Yes very funny! When I was a lad you had to judge for yourself if it was raining! I guess its uses your phone signal to talk directly to a mountain forcast app? :)
It depends how you're using it. As a layer to wear when moving, probably the Fireball. For me, the Xenair would be too warm for active hillwalking here in the UK. As something to wear when static, Xenair.
Looks great, thanks for the insights! It seams quite comparable with the Atom LT. How tough would you consider the outer fabric in terms of abrasion resistance?
Warmth-wise it depends where you're skiing, at what time of year and with what baselayer underneath. It's definitely breathable enough to be used for skiing; whether you need a hardshell over the top or not will depend on the weather and personal preference. Harry
I have an inquiry unrelated to the video. Can the Montene Fireball XT Jacket be compressed into a smaller size? Please tell us. For reference, I bought a montane ground jacket thinking it would be compressed to a small size, but I was disappointed. Please indicate compression information on the jacket.
If you're referring to the Montane Ground Control Jacket, the Fireball XT uses less insulation so should pack down smaller, but as with any synthetic jackets they will not pack down as small and as light as a high fill power down jacket, but the benefits of synthetic can outweigh the potential downsides, which of course are subjective to the situation and the individual users needs.
@@trekittt’s 12x30D. Which places the tear resistance somewhere between 12 and 30D. I’m afraid I’ll tear or rip it brushing up against a branch or a sharp rock. How have you found the outer face fabric durability? Thanks again
Hiya I'm trying to decide between the prism and the fireball, it'll be Swedish winters using as a mid layer with fleeces underneath. I don't want it tto be versatile all rounder I can use in autum and spring also, I'm worried the Prism might not be quite warm enough, which would you recommend? Thanks
@@atideva3385 It's not windproof, which is why as a midlayer it's pretty much ideal. The Prism is the better outer. Warmth wise they're not a million miles apart.
@@trekitt ok thanks so much for the advice, my final question is do you think these jackers are warm enough as a mid layer , to cope with below zero, -5 like that , maybe with a fleece as well ? Thanks Harry
For an all year jacket we would argue the Fireball is a more adaptable option. The Icarus is warmer and more wind resistant, but as a result is less breathable. However, if you use the Fireball in windier or colder conditions you may find you want to pop a shell over the top to keep the wind off. The Fireball is a jacket you're more likely to pop on and leave on for more of the day vs the Icarus which you may find too warm when you're a little more active and need to take it off more frequently.
I'm a little torn over Montane Prism or Fireball. What would you recommend for a 6 days hike out there in Kungsleden come August? Cold, and most likely raining all day but I'll have add a Hardshell Jacket outside.
I'd go for the Fireball. It's more breathable, a little softer and just feels a bit nicer. The Prism is great as an outer but not as suitable as a midlayer. Harry
I like the automatic hood feature at 0:15 haha
Yes very funny! When I was a lad you had to judge for yourself if it was raining! I guess its uses your phone signal to talk directly to a mountain forcast app? :)
How does this compare to the Rab Xenair Alpine Light? I’m aware it’s less insulated but more breathable than the regular Xenair
Very similar, basically a matter of choose your preferred brand. Warmth and breathability are virtually identical.
Great reviews. I am looking at getting either the Fireball or the Rab Xenair Alpine. Which do you think is the better jacket for hillwalking?
It depends how you're using it. As a layer to wear when moving, probably the Fireball. For me, the Xenair would be too warm for active hillwalking here in the UK. As something to wear when static, Xenair.
Looks great, thanks for the insights! It seams quite comparable with the Atom LT. How tough would you consider the outer fabric in terms of abrasion resistance?
Similar to an Atom LT in terms of abrasion resistance. I wouldn't go bramble-bashing in it, but it's tough enough for most activities. Harry
Nice review! Would this jacket be breathable and warm enough to work as a midlayer for skiing with just a baselayer underneath and a hardshell on top?
Warmth-wise it depends where you're skiing, at what time of year and with what baselayer underneath. It's definitely breathable enough to be used for skiing; whether you need a hardshell over the top or not will depend on the weather and personal preference. Harry
I have an inquiry unrelated to the video. Can the Montene Fireball XT Jacket be compressed into a smaller size? Please tell us. For reference, I bought a montane ground jacket thinking it would be compressed to a small size, but I was disappointed. Please indicate compression information on the jacket.
