Montane Lite-Speed Trail Pull-On review: a sleek, featherlight shield for fast and light activities on gusty days

Montane Lite-Speed Trail Pull-On: first impressions 

It seems like every new piece of outdoor kit purports to be featherlight these days, but at 60 grams – or just over two ounces – this pull-on windshield comes as close as we’ve seen, coming in lighter than any other of the best lightweight running jackets we’ve tested.  Made using 100% recycled Pertex treated with PFC-free DWR, this pull-on wind shirt is meant to create an effective barrier to cold winds and light rain when you’re hiking or trail running, without causing you to overheat. 

The slim-fitting (and great-looking) cut and elasticated cuffs and hem means no annoying flapping in the breeze, but it can be worn over your best running top or even a long-sleeved base layer. The fabric and design don’t restrict your movements when you’re running and a deep 3/4 length zip makes it easy to take on and off, or ventilate if the sun suddenly pops out. If it gets warm enough that you need to take it off, it stuffs inside itself and you can stash it in your backpack without noticing it’s there.

It doesn’t feature a hood and isn’t fully waterproof, so for torrential days you’ll probably want something else, and with no pockets, you’ll need to find other solutions to carrying your phone and keys on a run. However, if you’re seeking simple protection from windchill or blustery days, you’ll love the look and feel of this wind shirt. Basically, it does exactly what it says on the label, and does it well.

Montane Lite-Speed Trail Pull-On: in the field 

When I received the Montane Lite-Speed Trail Pull-On in the mail, I thought there had been some mistake and I’d been sent an empty envelope. It’s impossibly light. Montane is calling it a wind shirt rather than a running jacket, and that’s probably the best term for it. Though it’s definitely an outer layer, it doesn’t have any of the pockets or hood that you’d expect from a jacket, just a deep 3/4 length zip and elasticated cuffs and hem so no need for draw cords. The simplicity of the design is the key to it being so lightweight and packable.

Pulling it on, it’s a great-looking top. The fit is really slim, but I can comfortably wear it over a long sleeved base layer on cold days. The snug fit combined with elasticated cuffs and hem plus a high collar means I can run without it flapping in the breeze, but there’s also enough flex to move dynamically. So far, I’ve had it out on cold trail runs, mild hikes and even as an extra layer when I was skiing in Colorado and I can’t find any fault with its performance in terms of keeping me warm when it’s cold, letting me breathe when I’m sweating and keeping me dry when there’s a light rain.

Because it’s a shirt, not a jacket, if I’m running in a real downpour (which in Scotland, I sometimes am) I tend to revert to my waterproof running jacket with a hood. That said, because it’s not totally waterproof, it does provide more breathability. I’ve been sweating in it a fair bit, so I wash it a lot and while it still looks new, I’ve also been careful to re-waterproof it regularly.

The lack of pockets might be a negative for some, but doesn’t bother me personally, as when I’m running I tend to stash my gear in the thigh pockets of my leggings, and when I’m hiking I use my backpack, plus this allows it to be as packable as it is. Speaking of packable, if you haven’t already got the picture, it stuffs inside itself and squashes down to a ball small enough it takes up no room in my bag. With so little bulk and weight and such good protection from a cold wind, there’s basically no reason not to carry this with you on any adventure.

Here’s how it performed:

Sizing

 True to size, don’t size down. 

Fit

Slim, active fit, with high collar, long sleeves and a 3/4 zip. 

Comfort

You can’t really feel it on your body, so it’s as comfortable as things get, really. 

Temperature regulation

This isn’t an insulated jacket, it’s a wind shirt, but in keeping the wind off you, it does a great job of providing warmth on chill days. 

Breathability

Good breathability even when you’re running fast. 

Durability

This wind shirt is well constructed, but the fabric is, by nature, fragile and won’t win out in a battle with a hawthorn bush. If you’re wearing it for high energy pursuits, you’ll need to wash it a lot and the DWR coating will wear off, but that can be replaced. 

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