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Description

Explore new frontiers in comfort.

The Mountain Hardwear Men's Kepler Softshell Jacket features its own scientific breakthrough: the ultra-breathable Dry.Q Elite technology, which delivers total waterproof protection along with incredible breathability. Whether you're racing up a bootpack to the ridge, or slowly working your way up an ice face, the 'always on' air permeability of this softshell means you stay comfortable from the get-go.
  • Chest-high pockets accommodate a harness or pack
  • Helmet-compatible hood features and extra-beefy brim for foul weather
  • Watertight zips seal out moisture
  • Butter Jersey inner cuffs comfortably encirle your wrists for extra warmth and draft protection
  • Micro-chamois chin guard eliminates zipper chafe
  • DWR treatment holds up for 80 washes

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Mountain Hardwear Kepler Softshell Jacket - Men's

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Here's what others have to say...

5 5

Thomas Briley

Member since 

I picked this up at a local gear shop who was doing a sort of garage sale. I just picked it up on a whim because I needed a rain jacket very bad. It was definitely the best decision I made. It has held up great even in torrential downpours. The DryQ is incredibly lightweight and oh so breathable. I'm 5'10 and 155lbs and the medium works great. Fits plenty of layers underneath as well.

5 5

can977285470

Member since 

Bought this for use in London's cold and rainy climate. Has suited me for almost any condition so far. Completely waterproof and am planning on skiing in this jacket in the Swiss alps with some layers underneath. I could not be happier with my purchase. Dry Q technology blows goretex out of the water. It's breatheble and lightweight and can add a layer for any condition. I am 5'10" 165lbs and bought a large. I still have room to layer underneath but there is the flexibility to move if skiing or climbing... Great value for a quality product. I would reccomend this jacket to anyone looking to be active in cold weather. The lining is rather thin, but seems to work in almost any condition however.

Breather

Nick Stadie

Member since 
Posted on

When the zips are down, this guy breathes even better! I can wear this jacket touring, even in 5th gear. It's brilliant to find that sweet spot with a soft-shell layering system!

Dennis lee

Member since 
Responded on

hi,
DWR treatment holds up to 80 wash. meaning after it wore off. the jacket no longer water proof? thanks

pso3567617

Member since 
Responded on

Dennis, the DWR just keeps water from soaking into the outer material on the jacket- so it's more likely that it would no longer be breathable, as when water soaks into the outer layer, it prevents water vapor from passing through. the membrane will still prevent water from getting in from the outside though.

Good news is that reapplying DWR would fix that.

I'm 5'11 about 180 pounds...what size...

gar100407304

Member since 
Posted on

I'm 5'11 about 180 pounds...what size should I get?

Mitch

Member since 
Best Answer Responded on

If you like a more technical tighter fit only wearing a baselayer underneath, go with a medium. If you want a more relaxed fit for layering (down jacket ect) go with large.

Cold, Hard Work

Nick Stadie

Member since 
Posted on

Perfect breathability and protection during cold weather touring in Rogers Pass, BC.

which size should i take? I'm 5'7 ...

fish

Member since 
Posted on

which size should i take? I'm 5'7 150lbs

Steven Jones

Member since 
Responded on

Hey fish, I suggest checking your measurements against the sizing chart to get the proper size. My guess is a small, though possibly a medium. The chart is below the price on the page. Best of luck!

Thomas Briley

Member since 
Best Answer Responded on

The medium would probably be your best bet. Mine fits great even with a few layers underneath it.

5 5

Jon

Member since 

I got my Kepler to replace an old Dragon. Since the Kepler is ostensibly the replacement for the the Dragon, I thought I might share my impressions on the Kepler in comparison to the old jacket.

The Kepler seems to be a hard shell with a soft touch. On the MHW website, you can find this jacket in the shell section, described as a softshell. While that seems confusing (in no small part due to the fact that the site has a separate section for softshells where the Kepler is NOT located), it makes a lot of sense once you get your hands on it. It definitely has a soft feel both on the inside and on the face fabric, but the Dry.Q Elite membrane itself is rather stiff and a bit crinkly. The jacket overall is a lot softer than any hard shell, but it definitely is a shell. It's a lot more shell-like than the outgoing Dragon, as the face fabric feels more solid but the interior is actually softer against bare skin.

