Tasha Brook gives us her take on our new Kamen XT down insulated jacket. Working at high altitude, delivering medical care, rescue capability, and preventative safety to Lenin Peak, staying warm in extreme conditions is pivotal for the dedicated Topol Project team. Read on to find out Tasha's full Kamen XT review.
I tested the Montane Kamen XT jacket during my expedition on Lenin Peak in Kyrgyzstan, working in a medical facility at 4,300 m. This jacket is built for extreme alpine conditions, and it impressed me with how well it performed at altitude.
The Kamen XT quickly became one of my favourite expedition layers. What stood out immediately was how lightweight and packable it is - perfect for long days on your feet without feeling weighed down. The ExpeDRY 800 fill goose down kept me warm even when standing still for hours, and I never felt clammy thanks to the ventilation and breathable fabric.
Out of the box, the jacket felt solid and well-built. It balances technical performance with durability, with a reassuring weight and finish that suggests it’s made to last. The fit is snug in the right places without being restrictive. Wearing the Kamen XT, I immediately noticed the Reach+ arm design, which allowed full freedom of movement - perfect for bending, lifting, and working long hours at altitude.
In Kyrgyzstan, conditions ranged from hot, dusty treks at lower altitude to cold, unpredictable weather higher on the mountain. I wore the Kamen XT during long approaches across uneven ground with a heavy pack, at altitude where the conditions changed rapidly including wind, snow, and freezing temperatures. Using it across this range of environments gave me a clear picture of how it performs, showing its versatility.
We often headed higher on the mountain to recce the terrain and fix lines lower on the glacier, and slept on the summit of Yukhin Peak (5130m). The Kamen XT proved equally good in the clinic and at base camp as it did higher on the mountain.
Practical features like the helmet-compatible hood, chest pocket, and stuff sack made it genuinely useful in the field. The chest zip pockets proved especially useful both in the clinic and on the mountain while wearing a harness - providing handy storage and extra insulation without compromising practicality, even when the Kamen XT was worn as the outer layer without a hardshell. Despite being lightweight, it provides excellent warmth and weather protection - at sub-zero temperatures and in gusty winds, I stayed comfortable without overheating during activity. Its breathable fabric prevented moisture buildup, which is vital when moving around in high-altitude conditions.
The standout feature of the Kamen XT for me was its versatility and durability. It handled a wide range of conditions in Kyrgyzstan and I could wear it all day comfortably, whether in the clinic or out on the mountain, without irritation or restriction. The jacket offered excellent weather resistance, standing up to wind, light snow and rain, which impressed me after weeks of hard use on snow, ice, and rocky terrain - it still looked and felt reliable. One of its best qualities is how easy it is to compress and pack, making it perfect for long treks or expeditions where every ounce counts.
In wet conditions, a synthetic jacket can be useful as a lightweight backup - but the Kamen XT’s down is treated to resist moisture, so it performs well in damp alpine conditions when paired with an outer shell. For extremely high-altitude expeditions (e.g.,above 6,000m), something like the Apex 8000 is required for maximum insulation - but the Kamen XT’s lightweight warmth makes it perfect for high-altitude work and climbing.
The Kamen XT proved itself as a trustworthy piece of expedition gear. It strikes a brilliant balance between warmth, mobility, and packability, keeping me comfortable, agile, and focused at altitude. Whether you’re tackling long days on the mountain or travelling to high-altitude, it delivers consistent protection, durability, and comfort without weighing you down. For anyone heading into varied, demanding alpine conditions, the Kamen XT should earn a place in your pack, and will be coming with me on my next expedition!
