Montane make serious gear for serious outdoor activities. Founded in 1993, the brand is now one of the best-respected in the UK – the fact that they dress the British Antarctic Survey team and Mountain Rescue teams across Britain tells you everything you need to know about the quality of their kit.

The Endurance Pro Jacket is an excellent example. It’s a high-end hardshell, designed “with the needs of climbers and alpinists in mind”. The outer fabric is lightweight 40 Dernier Gore-Tex Pro, which they’ve beefed up with tougher 70 Denier Gore-Tex in areas which are likely to suffer a lot of wear and tear – round the shoulders and hips where you backpack straps will sit, round the forearms and around the zip-pockets on the chest.

“This is a pretty badass jacket that will handle all kinds of inclement mountain weather.”

Montane have sewn the whole thing together with a stitch count of 12-13 per inch, versus the industry average of 8, making it hard-wearing and durable. The hood is helmet compatible – essential in a decent climbing jacket – and has a stiffened peak.

It’s easy to adjust too, and can be rolled up and stowed to get it out of the way if you’re climbing in good weather conditions. Montane have deliberately made the fit a little bit larger to allow you to layer up underneath it – perhaps starting with one of their own excellent Primino baselayers.

As well as its impressive fundamentals this jacket is full of clever little touches that will make long days on the mountain that bit easier.