Dave from our Taunton store recently put the Montane Cetus Jacket to the test in tough, humid, and wet conditions. Here’s how he got on.
Over the last few months, I’ve had the opportunity to put the new Montane Cetus Jacket to the test along some of Cornwall’s finest coastal paths and ever-changing weather – plus morning dog walks on the Blackdown Hills and a couple of wild camps across the rugged terrain of Dartmoor, where you can experience all four seasons in a single day.
When I first started testing the jacket, the weather was mostly sunny with breezy days – perfect conditions to assess how breathable it would be during more active hikes.
In recent weeks, I’ve had the chance to put the Cetus through its paces in heavy rain and strong winds. This gave me the opportunity to properly test both its waterproofing and breathability – on everything from early dog walks to exposed Dartmoor hikes while heading out for wild camping.
Over the past few months, I’ve been seriously impressed by how well the Cetus has handled a wide range of weather conditions. The breathability has been excellent; not once did I overheat while wearing it. In every instance of heavy rain, the jacket kept me dry and consistently beaded water exactly as I’d expect from a high-quality waterproof. It’s also performed well while carrying a backpack for overnight camps, showing no signs of wear.
I wore the Cetus in a size Medium. I sometimes have to size up in jackets to allow for extra layers, but I was able to wear this one comfortably over a t-shirt and midlayer, with room to spare for my Montane Anti-Freeze Lite underneath. I noticed the sleeves were long, as is typical with waterproof jackets, but the Velcro sleeve tabs made it easy to adjust. I also liked how the back of the jacket was slightly longer than the front – great for keeping your lower back protected from wind and rain.
The Cetus is a breathable, waterproof jacket designed for variable conditions during hiking, trekking, walking, and fastpacking. With a standard fit and weighing in at just 395 grams, it’s a high-performance hardshell that offers outstanding breathability for its class.
Built using Montane’s new PETRICHOR TECHNOLOGY™, the Cetus features a recycled nylon 30D ripstop outer that delivers excellent weather resistance. It achieves a RET (Resistance to Evaporative Heat Transfer) rating of under 5, meaning it’s ideal for high-output activities where you need reliable breathability. This is achieved via a windproof, non-porous hydrophilic membrane that pulls water vapour and moisture away from the body – working even harder as your effort level increases.
The jacket’s 3-layer construction sandwiches the waterproof membrane between a 100% recycled nylon face fabric and a soft-touch lining, offering durability and next-to-skin comfort.
Designed to keep you moving comfortably, the Cetus’s hydrophilic membrane excels during long-distance hikes and mountain expeditions. The harder you push, the more it works to regulate moisture and temperature – keeping you dry inside and out.
Key Features:
- Laminated seams for weather protection and durability
- YKK Aquaguard zips on the front, hand pockets, and internal chest pocket
- Fully adjustable hood that fits well without restricting vision
- Offset seams to reduce bulk and increase comfort
- Easily packable into a rucksack or overnight kit
- High-performance hydrophilic membrane
- Weight: 395 grams
Conclusion
The Cetus is a rock-solid waterproof jacket from Montane. Thanks to its innovative Petrichor Technology, it offers outstanding breathability, waterproofing, and wind resistance in a lightweight and reasonably priced package. It didn’t disappoint – keeping me cool, dry, and protected even in Dartmoor’s wildest conditions. The use of recycled materials is a welcome bonus. If you’re looking for a dependable shell that moves with you and handles the elements with ease, the Cetus is a great pick. Its offset seams and flexible construction make it easy to stuff into your pack when the sun finally makes an appearance.
Fancy checking out the Montane Cetus for yourself? Click below to learn more
