The Sirocco Lite insulated jacket is one of our technically versatile layers, combining two high performance fabrics in perfect synergy. It is made from lightweight stretch fleece in the sleeves, an insulated wind resistant core, and features a DWR coating with no intentional use of PFAS. This means the Sirocco is protective against wind where you need it and is exceptionally breathable, keeping you warm without overheating. 

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?  

I am Will Tucker. I started ski school at the age of 2 whilst my parents were out instructing. Winter sports have always been a family obsession and have become a career for both myself (and my sister) in the last 15 years. My ski career has always included some sort of instructing and coaching; for large parts of it I kept up some kind of competition but most recently I have been a judge. I am currently working with Montane as they support myself and my team at the Last Ride Project in our ambition to climb and ski the Seven Summits. 

What are the main things you look for in an insulated jacket? 

I have always suffered with being a heat sensitive, ginger person, I have to keep busy changing layers in changeable conditions and breathability is everything to my performance over a long day at altitude. We are always moving with big packs and harnesses, clothing which bunches up or anything that doesn’t move just the way you want to move has to be sorted. Breathability, fit and flexibility are my top priorities in a midlayer. 

What were your first impressions? 

My first impression of the Sirocco as with all Montane gear thus far, was dominated by quality- this will do its job for a long time! The second impression was that this garment does a job that I need doing. I can work hard in changing temperatures and this kit will keep me comfortable. 

How did you test the jacket? 

0n a 3-day ski touring expedition in La Grave. Firm snow conditions certainly limited our ambitions, and our goals were mostly touring for nice views. I maybe spent 1 hour in a GORE-TEX® layer as we took some photos at the col, otherwise the Sirocco was the ideal touring companion. Many hours of comfortable touring were enjoyed with a great team.

What do you think of the fit? 

Maybe I am a conveniently average sized man, but Montane's sizing works just right for me. With the Sirocco the Men’s large was the balance of snug yet free that is really necessary when touring. The elastic at the sleeves and waste is comfortable and keeps the garment where it needs to be and the elements out. The design under the arms works, flexibility and breathability aided by clever material choices keeps you free and easy.

What is your favourite feature? 

For me, the range of temperature and work rate I was comfortable to maintain, are what make this layer different. From -10°C and working my ass off to +15°c I wasn’t wasting time taking my backpack off and trying to get my temp under control. In descending order, my criterion for technical clothing goes... breathability, manoeuvrability, durability. The Sirocco truly excels in those 3 categories relative to the myriads of other midlayers I have tried in a 15-year career in the mountains. I haven't previously owned an insulted layer that I both ski and rock climb in. The Sirocco therefore unifies 2 items of clothing into one, it saves me money and weight on my travels, whilst outperforming the sweaty but durable gear I would climb in and the breathable, lightweight but fragile gear that I used to ski in. If you need a layering system to exercise outdoor in changing conditions, the Sirocco should be part of it.

Discover the Men's Sirocco Lite Insulated Jacket and the Women's Sirocco Lite Insulated Jacket.