The fit is basically what I expected based on my experience with the Dragon and other MHW alpine jackets. The length in the back is long enough for bike riding. One thing that keeps coming up in reviews is the arm width/length. I definitely could have gone for narrower arm holes (where sleeves meet chest) because the jacket does lift up quite a bit when I lift my arms, but otherwise, the arms are perfect. I'm a pretty big-armed guy and the sleeves are plenty wide and long. I think when people talk about the lack of proper arm length, they mean when using the thumb loops. The butter jersey cuffs are recessed pretty far behind the wrist, so the thumb loops seem like an afterthought. The arms feel way too short when I use the thumb loops. When I forgo the loops and use the butter jersey cuffs as cuffs, the arms feel fine (and my wrists are ridiculously comfortable). Overall, I would say the fit and feel of the Kepler is an improvement over the Dragon.

It's waterproof. There is no doubt about that. My old Dragon was clearly not waterproof. It didn't even have a watertight main zipper. It did take a pretty serious rain to wet out the Dragon, but the Kepler is waterproof in all rains. The 40,000 mm waterproof rating means you could put a 130(!) foot column of water on the shoulder and not a drop would get through.

The Kepler is also significantly more breathable than the outgoing Dragon, which used Windstopper instead of a waterproof membrane. The Dragon, while more breathable than any waterproof-breathable I had tested up until now, still developed the microclimate problem common in shells. There wasn't any airflow so my body heat and sweat made the inside of my Dragon much like a tropical jungle. This happened to an even greater extent in my various waterproof-breathables. But in the Kepler (I suppose due to the air permeability of Dry.Q Elite) no microclimate develops. I took it on a serious bike ride on a foggy rainy day, and the only place I felt moist was under my backpack. My head was dry, my chest was dry, and my armpits(!) were dry. This crazy breathability and the lack of a microclimate means two things: 1) Overheating and the fatigue that comes with it are non-existent. You really can go harder longer in Dry.Q Elite. 2) Body heat and sweat escape so quickly that you might want an extra layer compared to a Gore Tex shell. It completely blocks the wind, but that plastic bag effect you probably are used to in waterproof-breathables just isn't there.

Overall, the Kepler is an outstanding piece that delivers on all its promises. There's not much to complain about, and it's all minor stuff. It's definitely a massive step forward from the Dragon and the status quo.

4 5

Sonya

Member since 

I'm giving it four stars because the fabric is savvy and this things totally feels bombproof. Serious zippers. Serious fabric.

Unfortunately, compared to other MH jackets (I most recently purchased the Cutaway), this is kinda snug. I know they say softshell, but it's definitely different, with much less stretch and moveability. It's also cut kinda close in the armpits and sleeves. I'm no giant, (5'7, 140, got the medium like my Cutaway), but this thing seriously pulls at my armpits and elbows when I move around. The sleeves are also shorter than the other comparable softshells I've tried (MH, Stoic, EMS, Arcteryx). And there's crinkle. I definitely feel crinkle. Not awful, but this is definitely more firm-shell than soft.

5 5

Taylor

Member since 

This shell is awesome, and the bright yellow has so much steeze! So far for me its been completely waterproof and super breathable. It's got that classic Mountain Hardware quality as well with watertight zippers and a very custom fitted hood which can fit over a helmet. Another nice feature is the wrist cuffs with thumb holes to keep out the snow and the burly pit zips. Such a great storm day jacket, would recommend to anyone!

I love this jacket but want a little more...

eri5078770

Member since 
Posted on

I love this jacket but want a little more insulation. Can anyone recommend a jacket like that?

Jeff Chrisler

Member since 
Responded on

You might want to check out the MH Snowtastic Jacket. Sounds like most believe it is warm.

Jon

Member since 
Responded on

Snowtastic and Kepler are made of the same material. Try the Gravitor, which has some insulation.

I have a Mountain hardwear Nitrous jacket...

emualliug11088832

Member since 
Posted on

I have a Mountain hardwear Nitrous jacket size Medium and a Mountain hardwear Dragon softshell size Medium. Do I need the Mountain Hardwear Kepler size Medium? I'm 6feet tall and weight 160pds. Thanks for your quick response.

Jon Webb

Member since 
Groups:
Responded on

emualliug. If you have both the Nitrous and the Dragon in Medium you will probably be happy with a Kepler in Medium as well. I am about 5'9" and 155 and medium is my size for sure. I hope this info helps!

I'm 6'1 and 145 lbs. Would I need to get...

Jon Arrowsmith

Member since 
Posted on

I'm 6'1 and 145 lbs. Would I need to get a large to have a proper length? Also if I did get a large, would I be able to fit a down jacket underneath?

