Mountain Hardwear Synchro Hooded Jacket - Men's - 2006 BCS

The synchro jacket has a nice trim fit, with the arms cut to prevent lift when reaching above the head, making it a great jacket for climbing. The conduit laminate breathes well, and the fabric is light and flexible. There are some areas that need improvement, however. The fleece cuffs don't seal out cold air, and even worse, act as sponges in wet weather, wicking rain into the arms of the jacket. The zippers are very hard to pull, requiring two hands to operate. Also, one of the drawcord keepers on the waist of my jacket will not hold the drawcord tight, allowing it to slip out so that the waist is always loose. I intend to replace that part myself, but it shouldn't be happening on a jacket this costly. It's worth considering the Mammut softshells as an alternative to this one.

I used the Mountain Hardwear Synchro Hooded Jacket as my primary ski shell this season and loved it. I switch out technical shell to soft shell season over season because I haven't quite found the right applique...until now. Only problem is the cuff. It doesn't have a closure strap.

Have had this jacket for several months now. Very pleased with it. It is waterproof, except for two areas on the hood: where the MH symbol is stitched in, and the hole with the bungee pull, the inside is not taped over. But that is minimal, you need to be in a real downpour for those to matter. The jacket breathes well. Pit zips help. The pitzips a little difficult to operate, but not bad. Comfortable and allows for layering. The hood does fit over my BD climbing helmet. I had aftermarket hook and loop cuffs sewn on mine, as the sleeves were too long for me. Pleased with the purchase.

So far I am completely happy with my purchase. I initially ordered a MH swift jacket. I wanted something that was completely waterproof/windproof for everyday use and also snowshoeing and other winter sports. I wanted the breathability water/wind proofing of gortex pac lite, but the swift jacket was uncomfortable. It felt like you were wearing a rain coat..(the cheap kind)the arms were made for an arangatan. I am 6 feet tall and have normal to longer arms than most, and I still found that the swift jacket would bunch up over my wrists and hands. I know that the jacket is also made for ice climbing and MH has the extended ice pick position in mind while making this, but all-in-all the synchro is everybit as water/windproof, qhueter while walking/hiking due to the external material used, and the inteior of the jacket is lined with a lightweight and soft/very comfortable fleece like material that is a thousandtimes better than the swift jacket. The integrated hood feels much better than the swifts zip out hood that bunches around that back of your head, or when it is tucked away int he collar, it makes the collar feel tight and unnatural. I really like that the synchro has taped and welded seams to ensure maximum waterproofing. When comparing these two jackets side by side, I would handsdown take the synchro over ther the swift, you really don't need the gortex name to have a completely waterproof jacket. I have so far been in terential down pores in western New York and in very windy conditions and have stayed warm and dry. The arms are also cut to a normal length-a plus. It also has a good amount of pockets,2 inner, and 4 outer. This jacket gets two thumbs up from me. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a very lightweight, packable, wind/waterproof jacket that doesn't sacrifice comfort.

I think this is a great product but it is not as warm as anticipated. I knew it only had a microfleece but still figured it would be warmer. The purpose of this softshell is a slightly warmer softshell than most. It breathes very well and looks good. The hood is very large as said and looks a little funny without a helmet. All in all a good jacket for a warmer softshell than most but I am returning mine for the windstopper insulated jacket by Mountain Hardwear.

Previous review "Satisfied" with 5 Stars. Changed it after using it a good amount. Doesn't breath as well as I thought it would. Sure it has pit zips, but I found myself having both fully open and the front open half way. Any jacket can breath with that much opened to the environment. Also the material started piling, for me mostly in the inner arms, which is kind of cheap for the money you paid. I emailed Mountain Hardwear about the piling, and of course I never heard back from them. I went with the Arcteryx Gamma MX Hoody and so far really like it. Breathes a lot better. Not waterproof, but then again, a waterproof softshell defeats the purpose of being a softshell and really changes its ability to breath. I would not for a water resistent softshell.

Great Jacket. Fits snug, but comfortable. Almost too snug to get that extra fleece layer underneath, particularly in the arms. The hood will not likely fit over your helmet. Ditto the review that the zippers are hard to pull. The quality and seam taping are top notch. I've skied in it at -9C without getting cold, but more ideally suited to mild weather conditions. Overall, very happy.

very nice coat, was looking for softshell with hood, and got this. moderate length cut fits nice, and inner fleece cuffs keep the wind out. thinner insulation in it, so not overly warm good with light layer into 40's. good choice if you want a soft waterproof outer layer.

I have to echo other reviewer sentiments that the cuffs are too loose and was surprised there was no manual loop closure or at least an inherent tighter fit. Considering the ubiquity of the complaint, i imagine it will be corrected next version. Otherwise, great breathable jacket.

This is a great jacket that provides great spring ski conditions protection, combined with excellent waterproofness when you need it. I love this model with the hood for extra coverage and the generous pitzips that work great when the temps start getting higher. This hooded version is far more versatile than the standard Synchro jacket with no hood or pitzips!

I own a pile of jackets and The Hooded Synchro is one piece of gear that might not leave my sight. It is a wonderful piece of gear it breathes incredibly and the underarm vents dump heat when needed. It is very comfortable and is just what you need when you need it. Lots of pockets in the right places. The only thing to take into consideration is that the fit is kind of techy (fitted). Also there are no cuff adjustments which would be very helpful... although it is one of my favorite new pieces of gear even for just lounging around town with a coffee in my hand.

This is my first softshell. It breathes really well even though it is windproof and waterproof. I have toured in it several times and haven't had a problem with overheating. Pockets, pockets and more pockets.

This jacket truly is amazing. I just spent a week skiing in 10" of powder and sub-10 degree weather, and never got a bit cold. The jacket also looks great to wear out in town if need be.
I am not surprised, however, having owned several Mountain Hardwear. They are always of the best quality and are designed to look great. I would recommend this jacket to anyone, like myself, who lives in a warmer climate, and needs not only a jacket to travel and ski in, but use in the rain, and merely cooler temperatures as well.

I figured I had to join the softshell crazy and my decision to buy this jacket was a good one. Warm, comfortable, stretchy, and waterproof. Good venting, lots of pockets, and very stylish. Comfortable with a pack on or just to kick around town in. Wish it had hook and loop closure on the cuffs and the internal lining is a bit grabby forcing you to hold onto your shirt cuffs like a grade schooler. Overall a great jacket.

:)