Posted by 
This all mountain jacket from Montane ticks all the boxes with the added bonus of using the new Gore-Tex ePE sustainable fabric to offer a versatile mountain hardshell for all seasons.
We first reviewed a hardshell using the ePE fabric back in 2023 and we predicted then that it would become the benchmark for quality brands to use. And so it has come to pass, the new range of Phase hardshell from NE company Montane has been whittled down to two models the Phase and Phase Lite. We are reviewing the Phase as it would be the type of jacket you would pack from October through to late March (and even later in Scotland) and suitable for a range of mountain activities as well as local hikes and casual wear.
First off, the ePE fabric. I’ve been using the ePE Gore-Tex fabric for a while now and have found no compromise with the previous stuff. I works just as well and is still the best breathable fabric on the market. I recently used the Phase jacket on a totally minging day out in Wasdale (you know how it goes, you arrange a hike with a mate, weather is dire, mate still wants to go as it’s his day off, you roll your eyes, sigh and look longingly at the pub as you pass it) it was warm, very, very wet and the route we chose up (Yewbarrow if you’re asking) was ridiculously steep.
So, I didn’t know which was wetter, the rain from the outside or my sweat from the inside! The 3L Gore-Tex ePE fabric performed really well, OK I was damp, but I was warm and damp and with the pit zips undone I was perfectly comfortable (tbh, getting wet was the least of my problems, trying to keep my heart from exploding out of my eyeballs was more urgent!) and I even dried out a little on the descent. IMHO Gore-Tex was always the market leader for a reason – it’s the best performing fabric of any – and it remains so. If breathable performance is your priority and price isn’t so much an issue then you won’t find better than Gore-Tex. The PFC free DWR also worked well and helped keep water out, but I’m expecting this to degrade over time, which is normal, so I’ll watch out for that and re-proof when needed.
There have been some great updates to the jacket: the Barrier Technology offer bonded seams at the hem, cuffs and hood which helps stops water ingress these common weak points, the inside chest pocket is also bonded together with the hand pockets to help save material and improve water ingress. Montane have also reduced 25% of the seam tape material. This all adds up to produce a lighter jacket (450g) with less material and no loss of performance.
The fit of the Phase jacket is regular, so perfectly fine for the activities it is designed for. It’s fitted enough to work well with a climbing harness but has enough room for layering when needed. I found it most comfortable with a SS/LS base layer, a mid layer soft-shell and the Phase. This all felt perfectly comfortable without being restricting. I have tried the jacket on with an insulating mid layer and for hiking it worked fine, but for climbing it would feel a little bulky. My preference with very cold weather has been a thin (ish) gilet for some extra warmth when needed.
The hood is 3 way adjustable and worked well with a climbing helmet (it would also work well with a cycling helmet for that city commute). There is a rear adjuster that works single handed as was easy to find with gloves on. The side adjusters are sited inside the jacket – this is great for eliminating ‘wind whip’ but does restrict adjustment when the jacket is done up. They can be released with internal press clamps. My preference forking is to make the adjustments you need when at home with the hat you intend to wear it with, then it should be easy to deploy when needed. There is a wired peak so you can fine tune the fit easily. So, a good hood for mountain activities.
There are plenty of finishing features which include: hook and loop cuff closures, adjustable hem closure, pit zips, 2 hand warmer pockets, a large 2 way main zip – all zips are YKK Aquacoil with storm flaps – and reflective, embroidered Montane and Gore-Tex logos. The whole package has a nice premium feel at a great price point (for a Gore-Tex jacket) and at that price you can have premium materials with great design features and feel confident when venturing out on the hill in all seasons.
The Montane Phase Waterproof Jacket comes in sizes S-XXL and 3 colour options. The women’s version comes in sizes UK8 – UK16 and 3 colour options.
The SRP is £350 and t can be bought direct from Montane UK and specialist retailers.
Disclosure – CGR reviewers and writers are never paid to provide a review and the website does not take advertising or link to affiliate sales. We are a bunch of keen climbers and travellers who accept sample products and offer an honest and independent review of the item.
Climbing Gear Reviews 