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Review: Montane Women’s Dart Nano Zip T-Shirt

Written by Fiona

October 02 2024

I have been testing the Montane Women’s Dart Nano Zip T-Shirt, which is described as a “super lightweight recycled all season technical base layer”.

Features include:

  • Apex Lite Eco 100% recycled polyester fabric 
  • Polygiene permanent odour control
  • Short YKK front zip with internal zip guard
  • Flatlocked seams
  • Reflective detailing
  • Weight: 60g
  • Sizes: UK6 to UK16
  • Men’s version?: Yes
  • Price: £60
  • See: Montane and Sportsshoes.com (slightly cheaper)

On test: Montane Women’s Dart Nano Zip T-Shirt

It’s great to receive a technical top that is neat fitting. I find many base layer sports tops these days have a more relaxed fit but I prefer a top that is more figure hugging. I like the look of a neater fitting top and it also means there is no loose or flapping fabric when running or hiking.

The length of the top is great and I also like the sleeve length. The short zip is great for cooling off, when open, or keeping in a bit of warmth when its closed. 

I have the citrus spring colour. Yellow is not my favourite colour because it doesn’t suit my skin tone but it’s nice and bright and I like strong colours for sports kit. There is also an orange or blue colour choice.

The fabric is really lightweight and this makes it very easy to wear. It feels like it is almost not there against the skin. It is also very quick drying when damp due to sweat. 

The other feature of note is the recycled fabric. The top is made from polyester created by recycling plastic bottles. 

Because synthetic fabric can get a bit whiffy due to the bacteria from sweat, Montane has added Polygiene, which is meant to be a permanent odour control. I have to say I was surprised to read that Polygiene had been added. After just one wear, I could smell that distinctive underarm odour that you get on synthetic tops. 

I have found polygiene works well on other tops but I don’t think it’s not been so successful on the Montane Dart Nano baselayer.

Aside from this disappointment, I really like wearing the top for both running and hiking. The price is a bit eye-watering but hopefully the base layer proves to be long lasting. 

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