AW13 Sneak Preview #5: Montane Further Faster Neo Jacket

I'm not entirely sure what it is with doing Autumn/Winter previews when the weathers absolutely boiling outside, maybe it's my subconscious yearning for cooler times? In fact the heat isn't a problem, when your outside and able to bask in it, it's rather glorious, it's only when your in a humid office looking out at said glorious weather it's when you fancy the temperature lowering a little. But, I digress, it's sneak preview time!

Today we're going to check out the new Montane Further Faster Neo Jacket. Due out for this Autumn/Winter, it's been designed with ultra mountain treks, trail runs and mountain marathons in mind. The jacket has been constructed with the waterproof, super breathable Polartec NeoShell fabric, which is rather perfect for use in high exertion activities. Montane have a canny knack of producing gear that to the eye looks minimalistic but when you check out what specs have been packed in your never left wanting. The Further Faster Neo Jacket is no different, so we'll try to cover everything as much as possible!

Starting with the fit of the jacket, the Further Faster Neo has been given a technical tailoring to prevent arm lift when reaching high or striding forward with walking poles et al. The articulated arms prevents the seams constricting over the elbows and biceps. For a bit of added safety and visibility on the roads and paths the jacket features 'trinity' reflectivity on the sleeves and rear hem.

Moving up to the hood of the jacket, it's fully adjustable with three points of adjustment and has been designed to fit over warm headwear, so sticking on a beanie hat underneath won't be a problem. The jacket features a stiffened hood visor with wire on the lip for adjustability as well

Pocket wise the Further Faster features two deep A-line pockets with YKK Aqua Guard zips that have been positioned well away from the area of a backpack harness belt. The centre front zip has been made with YKK Aqua Guard Vislon zips, which are highly water resistant. There's also an internal storm flap with rain drain edge to prevent weather entry.

On to the collar, there's a bonded brushed fine microfleece inner face, it's only a small feature, but it tends to make a big difference, eliminating chafing around your chin and collar. Heading south a little bit, the cuffs are adjustable with grab tabs for ease of use when wearing gloves or mitts.

At the back of the jacket, to provide that classic active Montane fit, there's a pre-elasticated rear waist with low profile flat elastic tape. Also featured is a bonded lower adjustable hem to prevent spindrift entry and heat loss and Montane's own 'penny cordlock' on the right hand lower hem to create a low profile for comfort under a climbing or rucksack harness.

The Montane Men's Further Faster Neo Jacket weighs in at a lightweight 480g and will cost around £206.99 when it comes into us. We've got two colours due in; Black with Alpine Red Zips and Electric Blue with Tangerine Zips.