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Review: Montane Spine Gore-Tex running jacket

Written by Fiona

February 22 2022

The Montane Spine running jacket is described as “a super light and packable GORE-TEX Active waterproof running jacket”. I have been testing then jacket on a range of different trail and hill runs.

Features of the Montane Spine Gore-Tex running jacket

  • Close-fitting and designed for mountain trail running.
  • Waterproof and breathable fabric: 13 Denier Gore-Tex Active Shell
  • Fully micro-seam taped construction
  • Full length lightweight YKK Aquaguard front zip with internal storm flap
  • Shaped cuffs with partial elastication to reduce heat loss
  • Adjustable low-profile hood with rear pre-elastication and stiffened peak
  • Two mesh-lined hand pockets with YKK Aquaguard zips
  • Fully adjustable hem to minimise heat loss
  • VIA Trail Series® reflective logo details on the front, arms and back
  • Male and female fit
  • Weight: (UK10) 213g
  • Price: £250
  • SportsShoes.com sells the women’s jacket and the men’s jacket for £224.99. (I receive a small commission for sales through the website.)
  • See Montane Spine Women’s waterproof jacket and men’s design.

My thoughts: Montane Spine Gore-Tex running jacket

Something interesting happened when wearing this jacket. I usually start with a waterproof running jacket on but then I quickly find that I need to take it off because I get too hot.

When wearing the Montane Spine Gore-Tex running jacket, I realised I’d kept the jacket on for the entire run. This happened on all the runs. I didn’t feel too hot. Then again, I didn’t feel too cold either.

The jacket seemed to regulate my temperature perfectly, whether I was running uphill, downhill or on the flat.

To be clear, I was running in Scottish winter conditions and it hasn’t been tested in summer weather. However, in the summer, I usually carry a waterproof jacket in a rucksack for wet spells rather than wearing a waterproof jacket full time.

It is presumably the 13 Denier Gore-Tex Active Shell fabric that makes the jacket so breathable and waterproof.

The fit of the small is great for me. I am a UK10. The arms are maybe a wee bit too short, but I do have long arms. The rest of the fit was great.

The colour is also brilliant. I am not a fan of dark colours for running tops and jackets. Montane sell the women’s jacket in bright blue and red. The men’s version is red, or a darker blue.

The jacket is very lightweight. The fabric is easy to like and it can be worn against the skin with no major issues.

The front zip is easy to do up and it zips to the top of a high collar. This is the only major complaint I have about the jacket. The collar is very high when fully zipped up. Now, I get that runners need to have good protection from the weather and that a decent hood is important.

The Montane Spine Gore-Tex running jacket has a great hood that is easily adjustable. There is a small peak as well. But the collar over the face is too high for me.

I wear glasses and when I zipped it up to the full height my specs immediately steamed up. I found it hard to breathe with the collar over my mouth and nose, too. So, I simply undid the collar a bit at the top and that was fine.

I can see why Montane has added a good hood because the jacket’s namesake race, The Spine, often requires major protection from the winter conditions.

I ran in rain, snow and wind and I stayed dry and at exactly the right temperature for most of the time. It was like wearing a second skin and it’s the most impressed I have been with a running jacket for years.

Another minor issue is that the fabric makes a slight rustling sound in the wind when you run. It’s not a big problem but the fabric is “noisier” than, for example, the OMM Kamleika jacket (my other favourite running jacket). Sometimes, when you get “hangry”, a noisy jacket can snd you over the edge!

Anyway, to recap, I usually always wear my OMM Kamleika. Until now this has been my number one favourite. I still really like the OMM jacket and I especially like the fit and stretchy fabric but it has a rival now.

Like the OMM Kamleika, the Montane Spine Gore-Tex running jacket is suitable for races, including long-distance races that demand that jackets should be fully waterproof, with fixed hood and fully taped seams.

The jacket has two zipped hand pockets. To be honest, I rarely use pockets but if this is something you prefer then there they are!

But, ouch, the price! £250 is a lot of money for a lightweight jacket. This will make many people think about alternatives.

Conclusion: Montane Spine Gore-Tex running jacket

A very lightweight running jacket that is brilliantly waterproof and breathable. The fit is great and so are the colours. The price is high but Montane is a trusted brand and their products are usually long lasting. It is ideal for winter running and could be stuffed into your pack for spring and summer running, too.

The jacket was sent to me by Montane in return for an honest review.

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