The Montane looked better, fit better had better features ( detachable hood, cordura on high wear areas etc) BUT… it fell apart. In Scotland in Winter (or anywhere else for that matter)you are going to get water coming in thru seams/zips/necks despite what Mr Gore would have you believe.

Montane | Cotswold Outdoor Montane | Cotswold Outdoor

Unlike some forms of insulation, deep pile is virtually unaffected by moisture, maintaining its warmth even while soaking wet. The Extreme Smock uses two way YKK zipped side vents with storm flap to aid cooling even during vigorous activity, and also provides plenty of storage, with two deep A-line hand-warmer pockets positioned well clear of backpack straps or harness belts, a large front pocket, and a sleeve pocket with hook and loop closure for easy access to your essentials. Featuring a Polartec Alpha insulation and Pertex Quantum Air outer fabric, it's focused on offering the highest levels of breathability while moving fast and light. Both excellent, but I find the Montane Extreme considerably warmer and Buffalo better for very active stuff. That said, if you feel the need for internal storage there is enough space to stitch in a homemade pocket.Outer fabric: Along with the super breathable insulation, you also get an incredibly breathable Pertex Quantum Air outer fabric.

Montane Mens Extreme Smock Black - Trekitt Montane Mens Extreme Smock Black - Trekitt

Insulation: A thick layer of DryActiv 3000 deep pile provides the incredible warmth inside the Extreme Smock. It’s very good and it always surprises me just how much warmer it is if you use the hood rather than just a hat. As a result, the hood often undoes itself when turning your head or in high winds can come open of its own accord and in really high winds pull the whole hood off (it is a singular Velcro strip that attaches the hood to the neck).Too loose : A jacket which is too loose will keep you relatively warm, however it will take far longer to do so and will waste large amounts of your precious energy. One piece of advice I have is to not use this jacket if you’re not going to be hiking, or trekking, in cold environments.

Montane Extreme Smock – Mountain Services Montane Extreme Smock – Mountain Services

Your shoulders and chest area should have enough room so that your hands can touch behind your back without feeling restricted. In addition to the overall breathability of the jacket, Montane have added two interior vents to aid rapid venting. I like it, but I’d prefer a slightly thicker pertex shell, on the fell tops in strong winds, you can feel heat being sucked away. i've got a montane extreme for full on winter, but most of the year i wear a marmot driclime windshirt (the original lined version) - same principle (pertex type outer, fleece inner, windproof-not-waterproof). Re-inforced tough POLARDRI® Mini-Rip in the elbow protects against abrasive rock surfaces, and DRYACTIV 3000 deep pile lining throughout wicks sweat from the skin, dries fast, and aids warmth retention, providing warmth and breathability even when wet.I think they aren't as warm when they get older as the pile seems to lose it's umphh- technical term! Maybe a women would be not so keen to wear them next to skin because the side vents on the smock would be a bit revealing. As a curve ball, the heavier weight Polartec Alpha stuff is brilliant – Rab Alpha Direct jacket for example – though not as warm as the pile / Pertex system.