If you're referring to the Montane Ground Control Jacket, the Fireball XT uses less insulation so should pack down smaller, but as with any synthetic jackets they will not pack down as small and as light as a high fill power down jacket, but the benefits of synthetic can outweigh the potential downsides, which of course are subjective to the situation and the individual users needs.
How does this compare to the Rab Mens Xenair Alpine Jacket and the ATOM AR Hoody?
Less insulated than both but probably the most breathable. Also the softest/most comfortable of the three in my opinion. Harry
Great video, thanks! What’s the denier rating of the face fabric?
Thanks again
Good question-Montane haven't provided this info for some reason. Might be worth dropping them a quick email and they'll be able to help you out.
@@trekitt Thanks for getting back to me - waiting to hear back - thanks again
@@trekittt’s 12x30D. Which places the tear resistance somewhere between 12 and 30D.
I’m afraid I’ll tear or rip it brushing up against a branch or a sharp rock. How have you found the outer face fabric durability? Thanks again
Hiya I'm trying to decide between the prism and the fireball, it'll be Swedish winters using as a mid layer with fleeces underneath. I don't want it tto be versatile all rounder I can use in autum and spring also, I'm worried the Prism might not be quite warm enough, which would you recommend?
Thanks
As a midlayer the Fireball would be my choice. It's more breathable and a little softer/more comfortable. Harry
@@trekitt thanks Harry, is it much warmer than the prism? I'm worried it's not very windproof? Thanks for the help 😊
@@atideva3385 It's not windproof, which is why as a midlayer it's pretty much ideal. The Prism is the better outer. Warmth wise they're not a million miles apart.
@@trekitt ok thanks so much for the advice, my final question is do you think these jackers are warm enough as a mid layer , to cope with below zero, -5 like that , maybe with a fleece as well ? Thanks Harry
Trying to decide between this and their Icarus as a throw on all year jacket?
For an all year jacket we would argue the Fireball is a more adaptable option. The Icarus is warmer and more wind resistant, but as a result is less breathable. However, if you use the Fireball in windier or colder conditions you may find you want to pop a shell over the top to keep the wind off. The Fireball is a jacket you're more likely to pop on and leave on for more of the day vs the Icarus which you may find too warm when you're a little more active and need to take it off more frequently.
@@trekitt really appreciate the reply and help! Many thanks
Can you do a review on the new montane icarus jacket
Wanting to buy a waterproof Arc’teryx jacket from use what is the best waterproof for every day wear for rainy days in uk
For everyday use the Beta LT is a good option. Can be used for pretty much any outdoor activity as well. Harry
So this is almost identical to the Patagonia Nano Air but quite a bit cheaper?
Pretty much!
Fireball RRP £200, Nano Air £220. Not a huge difference. Both can usually be found a lot cheaper too.
This seems to be very similar to the Montane Prism jacket
It is, but feels more premium, is warmer and personally, I prefer the fit. Nothing wrong with a good ol' Prism though. Harry
@@sacberr Slimmer than the Prism.
Warmer than the Atom LT and perhaps as warm as the Patagonia nano air?
Similar to an Atom LT, but I've not tried the Nano Air, so I couldn't compare I'm afraid. Harry
I'm a little torn over Montane Prism or Fireball. What would you recommend for a 6 days hike out there in Kungsleden come August? Cold, and most likely raining all day but I'll have add a Hardshell Jacket outside.
I'd go for the Fireball. It's more breathable, a little softer and just feels a bit nicer. The Prism is great as an outer but not as suitable as a midlayer. Harry
@@trekitt Thanks a lot, Harry!
can you put a bottle of fireball in one of the pockets ?
Easily, maybe even two...
I cant stop buying coats. This isn't helping!
I just treated myself to a fjallraven greenland jacket.... expensive put high quality and a great retro look
Haha, try working around them!
Drink every time he says "chuck it."
This is a dangerous game
In all your other video's your chest is 44", its 42" in this video???
That's because Ben's been bench pressing more!
Yeah get a prism guys, classic.
Prism is also a good piece, but I personally prefer the Fireball. Harry