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Serious expeditions demand serious gear, and when compromising means unacceptable risk you need the full protection of the Mountain Hardwear Men's Optimo Jacket. Gore-Tex Pro Shell two-ply construction ensures both rugged dependability and waterproofing in wet conditions. Mountain Hardwear also added waterproof zippers on the outer pockets, which are designed to be accessible with a pack on. In fact, Mountain Hardwear put everything into this jacket to make it worthy of alpine crags, spines, and ice, yet keep it light enough to compress in the top of your pack.
Micro-taped seams reduce weight and block moisture
Helmet-compatible hood with single-pull adjustment system and extra beefy brim ensures comfort, safety, and visibility in storms
Well, you should probably go with a small because of your chest size. This jacket has a 30" center back for Medium, which translates generally to a 28-29" for small, so you should be fine. If you want it to layer some seriously puffy stuff underneath, or just lots of layers, go with a medium.
I wanted to make a quick comment on the above product copy. All of the tech specs are correct but the copy describes "Gore-Tex Pro Shell two-ply construction" which is incorrect. Although, GoreTex does make a 2-ply Proshell, this particular jacket utilizes perhaps the thinnest, lightest, and most durable version of Gore's ProShell fabric available on the market and it is made in a 3-Ply or "3-layer" fabric package. The overall thinness of the 20 D fabric and the fact that we use the smallest tape available (8mm) makes this Optimo Jacket one of the most breathable Gore ProShells on the market. Enjoy!
Arc'teryx Beta AR is listed as 380 NR Goretex Pro Shell 3L. What is the difference in the Optimo's goretex shell and the Beta AR's goretex shell? I get confused on the different "levels" of Pro Shell.
How does the fit on this jacket compare to the MH Cohesion, the PL Compressor, or the Zonal? I love the fit of the above three, with the MH Cohesion being nearly perfect for me (I need a very trim cut jacket).
Most shells from other brands, even the supposed "trim" fit versions, leave me with enough space underneath for another person. Wondering how the Optimo stacks up against the usual MH fit...any thoughts?
PS. You will find the fit of the Optimo to be very similar to the Cohesion. Both Jackets occupy our Alpine Collection and the fit, hood size, and general design are similar. The Optimo is just made with Gore Proshell vs. Conduit 2.5 layer laminate. I hope this info helps!
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I tried this jacket and ended up returning it for a few reasons: 1. it was a little small for layering (would be great with a trim fleece) 2. The front zipper is terrible 3. I felt that the "3-layer" construction was lacking... didn't seem to breathe as well as other pro-shells
On the plus side, for city use, the fit is great and it would make a perfect raincoat. The hood is also the best I've seen.
Question of sizing I'm 6'2", 180lbs with chest right at 42 and would use this jacket with a base layer and up to two down jackets underneath. I still need an athletic fit. Is a Large the way to go?
Mike. I think a large is still the way to go... even with two down jackets underneath. Also, the large will be more useful year round when you are not wearing as much underneath. Hope this info helps!
The Mountain Hardwear Vertical Jacket is Gore-tex and has a removable powder skirt and removable hood but it is out of season so the options available are severely limited. There are a few different colors between Backcountry and Backcountry Outlet but neither has any in XL or Large if that is the size you need.
Unfortunately choices are limited for jackets that are ski oriented with powder skirts until companies come out with their winter lines. Unless you absolutely have your heart set on MH you might try looking for something with similar specs from Patagonia, Cloudveil, Arc-teryx, etc.
I wanted to make a quick comment on the above product copy. All of the tech specs are correct but the copy describes "Gore-Tex Pro Shell two-ply more...
I tried this jacket and ended up returning it for a few reasons: 1. it was a little small for layering (would be great with a trim fleece) 2. The front more...