Mountain Hardwear Gneiss Jacket - Men's - 2006 BCS

As a zip-in or mid layer it works great! It comes fully loaded...pit zips - something not even found on comparable models from other manufacturers for hundreds more (Most outer shells have them, but the midlayer is where they really work well to cool you off). It's pretty minimal when it comes to bulk - nice and light, yet still warm. It packs down nice and small, making it an ideal piece to put on in the morning and then throw in your pack for the afternoon when it warms up (or visa versa if it starts off nice and then turns cold). It also doesn't have the stiffness of a softshell and the ultra smooth nylon outer lets it move freely against the other materials you might have on, giving complete freedom of movement. The brushed inner feels super comfy.

As a standalone outer layer it's a bit less hearty compared to other models, so if you're looking a synthetic insulation jacket to wear all winter you might want to move up the scale and try something a little more expensive.

All in all, though I've only had to use it a couple times, it's been great for me. As a midlayer you couldn't ask for more.

AGAIN, ANOTHER SOLID PRODUCT FROM MH. WARMTH ABOUT THE SAME AS A 200 WEIGHT FLEECE, MORE COMPRESSIBLE, GOOD WINDPROOFNESS, BETTER MANUEVERABILITY UNDER A SHELL. THIS IS THE SAME INSULATOR PIECE THAT COMES WITH THE TRAVERSE TRIFECTA SYSTEM. VERSATILE PIECE TO OWN, ME GUSTA MUCHO. SHORT TORSO CUT.

Another nice niche piece from Mountain Hardwear. I like the idea of this as a layer as it will slide nicely against a wider range of materials than your typical fleece.