User Review: Mountain Hardwear Typhoon Jacket

Mountain Hardwear Typhoon Jacket
Above: The current Typhoon Jacket, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed November 1, 2007 by Jf Richer

Rating:
Fabric: Gore-tex Paclite
Price Paid: $300 Can.

This jacket retails for $300 Canadian. At that price for a lightweight jacket, I would expect a gamut of high end features.

The biggest problem with this jacket is the double flap front. It seems illogical for a company like MH to sell a high end lightweight jacket without waterproof zippers. At that price, you would certainly expect it. On some old models, MH had a stiff flap over the zipper that was much more convenient than the double flap with velcros that are quickly wearing down.

Secondly, the hood could not be more poorly designed. As a rock climber and cyclist, I would expect a hood that would nicely accommodate a helmet. The problem does not lie in the size of the hood, but the overall design. The single drawcord at the back allows the helmet to be tightened around the face. However, the hood falls so far over you eyes that it is almost impossible to use as you are cycling or belaying without risking serious injuries. Why is there not another drawcord to pull the hood back from your face?

Overall, I was looking at for a solid Gore-tex Paclite jacket and I bought Mountain Hardwear because of MH’s supposedly high attention to details and quality craftsmanship. However, for an additional $50, I should have bought Arc'teryx's Paclite jacket and gotten the quality features I would otherwise expect on Mountain Hardwear products.

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Where to Buy

Buy Online We found the Typhoon Jacket at 6 online stores:

Store

Product Description

Price

Moosejaw 2 purchase options:	Men's Typhoon Jacket (Fall 2008)	$200.00	Buy Now
Moosejaw 2 purchase options:	Women's Typhoon Jacket (Fall 2008)	$200.00	Buy Now