Men's Nordes Jacket | Women's Nordes Jacket

What are the main things you look for in a softshell jacket?

Softshells fill the gap between a day that is too windy for a fleece to do the job, and not wet enough to need a fully waterproof membrane which inevitably reduces breathability. For the modes of skiing that I enjoy most commonly, (that is many of the days in the European alps) the key criteria for me, are: wind proofing, breathability, flexibility and since I will alpine climb in the same weather, it needs to be durable on rocks too.

What were your first impressions of the Montane Nordes jacket?

On zipping it up I immediately appreciated the 2 way zip, an essential feature for a jacket that also suits rock climbing. That prompted me to test the helmet compatibility and I found a first for me. Every jacket that ever said it was helmet compatible may have fitted over my helmet but hugely reduced my visibility and comfort. Finally, the Nordes has that dialled and I could keep my peripheral vision and not feel like I was being forced to look skywards constantly. Combining those 2 pleasant surprises with my well-founded faith in Montane’s build quality left me excited to get on the hill and get on with the test. What other delights would I find?

How did you test it?

On a 3 day film trip to La Grave. Conditions were wind scoured and firm and no one was very successful in getting the shots we were looking for, but the dry and windy conditions were ideal for some gear testing and we switched tack to score a few miles uphill, get a sweat on and get a feel for what the future of clothing is going to look like for our team.

What do you think of the fit? 

Mm, Just right. I’m perhaps stockier in the build than the average ski touring fanatic. The Nordes innovative panelling and strategic use of recycled Gore-Tex on the front and granite stretch on the back meant I had nothing to lose, no wind getting in at the wrist and waist and the ability to snuggle down and protect my neck or loosen up and vent heat when needed.

What is your favourite feature of the Nordes jacket?

Montane calls it performance mapping and for this application it has proved an essential process to get the characteristics our team are looking for. The human body doesn’t vent heat evenly. My armpits sweat a lot and a more breathable panel around here is highly valued. The opposite is true of the frontal area of my torso and when skiing we are subjected to a lot of oncoming wind. It follows that a more windproof membrane is a better option here.

How would you summarise your experience with the jacket?

I will be adding it to my wardrobe for next season. I have largely used the Protium hooded fleece and the Niveus lightweight shell jacket but for 90% of my European touring days the Nordes would consolidate both garments into one. The Nordes is rugged, breathable, windproof, comfortable and will look just at home on the backside of Mt Fort as it will do on the streets of Verbier.

Discover the full Nordes Ski System today for the ultimate protection on the slopes.