We offer Free Shipping on orders over $50 shipped within the contiguous United States...that's the lower 48 to you and me. If your order is received before 5 PM Eastern Standard Time, we will make every effort to get it out the same day. Make sure to take Free Shipping into account when comparing prices.
Free Shipping (Economy) must be selected inside the shopping cart.
We guarantee complete satisfaction and an unlimited lifetime warranty. If at any time - now, next month, in 30 years - you're not 100% satisfied, send your gear back for a full refund. No questions asked. Need help returning an item? - Click Hereclose
Due to contracts with the following brands, we are unable to ship any of their products outside the US.
more...
Int'l Shipping
Backcountry.com uses UPS Worldwide Express or Worldwide Expedited
for all shipping outside the United States. We have found this method to be quick,
secure, and cost effective.
When Mountain Hardwear introduced the Men’s WindStopper Tech Jacket, it was revolutionary. This was one of the first softshells—one of the leaders of the revolution. Thanks to get-it-right-the-first-time design, the WindStopper Tech has remained virtually unchanged.
100% Windproof, very breathable WindStopper microfleece fabric blocks gusts and lets ecess heat escape
Can be used as a windproof, water-resistant shell or as mid-layer insulation
Taslan reinforcement shoulders and elbows resist abrasion
Underarm zips for ventilation
Front pockets are placed high so they can be used with a pack's hip belt or with a harness
Bottom Line: Surviving the revolution to become a classic.
This jacket actually lives up to its name because it does block the wind. I have worn the jacket on it's own and as a layer and it performs in all aspects. On top of that, it is a great looking jacket.
This is one piece of gear that actually lives up to the hype. They are expensive but in my opinion are worth every penny and you will appreciate the quality next time you are out in the woods or trail.
So you read the reviews, right? You may just think that every single one of the people who have decided to review are hardcore gear heads with too much time on their hands... maybe they are, at least I thought that. I mean, I read the reviews for this jacket, and needless to say, I still felt the jacket and/or it's raters were an anomaly at the very least, I would not have ever expected such a product to exist that was as great as people say it is. Well it is great, and it does exist. MHW takes this jacket to a level not yet reached by other outdoor companies, but this is my opinion so interpret it how you wish. Never would I have foreseen my writing this review, strictly because of the time it would consume, but I must bow down to the superiority of this jacket and indulge you with a brief and colorful synopsis of why I've found it to be such a marvelous piece of equipment. I work outside in Louisville, KY and the weather here is pretty fair year round. Winter avg. temp. is 25-30 F with gusts of 10-15 mph winds due to our location on the Ohio River Valley, like I said...fair. I do not get cold very easily when active outside, albeit, who usually does? With this jacket on, due to it's incredible windstopping, all I need is a long sleeve t-shirt underneath and I am Golden. Never has wind been blocked with such tenacity, and to further test this jacket, I rode with all my windows down in my Subaru when it was 20 F outside for a good 30 miles without once feeling any unusual cold holes in this jacket. MHW has amazed me, there is no other word that can describe any more eloquently a jacket such as this. This has been my two-cents, so it is with my continued slack jawed amazement I shall adorn my back once more with this jacket to go and confidently brave the breezy ville.
Not that this jacket needs one more glowing endorsement but here it is! I ordered this in black which admittedly makes it hard to see in the photos but it looks HOT! This is the gift that will make me Christmas king!
Not that this jacket needs one more glowing endorsement but here it is! I ordered this in black which admittedly makes it hard to see in the photos but it looks HOT! This is the gift that will make me Christmas king!
anyone from Mountain Hardware can explain this lapse in judgment? Why is this jacket not offered in womens cut and size? I tried on small but it fits too bulky. MH is not a cottage manufacturer, so tweaking the production line and spending some little $ on developing a women's cut shouldn't be a problem... I just completely don't understand this logic-this is one of your BEST products! Can someone from MH answer this question? even better yet, send an email to your Product Develop. Team and cc President that your hard core women customer base is quite put out by this. Please don't suggest any "similar" jackets in the womens product line. We want exact fabric, construction, quality with only one difference - womens cut and sizes. We don't want any "lady adapted" substitutes or funky pastel colors or other bells and whistles. just same product - our size.
