Review: Montane Dart T-Shirt

The Dart’s simple function as a lightweight, cool and quick drying t-shirt mean that it’s suited to anyone who enjoys high intensity activities. Montane markets it as a “all-mountain tech t-shirt” but for me it’s also great for running, cycling, gym workouts…the list goes on. 

It has more in common with running tops than it does with warmer base layers made from materials like Merino or bamboo, and it’s certainly better suited to warm weather activities than winter pursuits. However, those who obsessively count every gram before shouldering their backpack and heading for the hills will be attracted by its vanishingly low weight.

Running, hiking and scrambling in mild weather while wearing the Dart is a pleasure. The top is nicely lightweight, feels comfortable against the skin and has the little bit of stretch needed for dynamic activities. Its design negates any chafing, making it suitable for longer runs and the like.

For winter adventures, I’d opt for something that holds onto warmth more readily, such as a Merino base layer. That said, for the shoulder seasons, the Dart is also available as a long-sleeved top, which would be preferable for exposed hikes in cool but not exactly cold conditions. There are also women’s options, tailored to the female body shape. Gram obsessed adventurers may also want to check out the ultralight Dart Nano, which weights just 70g!

I really valued the Dart’s anti-smell properties when I was taking on the Three Peaks Challenge. The fabric works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, thus remaining relatively fresh. Despite working up a sweat on Yr Wyddfa’s ridges, it remained odour free and I decided to don it again for Scafell Pike, after it had dried in the back of the van. I can see this being a real boon to summer camping trips, when saving weight is half the battle. Taking one lightweight top that won’t smell is much more preferable to taking two that will.

My main gripe with the Dart is that it didn’t seem to be quite as quick drying as I was expecting. It still holds its own against much of the competition but I have adidas running tops that shed moisture a little quicker and also feel slightly smoother against the skin. In hot conditions, the Dart had a tendency to soak up a lot of sweat and then cling to my torso more than I’d have liked. I’m nit-picking a little bit here, especially given the moderate price point of the Dart.

All in all, the Dart fulfils its brief as a good looking, comfortable, fuss-free, lightweight base layer for all manner of adventurous activities during the warmer months. It’s also made from 100% recycled polyester, so it gets a tick in the sustainability stakes too.