Montane Nordes Hooded Softshell
Jacket and Pants

Montane just released a new softshell kit which is ideal for ski touring, climbing and mountaineering. It has been designed from the ground up to be comfortable, functional, versatile and of course provides the protection needed to move efficiently through the mountains. This lightweight softshell jacket and pants are windproof and highly breathable which means they provide impressive temperature regulation for high-output activities like backcountry skiing. The hybridized construction uses 100% recycled Nylon Gore-Tex Windstopper fabric with a 70D plain weave with a flannel backer and a DWR coating in strategic locations where extra warmth and windproof/water-resistant performance are required. Elsewhere the jacket and pants use an 88% recycled Nylon with 12% elastane to create a double weave softshell fabric with a peached backer that provides more breathability and stretch in locations where you need the jacket and pants to move with you. These Granite Stretch softshell panels allow for greater comfort and temperature regulation but if you start to overheat there are built-in pit zips in the jacket and quick-action side vents in the pants which allow you to dump large volumes of heat on the move. 

The Nordes jacket has an adjustable helmet-compatible hood with a laminated peak, articulation in the sleeves and adjustable velcro cuffs and a fully adjustable hem to keep the weather out and dial in an ideal fit. There are two YKK zipped chest pockets, which are pack and harness compatible and two hand warmer pockets. There is also an internal drop pocket and a smaller pocket on the lower left sleeve for smaller items you need close at hand. 

The Nordes Pants provide a trim yet articulated fit which provides uninhibited comfort and performance for active pursuits like ski touring or climbing. There is an adjustable velcro waist, center front fly with secure press snap closure and brace loop which provides a secure custom fit. The adjustable reinforced hems have a built-in low-profile internal gaiter which fits around a variety of ski/mountaineering boots and helps keep the weather and snow out. There are two zipped harness-compatible hand pockets and a large pleated thigh pocket where you can securely carry a transceiver. On the sides of each leg, there are ‘Quick Action’ side vents that provide impressive ventilation on the move and in the seat of the pants you’ll find the Gore-Tex Windstopper fabric that provides good protection when sitting on snow or wet ground.

Having tested too many soft shell jackets and pants to count, I can attest that the new Montane Nordes Hooded Softshell Jacket and Pants are among the best. Their well-thought-out design has all the features you need in a comfortable design with fabrics that protect you from the elements and provide amazing breathability and stretch where you need it most.