Over the past few years Montane's name has become synonymous with some of the most savage races that both the UK and the rest of Europe have to offer: The Spine, The Cheviot Goat, The Lakeland 50 and 100, The Tor de Geants, and - new for 2021 - The Dragon's Back. Hard races require good kit, as do the miles required to train for them. Whilst races aren't personally my thing, over the last few months I've been clocking up the miles in preparation for my own Bob Graham Round, which I did in early May. What I was looking for in this clothing range was a blend of comfort and durability - and that's exactly what I found. It's good for warm weather walking, too.

I recently looked at Montane's new running packs, so it's good to follow up with an overview of their VIA trail running clothing range.  

Dragon Zip T-Shirt - £42

Before I begin writing it's worth adding what has now become my standard caveat whilst reviewing technical t-shirts, which is that there's only so much you can say about technical t-shirts. 

The Dragon Zip T-Shirt is definitely a close fitting product, with very little excess material to flap around. As a result it's at the slimmer end of the spectrum and those with broad shoulders, or a bit more weight, might wish to try before they buy just to be sure. Unfortunately this is just available in a men's fit, and there's no zip-up short-sleeved women's equivalent. 

The Apex-Lite material is light (75g in Medium), but not too light, and has worn well with use. There's no sign of wear or bobbling, either from scrapes and scratches across the body or rucksack straps along the shoulders. Comfortably breathable and quick-drying, it's treated with Polygeine, which helps to prevent the 'Smelly Helly' effect which often afflicts synthetic base layers. This isn't to say it doesn't smell - as you definitely still need to wash it - but it lasts out impressively well and doesn't have the same legacy smell issues that traditionally plagued synthentic layers.

Whilst it's undoubtedly quite subtle the 1/4 length zip gives you options in terms of ventilation, which makes the Dragon Zip T-Shirt a more versatile feel than a traditional non-zip tech tee - particularly in warm weather.

One final feature, whilst subtle, is the reflective detailing down the centre of the back and on the logo on the front, which is good if you're ever running on roads.

Dragon Twin Skin Shorts - £60

As you'd expect from the name, the Dragon Twin Skin Shorts feature a fitted inner short over a looser over short. This combination makes them well suited towards slightly cooler days, providing a little more protection for your legs. 

On the flip side, they feel a little warmer on hot days. Part of this is because of their lining is a lovely, luxurious and close fitting Carvico material, as opposed to a looser fitting mesh. Whilst I've not found them to get too warm (they are - after all - still incredibly breathable) I have tended to prefer the Dragon 5" Shorts on hotter days (not that we've had many of them this year). Both the inner and outer short are constructed of Econyl, which is a regenerated nylon. This is good on several levels: not only does it feel fantastically soft and light, but it's manufactured from nylon waste and can also be recycled (although don't ask me where...).

Their double layer design means that they're a little bit heavier, coming in at 165g (size M). Whether or not you view this additional weight as justified largely comes down to personal preference, as they are extremely comfortable - hence likely to be of interest to those doing long, ultra distance events - or those that are looking for that little bit of luxury whilst training. The waistband in particular has a lovely, comfortable feel against the skin and sports within it a rear zipped pocket and two small pockets. I have tended to use the internal drawcord just to keep them a little higher up my waist, but that's a matter of personal preference and fit.

Much like the Dragon T, the Dragon Twin Skin Shorts - and their shorter 5" cousin (which we'll come onto next) - these shorts feature reflective panelling down the side of the leg and on the logo on the front.

The slightly longer length will also appeal to some, because - lest we forget - not everyone likes short shorts. In this case there is a women's equivalent, the Katla, which shares the same general principle but obviously has a different (and shorter) cut. 

Dragon 5" Shorts - £55

The Dragon 5" Shorts share many of the same features and materials as the Dragon Twin Skin Shorts, but in a more minimalist manner. In this case the nearest women's equivalent is the Katla 4" (£45).