Jon, thank you for your reply. Style and colors is marketing. Quality is quality. You can make this jacket to fit a woman better and employ different fabric colors, and market it to women specifically. I really doubt that women will not appreciate the same quality and materials. Who is your target market? it seems to me this is a bit more technical jacket then others. are you marketing it to mainstream or for outdoors people? Because as i look at it now, your fleece market line doesn't have a single high altitude extreme conditions fleece for women. I think there could be a style or a fit reason why women didn't the previous version. Think about it. They are plenty of successful precedents in other brands. First one to come to mind is North face Denali jacket, your closest competitor for this type of garment. Doesn't seem they are doing anything extremely different than mens except for colors and more feminine fit/sizing. Other examples: Patagonia Micro puff line, Montbell UL Down, Arcteryx - to name a few. these garments come in both mens and womens version. if your jacket is extremely succussful with men there should be no reason why it cannot be successful with women. I don't think the solution to this issue is to discontinue, but to rethink your marketing strategy, and perhaps redesign this product a little however keep the core quality intact: same technical specifications, same function. Alright, i take this back about style and color. you can tweak the style a little, make it more feminine cut, different color lines, more attractive to your customers. Just give us same quality, same materials, same performance. Other brands including yours have been doing this for years.
well not really an answer, but I have the women's windstopper tech and it is a great jacket. My guy friend has one too. Matching is ok with me. But I would like to replace it with another one because I bought the last version to come out and my jacket is getting old and the pit zip broke because it is so old and I wear it for 3 seasons. what women's replacement is there?
Elana. Good comments for sure and this debate we have often especially around our best selling products. We do actually make the same products for men and women in some parts of our product line (see Monkey Man/Monkey Woman, Mens and Womans Syncronicity Jacket, and Sub Zero SL Hooded jackets) but for the most part when we make woman's products that are exactly like the mens... no women buy them! The first couple of years I worked with Hardwear ('03-'04) we made a Woman's Windstopper Tech Jacket that was exactly like the mens. Why did we stop making it? No one bought them! Sales declined and then it was gone. It seems as though a majority of women want more women specific styles and colors... not a smaller version of the mens and we have the sales to prove it. Now, you may be an exception, there is always and exception, but for the most part women want their own specific styles and colors and this has been proven to us over and over again year after year. Thanks again for the comments and I will pass them on to the designers and product development folks. And the debate continues...
I just wore this for the first time this morning walking through midtown Manhattan: 20 degrees + 27 winds = 6 with the wind chill and I didn't feel the slightest hint of a breeze through this. I'm 5-9, 175 athletic build and the large fits great. It's incredibly light but clearly does the job. For the functionality, looks, and awesome price (currently $130 on BC) it's a no-brainer.
I haven't worn my Denali since I got this jacket. Not as thick and heavy as the Denali, and it's actually windproof. Superb design! Material on shoulders are durable and can withstand abrasion from backpack straps. Side pockets are placed higher so that they can accessed over backpack's hip belt. I normally wear XL, but opted for XXL, fit's a little loose, but great for layering. Even loose, the cut and design is very flattering. Don't let the weight and lack of thickness full you, this is will keep you warm over the thick Denali.
I think a medium would be to small for you. I am 5'9" and 155 and I wear a medium and it fits perfect. I would go with a large... especially considering your height. Since you are skinny you will have room around your chest but you will be more comfortable with the length. Hope this helps!
I'd go with the medium. I'm 6'3 180 and have the MHW in a medium and it does just fine, although a touch short in the sleeves, but not much. The large would be like an expensive trash bag on you!
I've had my windstopper tech for 3 years now and everytime I put it on, I fall in love all over again. This jacket has a great cut that fits in all the right places (I'm 5'9", 145). After watching all the trendy folks walk by in their TNF Denalis in the cold Wisconsin winter, I breeze by them on my bike without so much as a hint of the biting wind. There are some complaints about the pockets, but they're great to have when you're in the harness. They can even handle a nalgene, even though it's awkward. I highly recommend this jacket to all of my friends who are thinking about a fleece. Yes, it's a bit more pricey than the denali, but isn't the better quality, greater warmth, and not looking like a tool worth it?
Pros - -Excellent wind-stopping ability -Good, athletic fit -Soft material
Cons - -Pockets are high cut, a little uncomfortable -Obnoxious chest logo -External chest pocket is awkward. I wish the Napoleon pocket was on the outside. -Not nearly as warm as some reviewers suggest. Keeps out the wind, but isn't super-insulative. -Neck could be a litle tighter. I have a big neck relative to the rest of my body. Even so, when fully zipped up, the collar still isn't snug against my skin.
Overall, a recommended jacket, with a few acceptable drawbacks.
I was looking for a jacket that was warm enough for winter hiking and had good weather resistance and breathability. I bought the WindStopper Tech because of the great reviews. The jacket is very warm and well-constructed. Unfortunately, I found the cut of the jacket to be too loose (men's size small). A men's small in the North Face, Arc'teryx, Marmot and other Mountain Hardwear products fits perfectly, but the WindStopper Tech seems about 2" too long in the front and has way too much room around the waist. Not sure how this translates to the other sizes. I tried a Mountain Hardwear Link jacket which fit much better.
