Mountain Hardwear Women’s Hooded Compressor Jacket
Retail Price: $190
Company specs: Finally. Now the ladies can reap the benefits of the Hooded Compressor Jacket. No longer for men only, this technical, lightweight PrimaLoft number is just what the climbing athlete ordered. The Hooded Compressor’s compressibility makes it easy to throw into the pack as an extra layer, and with its DWR finish, the elements won’t keep you from tackling that pesky winter pitch.
Features: Insulated Ergo sized to fit over a helmet, Inner elastic cuffs, One-handed hood and hem drawcords, two front zip fleece-lined hand pockets, lightweight and warm, Internal embroidery accent, Interior zip pocket, micro-chamois-lined chin guard.
Usage: Alpine Climbing / Mountaineering
Fabrics: Shell-Stria Rip (100% nylon with a DWR finish), Lining – Taffeta (100 % nylon), Insulation – Primaloft One
Mountain Hardwear Hooded Compressor Jacket
Details: 1 lb 2 oz; 502 g; Bronze, Grill, Polar Blue, or Pale Orchid
Findings: Living in Alaska, one can really get really excited about a new coat. In fact, all my friends are even excited that I got a new coat. This is in part because my last down coat left a trail of feathers everywhere I went. Well, I’m not shedding anymore and not just because this isn’t a down coat. This is a well styled coat that could and should be worn for more than just mountaineering and climbing. My daughter especially likes the embroidered flower on the inside of the jacket. It doesn’t actually do anything for me, but it doesn’t bug me either. I have to say, I’m glad you can’t see the embroidery from the outside of the jacket. The coat is warm and more than does its job insulating me as long as I am moving outside. Temperatures lately have been around 20 degrees and I am cold if I am just standing there. I don’t think it will be warm enough on 0 degree days. Thankfully, we haven’t hit those temperatures yet this winter. I love the nylon lining–makes it really easy to slide the jacket over my layers. I love the trim fit so I don’t look like the Michelan Man. The down side of that trim fit is that there is no way you could wear a baby inside this coat. You would have to wear them over the coat, which isn’t as warm for them. The color options are great. When Mountain Hardwear says this thing is “very compressible”, they aren’t making it up! The whole jacket will fit in a pocket! Brilliant! And when I am carrying my coat and 4 kid’s coats all in my pack, size matters! I imagine I’ll bring this coat out kayaking next summer as an extra warm layer. Being poly filled, it would be perfect for those chilly nights on the beach in Prince William Sound.
Now on to my complaints. There is a word out there for when things aren’t proportionate. Starts with an “s” I believe… On behalf of the 5 ft. 2 and under crowd, Please, some company needs to figure out how to make sleeves the right length for us shorter gals! I don’t think I have ever owned a coat with the sleeves properly sized. And I know I am not alone. We would all be happy to send arm lengths into manufacturers! Just let us know. And if you aren’t sure if the sleeves are a good 2 inches too long or not, add a strap so we can at least cinch the wrist up a bit. My only other suggestion on this jacket is to change out the cincher on the hood. It doesn’t stay locked where you want it and is difficult to use with gloves on.
Over impressions: Great coat. I get lots of compliments wearing it. Priced fairly well. Excellent weight, size and the compressibility is a huge bonus. If you are looking for a nice all around coat for the winter months, your search is over.