Mountain Hardwear Compressor PL Insulated Jacket - Men's - 2009 BCS

One issue I have with the jacket I got is that the collar sits unevenly. The problem is caused because of the extra layering/protective matieral, guarding the neck from catching in the zipper is sewn onto one side only. This made one side of the collar to be heavier, causing it to open wider than the opposite. I wouldn't say it is fashionable, I think its more of a design fault (my opinion)...it may have just been on the jacket I bought...but since I needed it quickly, and I loved the feel and fit of the jacket (plus I lack fashion sense) I just put up with it. I will post a pic of what I tried to described in the text soon.

I bought the compressor as a backup insulation for hiking in the White Mountains in October '10.

I testet it for two weeks and I am extremely pleased with the jacket. It packs extremely small, weights next to nothing (XL: 453 grams (exactly 1 lb) including an ultralight 3.5 liter stuff sack). I weighted it myself, the weight in the Backcountry specs is far to high.

Especially the insulation impresses me. I was wet of sweat, when I reached the peak of a hike, which was an exposed spot at around 4000 feet elevation, exposed to wind and temperatures in the mid 30's, I just got the compressor out of the backpack and was toasty warm in literally seconds.

I am so pleased, that the compressor is now my favorite backup isolation. It replaces my fleece layer, as it is warmer, lighter and far more compressible.

Tip: Get a lightweight stuff sack for it 3 to 4 liter will fit great.

good lite weight and minimal jacket. packs small and keeps you warm as long as it's not super cold. great for spring, summer and fall outings when it's not quite cold enough but you want that furnace feeling.

This was my main source of warmth on my recent Autumn ascent of Mt. Whitney. The warmth to weight ratio is outstanding for a synthetic, and the Primaloft shell provides top performance regardless of temperature (i.e. I feel like the jacket is appropriate whether it's 65 degrees or 35 degrees (F)). It's comfortable at temperatures even lower when I'm engaged in strenuous activity, and it has superb breathability once I've broken a sweat.

Like other Mountain Hardwear gear, the fit is probably not geared toward the tallest of folks. Otherwise, this jacket is a sure bet for good insulation with featherlight weight.

Layers under a shell really well as the exterior is slick sort of slippery nylon. This thing is lighter, warmer and more compressible than almost all fleece, get one to replace your old fleece and you won't regret it. For anyone serious about getting into wilderness where they will need some warm layers this is a good purchase. Minor issue for backpacking, handpocket zippers are right at hipbelt height.

I suggest you try it on before ordering if possible. Fit is great, I'm almost 6' and 175 lbs (I'm atheltic and not overweight at all) and the large really fits well. I have some other jackets from popular outdoors brands (patagonia, cloudveil) and their mediums fit me perfectly. So if you're my size you may want to try both a medium and a large on somewhere or cunsult with backcountry customer service who sometimes can help with getting you sized on internet or help with ordering both sizes and getting mailorder returns (they have been great).
While I haven't bushwacked with the jacket, I would suspect the shell fabric wouldn't hold up. Be warned and wear something burly over it before getting into anything thorny.

Bought this jacket to use around town. I'm 5"11 , 175, with a very small spare tire and the large fits perfect. If it's in the 20's or lower there is plenty of room for a R2 base layer for extra warmth. This jacket is not shinny like a trash bag. I was worried about that because I read a review saying it was, but when I pulled it out of the bag it looked great!!!! My only knock on it would be the collar, it's just a bit flimsy for me but that is me being Manny. Bottom line, if you want a nice mid-weight jacket that performs and the ladies will notice, look no further!!! GO METS!!!!

This is a really great coat. Its lightweight but still really warm. Definitely worth the money.

I purchased two Compressors. While the jacket was very warm and light, both were defective. On the first, the threading of the sleeve logo was coming badly unraveled. Exchanged it for a second, and after a few days I noticed that the second one had a bizarre series of pinholes all over one sleeve and beneath the collar, as though a tiny needle had gone haywire. So I returned this one, too, and purchased the comparable Redpoint North Face jacket.

I should say as well that the exceptionally light and silky nylon shell of the Compressor was nice to the touch, I found myself worrying constantly about its resilience and that something would snag on it and tear it. The Redpoint uses a bit heavier nylon in which I have greater confidence, but which seems not quite as warm.

I would recommend this jacket but for what appears to be quality-control issues.

I want to like this jacket so much, but its so incredibly shiny, especially in "Grill." It seriously is about as shiny as a black trashbag. In fact, I saw it at the bottom of my closet + literally thought it was a trash bag for a second.

Aesthetics aside, this is a very warm, lightweight jacket that can go anywhere. It packs nicely into its own pocket + zips shut. The collar, waist, + cuffs can be tightened to your preference.

