Mountain Hardwear Synchro Softshell Jacket - Men's - 2009 BCS

I have used this jacket for just over 7 years now and it is still going strong. It took abuse from back packs, harnesses and even body armor and have stood up to it. I recoated it with waterproof spray in this time and it still sheds water well. Highly recommended piece of gear that was worth every cent spent on it.

I purchased the Synchro after an extensive market search covering NF, MHW, Arcteryx, Marmot and others. Basically, I was looking for a waterproof, lightweight, windproof jacket that would look good and have an athletic fit. The Synchro has met and exceeded expectations!

Though the North Face Apex Bionic jacket that my Synchro replaced was a tiny bit warmer, there is no comparison in regard to quality, style and function. I love the velcro sleeve cuffs, pockets and feel of the fit.

The Bionic jacket was too baggy and seemed to get caught on a lot of things. I am an athletic 6'0" 225 lbs and I wear an XL in both jackets. The Bionic had more room for layering but it is far from an athletic cut. I am still able to get a up to two layers under my Synchro so long as there is no oversized or thick fleece pullover, otherwise I look like the Michelin man.

I use this jacket almost 85% of the time with a short sleeve shirt underneath and have yet to get cold, however I have only been subjected to temperatures in the low 20's. And for reference, I am not one of those polar bear club members that is never cold and wears shorts during blizzard conditions.

I have owned several softshell jackets over the years and none come close to the synchro in terms of its' ability to shed water. Recently we were hit with a 6" rainfall and I was TOTALLY dry underneath. No other softshell I previously owned could do this.

If you are looking for a softshell that is versatile, functional, and well build this is the jacket for you. I love this jacket and would buy it again regardless of the price.

Understand ANY lightweight softshell is limited in warming because you give up insulation for weight and fit. You can always layer or wear another jacket, besides there is no single jacket that is perfect for ALL conditions.

This jacket is misrepresented. It is waterproof and seam taped, which makes it a hardshell, however, they label it as a softshell because it's slightly stretchy. It's not nearly as breathable as most, it's ridiculously short, and doesn't have a hood . The waterproofness seems like a bit of a gimmick, as it doesn't have a hood, and thus if you're climbing and get caught in the rain, it's not going to do much. There is a drawstring around the neck that can cinch the collar, but it's not going to stop too much water.This jacket should be used for climbing and that's about it. It's the right length to fit under a harness, but if you're backpacking, or just sitting around even, the jacket rides up above your waist and doesn't cover your whole torso. The insulation is also very light, so don't count on it as a winter softshell, or even a fleece replacement. It actually is designed quite well for layering and I can layer a 200-weight fleece underneath it without any constriction of movement. If you need a jacket for climbing, take a look at it, otherwise, look elsewhere. I'm 5'9" 140lbs, the small fits perfectly except for the length. It's also lighter than the weight BC lists.

This jacket is a do-all softshell. Very breathable, waterproof with taped seams and a stretch fabric that allows you to be active. The length is fairly short though and some may not like that aspect. Has been durable for the short time that I have owned it.

This jacket is by far the best softshell i have ever owned. Not only is it quite warm and windproof, but it is quite waterproof. I was outside yesterday in a snowstorm it was perfect. My only comment about the design is that it is a little short, but it is also designed to work in conjunction with a climbing harness. I own the orange, and it is not too bright, it has a nice darker tint to it, and the color of the logos is a nice deep navy/dark grey color. I will post another review once I ski with it.

This jacket is by far the best softshell i have ever owned. Not only is it quite warm and windproof, but it is quite waterproof. I was outside yesterday in a snowstorm it was perfect. My only comment about the design is that it is a little short, but it is also designed to work in conjunction with a climbing harness. I own the orange, and it is not too bright, it has a nice darker tint to it, and the color of the logos is a nice deep navy/dark grey color. I will post another review once I ski with it.

Some other reviews have talked about how this jacket is high-waisted and too close-fitting, which worried me when I ordered it--I'm 5'9"/175 lbs., chiefly a runner by also a powerlifter, so I have quite a bit of upper body muscle compare the average runner, and I'm proportionally longer in the torso than I am in the legs. I tried on the Brono earlier and it was a terrible fit, way too tight in the chest and upper arms.

Well, I needn't have worried, because this thing in a medium fits like it was custom tailored for me. I can even layer with a loose, thick hoodie underneath without looking like the Michelin Man.

As many have noted, the waist is high, but even with my relatively long torso it looks fine. None of my t-shirts or middle layers stick out the bottom, at least not by enough to look strange. And I like my jackets cut a little high, since my legs are so big from squats and deadlifts, anything that covers my waist and abdomen too much makes me look egg-shaped.

It's a bit thinner and lighter than I thought it was going to be, but that's fine, I bought it more for casual wear on rainy days than anything else, although I'll probably occasionally want it for hiking and snow. It seems like it will be perfect for everything.

The color, green, looks awesome on me (I'm a redhead), a lot deeper and richer than it appears in the photo. The gray is also much darker than it appears in the photo and doesn't contrast with the rest of the jacket like the picture would make you think.