I would think you would would want to order the XXL. These jackets fit true to size in my opinion and with the pull tabs I would go with the larger size.
I've had this fleece for 7 years. It's seen everything from Killington ice to Ithaca sleet to high-elevation hikes in Ecuador to snow downpour in Colorado. It's sylish, it compacts well. It's essentially the perfect layering tool. Buy a breathable, waterproof, light shell for when it really rains or snows and you'll be perfect. I usually don't even put on a shell when I ski - it keeps moisture out quite well on its own. It really is wonderful and worth every dollar. When my old one dies (hopefully never) I'll buy another.
The sizing is really strange. I tried to make this work, I'm 6'0"/165 lbs, and I fit well into a Medium with Patagonia, TNF, and Marmot. With this, I tried a Medium and it was too tight in the chest, shoulders and sleeves; I tried a Large, and it was great in the shoulders and sleeves, but cut for a gigantic belly. Too much room for layering, I just looked ridiculous.
I've had this jacket for nearly 7 years and it is still in great shape. And I wear it more than anyother jacket combined. light and thin yet somehow adapts to all sorts of temps. I wear it on cool nights while camping during the summer and it is also warm enough to walk to the bar in upstate NY when it is 15 degrees and the wind is blowing off the hudson. I have a crew of friends and we argue over gear constantly but everyone seems to agree this is an amazing jacket on its own or for layering while skiing. We look like a walking MH add when 6 of us go to the bar and we all have the same jacket.
I have this MH vest and like it a lot. It works very, very well, and I've been very impressed by it. The Windstopper fabric works quite well. This MH Windstopper jacket worked very well for me in extremely cold, windy, and just-a-little wet conditions in Oklahoma. It was quite warm with a capilene 3 layer beneath it. It also worked well for me in merely cold conditions in Colorado and Eastern Utah (temps in the 20s and 30s). However, I returned the jacket after a few weeks. My only nit-picky issues were 1) the pockets were a little funky, and my cell phone and wallet kept falling out (ie, there was no "space" or "lip" between the zipper and the back of the pocket); and 2) the color of the jacket (on-sale for a very good Backcountry.com price) was the exact same color as my MH vest. Yes, these are both extremely minor issues. Nevertheless, I returned it. Honestly, I will probably buy it again, but only after they fix the pockets. And when the black jacket goes on sale. It gets five stars, except for the pockets. Highest marks to MH.
First of all, I am always right inbetween a small and medium when it comes to any jacket I went with a medium and as soon as I put it on I was ready to ship it back for a small. But, after adjusting the side cords it fit nice and snug I especially like the high armpits that make it easy to layer over without bulking. The vents work perfect for cardio on a cold morning and when I zip everything up the heat stays in and the wind stays out. It looks stylish enough to wear to class, and it is rugged enough to take up a mountain (the exact description of any piece of cloth worth buying in my opinion.)
Any MHW jacket with windstopper, you can count on. I personally prefer the Windstopper technology to the Windwall by TNF, but that is the key to warmth. Very superior to any fleece without wind protection. This jacket can be used as a insulator or outerwear.
Obviously very popular with all the reviews. Got mine cheap from a garage sale because it had a singe on the back. It's my primary jacket when I'm not worried about dampness. I've had it in winds up to 75mph and never had a complaint. The pit zips make it extremely versatile. The movement is fantastic in the arms.My only complaint is on my 6'2" 145lb frame my medium a tish short in the torso. I've had my belly exposed a few times when having to reach for a hold.
Medium. I'm 5'7, 163 and wear a large mountain hardware alchemy soft shell. fits great. for you, medium would likely work well and would give you freedom to layer underneath it. you don't want a supertight technical jacket. Also depends on your bodytype. I workout almost daily and need the extra room for my chest and back. If you're real skinny, it might not be as much of an issue.
I got this jacket for Christmas. I wanted a new midlayer that was less bulky than the Mountain Hardware Monkey Man fleece. This fit my requirements perfectly. I can wear this as an outer layer on cool days, or a mid-layer when it is colder. I have found that if it is 27 degrees or warmer i wear this for a mid-layer and any colder i wear the Monkey Man fleece. The other benefit to this jacket is it looks good! I have worn it to work many times when it isn't too cold out. It is a really versatile jacket.
