Montane Hydrogen Extreme

Shewie

Shewie

Chief Slackpacker
Staff member
As a bit of a Montane fanboy this one caught my eye ...

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https://www.montane.co.uk/mens-c1/montane-hydrogen-extreme-smock-p711

An updated lighter more breathable take on the traditional pile and pertex Extreme/Buffalo smocks, now with Polartec Alpha inner and Quantum shell, Literally half the weight of the original Extreme at 496g.

The Hydrogen Direct looks good too, very similar to the Rab Alpha Direct
 
EM-Chiseller

EM-Chiseller

Thru Hiker
Wow...120g alpha is going to be too toasty for anything active above 0° in my assumption based on my own alpha. Seriously tempted to sell my OR Ascendant jacket and Mardale pile to go towards and find out as I'm a sucker for alpha and always been a sucker for smocks! But then again...I know how good both my pieces of kit are in their own right. Especially the old Mardale pile shirt....
 
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Teepee

Teepee

Thru Hiker
These smocks were always for very cold weather (down to -30 odd) with really good moisture management. It'll be interesting to see how the Alpha compares to the pile and Pertex type.
 
el manana

el manana

Thru Hiker
I read Polartec Alpha is at best only 50% of the warmth of Primloft, so 120g is no warmer than 60g PL.
 
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EM-Chiseller

EM-Chiseller

Thru Hiker
el manana said:
I read Polarte Alpha is at best only 50% of the warmth of Primloft, so 120g is no warmer than 60g PL.
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Two entirely different species.
Alpha isn't designed to be toasty...It's designed to regulate body temperature. Keeps you ' just right' not hot , not cold, and wicks plus dries rapid.
Heavier alpha is for active but in colder climes lighter is for active in all but below freezing. For me it works...that's why I've finished up with 4 tops leading to 5 . All have their role and I can do multi days hapuly with any of them given the right top for the right activities. Id say my 64g is the do all but needs a windlayer of it's blowing a gale or cold wind with static time.
 
Enzo

Enzo

Thru Hiker
Don't think Quantum is that breathable mind, I'd putvup with the extra weight of equilibrium ffor the extra breath ability and toughness
 
Shewie

Shewie

Chief Slackpacker
Staff member
Chiseller said:
My deviator is 64,g my Ascendant 95g, My flux 90g, my isotherm ??? (No one wants to say) and your right @Shewie yours is 120g ! Over to you then ;)
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Thing is, I have some concerns :)

I've not worn my Rab Alpha in deep cold yet, I can't imagine it would be as warm as my Resolute smock (Extreme on steroids) which is my go to for sideways snow and howling Scottish winters. I'm sure they don't claim the Hydrogen to be as warm as the Extreme but I'd like to know how they compare temp wise.

I think I'll need to see this one in the flesh before committing
 
el manana

el manana

Thru Hiker
I agree @Shewie i love Alpha but i cant see how 120g is as warm as the fibre pile smock, my wife has one, its a beast. Maybe not meant to be the same thing?..
 
EM-Chiseller

EM-Chiseller

Thru Hiker
Shewie said:
Thing is, I have some concerns :)

I've not worn my Rab Alpha in deep cold yet, I can't imagine it would be as warm as my Resolute smock (Extreme on steroids) which is my go to for sideways snow and howling Scottish winters. I'm sure they don't claim the Hydrogen to be as warm as the Extreme but I'd like to know how they compare temp wise.

I think I'll need to see this one in the flesh before committing
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I wouldn't bank on using your Alpha in deep cold unless it was layered and you were hiking hard. I keep saying, alpha isn't designed for deep cold or static for long periods. It just does what it does...regulates.
I too wouldn't rely on mine to keep me warm on slow very cold hikes. Bit like you I would fall back to my Mardale smock and trousers and if was pushed throw a hardshell over it .
The Montana looks like the outer material and style having less openings may be beefy enough to give some static or slow moving warmth.
It will be interesting to see what tests it gets put through this winter.
I reckon it's a timely release for the montane winter spine race. ( I'm seriously considering entering for my 50th year)
 
Munro277

Munro277

Thru Hiker
For cold and winter ***** weather I like my Montane Extreme ..I cut out an extra bit of pile in the front where it was doubled up and cut the cuffs as I hate electric cuffs ..if it’s cold and staying cold they are a superb bit of kit

How much !
 
Munro277

Munro277

Thru Hiker
Shewie said:
Got it down to £152 at sportsshoes with a few discounts applied, tempted
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Pretty much spent up till I decide which shelter to sell on...I sometimes take a baselayer/ wind shirt just for start of walk up and when dropping back into valley again..such a really great bit of kit,absolutely bomber when it’s nasty and cold ..hood fits me superbly shame my Jottnar hood didn’t fit even half as well
 
Munro277

Munro277

Thru Hiker
Dave Vaughan said:
I couldn't sleep the other morning so decided to go for a walk down the local river. I thought it was colder outside than it was and put my 17 year old Buffalo on. I soon had it unzipped and flapping about #cooking
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Buffalo at the time Mid 80s I think. Are great these Montane Extreme smocks are a step up again on that great idea
 
FOX160

FOX160

Thru Hiker
That is a nice piece of kit!
I have been replacing most of my hiking clothing with mountain cloathing over the last year and found its the way to go.
Being of the fitting of the garment even if parts are to let heat escape I still find the cloathing just as warm and more comfortable to wear and not clammy like wearing equivalent heavier hiking clothing, also a good way to save on weight too.
 
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EM-Chiseller

EM-Chiseller

Thru Hiker
Teepee said:
These smocks were always for very cold weather (down to -30 odd) with really good moisture management. It'll be interesting to see how the Alpha compares to the pile and Pertex type.
Click to expand...
EXCELLENT
I wore it for the hike in last Night. Just a thin base layer. 7kg pack. Variable temps from. 5deg to - 5. Heavy humidity, snow, fog, worked fiercely.
Easy to regulate and like baby bears porridge... "Just Reyt".
Folded into. The through pocket... Made a cracking pillow.
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