Jon Webb

Member since 
Groups:
Responded on

Jon. Considering your dimensions you would probably be the happiest with a large. I think it will feel a little loose in the body of the jacket but the length should be just right. You will not have a problem layering under a large. Enjoy!!

Is this jacket windproof?

Tuanto

Member since 
Posted on

Is this jacket windproof?

James Jenden

Member since 
Best Answer Responded on

For all intensive purposes, yes. DryQ allows a small amount of air permeability, but all this does is allow for better breathability. It should be effectively windproof to about 60mph, and if you have a wind resistant jacket underneath, you'll never notice the wind.

4 5

Sean Sewell

Member since 

200 lb, 34" waist, 45" chest, 35" arms. Got an XXL in this to make sure I had room to layer under it. I tried the large and it was way to tight and the sleeves ended well before my wrist. XL would have probably been just fine, but I sized up to get a few layers under it. This jacket was one of the few that MH makes with the Dry Q that actually fits a ski helmet nicely. No idea why there even more expensive snow jackets cant fit a helmet, but this one does and is cheaper! Big pluses - waterproof, very breathable (almost too much, you can feel a slight breeze through the jacket, so I were a light windbreaker under to compensate) sturdy material (heavier than I would have liked, but it feels like it can take on anything) sturdy zippers, well placed pockets. And the green is bright! I am very excited to test this jacket it out this snowboard/splitboard season.

Sean Sewell

Member since 
Responded on

End of season review. Used this most of the 2011/2012 season here in Colorado. Used it on cold days (with a MH Nitrous underneath and merino 200) and used it on spring skiing days, 50+ degrees (just a merino 150 ss or poly shirt under). I have yet to open the underarm vents. That is incredible. I skinned all day with this on and it just breathed and breathed. I am a believer in this Dry Q! The only qualms I can think of, other than the weird fit I mentioned, is some material is starting to fray from my pack straps, under arm area. Not sure why, as this material feels burly as hell. If I could make just a few suggestions for future models - please incorporate two side pockets to accommodate skins and adjust the sizing. All in all this is the bees knees!

What makes this jacket a softshell? It...

James Jenden

Member since 
Posted on

What makes this jacket a softshell? It uses the DryQ membrane, making it completely waterproof. Seems to me it's a hardshell that uses a stretch woven face fabric instead of a ripstop polyester or nylon. Does Mountain Hardwear have a definition for softshell?

Jon Webb

Member since 
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Responded on

James. Aaaaahhhh The perpetual hardshell vs. softshell debate. In my opinion, if it has a nice brushed fleecy back to the fabric and has a soft and quiet hand overall... it's a softshell. If it does not have fleecy material as the backer fabric (inner most layer) and does not have the softest hand... then I would call it a hardshell. I know this is a simple definition... but, it is the one that I think makes the most sense. Cheers!

James Jenden

Member since 
Responded on

Oh dear, Jon. Sadly, I would agree that your definition has become the standard. It makes sense, after all, soft hand == soft shell. The original softshells were the Buffalo and Montane smocks that traded waterproofing for breathability. While fabrics like Neoshell and DryQ are making that trade less and less necessary, I think there's still a place for them. My general rule has become that if it has a waterproof membrane in it, it's a hardshell. That soft fleece on the inside is always nice though!

Philz

Member since 
Responded on

For everyone information, this jacket is under Shell section on mountain hardwear web site, but their own description say softshell, can we lol about that? seem like they dont know themselve if its soft or hard shell....

4 5

PAwanderer

Member since 

I just got my Kepler yesterday and here we are with our first snow/rain mix of the season. So far I'm very pleased with the construction, fit, and weather-proofness. I'm 5'11 185 lbs. and the large fits me perfectly, though there's not a ton of room for bulky mid-layers. Tighter fitting light or mid-weight fleece would work best, maybe something like a nano-puff would work well too. I would not refer to the lining as fleece as much as would brushed or textured polyester for comfort of the skin and easy slipping on/off over your layers.

I own quite a number of softshells and this is most certainly the hardest softshell I've come across. Its also the first full fledged waterproof softshell I've had, so I'm okay with the tradeoff. There is a bit of stretch and no crinkle to the fabric whatsoever. I can't yet speak for this jacket's breathability, so I expect to report back later regarding the full performance of DryQ elite.

The hood is huge and fits well over my climbing helmet but also hugs my bare head when cinched, a definite plus, while the butter-jersey cuffs (with thumb holes!) feel great on the skin.

So far I'm super pleased with this jacket - I'll try to get around to some photo uploads when report back from the waterproof /breathable trials. If it passes the test, it may get 5 stars.

