Kit review: PrimaLoft® Montane Women’s Glacier Vest
Whoever thought that a zipped vest could be so useful? But these days, many outdoors people swear by an insulated gilet jacket for times when you’re not so cold that you need a jacket and not so hot that you can wear only a baselayer. (They are also very useful when you work from home and refuse to put on the heating in the day!)
Montane’s PrimaLoft® ECO insulated Glacier Vest is the perfect example of a useful insulated gilet.
PrimaLoft ® ECO is made with 70 per cent recycled fibres. PrimaLoft is also ultra-fine and claims to “mimic the structure of goose down for earth-friendly performance and comfort”.
Unlike goose and duck down, PrimaLoft is brilliant in the wet. It’s fast drying, durable and water resistance, which makes it a perfect product for use in all-weather conditions.
Until I put PrimaLoft to the test, letting it get wet and seeing if it still kept me warm I didn’t really believe the hype. But it does do what it says on the label.
Other features:
- 40g PrimaLoft ® ECO insulation
- Pertex® Microlight Stretch outer fabric featuring 100 DWR
- Two insulated hand-warmer pockets positioned clear of backpack or climbing harness belt
- Ultra-compressible and stuffs into its pocket for easy storage and use as a small sleeping pillow
- Weight: 198.7g / 7oz (UK 10).
When would you wear a Montane vest?
- Fast Alpine
- Rock Climbing
- Mountain Walking
- High Trekking
- Backpacking
- Basecamp
- And (my suggestion) while working at your desk when the office gets a bit chilly!
I am impressed by the weight and fit of this new Montane Women’s Glacier Vest. It’s slim enough to be worn under another jacket or waterproof when conditions become really cold, but smart and fitted enough to be worn as an outer layer.
I like the warmth and softness of the fabric and also the practical features of being water resistant and breathable. The double-up-as-a-pillow feature is an ace feature. Everyone should own a versatile outdoors gilet, don’t you think?
Montane’s Glacier Vest is available in women’s sizes, 8 to 16, in Black with a Steel and Dhalia lining and zip.
RRP £85