I own 3 of them now, different colours. This is the best jacket I own. The cut fleese is great, fits loose enough around the shoulders, vip pit vents are great when you start to over heat. When it gets really chilly, I put a hoody on under and with the wind kept out, am warm as toast. Has lots of pockets for your "stuff". My oldest jacket has been worn for over two years now and still isn't showing any wear. Can't say enough positives about this jacket. When the weather doesn't call for the jacket, it is always curled up in my pack in case the weather takes a turn.
I've had this jacket for over a year now and I'll have to say that it's by far my favorite jacket. It's light weight and yet warmer than any fleece jacket I've ever owned. I take it on all of my hiking and camping trips and it's been through it all. I've snagged it on trees and rocks when climbing or breaking brush and it has yet to tear or rip unlike my past cheap fleeces...not that it can't happen..we shall see! Although like all other fleeces it's definitely not fire proof! I've got several spots where the campfire popped and threw sparks on my fleece burning little indentions into the fleece. Interesting enough though, this fleece has yet to get a hole burned all the way through....maybe I've been lucky. Mountain Hardwear is true to its name by far!! Great Product! Plus with everyone from their mama and daddy wearing North Face it's nice to have something different. It separates the men from the boys!!
I had this jacket about 4 years ago, until someone hijacked it from me. This was, and still is, one of the best all-around pieces I've ever owned. Efficient at cutting the wind, durable, and (for me) very warm. This is one of MH's first pieces and looks as though it has stayed relatively unchanged. Where else on backcountry.com have you seen something that has 130 reviews and still has 5 stars??? It's for a reason. When I have some extra cash I'll get one again.
What size? 6'1" 185. I am on the fence between an XL and L. I am worried about the L being to short at the belt level. The arm length is perfect. Thanks for your help!
I am close to your size (6'2" and 200), and the XL was so big on me it made the jacket look bad. As someone else mentioned, if you plan on layering underneath, you may want that. I don't plan on layering underneath because the climate I live doesn't really lend itself to extremely cold weather...so I went with the L and it fits great.
Thanks Jon! The problem is I have several other windstopper style jackets from Marmot, TNF, Arctaryx- in an XL and they all fit different. This jacket is so much lighter and has pit-z-pits and people give it awesome reviews! So, before I pull the trigger and buy one, I thought i'd throw it out to the crowd and see what they thought. Thanks for the help! -baseballness21
Depends how you want to wear the jacket. A large might fit better underneath layers... the XL could be better for all purpose use with layers underneath. Hope this helps!
This jacket works fabulously for both casual wear and active wear, although I wouldn't suggest it in temperatures below freezing - unless as an under layer. The Windstopper fabric lives up to its name, and I even noticed much more water resistance than I had anticipated. Well worth every penny!
I am 5'9" and a lean 165 lbs, and I got this jacket in a size M in cocobolo after seeing it in person in stores and reading all the glowing online reviews. Since I bought it this spring I've worn it in temperatures ranging from the high 30s to the mid 70s (yes, with the pit zips it wasn't even too uncomfortable), in high winds and light-to-medium rain and hail. It has performed admirably in all conditions, and I suspect it will also remain usable even in Minnesota falls and winters, with a little layering. The smooth tech lining guarantees that layering underneath the jacket will not be as big a pain as it can be with some fleeces. It has been especially nice to wear while boating, when high speeds and cold pockets over the water would otherwise make moderate temperatures rather uncomfortable. My only complaint is that with the way the pockets sit on the jacket, the design actually kind of emphasizes the gut region in not the most flattering way. It would be nice if the pockets were in the same color as the non-black part of the fleece, to minimize the triangle-gut effect. But that's a minor quibble over a jacket that is for function and not for fashion.
I have been wanting a Mountain Hardwear fleece for a number of years now and I just got it! It was certainly not a disapointment. This is the best fleece I have ever owned! I thought that it might be to thin to keep me warm, but this fleece proved me wrong. I put it on today and it was about 25 degrees outside with blowing snow. It kept me warm by itself and is completly windproof! I am 6'-0" tall and the medium fits perfectly. I would highly recomend this fleece!
My girlfriends brother is a real gear head. Spends hour after hour of researching online and word of mouth before any purchase. Saw him with this coat he anxiously showed it to me me. I laughed. Very light weight. Didn't think it would be the best coat I have ever owned. I was wrong. Wear it on weeklong snow-shoeing treks with a tech wick under it. PERFECT. Wear it around town. Never been cold. Wear it in the spring as a windbreaker. Pit zips if you get hot. Nice high neck, Perfect fit for layering over or under. If you going to buy one essential piece this is it.
What size should I order. I am 5'10" 170lbs. I want to layer his under a MH Escape shell. FYI I have a TNF bionic medium which I find runs large, too much material around the waist.
