Advnture Verdict
Montane have put the Pro in Protium with this fleece, the perfect hooded mid layer for winter sports and especially handy for climbers and mountaineers.
Pros
- +
Breathable
- +
Great stretch for easy movement
- +
Handy chest pocket
Cons
- -
Limited sizes available
- -
No recycled material used
You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. Find out more about how we test and compare products.
Montane Women’s Protium Fleece Hoodie: first impressions
The fit of the Montane Women’s Protium Fleece Hoodie immediately impressed out as soon as we put on this fleece for the first time. The style is form-fitting, but will still sit nicely if you have curves – unlike some other technical female fleeces we tested for our best women’s fleece jackets buying guide – and the longer cut will also work if you’re tall.
The grid-pattern fleece is stretchy enough to feel comfortable to hike, climb or even run in all day long, thanks to added elastane and flatlocked seams. The Protium is a Montane bestseller for a reason and sits at a good price point to appeal to pros and outdoor enthusiasts alike, although it’s a pity there aren’t more sizes available.
• RRP: $87 (US) / £65 (UK)
• Gender specificity: Women’s
• Sizes: S / M / L / XL / 2XL
• Weight: 320g / 11.3oz
• Colors: Green / Orange / Black / Grey
• Compatibility: Ideal for hiking, wild camping and skiing
Montane Women’s Protium Fleece Hoodie: on the trails
If, like us, you’re a mountain lover, then you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better fleece to pack in your hiking backpack than Montane’s Protium.
It hits the sweet spot for the hills: it is warm but breathable, slim enough to fit under jackets and backpacks for layering, and boasts a great hood you can wear under a helmet. We love the separate inner collar to keep heat trapped in, whether or not you want to wear the hood, and the zipped chest pocket, which is easy to access even if you’re wearing a pack or a climbing harness.
One little word of warning, however: the collar can feel so snug as to be restrictive, and you may need to size up to get a close-fitting but comfortable fit when the jacket is fully zipped.
