Montane Lite Speed Windproof full review

I did post a short look at the Montane Litespeed a few months back. I had initially decided not to get one but recently got one second hand cheaply off ebay.

The version I have is the electric blue in medium (made of Pertex Microlight on the outside). The colour is slightly milder than the blue colour shown in the image below. I have heard that the newer versions (I think for 2015) are going to be made from the lighter Pertex Quantum like the Rab Cirrus. Not sure I think that's a good idea but hey...

Windproofs

The Lite Speed is a windproof This means that it blocks the wind! So what, you ask? Well here's the thing. 'Hard shells' (read 'waterproofs') - even things like Polartec NeoShell and reVent (both of which aren't completely windproof), or Marmot's latest NanoPro TM fabric - don't actually breathe as well as solely windproof fabrics. The membrane that stops water getting in, also stops moisture getting out - compared to a windproof where there is no membrane. Therefore a windproof is more breathable than a waterproof. (Some people even deliberately wash their windproof in a biological powder to permanently remove the 'DWR' - durable waterproof repellant - finish, making a windproof even more breathable but not at all water resistant).

A windproof is a great line of defence to stash in your bag (they pack down incredibly small) and take with you for that bit of extra warmth that can come from keeping the wind out. If you've used an Event fabric (like I have) you'll know that sometimes you can feel a wee bit of wind coming through compared to say Gore Tex. The Lite Speed will completely block the wind but at the same time remain incredibly breathable.

In Use

In use in Scotland and the Lakes, I've used the Lite Speed as a windproof / extra layer and it really works. On top of the Buachaille Etive Mor with the wind shooting across the top, the Lite Speed was amazing at cutting out the wind and warming me up just that right amount. The same thing was true in the Lakes on the top of Blencathra!

The Lite Speed comes with a stuff sac that packs down to a size that is a bit bigger than a large orange and comes with a mini carabiner to clip onto your belt / pack or somewhere. This gives it the ability to be used any time and anywhere which I've also done! The Lite Speed weighs only 160g.

So as a windproof, the Lite Speed is brilliant. It cuts out 100% of the wind unlike say my OR Ferrosi hoody. However, this also means that it can get a bit more clammy a bit more quickly. This isn't much of an issue because if you're beginning to feel hot, then de-layering is the way ahead! But I did (understandably) feel that my lightweight softshell was more breathable (and of course, less windproof!)

Cuffs

The cuffs sit fairly tight on your arm and so it's not a jacket where you can roll up your cuffs. Great touch from Montane having a YKK zip and anti-snag baffle behind it (love this!), with a chin guard at the top. The hood has a slightly stiffened 'stick' in the front of it which will help visibility when outdoors. Nice articulated arms and fit generally.

Sizing

OK so sizing - I am a medium in most things (5'11" and around 10 stone athletic build).

The Lite Speed fits pretty well and for Montane is slightly 'oversized'. I would say that the Lite Speed is not exactly an athletic cut and is larger than other Montane sizing at the equivalent size. I'd maybe put the sizing around the same as my large Montane waterproof.

I would generally go with your normal size for the fit of the Lite Speed, unless you are wanting it to really act as a running top etc, in which case I'd say go down one size.

Durability

I've worn my Montane Medusa 32 pack over the Litespeed across Dartmoor, Lakeland and Glen Coe and it's not shown any signs of damage as yet. But I've only had my Lite Speed for a few months now.

However, from other reviews I'd say the Lite Speed has the perfect balance between weight, function, breathability and durability. Of course things like the Paramo Fuera Ascent are more durable but heavier. The Rab Cirrus is lighter and less durable. The Lite Speed comes with a 30D (denier) ripstop Pertex Microlight.

The Colours

I got the 'electric blue' colour and it's a great colour, very accurate to the online colour (I think this colour may be discontinued now). I like the two-tone approach of the Lite Speed across the colour range - if that kind of thing is important to you!

The 'Feel' of the Lite Speed

The feel is great. It is lightweight and just looks great. The inside of the fabric looks a bit 'shiny' (for want of a better word). I would say that the Lite Speed could create a bit of static in warmer months, if you're as electrical as me!

The Noise

One area that people have pointed at, is the noise of the Lite Speed in high winds. It is noisy and rustles loudly in the wind. This can be quite common to other wind proofs inevitably. The one exception I've heard of and seen is the Paramo Fuera (Ascent and ladies versions included). So yes it can be a bit flappy and very noisy!

Conclusion

All in all the Lite Speed is a phenomenal piece of kit. It will breathe incredibly well, be durable (esp if used with Montane's packs where non-abrasive straps are used) and I can't speak highly enough of it.

Review - Mammut Ridge Low GTX Men's Approach Shoe

After my TNF Hedgehogs went into retirement recently, a new pair of approach type shoes were needed. So, myself and my lovely sister popped into Go Outdoors. While we were there, the Mammut representative was in store.