I am 5'9''/190 with broad shoulders, I chose the large for mobility, the medium didn't quite fit my shoulders, since MH has an athletic cut, it didn't get too boxy on the bottom, length was perfect.
I am 5'9" and 165 lbs and the medium fits me very well... but I have narrowish shoulders and a comparatively slender upper body. If you are broad-shouldered and carry more of your weight in your upper body, I might suggest going for a L, but if you are on the slender side a M will probably work for you.
If you want "soft and comfy" or heavy fleece - don't get this jacket. If you want a useful 'tech' wind-stopper shell, this is your best bet.
Yes, I did find the sizing a little strange, as some people mentioned. I had to trade for a size up-- M was too tight. L was fine, but slightly awkward fitting.
Jacket is definitely windproof but not very insulating. I'm 6ft 215 lbs. and a Large fits me good (not too big; just enough room for a mid-layer underneath). Jacket appears to be very durable. So far, the best fleece I own.
I bought this for my husband and he doesnt want to take it off. We live in the UK and it is cold and windy, and the jacket looks smart and does the job extremely perfect. Excellent jacket
I've used this jacket climbing, backpacking / winter camping, and skiing, and it really is excellent for all purposes. Amazingly warm for it's weight, it excels as an outer layer while moving or resting, and works equally well under a shell for nasty weather or skiing. It blocks wind very well, and is easy to vent out (thanks to the pit zips) when working hard. Plus, it packs up nice and small (for a fleece). I'd say the only downside is that it picks up cat hair pretty quick, but I guess it adds to the warmth...
I bought this jacket for cold Michigan weather and I haven't needed anything else so far. The Gore Windstopper works great and the high collar is awesome for those extra cold days. It fits a little short which works well for aerobic activities like nordic skiing or hiking.
Yes and no... I came upon your site while searching google for the best fleece on market.... and there you were. Even though I was not looking for clothing I spent quite some time reading about your products especially this jacket...I was pretty impressed with the testimonials to how great it is... Anyway does your company manufature this type of fleece....basically where can I buy it wholesale ?Dima
First of all, no one at Mountain Hardwear ever sees this. To answer your question, Gore-tex makes Windstopper fleece, and right now they sell it to a bunch of major companies like Burton, MH, Marmot, North Face, etc. They're highly unlikely to sell it wholesale to an individual buyer, but either way you have to contact them directly.-------------------------------I am from Mountain Hardwear... and I see every question and answer that comes across this site for my products. This is a phenomenal fleece and one of our best sellers. Unfortunately, we do not sell wholesale to induviduals. Contact Mountain Hardwear directly if you have any other questions.
I've had this coat for about 5 years now and its still looks good. The coat it self is awsome its just a little bit short on me. I'm about 6 feet tall and some of my shirts hang bellow it. The coat itself is sound though
you know what it does really well? block wind. i love the jacket, looks cool and it's comfortable. this microfleece material seems to attract hair and fuzz more than other fleece products i own, so if you have a shedding dog you may want to pick your jacket color according to what will blend well with your dogs hair color. i have the black jacket and a yellow lab, not a good mix. definitely invested in a lint roller. i'm 5'11 about 160lbs. and the medium fits me well. could be a little tighter but i'm pretty slender, so... conclusively, this jacket does exactly what it's supposed to do, and i love it.
I just bought this MH Windstopper. I also have a TNF Pamir Windstopper jacket.
After wearing both of them, I'd like to offer some of my comparison:
Material: MH uses much better materials than TNF. The materials are tighter, lighter, less bulky. Style: MH looks better but TNF is great as well. Construction: TNF has better proportion than MH. TNF's zipper seems smoother as well. MH's sleeve is about 1.5 inches too long and jacket is 1 inch too short. Plus the size around chest is a little too tight. All this is compared for the same size. Mine is "L". Warmth: A mystery on all the reader comments. My experiences are that all Windstopper jacket is great for sport, for people on the move and for temperature above 40F. But if you want a jacket to keep you warm while you are not moving around, like studing, watching TV, or reading, then you really should buy a heavy jacket like TNF Denali. I bought one for my brother and tried it for a half day. It is really warm. Or one can wear an outer jacket over the Windstopper. I use my TNF Gore-Tex jacket to keep cold air out. Windstopper: Both are good. None will stand freezing wind (You will still feel the cold but less wind). Saying one can use Windstopper Jacket in freezing weather is an absolutely false statement. You really need an outer jacket.
As I am writing this, I wear MH indoor. I love the jacket. But fair comparison is a fair comparison. I hope this writing help future buyers.