If I have one problem with the jacket it's that I usually prefer to wear shells with the collar up, but basically can't with this one because it's so long; if you try it wear the collar up with the lapels unzipped, it makes you look like Count Dracula; and if you wear it up when the jacket is zipped it makes you look like Spawn. Oh well, once again, this is a result of the fact that the jacket was designed for technical functionality over fashion--the collar is cut to keep your neck dry and the rain out when you pull the draw cord, not to make you look good. I usually wear the jacket with the collar down (often with a track jacket or fleece underneath with the collar up) and it looks perfectly fine.

I'm curious how this will handle the snow, but in my neck of the country I'll have to wait a good 7 months or so to find out.

This shell is alright. I have it and the MHW alchemy and I definitly wear the Alchemy 3-4 times more often. The cut is a little more generous, or casual, in the synchro. The Alchemy could almost be considered 'slim-fit'. Biggest advantage the alchemy has is Gore windstopper. It is warmer, but a little less breathable.

This jacket is extremely versatile. I have worn this jacket while climbing 14ers, while snowboarding on powder days and groomed days, during the rain, and during the moderate fall breezy days. Bottom line: This jacket works for almost any condition. It is extremely breathable and has certainly replaced my MH Windstopper Tech as my "go to" jacket. At $100 this jacket is well worth it and extremely durable. Did I mention that it works great during Mardi Gras?

wear a large but this size is liitle closer than i usaully wear but works great im 5'10 and 177lbs and kinda broad shoulders but im good works excellent as a layer as i use under my ski jacket

I have last year's jacket. It is both water proof and wind proof--tested at Whistler last year during wet , heavy snow fall. Subjected to these conditions for more than 4 hours, outside of this jacket looked like someone dumped buckets of water on me. Yet on the inside I was warm and dry. It offers minimal insulation, but with a microfleece like Arc Delta LT you will be fine, almost no matter what the weather is.

Amazing jacket - light, sheds water like an otter and excellent in the wind. Pair it with a Rho AR or a Delta LT and you're pretty much unstoppable in all the but coldest weather. 6Ft 160 - Large is the perfect fit. Have had a bunch of Arcs and other MHs as well, this one is my favorite hands down.

I bought this jacket when it was first introduced I believe in either '06 or '07. I climb ice in the NE and this jacket has stood up to some serious abuse with no rips or tears. I used to destroy a Mountain Light jacket every season by catching it on things and having it just come apart. My synchro has been abused just as hard and simply won't give. My only regret is not buying the hooded version when it was available. Otherwise it's all positive. I have yet to retreat it for waterproofness so now after long hours in the snow the shoulders will start to soak. This only started two seasons ago which is pretty good given the abuse. It's not saved for just climbing as it works well in a multitude of situations. I am 5'11" 220# and the xl fits very well. This is one of the first products I have ever reviewed, mostly because of the lifespan this thing has had.

I love this softshell. The only slightly annoying aspect is that there's now a cinch on the cuffs. Other than that, this is the perfect waterproof softshell. I use it primariily for a shell alternative during rainy hikes and skiing.

Bought this jacket with the hope of wearing it on bluebird days & casual around town use as well. With a couple of thin polypro base layers I was pleasantly surprised to stay warm & dry while skiing w/temps in the mid teens. It isn't real long and it lacks a powder skirt so it's possible for powder shots to get you. Otherwise it's an incredible, light and flexible ski coat. I haven't worn my North Face jacket since picking up the Synchro.
It's also perfect for handling the rain on a typical 45F soggy & murky Seattle winter day.

this softshell is awesome. its light, breathable, and water repellent! but please note that its pretty form fitting and not meant to be worn with thick under layers. not 5 stars only because it does not have pit zips or vents.

I was given this jacket in December of 2005. I have used it skiing, hiking, snow shoeing, biking, camping, walking, and commuting to school. I have never felt rain or snow pentrate the conduit soft shell. The hand pockets are huge, the neck pull seals out the cold along with the hem drawcord. The cuffs have a fleece lining on the inside, which seals out the cold as well.
You will use this jacket all year round and not regret it.

Side note: This year's version they changed the seam seal tape on the outside and I personally don't like it as much as my model. It is some nut/bolt pattern throw back. Not a huge deal, but if I am paying almost 200 bucks for jacket, then I want to like how it looks as well.

I usually wear a medium and that is at times a bit large. But this jacket was tight, so I went to a large size.

Wonderfully made product. Hard to find anything to complain about (except maybe more room in the armpit area). With a fleece sweater and this jacket, only my ears got cold on a sub 30 and windy day.

Very happy with this purchase

This is a great jacket. It has a perfect athletic fit and is warm for its light weight. I am 6ft and a muscular 230 and an XL is perfect, not too short at all. For reference I have a TNF Apex Bionic XL which is definitely a beiger fit, longer in the hem and arms and roomier. I actually wish the Apex fit like the Synchro.

Love this mountain hardware soft shell jacket. It's omfortable and quite light weight. I use it for skiing, mountaineering, and just hanging out. Handy cell phone pocket in the chest. Keeps you warm and dry.