Everyone knows that the weather (especially here in the UK) is notoriously changeable. That’s why a reliable waterproof jacket is an essential bit of kit for anyone eager to get outside and explore the great outdoors. Acting as an essential barrier against the elements, a good waterproof jacket enables you to be ready for whatever the weather throws at you.

Understanding just how important this essential outer layer is, we have a wide range of waterproof jackets for men and women available at Montane, suited for all kinds of activities. Whilst we know exactly what goes into making a great waterproof shell that delivers when you need it to, we know navigating this technical world can sometimes be tricky, even for enthusiastic outdoor adventurers.

With this in mind, this autumn winter 22 season we’re excited to launch a brand new waterproof jacket, designed for a wide range of activities, including walking and commuting. Available in a variety of colours, lightweight and highly packable, the Spirit Jacket promises to be your ultimate adventure companion this season.

A reliable GORE-TEX waterproof jacket

Significantly, the Spirit Waterproof Jacket utilises GORE-TEX PACLITE fabric technology. GORE-TEX products are widely regarded in the outdoor world thanks to their GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY promise. Ultimately, this is a result of these products being durably waterproof, windproof and breathable.

Let us break this down further to help you understand why these are essential components when thinking about a waterproof jacket:

Durably waterproof: This helps you to stay dry in wet conditions and stops water from entering the jacket.

Breathable:  A breathable jacket helps sweat vapour easily escape. This also helps to avoid you from overheating.

Windproof: Wind chill can make you feel really cold. By blocking this out, you stay warmer for longer.

Importantly, all GORE-TEX products are tested in a rain room. This ensures the product is designed and manufactured to be waterproof. This is to ensure that alongside the material being waterproof, how the garment is constructed is also able to keep water out. This is how GORE-TEX can GUARANTEE TO KEEP YOU DRY.

In addition to this, all GORE-TEX products have a hydrostatic head of 28 metres. Hydrostatic head refers to a test method that declares the amount of water that the fabric can hold before water penetrates the product. This is an important factor to consider when purchasing a waterproof jacket.

Need more convincing of GORE-TEX’s wet weather credentials? #TeamMontane’s Jessie Leong tells us why she trusts these jackets to keep her well protected:

“Knowing that it’s GORE-TEX always reinforces my confidence that I will feel more comfortable when I wear it on the move. In short, it lets moisture vapour out, without rain coming in.” Jessie Leong, #TeamMontane

A Packable Jacket for Everyday Adventures

The Montane Spirit Waterproof Jacket has been constructed as a 2.5 layer jacket. This provides a more minimalist construction, resulting in a more packable garment you can take anywhere easily. This makes it an ideal option for changeable days, as it can easily be carried or stuffed away in a backpack when no longer needed. The Spirit jacket’s lightweight, packable qualities make it an ideal option for a wide range of general activities - from walking and hiking in the hills to commuting to work.

Need more convincing? #TeamMontane’s Jordan Wylie recently tested the Spirit Jacket out in the Cuillins of Skye:

“The weather in Scotland’s Highlands and Islands is famously unpredictable. A waterproof jacket is definitely one of the must-have kit essentials when exploring here. Thankfully I had the Spirit Jacket with me on a recent trip to Skye. Despite the weather being a balmy 25 degrees Celsius, I was able to easily pack it away in my day pack, without taking up any room at all.” Jordan Wylie, #TeamMontane

Stay Dry for Longer

DWR stands for durable water repellent and is a coating applied to your waterproof jacket to make it water resistant. Over time and multiple use, this DWR can begin to wash off, reducing the jacket's ability to keep you dry in wet conditions.

At Montane we are a firm believer in developing kit that’s built to last. That’s why we advocate product aftercare to help keep your Montane kit feeling as good as new and to keep you protected on the move. The first step of waterproof jacket aftercare is to reactivate the DWR. To do this, you simply put it into the tumble dryer for 20 minutes or you can iron it. This helps prolong the performance of the product.

Once this proves less effective, the next step is to wash the jacket and allow it to dry. It should reactivate with some simple cleaning. The effectiveness of this will diminish eventually and the DWR will then need reapplying. See our dedicated waterproof jacket aftercare page for more detailed instructions to help you with this.

“DWR is essential to the overall comfort of the garment. A good DWR will allow raindrops to bead up and roll off the waterproof jacket.” Liam Steinbeck, Montane Materials Manager

Feeling inspired? Get your Spirit Jacket

The Spirit Jacket is available for both men and women. Browse our website to find out more, including all the practical features these waterproof jackets have. Not found what you’re looking for? We have a wide range of waterproof jackets available at Montane to suit a multitude of activities, including running, mountaineering and climbing. Take a look at our full waterproof jacket range to discover more options this season.