AW13 Sneak Preview #2: Montane Men's Fireball Jacket

Following on from our first Autumn/Sneak Preview of the season last week, we thought a second as we glide into a new week wouldn't go a miss! Last weeks preview was written with the sun scorching outside, 25C heat, and you always feel a tad silly talking about winter gear in that sort of temperature...But it's rather dreary out there today, so we've got an insulative piece to warm the cockles of your heart.

New for Autumn/Winter 2013 is the Montane Men's Fireball Jacket. Constructed with lightweight climbing and backpacking in mind, the Fireball uses synthetic Primaloft Eco insulation. This fabric uses fine fibers to form tiny air pockets that trap body heat and keep the cold out, the result is immediate warmth without the bulk! The outside of the jacket uses high tenacity Pertex Quantum, a fabric renowned for it's lightweight properties, durability and water resistance.

One of my personal favourite features of this jacket and insulated jackets in general is the fact it has insulation both behind and infront of the handwarmer pockets, so if you decide to tuck your hands away, you'll get just as effective insulation from them as your torso does. Moving to the sides the Fireball Jacket has articulated arms for high reach movement and dexterity, making it ideal for climbers and other sports where flexibility is essential. It features a lycra bound hood for a secure fit, which you can also fit a helmet underneath.

Heading back to the pockets for a moment, both handwarmer pockets have been positioned well clear of backpack or climbing harnesses. All of the jackets external pockets feature shaped zipped garages adding to the overall weather protective-ness of it. It comes with a full length YKK reverse coil front zip with internal wind strip and roll over fine microfleece beard guard at top for a little extra luxury and comfort.

On the sleeves there's lycra bound low profile cuffs that can be pulled up your forearms to aid cooling, again ideal if your working up a sweat. You also get a rear Montane hanging loop so you can store it away easily, a fully adjustable lower hem and it can also be stuffed away into it's own pocket, handy!

When it arrives into Outdoorkit HQ it'll cost around £125. It weighs in at a lightweight 322g and comes in the sleek colour of Black/Burnt Orange.

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