The Montane Fireball Jacket is a warm-for-weight breathable insulating layer (mid or outer) that can be used for walking, running or skiing. I have been testing the women’s Montane Fireball Jacket in a size UK10.
Features include:
- 55% recycled 60g/m2 CLO VIVO EXTREME ECO – 4-way stretch, highly breathable perforated synthetic insulation
- Stretch fabric – FEATHERLITE™ Air nylon stretch – 2-way stretch, air permeable for maximum breathability
- Articulated arms for freedom of movement
- Two hand warmer zipped pockets
- External zipped chest pocket
- Full-length YKK VISLON® front zip with internal storm flap
- Adjustable hem
- Low bulk elasticated cuffs
- Fully insulated under helmet hood provides low bulk warmth
- DWR (Durable Water Repellency) to shed light rain
- Women sizes: UK 8 to 16
- Weight of UK 10: 345g (I weighed it.)
- 3 x women’s colour ways and 3 x men’s colourways
- RRP: £200 Buy women’s Fireball jacket and men’s Fireball (I receive a small commission for sales through Amazon.)
- Also see Montane women’s Fireball jacket and Men’s Fireball.
My thoughts: Montane Fireball Jacket
I have several jackets similar to the Fireball and I use them all the time. The new Montane Fireball has become a favourite as well. The jacket is useful for a number of reasons: It can be worn as an outer layer on cooler days, or when I am working hard on a hill or mountain ascent. It also offers wind and light rain protection.
I find it very breathable, which means I don’t end up too sweaty when wearing it while being active.
Then when it is colder or I am faced with strong winds, or I am at higher altitude, I simply pop a waterproof jacket over the top.
I also take the jacket in my running pack when I am heading off for a longer run, or a run where I will need an extra layer if I stop. It stuffs into a fairly small space and doesn’t weigh too much.
It’s interesting when looking at photos of recent mountain outings that I have the Montane Fireball on for almost all of them. This says a lot.
My likes:
- Some recycled product (55% recycled insulation).
- The jacket is fairly lightweight but still warm-for weight.
- The fit is good and not too neat.
- There is a bit of stretch in the fabric to allow for good freedom of movement.
- The hood is a snug fit and stays in place when the front is zipped up.
- The chest pocket is just large enough to fit a large iPhone, which is useful.
- Montane is a great brand and I trust it for durability.
Some annoyances:
- The hard warmer pockets are obstructed by my rucksack waist-strap. It would be useful if they were located a bit higher up the jacket.
- While there are three colours to choose from, I’d love to see the Fireball in a bright colour. One of the key safety tips from mountain rescue teams is to wear bright clothing in the hills and mountains (just in case you need to be spotted in an emergency). I get that muted colours look nice but I usually prefer bright and colourful.
- The arms length is only just okay for me. I do have long arms but it would be good to have a wee bit extra on the arm length.
- I have other jackets similar to this one and they are a bit lighter in weight and also easier to stuff into a smaller space. The Montane jacket is not super lightweight but still a great jacket in terms of warmth-for-weight.
- Price! £200 is not cheap, especially for a lightweight insulated jacket.
- The silver logo is already peeling off and I haven’t worn it for more than a month. This won’t stop me wearing it but it’s annoying this happens so quickly.
- It would be good to see more eco-credentials with the jacket.
Conclusion: Montane is a trusted brand and the Fireball jacket is good quality. it offers great warmth-to-weight and is nicely breathable. It is useful to have a bit of water repellency as well. I’d prefer the jacket in a brighter colour and the pockets could be located in a better place. I am fortunate to receive the jacket without charge in return for an honest review, but I think I might wince bit at the £200 price tag.