The exterior "shell" is pretty wimpy + feels as if any snag or careless rock brush will leave you sewing. This thin material results in the zippers getting caught fairly easily, which can be annoying, but not overcome.

I am 5'11" 165, athletic, + the medium fits great, with room to layer beneath or above. Note, most people feel Mtn Hardware runs small.

At the end of the day this is a great not-so-poofy layer that resists the wind + water fairly well. If you can get passed the sheen + arent too tough on the shell, its well worth it, even if its a "just in case" layer. Fix those problems + Mountain Hardware will have 6 star product

I have an older version of this jacket (maybe '08?) that is top-notch. Very lightweight fabric, very packable, impressive build quality despite the intentionally minimalist construction.

This newer version? Ordered from BC.com and couldn't wait to get it. I was immediately disappointed in the seemingly much cheaper, less packable construction compared to the older jacket. Seconds later, the FIRST TIME I TRIED IT ON, the waist cinch bungee ripped out on one end, complete with the cloth patch it was anchored to. To be clear, this has NEVER, EVER been a problem with my older compressor jacket, and I was not overly rough with the newer one.

Thinking that this was an isolated incident, and needing a belay parka, I bought a ($$$$$) Mtn Hardwear Alcove jacket. The exact same thing happened to the waist cinch in the first day of ownership.

Mountain Hardwear quality seems to taken a nosedive in the last few years, though prices remain as high as ever.

P.S. BC.com did take the returned item no problem, so as always they get 5 stars!

I have had this coat for over a year and wear it about 9 mo out of the year. Living in Chicago I have found that this in combination with a hoody or fleece + base-layer are all that are needed for all but the coldest of days. When climbing or backpacking it holds up surprisingly well, but I have also been extremely cautious because the material seems like it might rip easily. So far so good, though.

I'm about 5'11, 155 lbs and a medium fits perfectly with a bit of room for additional layering underneath. The pockets are also quite toasty and warm. Probably worth it to pick up a stuff sack to go along with the coat. I use the medium sized stuff sack here (tight squeeze but works): http://www.outdoorresearch.com/site/ultralt_ditty_sacks_set_of_3.html

Very warm for its weight. Not bulky. Have worn it in 20 degree weather and have not wished for a heavier jacket. Right now it's on sale you coouldn't ask for more. Well worth having.

I bought this jacket with high hopes of getting a warm light-weight jacket that would function in everyday use as well as technically for skiing and backpacking. I didn't get a chance to test it out technically but it is not cut out for everyday use. I took this jacket on a two week back packing tour through Europe and wore it pretty much everyday. Initially, I really liked the jacket. It is warm, light weight, zips-up high to protect my face from wind and cold, and the hood is very wamr. However, after a couple wears I started to notice the main double zipper was difficult and did not zip correctly without careful attention. Then I started to notice the zippers on the pockets, they too were difficult and often caught the material around the zippers, the outside chest zipper actually got caught in the material so bad it riped a hole on the inside. Also, I wore a typical daypack/book bag carrying a camera, food, water, etc. About a week into the trip my friends noticed the back of the jacket started to show wear. I am greatly disappointed in the jacket and will be returning it shortly. For almost $200 I was expecting much more.

I ordered this jacket thinking it would be more like a traditional jacket with a stiff exterior. When it arrived I thought this was a mistake because it is thin and very easy to crush. To my amazement it keeps you really warm in close to freezing temperatures if you're somewhat active (i.e. not standing still). It's so effective that I almost wish they included arm pit zippers because the warmth needs an escape at times.

I'm pretty happy with this jacket. I'm 6'3", 240# and the XL fits nicely. It's a nice, lightweight alternative to my SubZero Parka if it's not bitterly cold. Wear a sweater underneath, and you're good for your commute on most winter days in Chicago. I haven't spent an extended time outside yet.

best warmth to weight out there. totally stuffable and you will COOK in this jacket.

This is a fantastic jacket that provides extreme warmth for its weight. I purchased this jacket for those brisk winter days and even for the slopes. My only issue, and is with most of my apparel, is the fit. This jacket fits true to size, even a bit athletic. But I'm 6'4" and 190 and need the XL for the sleeve length, but the body is still baggy. Overall, Great jacket.

This jacket is killer!!! It is great for layering, or just a shell. Very comfortable and very manuverable for climbing. Killer killer jacket!!!!

this will keep me warm in low temps, but i am most happy w/ the fit and feel of the jacket. very solid. This layers perfectly w/ my MHW Dragon softshell like gme27...said below. I can't wait to hit the BC. Glad i returned my previous synthetic for this one.

ps i got the black and it does not look like a trash bag. very good looking piece