Carhartt Storm Defender Packable Jacket vs Montane Fortes Lite Hooded Insulated Jacket

The Carhartt Storm Defender is a packable waterproof shell built for wet work and hiking; the Montane Fortes Lite is a lightweight synthetic-insulated layer built for cold, dry activity. Pick the Carhartt if rain and wind are the main threat and you want a hooded shell with a fleece-lined feel. Pick the Montane if you need warmth for the weight and will wear it under or over other layers. Build differs: Carhartt leans on a rugged workwear shell, Montane on a thin ripstop with PrimaLoft Gold Active Vent.

• Choose the Carhartt Storm Defender if you want one packable jacket that blocks rain and wind on wet hikes or job sites.
• Choose the Montane Fortes Lite if you want a light, breathable insulated layer for cold, mostly dry days and high-output movement.