Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Insulated Jacket

Worked great over layers...warm and weatherproof.

The gear list for my recent Everest Base Camp trek included a parka. I didn't own one because I've used layers and a hard shell since the '70s. While I was confident I had layers to keep me warm, I didn't want to chance having an issue (the guides did check) so I picked this up at REI. List price was $250 but at the Outlet with a discount, it wound up being $112.99. Well worth it for the peace of mind.

Turns out, it's a pretty good jacket. No, it doesn't compress like down and the hood adjustment is not my favorite style, but otherwise I was very happy with the jacket.

I sized up to fit over a wool sweater and puffy and it worked perfectly. It's weatherproof, as near as I can tell. It shed wind and wet snow as well as most hard shells and the added insulation was handy up high. I used it as a single layer also and it proved quite warm on its own. It does have two small vent zips which I generally left open...it was just enough to keep me pretty much dry inside.

I just don't like the hood adjustment in the back. I'm a fan of just having two pull cords by my chin and cinching down that way. The lack of compressibility wasn't a huge issue for me with a 34-liter pack and just carrying layers and a few essentials for the trek each day. I could see it being a problem if you were carrying all your gear.

Overall, I'm very happy with the jacket and will use it more next winter. 

Background

Hiking and backpacking for almost 50 years.