4 5

utah whatchamacallit

Member since 

This jacket is burly. The jacket should withstand some foul weather. The jacket has a nice fleece lining for some warmth. This shell has short sleeves compared to arc'teryx, rab and so forth. Consequently, When I lifted my arms as if swinging an ice tool, the jacket left two inches of my arm exposed from where short gloves stopped. But for activities where you aren't raising your arm all the time above your head, it should be great.
The helmet compatible hood is large. Seems on par to Arc'teryx size. My Smith Variant brim helmet fits with no problems as well as the petzl elios.
I havent worn it enough to comment on breathability.

Idtmcp5420

Member since 
Responded on

How thick is the fleece? I'm looking for a soft-shell with no or thin insulation. Also, does it have a powder skirt?
Thanks

utah whatchamacallit

Member since 
Responded on

hi, the fleece is very low loft. More for comfort and adding a bit of warmth. And no, this doesn't have a snow skirt.

Jon Webb

Member since 
Groups:
Posted on

Watch this video to find out about the most technical and best performing waterproof/breathable and air permeable fabric on the market today!

James Jenden

Member since 
Responded on

Jon, how is DryQ the most technical waterproof/breathable fabric on the market today? Mountain Hardwear simply contracted with GE to rebrand eVent under a proprietary name. It's not really a market secret... I would love to hear how eVent are DryQ are functionally different. You seem to really know your stuff, help me out?

Jon Webb

Member since 
Groups:
Responded on

James. Mountain Hardwear used the same laminate that is used in eVent Fabrics then worked with textile manufacturers and fabric mills in Japan and other places to develop our own woven face fabrics and woven backers. We did all of this extra innovative work with the shells and the backer fabrics to access a higher level of performance (waterproof-ness, breathability, and air permeability) from our DryQ Elite fabrics than what is available on the market today. By creating our own woven backers and face fabrics and by using what we consider to be the best performing E-PTFE on the market we were able to maintain air permeability, extreme waterproof-ness, and instant breathability as well as industry leading durability throughout the ENTIRE three layer fabric. Remember there is more to waterproof/breathable fabrics than just the laminate!

If we just "re-branded" eVent we would have bought the face fabric, laminate, and backer fabric (3-layer fabric) from GE and not bothered with developing our own face fabrics and backer fabrics on our own. It would have been a lot easier actually! I hope this answers your question. Please let me know if you have any more questions. If I don't know the answer... I can get it. Furthermore, don't listen to me... get a DryQ Elite jacket and see for yourself! The proof is in the performance! Enjoy!

James Jenden

Member since 
Responded on

This was really helpful, thanks man. I'm considering Westcomb's Switch Hoody with Neoshell right now, but I might add Your Drystein jacket to the list now. Definitely something to consider. I'd love to compare it to my eVent stash from Stoic.

Idtmcp5420

Member since 
Responded on

I own the switch lt hoody, and although it is very waterproof/breathable, I have had a couple problems with the design. The elastic bands that help to keep snow out don't really work that well. The one around the waist works for about 60 seconds, until the jacket rides up because I lift my arms or what not. Then, bottom elastic bands moves up to above my waist, and when I put my arms back at my waist the elastic bands stay at my waist. I have gotten snow in my bibs at times because the jacket rides up so high. Recently, I have just been leaving it untightened, which has worked better than with it tightened, but without a good closure system, snow will find its way up there. The other elastic band is located too high above your waist to keep snow out. It is even above my bibs, so I can't imagine it would do much good. Also, there is no ripstop material or anything for the main zipper, but apparently just a continuation of the neoshell material. While this would contribute to how light the jacket is (Under 1 pound, according to Westcomb Specs), I find I constantly snag the zipper, and it can be quite annoying. However, the material in that area shows no sign of wear, so that could attribute to the durability of the material.

I have and Arc'teryx Theta AR as well, which is Gore Tex Pro Shell, and I must say it is not at all very breathable. However, simply feeling the fabrics one can tell that it is a lot more burly than the neoshell. The neoshell seems very light and thin, but I have had no durability issues with it so far.

I do like the pockets, as they are easily accessible with a backpack on. I normally sweat a lot, but I was able to do about 30 minutes of hiking uphill, in about 20F without becoming overheated or sweaty. When I got to the top and realized I hadn't even opened the pit zips, I became a believer in neoshell.

However, with all the flaws of the Switch LT, I will be sending it back and waiting on a neoshell jacket that is perfect for me. For now, my Theta AR will do.