Montane Dart XT Zip Neck Base Layer
What we liked …
Lifetime guarantee
What we didn’t …
Eventual stink
The Verdict
Our Rating
4 out of 5
the Short Read…
Durable, super stretchy and light, the 88% Recycled Polyester 12% Elastane is a perfect balance of weight to warmth, for a base layer.
The Long read …
The Montane Dart products are thermal/technical base layers for those that want a great performance on the hill.
You’d never know they’re not specifically designed for splitboarding, as they are bang on the money.
The Men’s Dart XT Zip Neck Base Layer is made using recycled plastic bottles, and the medium comes in at 204g on the kitchen scales.
The zip is well covered at the top, so no nasty scratching of your chin. It has a snug fit, which they describe as trim, so hugs the torso without feeling tight. Could easily be used over a snug base layer if its really cold, but I think it’s best next to the skin.
It has a long body cut, with the back being slightly longer then the front, so no cold drafts if you want to tuck yourself in.
Being mainly Polyester it dries very quickly, and the Polygiene treatment helps with odour control – making it suitable for multi-day use on the mountain – but it’s not as stink-free as a merino top.
Montane have a lifetime guarantee against faults in workmanship and materials, so you’re going to use the Dart XT a lot, unless you rip it to bits scrambling over rough rocks, which to be honest it’ll probably handle anyway.
conclusion
A top layer for all your mountain adventures, be it splitboarding, climbing, or running into the never-ending horizon.