Montane Atomic (2012)

The Montane Atomic has been around for some years, but it is now made from Pertex Shield, a very thin and lightweight laminated fabric with a print finish on the inside. This jacket packs down small and is very light, but with the drawback of not being quite so comfy as one using 3-layer fabric such as the eVent used in other Montane jackets. The Atomic has single zip up the front with an internal rain gutter. The pockets are mesh-lined to reduce weight and improve ventilation, and they are placed on the chest so as to allow access even when wearing a rucksack. The hood has a wired peak plus volume drawcords at the back and face drawcords at the front, and these are all easy to use and neatly designed not to flap in the breeze. The hood can also be rolled down to the collar and secured with a Velcro tab. For normal hillwalking I’d prefer a 3-layer jacket for better condensation control and a longer cut to keep me drier in a storm, but if weight is your priority the Montane Atomic is excellent and it is well-priced too.

Weight 322g (men’s M)

Fabric 2.5 layer Pertex Shield

Lining none

Men’s sizes XS-XXL

Women’s sizes 8-16

External pockets 2

Wired hood yes

Side/pit vents no

Website www.montane.co.uk

Verdict

The Montane Atomic has great features, and ideal for fast and light hiking or biking, but Montane’s 3-layer eVent jackets are better if you want a rugged year-round waterproof for hillwalking.

Review by Graham Thompson

First published in Trail magazine Spring 2012