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Mountain Hardwear Backcountry Recon Parka - Men's - 2006
The Mountain Hardwear Backcountry Recon Jacket is as light as Rockies powder, but as tough as Cascade cement. The superlight Underarm zips afford your body crucial ventilation as you set the bootpack or skin track first thing in the morning. One-handed hood and hem drawcords facilitate on-the-fly adjustments. Reinforced, inset sides and underarms reduce bulk and add to the garment's durability. The micro-chamois lined chin makes a cold chair ride more bearable, while micro-tape construction ensures the Recon's merciless repulsion of moisture.
Bottom Line: For mere reconnaissance or all-out combat, the Recon ensures your passage through the backcountry is bone-dry.
The jacket was great! Took on a summit attempt on Mt. Rainier and it was perfect for cold, windy and wet conditions. Super light, plenty of storage, good breathability.
Really light for a 3-layer membrane jacket, and has a great fit. Its a bit taller for its size than a lot of other shells, which is a major plus for those of us with tall torsos. I've used it throughout the four seasons backpacking and skiing and it has yet to disappoint. Not quite the most breathable jacket I've used, but for the price it's hard to beat.
i have a mnt hardwear conduit softshell that is last years line of rain jackets it is red and black with grey and poka dot black tape seams. can you tell me the closest jacket line to this jacket or where i might be able to find another one?
It is called the Manticore Jacket and the closest thing in the line to it now is the Hooded Synchro Jacket. Hope this helps!``````````````````````I was re-reading my answer and realized that the closest thing to a Manticore Jacket in the line this year is the "Kramer" Jacket! Check that one out for sure!
The recon has dealt with everything the Adirondacks have thrown at it in spring, summer and fall, including -15F and snow. I compare it favorably to other 3-ply Gore-Tex parkas Ive owned from TNF and MH. It's light enough to carry in your backpack all year long. The two side pockets are a nuisance sometimes, but its a weight/cost tradeoff I guess.
At the top of the main zipper, there is a flap on the inside of the jacket right where your chin would contact the zipper that has a very light -sorta like synthetic chamois- patch to protect your chin from the zipper in cold weather. Hope this answers your question.
Most of my time outdoors is spent rock climbing, hiking, and camping. This shell has proven itself worthy on all of these activities. The reinforced shoulders are a must for hiking when you've got a heavy pack on. I've spent all day outside in a cold, windy, raining campsite and this jacket kept me dry and warm. I've done some chimney climbs in this jacket, and not only did I have complete freedom of movement, but the shell doesn't have a scratch on it. Here is a bomb-proof way to layer that works well for me down to about 15F: Patagonia midweight long sleeve, Mountain Hardwear Windstopper tech fleece, and top it off with the Recon Parka.
I love the brand. My disappointment came from realizing the jacket wasn't constructed with higher priced GOR-TEX fabric. Of course, it's half the price. It is also fully comparable, extremely light-weight, and finally, well designed. I've stayed dry is several downpours, and look forward to the jacket becoming my main winter jacket. The light-weight makes it extremely good for layering.
The jacket is long, 2 interior pockets, 3 exterior pockets, good venting, roll-up hood, and soft material around the chin-zip. A nice addition would be a sleeve pocket.
If you can get this jacket, do it. You will not be sorry. If you want to spend twice the price for GORTEX, you can do that as well. But, I do not think you'll get a better jacket.
Got to wear this last weekend on a snowshoe/climb up on Mt. Hood to about 9100 foot level. This jacket did well in an ever-changing environment. Stayed cool due to pit zips and construction and yet warm when as needed from wind and cold. One complaint/concern is the zipper can be difficult to operate. You really need to have things lined up well to operate easily. This seems to be a common complaint with Mountain Hardwear products. Over all happy with product.
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