First things first, they're shorter (inseam of 5" vs. 7", in size M) and lighter (85g vs. 165g, size M) than the Dragon Twin Skin Short. This makes them ideal for warmer weather and race days, although they're equally at home during training too.

They differ from the Dragon Twin Skin Short in that they have a mesh lining throughout the inner, which gives them greater airflow and breathability. They're also treated with Polygiene, which helps prevent the build up of too many nasty odours.

Beyond that there's not a great deal to add, simply because they are a comfortable and minimalist pair of running shorts with very little clutter and a nice, simple design.

Trail Series 3/4 Tights - £55

Whilst there are a great many runners that are able to wear shorts year-round, my knees can't cope with that sort of cold, so throughout the cooler months of the year I tend to wear tights. In midwinter these will tend to be full length tights (or powerstretch if it's really cold), then when the weather gets a little bit warmer I'll shift to 3/4 length, as they provide a high degree of versatility. As a result of this the Trail Series 3/4 Tights have received a lot of use this year, because there have been a great many days where I've set out in sunshine, only for it to rain or snow whilst I'm out, then be sunny by the time I'm back. Weighing 151g (size M) they are pretty light, which makes them good for mixed conditions in less cold weather.

The 3/4 length is £55, while the full length costs £60. There's a women's version of the full-length tights, but not the 3/4, and for men the smallest they go is Small (not XS).  

The Trail Series 3/4 Length Tights feature an X-Skin fabric throughout, which works well at temperature regulation in both wet and dry conditions. It feels great next to the skin, with a nice soft feel, but not too soft to compromise on durability. The waistband is similarly comfortable, with a drawcord to adjust fit, but unlike the shorts this isn't something I've needed to use, as the fit on me is perfect anyway - particularly around the waist. Around the back of the knees there's an Apex-Dry Mesh, which increases the breathability and airflow, although I'd be lying if I said that I'd noticed its effect much!

You get a rear zipped pocket, and somewhere to stash gels, though I'd generally prefer to carry things in my pack/vest.

VIA Sun Visor - £18

I am slightly biased here, because I absolutely love visors. They keep the sun out of your eyes like any other hat, but have the added benefit of being way more breathable. Counter-intuitively, they're also useful on rainy days too, because when worn underneath a hood they can help to keep the rain out of your eyes (assuming the rain isn't coming in too horizontally).

When it comes to the design, the VIA Sun Visor is constructed of a Coolmax inner (which provides the wicking) and a stretch polyester outer (which provides the breathability). This provides a good balance, within a lightweight exterior, weighing in at 46g. What's not to like?

Featherlite Smock - £70 or £45

A lightweight and very breathable windproof layer, originally designed for running but equally applicable to hillwalking, the Featherlite Smock is one of the most versatile products out there. It's simple, weighs next to nothing (110g), stuffs down to a size so small it's easy to forget, and - in the grand scheme of outdoor kit - it's at the cheaper end of the spectrum. Where's the catch? I'm not sure that there is one... except that women are not (yet?) offered this new smock version of the Featherlite, but only the older Featherlite model with a full length zip. 

This isn't my first Featherlite Smock either. I first bought one 15 years ago and it's been a staple part of my running, climbing and hillwalking kit ever since. What makes it even more impressive is given the high level of use its received, it's still in remarkably good condition. A few holes and nicks here and there isn't the end of the world with a product like this either, as it just makes it more breathable (or so I like to tell myself).

In terms of the fit, the Featherlite Smock keeps things simple: it's got elasticated cuffs and a drawcord around the waist, there's 1/3 length two-way zip for venting and a chest pocket either to store goodies or to stuff the jacket within. The cut itself is fitted, but not too fitted (i.e. it's not overly tight), and provides excellent freedom of movement, which is what makes it suitable for such a wide range of activities.

One major update for 2021 is that it's now made of 100% recycled materials, featuring Pertex Quantum Eco, which is - along with the Econyl used in the Dragon Shorts - a sign of the brand making major headway into more sustainable product.

Here's a video we made earlier: