I’ve used the Montane Featherlite Down Jacket for several years and it’s my favourite down jacket out of many that I have had. It’s been taken high up into the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan hiking in Afghanistan in freezing temperatures, and many other mountain and hiking adventures. It’s also been used for casual travel in Europe in winter and many other places. It does both jobs perfectly.
Montane, for those who don’t know, is an excellent outdoor gear brand from the UK. I have used many of their products for years and can easily say they are some of the most used hiking clothing I have.
A Montane down jacket is one of the best you can get and at a reasonable enough price as well compared to other options out there.
Montane Featherlite Down Jacket Review
Naturally, I have only used the Montane Men’s Featherlite Down Jacket (being a man and all), but I have a female friend who also uses it, and she agrees with my opinion on the jacket.
Of course, the main purpose for having this jacket is for hiking in cool conditions and it excels at this. In very cold conditions around freezing point, I used it while hiking and had no problems with sweat.
In similar freezing conditions hanging around camp, it kept me warm with a light fleece layer underneath.
One of the great things is that it’s reasonably lightweight and packs down small so it takes up minimal space (the size of a large orange according to Montane and I concur).
Using the jacket while hiking in light snowdrift it kept dry thanks to the good DWR treatment on the outside of the fabric. The down stays in place fine, giving equal warmth all around.
The down is also water-resistant so you can worry a bit less about getting it a little damp. However, this is not a full-on replacement for synthetic insulation, which is easier to deal with damp conditions (from my experience).
Here are some quick stats from Montane to give you the technical rundown:
- 100% Pertex Quantum ripstop outer.
- 140g of high-quality Feather & Down Titanium water-resistant ECO down at 750+ fill power.
- Articulated arms for reach high movement.
- Responsibly resourced down.
- Adjustable down-filled technical hood and easy to fit over a climbing helmet.
- Two hand-warmer pockets with zips.
- Chest pocket for handy items in the mountains.
- Full-length YKK front zip.
- Internal storm flap behind centre front zip for more weather protection.
- Chinguard with brushed microfleece for comfort next to the mouth and chin.
- Adjustable hem with drawcord to prevent spindrift entry and heat loss.
- Comes with a stuff sac for easy carrying and storage.
The jacket is also great for general use in the cold and is stylish enough to use around town. In fact, I use this jacket in most cold conditions anywhere.
I also have and recommend the Montane Featherlite Down Vest which also packs down small. I use it for extra layering in very cold conditions or instead of the down jacket in warmer conditions.
Wearing the Montane Featherlite Down Vest in the mountains of Pakistan:
Get The Montane Featherlite Down Jacket
I highly recommend getting the Montane Featherlite down jacket if you’re looking for a new jacket that will take minimal space, whether for hiking or travelling. It will keep you toasty warm around the freezing point with a light fleece layer underneath.
You can purchase the men’s version at Amazon here: Montane Featherlite Down Jacket Men’s
If you want to know what I recommend to pack for travelling anywhere in the world, you can find my packing gear list here.
For more info on Montane products follow this link to their website.
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I haven’t had that experience myself. I have also worn it trekking in cold places like up in Alaska and was fine with it no rips. Maybe you got unlucky I don’t know. Of course there are other jackets out there with more durability for tougher conditions that you can find but then you are sacrificing the weight savings as well.