Montane Men's Fury Fleece Jacket
What we liked …
Warmth to weight and simplistic design.
What we didn’t …
Lack of chest pocket.
The Verdict
Our Rating
4.25 out of 5
the Short Read…
The Montane team are based in Ashington, a northern town above Newcastle, in the UK, just inland from the North Sea, and let me tell you – you need bloody good clothing to live anywhere near that neck of the woods, and the Montane Fury Jacket is just such a thing.
The Long read …
Montane mostly market their gear towards runners and hikers, sponsoring events such as the gnarly Dragons Back Race, which crosses the mountains of Wales (our Zak ran 5 of the 6 days last year, and had signed up for 2024).
They’ve been making lightweight, minimalist gear for adventure travellers for the last 25 years, and splitboarders in the know understand that there’s a real crossover for touring too, because who doesn’t like quality lightweight, minimalist kit, when skinning up an eff-ing huge mountain.
The men’s Fury Jacket is just such a piece of kit, it’s extremely light for a mid-layer fleece, 402g on my kitchen scales - 340g on their site, offering up a lovey fluffy warmth that’ll keep you toasty a warm. Available in Black and Oak green without a hood (£100), and Alder Green, Black, Eclipses Blue and Acer Red with a hood (£120).
It’s minimalist in design, with a simple straight zip, that’s nicely covered on the inside at the top, stopping it catching on any three-day old stubble (is it just me that gets their gruff chin caught in zips - is that even a thing?).
There are just two side pockets, stitched into the side seams and zip stitching, they’re of a good size with smooth zip closings. I’d have liked a chest pocket too, but there’s not one so if wearing as an outer layer it’s just the two hip pockets. If a chest pocket is a must, then the Montane Men's Fury XT has one (£140).
The ‘THERMO STRETCH’ brushed back fleece fabric does feel very good against your skin, its slightly fluffy on the inside while smooth on the outside, and has a real stretch to it, that should stop it from tearing if it snags on a rock and gives you great ease of movement.
I really like the cut. I’m normally a medium – which is the size I wore – and it fits just fine, but I’d be tempted to size down if you want a snug fit and intend to only have a base-layer underneath, especially if you are thinking of using it for technical climbing/mountaineering.
All in all, it’s a wonderful warmth for weight fleece jacket, that won’t hinder movement when stretching for that slightly out of reach handhold, boasting a high breathability. Perfect as a mid-layer for touring, most of the season, or as an outer in the late spring sunshine. Just as at home for climbing as it is dropping the kids at school.