Montane Terra XT Salopettes

Provenance: Bought on special offer
Review: Long Term Testing

Sadly the Terra XT Salopettes have now been discontinued by Montane. So why review them? - well there's still a lot of stock out there in retailers and suddenly they can be had for a very reasonable price.

I've had mine for two winter seasons now - they've been across Crib Gogh a few times (pictured) and they've spent a lot of time making the most of two fantastic winters in the Lakes.

My first impression when the Terra XT’s arrived was of a well-made sturdy looking pair of salopettes – then I put them on. I’m 5’9” and a 30-32 inch waist – medium in nearly every (non American) brand. The Terra XT’s fit me perfectly on leg length, waist measurement, the bib came to where I’d like – but who on earth did they measure the braces for? Whilst they’re adjustable the default fully done up setting finished 4inches above my shoulders. If you don’t want a large flappy bit of strap getting in the way, or folding uncomfortably across you then you’re left with the choice of cutting off part of your new kit or (as I did) adding on some self sticking Velcro to keep it in place. This is a minor niggle – but it is an odd design.

So braces aside – how have they been?

Well the initial impression of well made has held up. The construction is quite technical and the end user gets the benefit. The front of the Terra XT’s is lined with a very fine micro fleece and the rear is mesh. The seat, knees & insteps are made of fully waterproof Cordura. There's an internal snow gaiter – but I never seem to get on with those – too much faffing to do.

Those of you who’ve read my reviews will know that I run hot – so I’ve never worn thermals underneath them – but the slim design is roomy enough that you could. For those of you like me the full length zips with stud fasteners mean that a lot of venting can take place. I also especially like the different zip lengths which give you a pocket (this is in addition to the two pockets on the bib). As I said they’re quite a slim fit – not sure how you’d get on with them if you’ve got a rugby player type build.

The knees are articulated & I’ve not experienced any restrictions on my movement –high leg raises on Winter grade III’s were fine & my bizarre attempt at the splits on Pinnacle Ridge didn’t do me any harm. An example of how tough they are; after a day on the hills I came home & walked straight into the steel beams the builder had left in our yard. After some swearing I carried on sorting my kit & finally went inside. Only when I got in the shower did I see the blood all down my leg from the gash on my knee – upon inspection there wasn’t a mark on the Terra XT’s.

Probably my favourite feature though is the waterproof seat & knees- whether it’s just sitting down for a drink stop on Striding Edge or kneeling down to take a bearing off the Glyders you get the benefit of both waterproof’s and the breathability of softshell. The trousers will wet out (& feel quite heavy when they do) – but are very shower resistant – it’s not often I’ve felt the need to put the overtousers on when wearing my Terra XT’s.

Pro’s – waterproof seat & knees. Very well made. Lots of special offer pricing.

Con’s – Daft length of shoulder straps – it's scissor time or add some more Velcro.

Montane Extreme Smock

Montane Extreme Smock

Provenance: Bought full Price

Review: Long Term Testing

These seem to have been around forever  and there are several manufacturers making things that look similar. So why write a review? Well put simply I adore this jacket - & yet I don’t seem to see many of them out on the hill – and the ones I do are usually on other instructors.

I guess one of the reasons for this is that the jacket seems counter intuitive to what the magazines and gear manufacturers tell us – instead of the usual mantra of layers layers layers – the extreme is one big heavy unit that does it all. The jacket has a system of zips that are the method of regulating temperatures. There’s a fairly deep neck / chest zip, two big side zips that can leave the jacket open to your arm pits (a nice touch is the two way side zips mean that even when only partly open you can still snug up the waist band of your rucksack) and the front hand warmer pocket can also be opened to aid ventilation. However despite being a fan of layers for a lot of the year, in damp British winter conditions it’s become the jacket I reach for again and again. I only ever wear the jacket with a base-layer underneath – though I did meet one hardy soul on Helvellyn last winter who wore it on its own! The pile inner is very warm & seems to dry really fast, the pertex outer is wind & shower proof & again dry’s very quickly. Sure on some big walk ins I've been known to take it off – but I run very warm – it’s not unusual to find me in a base layer & body warmer (sorry I just can’t say gillet, grrr) in winter. I find whether I'm setting out across Striding Edge, kitting up on Scafell Pike or sat on a cold belay on Ben Nevis I simply arrive, do up the zips and I'm ready to go – usually whilst my clients, partner or mates are still wrestling with their rucksack.

So how’s it been in use?

Well my current jacket is now two and a half years old and still going strong – it’s been up Pinnacle Ridge numerous times and the reinforced patches on the arms have done their job and kept it in good order. It’s done swift water rescue work at PyB and come out relatively clean (more than could be said for its owner). It goes on most of my cold days and it does the job. It’s never going to be the smartest looking bit of kit on the hills – but the simple design works – & I'm never the person shivering when we stop for lunch on a winter round of the Snowdon Horseshoe. There’s a large chest pocket which fits a map or gloves & a hat – it has a useful attachment point - I use this for my compass lanyard – not sure I’d want sharp keys rubbing against one layer of pertex. The ‘con’ I hear most often is the weight – however its not that heavy (1025g szM ) – and certainly that compares to a couple of layers (example weighed – Patagonia guide hoody & capiline3 base layer - 845g).

Oh – one last thing to mention – the hood. If you’re thinking of getting an Extreme – make sure you get the hood. It’s just awesome – I carry it as my emergency hat for a lot of the year- it has a great bendy peak – does up right round your face & neck and just attaches with Velcro & is very very warm 

Pro’s - Quick simple system, Relatively Cheap (+/- £100) very hardy. THE HOOD!!

Cons – Weight?

Verdict – Probably my most ignored recommendation!