Mont Guide Primaloft Hoodie Review

19/05/2023

Bogong Staff member Mathilda reviews Mont’s Primaloft Guide Hoodie, a versatile and compact jacket for cold and windy conditions. Bogong has both Women's and Men's options in a number of colours.

Mont’s Primaloft Guide Hoodie is a versatile and lightweight insulated jacket for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, rock climbing, bouldering, cycling and hiking, and perfect for chillier days in the outdoors. My Guide Hoodie has become reasonably well-travelled in the last six months, accompanying me all the way from climbing at Djuritte (Mt Arapiles) and Lanjanuc (Mt Alexander) to cross-country skiing at Mt Stirling and walking in Gariwerd (Grampians) National Park.

Features:

20,000 mm hydrostatic head
Fitted hood with elastic edge
Hydronaute XT fabric
Primaloft Gold 60 insulation
Internal zippered breast pocket
Elasticated cuffs
Two way zipper
Women’s weight = 380 grams (size 12)
Men’s weight = 420 grams (size M)

Unlike some other synthetic insulated jackets on the market, the Guide Hoodie is designed with Mont’s Hydronaute XT waterproof fabric. Featuring on their expedition down jackets, sleeping bags and suits, Hydronaute XT is a waterproof membrane with a 20,000 mm water-head rating, giving it the edge on other comparable jackets when the rain hits. These include the likes of Arcteryx’s Nuclei and Atom LT hoodies, the RAB Generator or Xenon hoodies, the Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoodie or the OR Refuge jacket.

The waterproof membrane of the Guide protects from precipitation and wind, as well as offering considerable breathability in comparison to a more traditional hard shell. The durable rip stop fabric is tough enough to be scraped against rocks, trees, and ice without excessive care. It is a fantastic hoodie at what it is designed for, that’s bushwalks in the cold. It will handle light rain with ease. Although, once heavy rain does come, the waterproof outer of the Guide cannot compete against the purpose built bushwalking rain jackets like the Mont Supersonic (Men’s and Women’s).

The Hydronaute XT fabric complements the Primaloft by keeping this synthetic insulation drier, therefore leaving the wearer warmer and more comfortable. The Primaloft Gold 60 compacts well and absorbs less than 1% of its weight in moisture. The jacket is a loose enough cut for comfortable layering with base and mid layers. True to Mont fashion, the Guide also is somewhat of a longer and boxier cut. I would recommend potentially sizing down if you’re after a tighter fit.

The Guide is a great option not only for the outdoors but also for commuting around town. Its versatile Hydronaute makes for a low key and functional design, an effect perhaps mitigated somewhat by the bright colour range opted for by Mont. I find the jacket to be warm enough without a mid-layer for 10-15 degrees weather and with a mid-layer down to around 5-10 degrees. Conveniently, this accounts for much of Melbourne’s weather during the more mild months of the year and I often find myself wearing my Guide around the city. If you’re concerned about colder weather, a down jacket is the next natural step up (and another oft sported Melbournian wardrobe staple).

For climbers specifically, the Guide offers a few features other jackets on the market lack. The hood fits comfortably over and under a helmet and the two-way locking zipper allows for access to the belay loop on a climbing harness. This has been one of the most important functionality features for me when using this jacket in the outdoors. The top zipper guard flap minimises chin abrasion. The zipper itself comes up high enough to cover the mouth. Stuff sack included, the jacket can compress down to roughly the size of a can of beans and can be clipped to a climbing harness for a warm belay in windy or frosty conditions. While a press stud tab on the bottom of the jacket would potentially contribute to functionality, it doesn’t diminish the Guide Hoodie as a top option for Australian climbing conditions. Even on a clear autumn or spring day at Arapiles, the exposed crag can make for a chilling climb. Personally, I’ve taken it for a few climbs and found it to be perfect for windy conditions, even in otherwise clear weather.

Mont’s Guide Primaloft Hoodie serves as a well-rounded and versatile option for a synthetic insulated jacket, suited to many outdoor or urban pursuits and perfect for a busy, varied life! You’ll quickly see the Hoodie become be your go to jacket in the cold and light rain, supplying you protection, warmth and comfort for years to come.