At this price point, I doubt you'll find a better jacket. All the other reviewers have pretty much said everything that needs to be said. Top quality design, construction and performance. Super warm, comfortable, and a great looking "old school" soft shell. No space shuttle uniforms here, just high end performance.
The Mountain Hardwear Windstopper Tech's virtues have been enumerated endlessly, so here's a few I've noticed: The jacket is not lined with fleece so it slides on and off easily. It's great for layering. It's really lightweight and not too hot, so it's good for spring. I like the Carbon color, as it's close to a Loden green. The sapphire is also very good. The pitzips are a very nice feature. All in all, it is a very desirable jacket.
I searched on the internet to find one on sale for over 2 months. Daily. Obsessively. Couldn't do it. There's a good reason they never go on sale. This product actually works as advertised-not of it's hype. I stay comfortably warm in class, then do a freezing blitz on my bike and I'm warm. It is a lot less bulky, too. I couldn't be happer with it. Kritios Boy is warm now. P.S. It looks really, really cool.
After I got this jacket I was first of all suprised how warm it is. It is fairly thin and a hoody underneath this can seriously take on just about everything the Chicago winter can throw at you. Windproof at 50mph in a boat fishing in Wisconsin and cozy by the fire afterwards. I love this jacket and it is the first one out of my closet on a windy day 4sure....
I bought this jacket about 4 years ago and it still has another 10 left in it. I have worn pretty much every day from November to March every year. The Windstopper makes it suitable for about any condition. Also, the new Mountain Hardwear Windstopper Techs have a much softer Windstopper lining than mine!
The ability to keep out the wind is pretty amazingit works very well. The seams and multiple materials felt a bit odd when I first put it on, but having worn it about to do "break in" for a day or two it's very comfortable. Its warm enough for anything short of long stints in freezing or near freezing temperatures.
I'd recommend a medium - this jacket runs a little short in torso length, but the sleeves are plenty long. A small fits me snug everywhere and I am 5'8" 150-155lbs. The medium is a bit more loose around the mid-section, but the torso length is better for me. Hope that helps a little.
I could not have asked for a better light weight jacket. Every other fleece I own the wind cuts right through, but this has been great! Some wind gets through the zippers, but if you are biking or running it feels nice. Weighs practically nothing and packs down great. I am just over 6' 1" and bought the large and it fits perfect. Even the sleeves are long enough so I didn't need to go up to an XL. This jacket has so many uses I hardly ever leave home with out it.
Another fantastic product from Mountain Hardwear....impeccable quality and extremely functional. For times when Moutain Hardware's Windstopper vest is just not enough. For being rather short, stocky and athletic build (5'-8"...190 w/ broad shoulders), the large fit me perfectly in width and length (including sleeves which is rare). I'm a recent Moutain Hardwear convert and I have to say their reputation for quality is well desired. In my humble opinion I believe their products surpass any other performance based outdoor apparel on the market.
This is a great jacket! Mountain Hardware has outdone themselves with this one. I'm an avid backpacker and an amateur rock climber. This jacket works wonders as a light mid-layer. The only downside to this one is it's not too warm. But, the simple fact that i stuck my arm out the window at 80 mph and no wind came in on me makes up for it tenfold. Absolutely a great choice for your backwood romps.
I've worn this for the past 10 years (2 jackets and one vest). Breathes better than anything out there, cools and vents better than anything out there. Rugged and holds together better than anything out there....give it 6 stars.
I agree with comments that this coat is not as warm as straight fleece. However, it is durable, and a great layer when working hard in cold weather. Definitely blocks wind, and zip up collar keeps your warm too. Don't think of it as water repellent, think of it as snow repellent -- if you're not too hot. In anything but a very light sprinkle, I switch to raingear or hard shell.
Warm and comfortable on summit of Mt Adams with wind temp in teens - a great top layer. A bit over-featured in my humble opinion and should come with an instruction manual. A bit difficult to secure/adjust in the dark, in windy conditions and with gloved hands.
I am 5'10", and weigh 185 with an athletic build. I am worried the large will be a little tight, as I have wide shoulders. I am also worried the XL will be to bulky for layering. Any suggestions?
Great addition to my climbing wardrobe. Wore under light wind-breaker parka layer on Mt Adams, moderate winds, chill temp about 15. Plenty warm and dry both while climbing and while stopped at the top.
