro Fusion, a perfect example of hybrid construction powered by scientific thinking.

The Montane Quattro Fusion Jacket in Arbor

The jacket will set you back £225 when it hits the shops in the autumn, a high price to pay considering it is 'just' a jacket. But with the price comes an innovative insulation piece designed to deliver warmth and breathability exactly where it is needed.

The 'hybrid' aspect of the jacket are Montane's use of insulation materials; down and Polartec Alpha Direct, cleverly distributed around the jacket to maximise the benefits of both materials. The jacket has been developed using thermal imaging data stemming from research undertaken at Northumbria University. Body temperatures were tested in a range of simulated cold and wet conditions with the results being used to create the jacket’s hybrid fabric construction and body-mapped design. That places down against parts that need to be kept warm (the front, kidneys, upper arms and top of head) and the more breathable Polartec Alpha Direct on places where heat can be allowed to dissipate (shoulders, lower arms, underarms and back).

The result is a rather unique, futuristic-looking beast, so let's take a closer look.

Features:

• Water-resistant Pertex Quantum and Pertex Quantum Pro outer 
• 800+ fill HyperDRY Down 
• Polartec Alpha Direct fleece lining 
• Helmet-compatible, adjustable hood 
• High storm collar 
• Profiled sleeves 
• 3 pockets 
• Adjustable hem

As you can see from the photo above, the fit is nice and neat (I'm wearing a medium over just a t-shirt). This is to minimise the circulation of air around the jacket as you move around, preventing cold drafts from blowing in and out. It's also designed as a mid-layer, rather than a traditional down belay jacket. The Pertex fabric is lovely and smooth, and layers beneath a shell easily.

The Quattro Fusion layered beneath my ME Lhotse waterproof

Hybrid Construction
As I mentioned before, two types of insulation are present in this jacket; hydrophobic down where warmth is needed and Polartec Alpha Direct where breathability is needed. The down used in the jacket is responsible sourced (certified by the Responsible Down Standard) and is made water-resistant thanks to a fluorocarbon-free treatment. This means that the down shouldn't turn into a wet mess as soon as it's exposed to moisture.

The down is housed in narrow baffles, preventing it from migrating around the jacket

The more breathable areas are insulated using Polartec Alpha Direct, a variant of the excellent Polartec Alpha. Think of it as a modern take on pile-lining, though not as warm as its old school inspiration. It's designed to keep you warm while on the move while also retaining heat when you stop.

The furry Polartec Alpha Direct across the back of the jacket

Designing the location of the two insulation layers has been done in collaboration with Northumbria University and Montane's in-house extreme climber Andy Kirkpatrick. Using a climate chamber and thermal imaging, Montane have mapped which parts of the body are warmer and which are cooler. The only image I can find to express this is from UK based brand Berghaus who utilise the same technology on the Ulvetanna Hybrid Down jacket.

Location of the down and Polartec Alpha Direct

The Hood
The hood is designed to fit over a climbing helmet, however, thanks to the three adjusters, it fits rather well over a bare head as well. It features down across the top of the head to minimise heat loss and a modest visor to keep wind and snow (probably) out of your eyes.

Details
The cuffs are elasticated and are neat and tidy - they should layer beneath winter gloves well. They could prove troublesome if you like your jacket to fit over your gloves rather than underneath.

Elasticated cuff

Hem drawcords sit inside the hem on either side to help seal out any drafts. Again, these are nothing special but are neat and functional.

One of the hem adjusters

The jacket is finished off with two hand pockets, located to be compatible with a climbing harness, and a concealed chest pocket.

Verdict
Given that it's the summer, it's not been cold enough to put this jacket through its paces yet but I'm looking forward to giving it a go. Montane is well known for producing high-quality gear and this seems no exception, even if it is a sample. The fit is very nice - not too loose or tight and about the right length for me and, as demonstrated, it layers well beneath a shell. It's not bulky or restrictive in any way and, once it's on, you'll probably forget you're wearing it, which is usually the sign of an excellent jacket. Roll on winter.

Gear Review: Rab PS Hardface Hoody

I decided to write this review based on the number of times this jacket has made its way out of the wardrobe this winter. Once again, another sale purchase earlier in the year, this jacket has fulfilled the criteria of being technically very functional whilst also being very wearable off the hills as well.

The Rab PS Hardface Hoody

So, what is it? To put it simply, it's a fleece, but you get some extra features for your hard-earned cash. Firstly, it's made from the popular Polartec Power Stretch fabric, a warm, stretchy fabric that has become a mainstay of the outdoors industry. It stretches in four directions (imagine a compass face) which make it a comfortable fabric for base and mid-layers. The elastic fibres that provide that stretch are reinforced to ensure it retains its shape during its lifetime.

It also benefits from having an additional treatment to the face of the fabric, Polartec's Hardface technology. This is a method for fusing a polymer to the surface of Polartec's fleece fabric. This polymer creates a hard, smooth yet flexible surface that reduces friction between layers and creates a much more durable surface. It also improves the durable water repellency while maintaining the breathability of the original fleece fabric.

