Sally, our Senior Product Manager and bona fide alpine addict, just swapped her desk chair for the jagged peaks of the Dolomites. Her mission? Hike the legendary Alta Via 1 – a 120km ribbon of trail that winds past limestone towers, alpine meadows, and mountain huts that serve strudel – all while putting Montane gear through its paces.
From high passes with snow still clinging to the rocks to lazy valley strolls past wildflowers, the AV1 is the ultimate test for hiking kit. Here’s how each piece stacked up against one of Europe’s most beautiful (and occasionally unpredictable) trails.
Cetus Lite Waterproof Jacket – The Lightweight Lifesaver
Conditions: Mostly bluebird days, but the Dolomites like to keep you humble – cue the dramatic afternoon downpour.
First Impressions: Straight out of the bag, the colour was a total mood-booster. The fit? Feather-light, comfy, and folds down so small it could hide in a snack pouch.
On the AV1: Sunshine ruled most days, but when the skies cracked open over Passo Falzarego, the Cetus Lite was my shield. Bone-dry, breathable, and zero clamminess – even when hiking hard in humid air.
Final Word: This is the kind of jacket you bring "just in case" and end up thanking repeatedly. Light, reliable, and trail-photo-worthy.
Alhena Merino Wool T-Shirt – The Unsung Hero of Multi-Day Treks
Conditions: Long, hot climbs between rifugios.
First Impressions: Understated, versatile colour; relaxed fit; ready for serious trail miles.
On the AV1: Between sweaty ascents to high passes and cool descents into shady valleys, this tee just worked. Soft as a cloud, no post-hike funk, and temperature regulation so good I almost forgot about it – which is the best compliment a shirt can get.
Final Word: Merino magic. It’s now one of my must-pack layers.
Ineo Pants (Women’s) – Made to Move
Conditions: Early-morning chill, rocky scrambles, and those long, switchback climbs.
First Impressions: Sleek colour, flattering fit, just enough stretch to squat for the perfect wildflower photo.
On the AV1: Perfect for cool alpine starts – supportive, breathable, and comfy on steep climbs up to Lagazuoi. When midday heat hit, I swapped to shorts, but these packed down neatly for the next day’s dawn start.
Final Word: Flexible, comfy, and ready for anything from hut-to-hut days to local day hikes.
Valen Pack (40L) – Minimalist, but Mighty
Conditions: 8 straight days of mountain walking.
First Impressions: Sleek lines, roomy interior. At first, I missed the “just grab it” side pockets, but the main compartment swallowed my gear with ease.
On the AV1: From rifugio-to-rifugio days to steep climbs under sudden rain, this pack never wavered. It sat comfortably for hours, shrugged off showers without a rain cover, and proved that less really can be more.
Final Word: If you like a clean, uncluttered pack that can still handle serious mileage, this is it.
Montane Beanie – The Tiny, Trusty Warmth Boost
Conditions: Crisp early mornings and breezy evenings at altitude.
First Impressions: Soft, cosy, and a snug fit (even for small heads like mine). Packs down to nothing.
On the AV1: Didn’t need it mid-day, but for that sunrise over the Tofane and chilly nights outside the rifugio, it was a lifesaver.
Final Word: Small enough to forget you packed it – until you’re really glad you did.
The Verdict: Montane x Alta Via 1 = Adventure-Ready
The Alta Via 1 is a trail of extremes – blazing sunshine one moment, alpine chill the next – and Montane’s gear rose to every occasion. Light, reliable, and built for long days in the mountains, it handled every twist and turn of this Dolomites classic.
If you’re heading for the AV1 (or any multi-day trek where your kit has to earn its keep), this lineup’s a safe bet.
Want to know exactly what to bring? Check out our full Alta Via 1 packing list and hit the trail prepared.