Everyone knows and loves The North Face Denali Fleece but this is just a step above. Takes everything great about that classic but improves it by using lighter weight fleece, wind stopping membrane between them, and making it into a nice light technical package that is so comfortable you wear it everywhere. This is my goto hiking/backpacking jacket, and I even wear it to work most days. If it's between 30 and 60 degrees this is the jacket I grab.
and it still looks and feels like new. As my spring ski soft wind shell I've never had anything that came close, even my all-time fav Obermeyer. The ruggedness is top-shelf, and plenty of pockets. I'll wear a membrane shell over it for the wet stuff, but as you can see in the pic, it shreds in red!!! The cut in XL fits my 6'2", 200 lb. frame well, good length, also serves as an insulator in January zero conditions under my heavy parka. Love the fleece neck when it is zipped up. I'll prolly let them bury me in it.
I've had the first one for years and used it for everything from skiiing to mountaineering to ocean kayak fishing (lots of salt water exposure). It still looks and functions as good as new. Great fit, great look, great function. The problem is that my high school daughter appropriated the jacket. She now uses it for snowboarding, keeping warm on the sideline during fall soccer and even just wearing to school. I just went out and bought my own since she's taken ownership of the original. Hope my wife doesn't latch on to this one or I'll be on my third.
The best fitting jacket I've ever owned. Remarkable abrasion resistence combined with decent breathability, even when moving fast. The extra long pit zips are a major plus and really help push the comfort range. Form-fitted athletic cut is superior to any other garmet I've worn. Windstopper fabric helps save on convective heat loss. This jacket is warmer overall than my 300 weight fleece and much lighter. Tempereature range can be pushed much lower with a thin underlayer. Also, this jacket has style! If you're going to pay designer prices, may as well get an indestuctable jacket with function and a lifetime warranty.
I have had this jacket for over four years and I LOVE it. I really wear it all year round and have never had a more versatile jacket. I stood in the pouring rain the first day I had it for two hours and was fine (though you need to renew that over time). Now I am without a Gore-Tex shell but don't care and just ski in this all the time! You do need some extra insulation when it's below 40F though. But, the Windstopper is magic, I wish I'd had it when I was in college in MN!
This is a Windstopper Fleece jacket with black reinforcements. The Alchemy Jacket is a Windstopper Softshell with a about a 50 weight fleece back. Hope this helps!
I love this jacket. Its extremely light and comfortable and blocks the wind to a T. It looks very cool and the pit zips are fantastic. Fits like a glove. I love Mountain Hardware. It cost more, but hey, you get what you pay for.
I love this jacket! I tend to run warm so this stops the wind, yet is not so heavy that I get overly warm. I have an older bright colored one that has held up extremely well over the years, but wanted a new black one for city use.
What an awesome jacket! Significantly warmer then my North Face Denali jacket in all conditions - wind or no wind - rain or shine - with far less weight and bulk. Tons of great features like sewn (not tied) zipper pulls. Kudos to Mountain Hardware!
While on a winter backpacking trip in the Smoky Mountains, I became frustrated at how poorly my generic fleece jacket performed under the various temperatures and precipitation changes that are typical for backpacking. After hours of being either too hot or too cold, I realized the functional beauty of the wind resistant fleece jacket.
The Windstopper Tech Jacket is great because it is so versatile. Whatever the weather, you can use layers with the jacket to fit your activity. If you get too hot, you can unzip the front. If you get really hot, you can unzip two more slots under the arms. If you are still hot, you can take the jacket off! With reinforced shoulders and forearms, this jacket was designed with active people in mind.
One of my favorite features is the number of zippered pockets. With all the stuff you have to keep handy while outdoors, it is so nice to be able to zip up your car keys or compass and not worry about it losing it. The zippers have long pulls so that zipping and unzipping is super-easy.
My only complaint is that the logo is huge.
Bottom-line: If you want a versatile and function-oriented jacket, the Windstopper Tech Jacket is worth the money.
The windstopper jacked is the best article of clothing I have ever bought. I live in Ohio and the wind in the winter is amazing and this keeps the wind out and the heat in. It is also great to wear as a light coat. I would recommend this to anyone who will be in the wind whether in the city or on the mountain.
This jacket far exceeded my expectation for an all around fleece jacket. It provides ample cooling when the sun comes out, has excellent flexibility and durability. Highly recommended.
Every once in a while you find gear thats worth paying the extra money. The Tech Jacket is one of those items. This is a great looking, breathable, windproof, machine washable jacket you can wear anywhere. It works great as a middle layer in the colder environments, great as an outer layer in the more temperate. Great product, I have no reservations recommending it to anyone.
I purchased the WindStopper jacket as it was packed with features. Mostly I'm very happy with it as it is sylish, low bulk, virtually windproof and comfortably cut. The pit zips are a good feature but you usually need both hands to open them fully. Build quality is mostly good but let down by the fact that one of the cord locks on the waist hem cord doesn't grip/work which means you can't cinch it in when the wind picks up. Otherwise a good purchase.
