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Mountain Hardwear Thermostatic Hooded Jacket

rated 4 of 5 stars
photo: Mountain Hardwear Thermostatic Hooded Jacket synthetic insulated jacket

Thinking we would have another very cold New England winter, and really liking my packable vest, I thought I should purchase a packable jacket, to provide an extra layer of warmth under my anorak.

Well, we have had only a few below zero days, but have had enough variable and cold days to determine that I really do like this jacket...both as an insulating layer, and as a stand-alone light and comfortable parka.

Pros

  • Very comfy
  • Warm yet lightweight
  • Packable

Cons

  • Only 2 side pockets
  • MSRP is pricey

I purchased this on sale at a great markdown, so color selection was a bit limited, though I do really like the navy, with contrasting blue trim. It is sized comfortably, so it is actually a bit large for me, but it serves nicely as a stand-alone jacket, or as a warm layer under my anorak. I actually like fact that it is longer in the torso than some other similar jackets I tried. Since there is a drawstring hem, the bottom can be cinched as needed.


blue-parka.jpg

It packs up very nicely into its pocket, which makes it nice to carry along in my pack as an extra "if needed" layer.

folded-parka.jpg

The Thermal-Q elite insulation is very warm, and I even found the jacket too warm as a single outer layer when hiking while the temperature was 25 degrees f. The hood is fully insulated, and though it does not have draw-strings, it is elasticized, so it stays up nicely even when windy.


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The jacket feels "poofy", but it is very light to wear, and does not feel like you are wearing a lot of bulk. The exterior 15 denier nylon does provide some wind resistance, and it did find it water resistant while hiking in some sleet/freezing rain...the exterior of the jacket got wet, but I stayed dry (only out for about an hour). The exterior shell is also not as "shiny" as some other similar styled jackets.

The sleeves are just elasticized on the cuffs, and I would prefer some adjustment capability. I also wish it had a chest or sleeve pocket. The hand warmer pockets (2) are roomy, and the zippers, with nice pulls, are easy to use and reliable.

I do like this jacket, for snowshoeing,hiking, and kick-sledding...I anticipate it will get year round use ( since those nights canoe camping can get cold!). I am sure I would not have paid MSRP ($250) for the jacket, but by shopping around, I obtained it for an excellent price. I would recommend this jacket to others.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $60

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Specs

Men's
Price Historic Range: $87.98-$249.95
Reviewers Paid: $60.00
Women's
Price Historic Range: $49.99-$249.95
Product Details from Mountain Hardwear »

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