Review: Montane Sirocco Lite Hoodie
What we liked
Super light
High warmth to weight ratio
Dries extremely quickly
What we didn’t
Too short
Sleeves a little tight
No chest pocket
The Verdict
THE SHORT READ…
The Montane Sirocco Lite Hoodie is a bomber jacket, no not a jacket to throw bombs in, but the bomber used in climbing to say how great a piece of placed gear is. It’s light - 290g, it’s insulated, has two hand pockets, a tight fitting stretchy fleece hood, and comes in three colours. But it’s a tight fit, so not for those who like a pint or two, or a pie come to think of it.
THE LONG READ …
For those that don’t now Montane is British, yes I know it sounds Italian but its not. I’m not sure why they don’t make more of the fact they’re from the north of England, and make clothing that can cope with some very cold and wet conditions.
Fabric, Construction & Weight - It’s very light, only 290g in size Medium. The torso is made of a FEATHERLITE Air fabric with a ripstop outer boasting low-profile seams that provide wind resistance and breathability.The lightweight main zip reduces weight and improves layering ability for colder conditions and allows you to cool off quickly if on the move. The arms and hood are THERMO Stretch brush-back fleece allowing plenty of movement and quick wicking moisture management.
Fit - Slim, I could leave it there but I guess I should expand on this. I’m 5’6” broad shouldered and in the summer I often display a middle aged gut. When I put the Montane Sirocco Lite Hoodie over a t-shirt it’s tight, but not restrictively so, making it great for a mid layer, cold runs and climbing. But, and honestly it’s an annoying but, well for me anyway, it’s short in length, my t-shirts always hang longer than the jacket which looks a little silly if not the same colour, and if reaching for a far away hold while climbing it rises up, fine on a warm day but not great if its a little cold. The sleeves are also snug and underarm is very close fitting. I do have other Montane jackets in medium and they fit me perfectly, so I’d suggest sizing up when buying the Montane Sirocco Lite Hoodie.
‘The Montane team are based in Ashington, and have 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.
Performance - It is aimed at keeping you warm during movement, and fits really well under a shell jacket. It’s perfect for a late season mid layer when splitboarding, but I’d probably go for a down or thicker fleece mid layer early season. Also I’d highly recommend Sirocco Lite for shady cliff climbs on a summer’s day, to pop in your backpack on warm weather hikes in or when heading out for a cold autumn/winter runs.
SUMMARY…
Light, or as they say LITE, the Montane Sirocco Lite Hoodie is true to its name, it will pop in your bag without taking up space or adding noticeable weight, it’ll keep you warm - as long as you keep on the move- and offers Montane’s great build quality, ensuring it’ll keep you company on many an adventure.
Ultimately, it’ll do what you need it too, as long as you don’t sit still in the shade for too long (belayers sitting in a dank cave be warned) and you may want to size up.