This second Windstopper jacket I bought for my son. Last winter I used mine on a climb in Mexico. It was -10C (15F)and windy, I was sweating. The jacket fabric worked miracles against the stabbing cold wind, you just don't feel it, awesome! The armpit zippers helped to keep my core dry and comfortable, and do not get snagged with the cloth (a real pain on some jackets). This is my best fleece jacket, by far.
This is an awesome jacket. I'm a bit on the colder side, but it kept me nice and warm in about 30 degrees. This is now one of my favorite pieces of gear. Not only does it look cool, but it's extremely functional. There's a reason this jacket sells out rather quickly. Only complaint I can give is that it is a bit bulky for my liking, but it's still pretty light and I'll never go backpacking without it again.
This the best most rugged jacket I've owned. I don't use it for recreation but I do use it for work. The type of work I do usually destroys the outer jackets i wear. You wouldn't believe what i have put this jacket through in a year. But it is still wearable. I bought a second one just in case I'm able to destroy this one.
This jacket provides excellent protection in harsh weather, especially wind and storm. I'm very pleased with durability as well, it holds up to the weather and my expectations. If you don't believe its windproof, then simply try blowing air through the jacket. There's no way it can get through!
i'm about the same height and much heavier (180 :( ) and i need even Large is a little bigger for me. I think Medium will be perfect for you as even large is bigger than i would have like. besides, this is the kind of jacket that you want to be a little more snug for better heat retention. either way, you should have no problem wearing a shirt or even a sweater with the medium
I was looking to replace an 18-year-old, thick fleece jacket that's getting thin. I almost bought Mountain Hardwear's Monkey Man jacket, then I found this one in my color. I already had a Windstopper vest, so this was just what I wanted. Its a good jacket. Only complaint is that an additional insulating layer is necessary when its cold.
The jacket is great. The price is the best! Light, flexible jacket that totally blocks out the wind. Easy to use pit zips and pockets. Nice tailored/sport fit, but not restricting at all.
I just returned from a walk up to the crest of the Sandia Mountains. As always the wind was as dramatic as the views. My brand spankin' new Jacket from Mountain Hardwear performed perfectly. RWS
Great jacket! I have been wearing it up here in Cleveland this winter, and even on our coldest day (around 0 degrees) I was warm, with just a light layer underneath...
It lives up the windstopper part of it's name too - it has been way too windy this year, but I have stayed warm...
How does this jacket compare to the Arcteryx Maverick AR. I am looking for a lightweight jacket that is water and wind resistant for 3 season backpacking in California
The Arcteryx Maverick is barely wind-resistent but is a tad lighter than the Windstopper Tech jkt. If you want to be able to just have one jkt to shed light rain and is wind-proof get the Windstopper Tech.
Great Jacket! Windstopper, Does just that! Great under hard shell for wet conditions. Awesome on cold dry days alone. Probably not for high output activities snow shoe, X-Country, etc.
I bought this jacket for my teenage son and he was beyond happy. It is one of his prized articles of clothing and he takes extreme care of it. The quality is excellent, and the service was excellent also.
This Jacket was purchased for my 23yr old son, he had found it on line and added it to his wish list for Christmas. It replaces a similar North Face Jacket that disappeared from his college campus house this past winter. He loves it. It fits perfectly and works wonderfully. He is entirely pleased with it and so am I. It is an excellent product, thanks.
Definitely THE BEST fleece jacket I have ever owned. It is completely windproof and tremendously reduces convective heat loss. The jacket has a very convenient pocket setup, and it is obvious that MHW paid attention to every detail. The jacket came with a small cuff defect, but isn't bothersome. However, I would definitely suggest wearing a midlayer in cold conditions-the jacket is only microfleece and doesnt provide much insulation. Definitely a 5 out of 5.
This jacket is awesome! Incredible warmth, lightweight and highly wind resistant. Great attention to detail and well thought out features. Excellent Mountain Hardwear quality.
I inquired about this jacket last week and the representative that i talked to said that they should be in today or tomorrow. You now have the size i need but the sale is no longer going on. The rep gave me a promo code so where do i plug that in?
After reading the reviews on this website, I decided to buy this MH windstopper jacket. I have been hiking in very windy situations, and in short, it is worth every penny. If you are looking for a breathable windstopper jacket, buy this one.
I've owned this fleece for over 2 years and put it through almost anything that you can throw at it. It is the best fleece I have ever bought. I don't know why I wasted my money on less expensive fleeces year after year. You will not be let down by what this fleece can handle and do. INCREDIBLE!
Comment on Mike Throgmartin's photo >