Review: Montane Women’s Phase Waterproof Jacket

A mountain-ready waterproof hardshell offering high levels of protection and breathability in challenging conditions.

The Montane Women’s Phase Waterproof Jacket is a premium hardshell designed for tough outings in poor weather. It offers high levels of waterproof protection and breathability, alongside a more generous cut that is well-suited to layering. With winter hitting Scotland particularly hard this year, I wear it almost daily, both for everyday use and in the mountains. While it’s versatile enough to handle a range of situations, it truly comes into its own when the weather turns foul.

Montane Women’s Phase Waterproof Jacket: The stats

Features of the Montane Women’s Phase Waterproof Jacket

Fabric

At the core of the jacket’s performance is GORE-TEX ePE technology, with no intentional use of PFAS chemicals. Montane quotes a 28,000mm hydrostatic head and RET under 13, alongside a 100% recycled nylon face fabric and nylon backer, combining high levels of waterproof protection with good breathability. On the body, the fabric feels structured and robust without being overly stiff or noisy. It has a slightly thicker feel that suits autumn and winter conditions particularly well, while still allowing comfortable movement.

Hood

Designed with mountain use in mind, the Phase features Montane’s PIVOT 2 Adjustable Hood, which is helmet compatible and uses integrated, mountain-safe adjustment points. The stiffened peak helps keep water away from your eyes in heavy rain, while the adjustment system allows the hood to be secured neatly around the head. Adjustments are easy to make and hold their position, giving a secure fit that works just as well with or without a helmet.

Hand pockets

Positioned high on the body, the two zipped hand pocket openings remain usable when wearing a rucksack with a hip belt, although some of the pocket depth is lost. The covered YKK AquaGuard Natulon recycled zips add an extra layer of wet-weather protection and feel like a well-considered, quality touch. The pockets themselves are well sized, with enough space for essentials such as gloves or a folded map, and are easy to access on the move. While they work well overall, a chest pocket would be a welcome addition.

Pit zips

Underarm ventilation comes via 2-way SEW-FREE 30cm YKK AquaGuard Natulon recycled pit zips, which are easy to operate one-handed and run smoothly without snagging. Their generous length makes them a particularly versatile way to vent heat during more strenuous activities.

Arms and cuffs

Sleeve length is notably generous, which works particularly well in wet and cold conditions. On a taller frame, the extra length offers excellent coverage over the hands, helping to reduce water running into gloves during heavy rain. The cuffs use Velcro adjustment with a wide range of fit, making them easy to secure over gloves or bare wrists.

Hem

Extra coverage at the back comes from a scooped hem that extends lower across the hips. On a taller frame, the added length is particularly noticeable and provides welcome protection, especially when spending long periods out in poor weather. An adjustable drawcord allows the hem to be tightened when needed.

Internal pocket

The Phase jacket includes a single internal YKK Natulon recycled zipped chest pocket, positioned for easy access. It’s generously sized and useful for keeping items secure and protected from the weather.

Montane Women’s Phase Waterproof Jacket review

Fit and layering

On a taller frame, the generous sleeve and body length of the Phase jacket make a noticeable difference, offering coverage that’s often lacking in women’s waterproofs. I generally find Montane small for sizing, so for this shell I sized up two sizes from my usual to allow for winter layering, which works extremely well.

Despite its protective feel, it doesn’t wear overly heavy. My UK size 14 Phase weighs 442g, and it’s easy enough to carry in a pack when it’s not needed, keeping it a practical option for long days where conditions and layers are likely to change.

Breathability

Breathability is one of the Phase jacket’s real strengths, particularly during higher-output days. Even when working hard, it doesn’t feel clammy or stifling, and moisture build-up is kept well under control.

Between the GORE-TEX fabric, construction and ventilation from the pit zips, it’s a jacket I’m comfortable keeping on while moving, rather than needing to stop and regulate constantly. For the Phase, Montane have clearly prioritised breathability.

Build quality

What becomes clear with constant use is how well the jacket is put together. Details like the covered hand pocket zips, the two-way main zip with lower press stud, and the way the adjustments operate all feel solid and reliable. The fabric doesn’t snag easily and shrugs off everyday knocks, and the jacket still looks and feels in great condition despite being worn almost daily through a spell of particularly harsh weather.

What I love the most about the Montane Women’s Phase Waterproof Jacket

The fit is the standout for me. It’s rare to find a women’s jacket that is proportioned so well for taller women. Combined with the room for layering, it offers excellent coverage and comfort. At the moment, it’s the hardshell I reach for by default, because I know it will cope with whatever the day throws at it.

What I don’t love so much about the Montane Women’s Phase Waterproof Jacket

My main criticism is the lack of an external chest pocket, which would make the jacket more practical when wearing a hip belt or harness, and allow quicker access to essentials. The price is also firmly at the top end of the market, making it a considered purchase rather than an impulse buy.

Verdict

This is a high-performing waterproof hardshell best suited to people who regularly head out in challenging conditions and want a dependable outer layer they can wear year-round. The fit, coverage, and comfort stand out, particularly for taller women. At full RRP it sits firmly at the premium end of the market, making it a considered purchase, but the performance and build quality go a long way towards justifying the price.

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Disclaimer: Cool of the Wild received this product free in return for an honest review. We only recommend gear that we love from companies we trust and we are under no obligation to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are that of the reviewer and we are in no way influenced by the brand or company.

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