Logo
    Show
    Hide
    Login
    Close

    SITE LOGIN

    • Forgot your password?

    Register

    Tailgate Industries
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
        • Skis
        • Boots
        • Bindings
        • Climbing Skins
        • Poles
        • Snowboards
      • Clothing
        • Hard Shells
        • Soft Shells
        • Insulation
        • Mid Layers
        • Base Layers
        • Gloves
        • Socks
      • Accessories
        • Safety Gear
        • Goggles and Helmets
        • Ski Touring Packs
        • Ski Boxes and Bags
        • Sleeping Bags - 4 Season
        • Technology
        • Sunglasses
        • Insoles & Braces
        • Books
      • Off-Season Gear
        • Hiking
          • Rain Shells
          • Day Packs
          • Apparel
          • Footwear
          • Safety
        • Camping
          • Backpacks
          • Sleeping Bags
          • Sleeping Pads
          • Tents
          • Coolers / Cooking
          • Furniture / Storage
          • Lighting / Power
        • Biking
        • Paddling
        • Climbing
        • Mountaineering
        • Running
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
        • Gear of the Year Winter 2024-2025
        • Gear of the Year Winter 2023-2024
        • Gear of the Year Archives
      • Best New Summer Gear
        • Best New Summer Gear 2023
        • Best New Summer Gear 2024
        • Best New Summer Gear 2022
        • Best New Summer Gear 2021
        • Best New Summer Gear 2020
      • Holiday Gift Guide
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2024
          • Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Base Layers
          • MSR Explore Revo Snowshoes
          • Fieldsheer Backcountry Heated Jacket
          • Fieldsheer Premium 2.0 Merino Heated Socks
          • MEC Hut Booties and Slippers
          • Arc’teryx Kopec GTX Shoe
          • Arc’teryx Kragg Insulated Approach Shoes
          • Gregory Verte 18 Backpack
          • Grundens Deck-Boss Ankle Boot
          • MEC Northern Light Vest
          • Montec-Scope-Ski-Goggles
          • Mountain Hardware Kor Airshell Hoody
          • Mountain Hardware Kor Alloy Crew
          • Arcade Atlas Belt
          • Dynafit Ridge Dynastretch Jacket
          • Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones
          • Buff Merino Move Multifunctional Neckwear
          • Bootdoc Foot Warmer
          • Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack
          • DPS LastBag
          • DPS PHANTOM Glide At-Home Kit
          • DPS Mission Quiver Roller
          • Dragon Amped sunglasses
          • Dragon DX3 Plus OTG photochromic goggle
          • Fuse Lenses Anclote Flashback
          • Garmin Fenix 8 Solar Sapphire Watch
          • Gregory Alpaca Gear Tote 30
          • Hotronic Boot Dryer
          • MEC Aluminum Pot Set
          • Gnara Go There Pants
          • Grundens Shackleton 2.0 Duffel
          • Jones Deeper 19L Backpack
          • Le Bent Core Midweight Crew base layer
          • Leatherman ARC
          • Montane Nordes Hooded Softshell Jacket and Pants
          • Helly Hansen Odin Everdown Hooded Jacket
          • Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0
          • Montec Fawk Ski Jacket
          • Pomoca Free Pro 2.0 Skins
          • Rab Glaceon Pro Down Jacket
          • Rab Khroma Converge GORE-TEX Ski Jacket & Pants
          • Smith Squad MAG Goggles
          • Stellar Guide Aerogel Hybrid Hood 2.0
          • Stellar Ultralight Down Hood 2.0
          • Arms of Andes Alpaca Half Zip & Wool Leggings
          • Cotopaxi Allpa 70L Duffel Bag
          • Giro Taggert Mips Helmet
          • Loonr Hi Flyer Boots
          • Paka Mountain Crew
          • Roll Recovery SUPERPLUSH Classic Shoes
          • Smartwool Smartloft Hooded Jacket and Pants
          • Ortovox Switchback 32 Ski Touring Backpack
          • Cotopaxi Allpa X 3L Hip Pack
          • Giro Sagen Ski Goggle
          • Icebreaker Ski+ Over the Calf Socks
          • MEC-Fireside-Fleece-Snap-Pullover
          • Montec Roast Mittens
          • Mountain-Hardware-Sunblocker-Hoody
          • MSR Titan Kettle 900 ml
          • Tailgate-Industries-The Gondom-Goggle-Cover
          • Wild Country Rope Tarp
          • Bootdoc Race Merino PFI 50 Socks
          • Remind Soles Destin Impact Insoles
          • Kari Traa Rose Baselayer Half Zip Top and Pants
          • Le Bent Midweight Quarter Zip
          • Ombraz Dolomite Sunglasses
          • Ortovox Fleece Rib Hoody
          • Ortovox Merino Thermovent Base Layer
          • Smartwool Intraknit Merino Tech Half Zip
          • Suunto Wing Bone Conduction headphones
          • Sweet Protection Adapter Mips Helmet
          • Sweet Protection Connor Rig Reflect Goggles
          • Zeal Optics Selkirk Glacier Glasses
          • Norrona more flex1 Pants
          • Norrona Octa Zip Hood
          • Norrona Lyngen Alpha100 Zip Hood
          • MEC Deluxe Pillow
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2023
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2022
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2021
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2020
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2019
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2018
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2017
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2016
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • NEWS
    • STORE
      • Backcountry Store Offline
      • Gear Deals
        • Alpine Touring Boots
        • Backcountry Skis
        • Alpine Touring Bindings
        • Backcountry Accessories
        • Off-Season Gear
        • Climbing Skins
    • ROUTES
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2022/23 Gear Reviews
      • 2021/22 Gear Reviews
      • 2020/21 Gear Reviews
      • 2019/20 Gear Reviews
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2020 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
      • Newsletter
      • Contest
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
      • Clothing
      • Accessories
      • Off-Season Gear
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Best New Summer Gear
      • Holiday Gift Guide
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • NEWS
    • STORE
      • Backcountry Store Offline
      • Gear Deals
    • ROUTES
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2022/23 Gear Reviews
      • 2021/22 Gear Reviews
      • 2020/21 Gear Reviews
      • 2019/20 Gear Reviews
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2020 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
      • Newsletter
      • Contest
    Newsletter Signup

    TOP VIDEOS

      HOTTEST REVIEWS


      Hagan Boost 99 POW Skis Garmin inReach Plus Scarpa 4-Quattro Pro 130+ Top Ski Reviews Ortovox Ravine Jacket Scarpa Maestrale RS Boots

      Ortovox
      North Valley Huts
      Avalance Canada
      ROAM
      Fritschi Swiss Bindings
      Search
      • Home
      • »
      • REVIEWS
      • »
      • Clothing
      • »
      • Hard Shells
      • »
      • Montane Spine Jacket

      Montane Spine Jacket

      A breathable mountain trail hardshell, inspired by runners of one of the toughest ultra distance races in Europe, the Montane Spine Jacket piqued our interest for review this season. It’s a light and fast technical hardshell option that can also perform well while spring ski touring, climbing, hiking and backpacking. 

      We’ve covered Montane fairly well in our reviews of the Montane Fast Alpine Stretch Neo Jacket and the Montane Air Jacket. The company offers what seems to be an uncompromising approach that focuses on designing products which are lightweight without compromising functionality, breathable, protect against the elements, minimalist in design, durable and tailored with a classic aesthetic that is long lasting. 

      Montane Spine Jacket

      Designed primarily as a rain shell the Montane Spine Jacket can do double duty as a touring shell also.

      Montane Spine Jacket
      SHOW THE REST OF THE REVIEW / PHOTOS / VIDEOS

      Being Canadian and more partial to exploring than competing I only recently learned that Montane sponsor a number of the world’s most demanding trail running races including The MONTANE Spine Race—a merciless 268 mile, non-stop, winter mountain marathon that travels the entire Pennine Way in the UK. We are talking deep snow, gale force winds and torrential rain combined with fatigue, sleep deprivation and exposure so it requires some serious push (a.k.a spine) to finish. Whilst competing in the event sounds like self-imposed misery to me, the idea that this jacket is designed for people who need to move as efficiently as possible and who require gear that supports them through absolutely grueling conditions is most definitely appealing. 

      Montane Spine Jacket
      Montane Spine Jacket

      Via Trail Series:

      Specifically designed for high aerobic mountain trail activities, Montane’s Spine Jacket is part of Montane’s VIA Trail series of technical clothing packs and accessories which focus on lightweight construction, moisture management, temperature regulation and minimalist weather resistance.

      Gore-Tex Active:

      In their design philosophy Montane claim to use the lightest fabrics, trims and construction, which explains why the Spine Jacket is constructed with GORE-TEX Active fabric—the most breathable fabric in the GORE-TEX product family. GORE-TEX achieve this by combining a thinner GORE-TEX membrane with a fine 30 denier performance textile then on the liner side they use a proprietary lamination technology to integrate the liner textile into the GORE-TEX membrane. A sophisticated sandwich specifically developed for reliable weather protection and optimal comfort during and after highly aerobic activities. 

      Montane Spine Jacket

      Construction:

      The typical industry average for stitching seams is eight stitches per inch, for the Spine Jacket Montane use a 12 – 13 stitch count per inch on all seams resulting in a tight, clean and strong seam which is noticeable. There is also a 3mm seam allowance on all seams, to reduce weight and bulk under the micro-tape.

      Design/Fit:

      Tailored specifically to be worn over a lightweight and low bulk base layer or mid-layer, Montane has crafted the Spine jacket with minimal placement of seams, using darts to tailor shape and articulation to reduce weight and bulk

      Montane Spine Jacket

      Features:

      • Waterproof.
      • Breathable.
      • Packable.
      • Lightweight.
      • Minimalist design features.
      • Athletic body fit.
      • Fitted trail hood designed to fit closely over trail headwear with an adjustable face aperture with internal cord exits.
      • Laminated hood peak for a stable yet supple fit and a pre-elasticated volume reduction system which expands to fit.
      • Mid-height collar for more protection when needed.
      • One highly water resistant zipped chest pocket aimed to fit GPS or mobile phone without movement.
      • Lightweight zip pulls support zipping with gloves or mitts.
      • Highly water-resistant centre front zip with internal storm flap behind for increased protection.
      • Roll over chin guard lined with brushed fine microfleece for comfort.
      • Minimalist underarm pit zips with highly water resistant offer ventilation without bulk.
      • Shaped hook tabs and loop adjustable cuffs with pre-elastication for easy cinching.
      • Pre-elasticated rear waist expands to fit whilst allowing a close body fit.
      • Adjustable hem with cinch drawcord.
      A closer look at the hood and cuff adjustability.
      Montane Spine Jacket
      Montane Spine Jacket
      Montane Spine Jacket

      Brushed fleece collar for comfort and hood adjustment.

      Montane Spine Jacket
      A few favourite features include the media pass through and of course pit zips.
      Montane Spine Jacket
      Montane Spine Jacket

      Verdict:

      I wouldn’t consider myself anywhere near being in the league of an ultra distance runner, but I have deep appreciation of ingenuity, efficiency and a meticulous approach. When reviewing the Montane Women's Spine Jacket closely one starts to see that Montane has thoroughly assessed each possible jacket feature against their ethos of lightweight, breathable and efficient—all in consideration of how the jacket will be used in the field. This sounds obvious for a gear manufacturer but I would say that Montane has this down to a science, one which they are very committed to. This explains why there is only one pocket, there are no extraneous features and over all the jacket is super minimalist and durable. At 262g and without the bulk of bells and whistles it is a delight to pack. 

      When it comes to breathability, no hardshell jacket that keeps the rain out is going to be 100% breathable, let’s be realistic, you are in a layer of very sophisticated plastic designed to not let moisture in. Is the Montane Women's Spine Jacket breathable? Yes. Will you get warm and steamy when you are working your way up a slope or on a trail in the rain? Well that depends on how extreme the wind and temperature is but I would say from my experience yes you will—it is a hard shell jacket after all and it is designed to move moisture based on the difference in atmospheric pressure from the inside to the outside. Maybe the best question to ask is how does it compare to other hard-shells on the market? If you like to travel light and fast then that’s what this jacket does best and for now GORE-TEX Active fabric is one of the most lightweight and efficient fabrics available on the market for reducing sweat accumulation. The key word here is reducing and this would explain why Montane have included very slick and understated pit zips to optimize breathability. Clearly they understand the benefit of venting outweighs the additional weight of the two zips. GORE-TEX Active fabric is soft to touch on the inside as they say, the only downside I experienced with the fabric is that it is a little on the noisy (crackly) side. 

      In keeping with the lightweight and efficient theme, the hood is articulated to a close fit, which works well as long as you don’t sport a ponytail, something I discovered in a downpour which meant that the beak of the hood didn’t come far forward enough so my face and eyes weren’t protected, making it harder to see and more exposed. I guess if I were really serious about going ultra light I could consider cutting my hair?

      Hair accommodations aside the Spine Jacket is an attractive and feminine cut made for women. The elastic at the back of the waist reduces bulk but also offers a flattering silhouette. Now that I have experienced the benefits this jacket offers in packability and moving efficiently I am sold on its minimalist design and have learnt to get by with just the one pocket. This is a stellar jacket for travelling light and fast on trails, climbing and even for a quick spring ski tour. 

      PROS:

      • Incredibly lightweight and packable.
      • Durable for its weight.
      • Flattering, efficient, minimalist design.
      • One of the more breathable hard-shells in its class thanks to fabric and venting.

      CONS:

      • Fabric can be on the noisier side (crackly).
      • Articulated hood design doesn’t accommodate long hair in a pony tail.
      • Pricey.

      SPECS:

      Price: $399 US
      Sizes: Women’s - 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, Men’s - XS, S, M, L, XL
      Colours: Women’s - Black, Dahlia, Blue Spark Men’s - Blue Spark, Black
      Weight: 262g / 9.24oz (size medium)

      RATING: 8.5/10

      Fit/Mobility                  1.5/2
      Packability:                  2/2
      Waterproof/Breathable 2/2
      Features:                      1.5/2
      Quality/Price:               1.5/2

      buy backcountry skiing gear


      Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in below and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation. You'll need to login or register before you can comment but it only takes a few seconds, then you're good to go.

      Leave a Comment:

      Back to the rest of the reviews.


      Ortovox
      North Valley Huts
      Avalance Canada
      ROAM
      Fritschi Swiss Bindings
      • Terms of Use
      • Privacy Policy

      Copyright © 2023-24 Backcountry Skiing Canada. All Rights Reserved.