Montec has worked with Huntsman to develop some impressively durable and effective DWR treatment. The result of this collaborative effort is called ECO Huntsman Zelan 3. It ensures the moisture beads off nicely instead of soaking into the jacket. Rest easy brother, there’s also fully taped seams.

Features

First things first, let’s talk about pockets. There’s zippered hand warmer pockets, zippered chest pockets for quick access while ski touring, external body-heated media pocket with headphone outlet to keep the tunes flowing, lift pass pocket on the left forearm for efficient chairlifting, and an elasticated mesh pocket for your goggles. They’re all cleverly positioned and well implemented. 

“This jacket, it’s clear, wants you to get out there and enjoy the mountain’s full offering”

This jacket, it’s clear, wants you to get out there and enjoy the mountain’s full offering whatever the weather’s up to. Features like the double plackets, which provide brilliant snow protection and enhanced waterproofing, the stormproof hood and non-slip elasticated powder skirt really drive this home. 

Other nicely done features include the oversized sleeve openings, that will work well with larger gloves and mitts, the comfort-enhancing and powder-repelling lycra wrist gaiters, the underarm vents for rapid cooling, a rear drawstring adjuster on the hood for optimising fit, and a microfleece chin guard for all-day comfort.

We also dig the lining, which manages to spin the dual-plates of durability and breathability, and the drawstring hem which makes adjusting the fit and style a breeze.

Good jacket. Like it.

Montec Fawk Pants

Montec has described this product as “a true all-mountain predator” and while we’re always reluctant to just recycle a brand’s marketing spiel, there is some truth to this statement. These bib pants want you to explore the hill, want you to make the most of your time in the high places of the world. Get busy living, or get busy dying. That’s the essence of what the Fawk Pants bring to the fold.

Materials

The same set up, in terms of materials and eco-conscious insulation, as the jacket.

Features

Want a waterproof zippered chest pocket where you can safely store your essentials? It’s got one. Want spacious side pockets on the hip for storing your other essentials? It’s got them. Want ‘snow-proof’ cargo pockets for storing yet more essentials? My good man, it’s got them. It’s got them, and they are good.

“Want ‘snow-proof’ cargo pockets for storing yet more essentials? My good man, it’s got them”

The easy access front zipper here makes getting in and out of this item as simple as getting in and out of some bib pants could ever possibly be (you’d be surprised how complicated it can get). Finding the perfect fit, meanwhile, is made possible by the adjustable waist cinch and elasticated suspenders.

We’re also into the large mesh thigh vents for when things are heating up and you want to cool down quickly, the elasticated snow gaiters for keeping the powder out, and the durability-enhancing Cordura reinforced gussets for added longevity.

Conclusion

Get a Montec Fawk Jacket, get yourself some Montec Fawk Bib Pants, and crack on. It’s a double act that you’ll make you look the part and, more importantly, help you get to where you want to get to when you’re thousand of metres above sea level. A great jacket and pants combo, well worthy of its inclusion in our Ski 100.