I finally found the perfect down jacket for travel in the slim and superlight Montane Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie, and I plan on taking it everywhere

I've worn the Montane Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie in every season, and taken it on at least a dozen trips, from family walking holidays in the Dales to ski trips in the Alps. It's become my top contender for the best lightweight down jacket I've ever tested.

As an avid hiker and travel writer, I'm always looking for clothing and walking shoes that can protect me from the elements, but are easy to layer or pack if I'm on the go. I've tested loads of down jackets that kept me really warm, but not all of them are easy to sling a rain jacket over or squeeze into my bag for a weekend away. Thanks to its lightweight design and slim fit, this is the one I'd recommend to anyone trying to get a break from the bulk.

This jacket has found a permanent place in my rotation of lightweight, reliable gear for hiking and travel, and I often find myself throwing it on when I'm heading to the gym, too.

Montane Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie review

Specifications

• Size range: 8 - 16
• Fit: Regular
• Materials: Nylon shell with 700 Fill Power Goose Down Insulation
• Hood: Yes
• Pockets: Two zipped hand-warming pockets

What's so special about the Montane Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie?

Easily the most interesting feature of this jacket is that it has non-toxic gold particles bonded to the down, which Montane says helps it to dry faster. That's a huge deal, which you'll know if you've ever finished a rainy walk wearing a sopping wet down jacket. Crucially, once they get wet, down jackets don't actually do a very good job of keeping you warm.

Despite the addition of gold, this jacket is impossibly light. It packs away into a little pouch that's hidden in the pocket. It squashes down to no bigger than a grapefruit, which means I never hesitate to pack it even when the weather looks great, or I'm travelling light for a city break with only a carry-on.

I can't tell you how much confidence I have knowing that I'll always have a really good, warm layer no matter how tight I am on space in my luggage.

One reason for its light weight is that the shell material is on the delicate side, and while mine is still in perfect condition after many months of hard use, I'd take care wearing this on an overgrown trail with lots of thorns.

I've been testing one size up from what I'd normally choose, so this jacket is a little looser on me, and perhaps for that reason, it's not quite as flattering as my Rab Microlight Alpine jacket, but it's designed to sit fairly close to your body to keep warm air closer to your skin and make it easy to layer. It's longer at the back too, so it covers my hips for extra protection and, unusually in my experience, the sleeves aren't too long.

On breezy days, I feel confident that a cold wind won't be able to sneak in thanks to the snug-fitting hood, elasticated cuffs and hem. It also has two zipped hand pockets.

My only complaint about this jacket is the lack of a chest pocket, as that's where I like to keep my phone, so it's close to hand for pictures or if I want to check a walking app for navigation.

How does the Montane Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie hold up against the elements?

I can't say I personally notice the gold particles, but what I do notice is that this jacket makes me feel instantly toasty when I pull it on, and that's whether I'm working from home in winter and don't want to turn the heat on, or taking an early morning walk before the frost has melted in spring.

The shell fabric is treated to make it fairly windproof, so when the skies are bright, I can usually wear this jacket on its own, and it's even designed to repel a light rain, so I don't have to pull on a waterproof jacket the minute the sky turns dark. Even when I get a bit wet and a bit sweaty, I'm always impressed by how quickly it dries. I guess the gold particles really do work. That said, another benefit of the streamlined fit is that, unlike some of my bulkier jackets, I can easily pull a waterproof layer over the top of it if I need to.

There's nothing worse than getting too sweaty on a walk, and I've found this jacket to be really breathable. The brand explains that the gold technology also helps manage any moisture that builds up if you get sweaty, plus there are panels of synthetic insulation in the armpit areas, which really help me stay comfortable. I've noticed that I don't have to stop and take it off, even when I'm walking uphill, which is rare in a down jacket.

The w&h verdict

If you're in the market for a packable but reliably warm down jacket, you won't find one lighter than this. For my travels, it's one of the first items I pack, so I always know I have a reliable layer, regardless of what the weather is doing.

It keeps the wind and a light rain at bay, manages moisture impressively, and it's versatile enough to be worn in all seasons.