I’ve been testing the Montane Women’s Fury Hooded Fleece Jacket, which is described as a mid-weight technical durable stretch fleece. It’s aimed at a variety of activities, including hiking, walking, mountaineering, climbing, fast-packing and ski touring.
Features include:
- Thermo Stretch brushed-back fleece
- Materials: 51% polyester, 39% nylon, 10% elastane
- Snug hood fit, ideal for fitting beneath a helmet
- Full-length YKK front zip
- Two zipped hand pockets
- Low-profile flatlocked seams and reverse hang loop
- Low profile hem and cuffs
- 4-way stretch
- Moisture management and breathability
- Sizes: UK8 to 16
- Weigh: 325g (average size)
- Male version
- Price: £120
- See: Montane
My thoughts: Montane Women’s Fury Hooded Fleece Jacket
This jacket has progressed from a “not really sure I like the look of it and I have a few garments that do the same” to being a go-to favourite. I have worn it almost every day in between washes for weeks and I find it very useful, whether in the house pottering about, working at my desk or enjoying a range of outdoors activities, including woodland strolls and mountain hikes.
It was the colour that put me off to begin with. The Montane Women’s Fury Hooded Fleece Jacket that I was sent to test is a weak-hued mauve. I much prefer brighter and bolder colours but I thought I would test it despite the colour.
I also thought the look and fit was a bit too simple; almost boring, if I’m honest. But it turns out the simplicity is actually quite flattering and the fit (I have the UK10) is good. It’s a fairly neat fit (it could be neater), which this style of jacket needs to be to offer good insulation.
What I like about it…
The Montane Women’s Fury Hooded Fleece Jacket has worked well as a mid-layer and as an outer layer, depending on the temperature and weather.
The fleece inner is comfortable and soft against the skin. I usually wear it over a t-shirt or sporty vest top. The outer, which is smooth nylon, is more durable and keeps its look even wash after wash. If the entire jacket was made of brushed fleece it would soon start to look a bit worn and rough.
The inside of the zipped hand pockets are a lightweight mesh. I would have preferred these to be brushed fleece as well for extra comfort and warmth for my hands but the mesh is light and strong, so it should be long lasting.
The hood is a great asset. It fits snugly and has the brushed cotton inside. When wearing the hood on a windy day it stays up and keeps my head and ears warm.
The length of the torso and arms are just right for me. The zips work easily and proficiently.
The jacket is a great winter warmer, layered over a t-shirt or long-sleeved baselayer and under a waterproof or insulated jacket. It is also a jacket I wear as an outer layer when it’s cool but not too cold or wet.
But I’m not so sure about this…
Montane state: “The unique polyester and nylon fabric construction is what gives the Fury its outstanding moisture management properties. The polyester inner fleece is hydrophobic, taking moisture and pushing it to the outer face. The nylon outer surface is more hydrophilic, drawing moisture to it allowing it to disperse and evaporate. Moisture is constantly getting moved from the inner to the outer face of the fleece, keeping you drier and more comfortable, even during high exertion activities.”
This explanation I find interesting. I had assumed that as my body produces sweat this is able to evaporate through the jacket fabric because the fabric is breathable. I thought the process was a simple as that. Maybe what I am describing is a simplistic version of the above, apparently more scientific, process.
When I delve a little deeper I learn that “hydrophobic” means lacking an affinity for water; insoluble in water; repelling water. Meanwhile, “hydrophilic” means relating to, or having, a strong affinity for water. I am therefore interested to read that the brushed fleece inner of the Fury jacket is apparently hydrophobic, while the outer surface is hydrophilic. Hmmm, I wonder if this is all a bit far-fetched and, in fact, the jacket’s fabric just allows the sweat to evaporate through it as I warm up because it has tiny pores or holes.
In any case, the jacker is fairly good at coping with warmth and sweat. When I was working hard, for example, hiking uphill, most of the sweat got through the fabric, although I did notice a damp residue on my back. In addition, the sweat definitely collects ands dries at the armpits. This is one of the problems with synthetic mid-layers: They end up pretty whiffy very quickly, especially in comparison to merino based garments.
My review in conclusion
All the being said, the Fury jacket has proved to be a very useful and versatile product and I use it for everyday wear and for outdoor activities.
I’ve gone from not being that enamoured by the look of this jacket to wearing it almost every day.
It’s not cheap, however. I would have expected the price to be no more than about £75, so £120 is surprisingly expensive. Montane products, in my experience, are long lasting but it does seem like a significant outlay for a mid-layer. Also, I would really like to see the jacket sold in more bright colours. There is one bright red, but the others are dark blue, black and light sage.
- Here’s another favourite Montane jacket.