Technical stuff out of the way, let's look closer at the actual jacket itself:

Front and side views of the PS Hoody

Features: 

• Polartec Power Stretch fabric with Hardface Technology
• Adjustable hood
• Hem drawcord
• Double fabric cuff
• Flatlock seams
• YKK front zip
• Two zipped hand pockets 

The fit is really nice, close but not restrictive or overly tight. Slim fitting garments help to trap more of that lovely warm air that is generated as you move around. Too loose and that precious heat is lost as the top billows around. The slim cut and the smooth face of the fabric mean that this layers effortlessly beneath waterproofs and softshells.

The Hood
As with most mid-layer hoods, this one is designed to go over your head like a beanie, rather than being sized to go over a helmet. This one, thanks to its adjusters, can be cinched in when the weather turns really cold and provides a much needed boost of warmth.

The jacket's hood

Details
There are two handwarmers pockets for, well, warming your hands and the zips run nice and smoothly if that's how you like your zips.

The double fabric cuffs are really nice and should add some extra durability around the hard-wearing areas. Unlike a lot of Rab jackets, the arms on this one aren't overly long which is a nice change.

Double fabric cuff

Hem adjusters allow you to seal out any nasty draughts though the close fit no doubt makes them almost redundant.

In Action
As I mentioned at the start, I've worn this jacket a lot this winter, usually layered beneath a softshell where it provides some awesome warmth without things getting too hot. They say the sign of a great piece of clothing is one that you don't notice is there and I think this falls into that category. I had been thinking there had been a lull in gear from Rab but this piece and some of 2016's spring items certainly have me interested again and if you're considering some new mid-layer warmth then I'd recommend giving this a go.

The PS Hardface Hoody doing its job on Scafell Pike

Gear Review: Arc'teryx Gamma LT Hoody

The Gamma LT Hoody is Arc'teryx's no-frills softshell jacket, designed for year-round use across a wide range of activities. Unless it's pouring down this jacket is one of the first out of the wardrobe as it provides a barrier against wind, snow and even the odd light shower. It's incredibly versatile and most importantly, fantastically comfortable. Looks pretty good too.

The Arc'teryx Gamma LT

Arc'teryx are well known for the quality of their products and this jacket is no exception. The Gamma LT is made from a very tough feeling fabric - Arc'teryx's own, called 'Burly'. The fabric uses a double weave to create a wicking layer on the inside and a weather-resistant one on the outside. It feels thicker and more durable than some similar fabrics from other brands and comes at a greater price but the pay-off is quality and longevity. This will still be performing when other jackets are past their best.

Let's look at this one in more detail:

Features
Here's the extensive list of features directly from the Arc'teryx website (even after I have removed some of the more trivial ones):

• DWR finish (Durable Water Repellent) helps repel water from fabric surface 
• Mechanical stretch textile for unrestricted mobility
• Articulated patterning for unrestricted mobility 
• Gusseted underarms 
• Stretch wrist gussets 
• Helmet compatible StormHood 
• Laminated brim 
• Adjustable hood drawcords 
• Full-length Vislon front zip with wind flap and chin guard
• Laminated cuffs and hem
• Adjustable hem drawcord
• Internal chest pocket with laminated zip 
• Two hand pockets with zippers 

You'll notice the word 'laminated' used a lot; this is one of Arc'teryx's party pieces. Lamination is the technique of manufacturing a material in multiple layers, usually permanently assembled by heat, pressure, welding, or adhesives. Lamination in clothing allows for seamless construction which reduces weight and bulk. So there you are.

Arc'teryx are renowned for excellent fitting items and this is no different. Perfect length, perfect fit around the chest and perfect length in the arms. Arc'teryx have a range of cuts depending on the items intended use; this one is the 'Athletic' fit meaning it is cut to reduce excess fabric but still real room for that all-important mid-layer should you need it.

The Hood
Not much to say about the hood really. It's designed to fit over a helmet as most softshell jackets are these days but the drawcords allow a snug fit over a bare head. You'll most likely find yourself using the hood to keep the wind (rather than the rain) out and, to this end, it works well.

The hood on the Gamma LT

Details
The jacket is fairly stripped back in terms of detail; a couple of handwarmer pockets complete the set, alongside the usual adjusters.

One of the simple handwarmer pockets

One feature you may or may not like are the cuffs, which have a stretchy panel around the wrist rather than a traditional Velcro adjuster. This works well if you aren't wearing gloves but can be a bit of a faff if you want to layer it over bulkier gloves. That said, you would be more likely to tuck the sleeves into larger gloves than the other way around so I can see the logic. Personally, I would have preferred the tried and tested Velcro adjuster.

The stretchy cuffs

In Action
This jacket is truly versatile and can be used year-round given the right weather. It layers nicely beneath a waterproof and can happily accommodate a warmer mid-layer during the winter whilst providing superb resistance to wind. There are plenty of softshells on the market that will o doubt do a similar job but I see this one as an investment - the extra thought in the fit and materials along with the timeless design will keep this at the front of the queue for a good few years yet.

A casual day on Graystones