After the usual sales talk and twaddle, it was clear the guy knew what he was talking about. Cutting through the sales-speak about them being good for climbing, having some kind of semi front-pointing sole and good for via ferrata too, I decided to try a pair on with his help in sizing.

Lo and behold, they fitted like a glove, especially with my normal walking socks in. I am a shoe size in the region of 9 - 9.5 and usually buy a size 10. I used a size 10 in these too. (The thicker winter Bridgedale socks don't fit with these shoes sadly). After tootling around the place, going up and down the slope testing device and doing some assorted strange movements that would make anyone think I was either in need of the toilet or an expert in tai chi, my aforementioned awesome sister offered to buy the shoes for me!

So, off to the hills in Scotland (Glen Coe) and Lakes (all over)...

Three sisters in Glen Coe taken on the way up to Aonach Eagach. I didn't wear the shoes here...

Now let's be clear: despite what the sales rep said it's obvious that these things are not good for climbing and front pointing, edging etc. Aside from not being climbing shoes, they are simply too hard and too inflexible with a strong sole. So when doing things like the Aonach Eagach ridge I used my grippy La Sportiva shoes. I'm not saying the Mammut's aren't good, but I personally prefer more grippy shoes on ridges! If you want incredible grippy approach climbing crossover shoes, get the Adidas Terrex Solo shoes (around £95).

Underside of the Mammut Ridge Low GTX

That aside, these things are absolutely amazing. They are heavier than my La Sportivas and my old Hedgehogs but then again, they aren't designed to do the same kind of thing. What they feel like is a really solid pair of approach shoes that are tough, resilient and feel a bit like boots in a shoe. There is a serious amount of 'rand' around the front of the shoe and around to the sides, covering the toes and beyond. Aside from that it's a mix of leather and synthetics. Like all shoes, after many miles of marching, I did find the soles of the front of my feet a wee bit unhappy, but far less than any other shoes I've worn.

There is a removable and excellent insole. The fact that it is removable (unlike some other shoes) is a nice addition if your feet have a slight arch or over-pronate for example. In which case, replacing the current insole with the right 'Superfeet' insole could be your answer. The inside of the shoe is padded with 'memo foam' (memory foam) so will remember your foot shape without distorting as much as other lesser padding.

Inside of the shoe, showing Memo Foam padding / removable insole

This sole (GripEx, a proprietary brand to Raichle / Mammut) has wide spacing to help with mud and water passing through the shoe when in use. The rear of the shoe (around the back of the ankle) also has a strong rand. From the last lacing loop to each side of the shoe, there is a plastic over coated and semi-ripstop plastic coating. I have found that this is the least durable part of the shoe and constant smashing against rock has removed the surface plastic layer in a few places. There is a hanging loop at the back of the shoe which many find useful.

The slight rubbing / fraying of part of the plastic on the shoe

I used these walking all over Scotland - from places like the Boochle (Buachaille Etive Mor) through to in and around the Lakes (Great Gable / High Rise etc). These were amazing and not once did my foot slip in the shoes - something my feet can do even in my La Sportivas. (What happens is my foot slips against my sock and it can bruise some of my toenails - no idea how to stop this).

Anyhoo, the shoes are Goretex lined which means they can get hot. But I wore them on some hot days in both Scotland (amazingly) and the Lakes (slightly amazingly) and never once felt over-hot.

Chilling by Loch Eilde Mor

One thing that did come in handy was the 'Via Ferrata' part of the sole. This came in handy near Kinlochleven where there is a wire bridge across and up to a waterfall where an outdoors company has climbing via ferrata rings all the way up next to Grey Mares Tail waterfall. So a good opportunity to test that out and they were fine!

Didn't take a pic of the wire bridge, just the Grey Mares Tail waterfall itself

So my overall conclusion having worn these for around 3 weeks is that they are brilliant. Love them. Had to wear them in and around Penrith, Keswick, Fort William and then in Birmingham and were fine on streets, although think they should be saved for the hills and mountains! They're that good.

The price...

Having read the excellent UKC review on these, I completely agree with one of those commenting about the price of these. They are quite ridiculous, with Go Outdoors for example selling them at £121.50 (as of Sept 15, 2014). I think they are priced too highly. Having said that, the North Face Hedgehogs retail around £90-£110 (you can find them cheaper, e.g. Gaynors). Compared to those prices, the Mammut Ridge Low GTX have more features, are far tougher and sturdier. So, try some on, look at other shoes, pay your money and make your choice!

PS. I had heard the Mammut rep talk about anyone buying something getting a free goodie bag but I never received mine. So Mammut, if you'd like to send one my way I'd be happy to receive it ;)

Update March 2020 - I'm about to retire these shoes, not through lack of wear (although the outer sole is broken apart in 2 places) but because I've found the shoe has become a bit too tight at the front. But this is after wearing these hundreds of times on scrambles, walks and basic climbs (think Diff). The newer 'version' of these seems to be the Alnasca Low GTX which I've heard varied opinions on.