Mountain Hardwear Typhoon Jacket - Men's

GREAT PROTECTION AND CONSTRUCTION. STRAIGHT FORWARD WITH NO IRRITATING FEATURES.. I LIKE THE FIT, AND THERE ARE NO SHORT TORSO CONCERNS LIKE OTHER MOUTAIN HARDWEAR JACKETS. VERY COMPRESSIBLE AND I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS...

could have not asked for anything better

I contacted Gore-Tex Customer Service to inquire about how to maintain my new Mountain Hardware Typhoon jacket. I was first asked how I intended to use the jacket. I answered that I expected to carry large climbing approach loads up to 75 pounds. I was told that PacLite, the Gore-Tex laminate used in the Typhoon jacket was never intended to be used for backpacking. I was also told that this person I contacted at Gore-Tex customer service was present during the time when PacLite was first created from demands for a waterproof-breathable jacket which could fit into a one liter water bottle. PacLite was never designed, according to the man at Gore-Tex, to be worn while carrying a backpack because the thin material would quickly fail under the pressure of a backpack's shoulder straps and hip belt. He recommended I at least consider using a Gore-Tex Performance shell but for climbing and mountaineering, that I should try to buy a Gore-Tex Pro shell.

This is a super light, very packable waterproof Gore-Tex jacket. Its pretty long too. I am 6'8" and it fits my torso better than most jackets.

LOL the whole reason I love this jacket is the double storm flaps. I've had several high-end jackets with "waterproof" zippers. Ain't no such critter fella. They are a nightmare to get sipped up with one hand--which is necessary *specifically* when belaying or cycling.

LOL the whole reason I love this jacket is double storm flaps. I've had multiple high-end jackets with "waterproof" zippers. Ain't no such critter fella. They are stiff and a nightmare to get zipped zipped with one hand--which is *precisely* what is necessary when belaying or cycling.

This jacket retails for $$$ Canadian. At that price for a lightweight jacket, I would expect a gamut of high end features. The biggest problem with this jacket is the double flap front. It seems illogical for a company like MH to sell a high end lightweight jacket without waterproof zippers. At that price, you would certainly expect it. On some old models, MH had a stiff flap over the zipper that was much more convenient than the double flap with Velcros that are quickly wearing down. Secondly, the hood could not be more poorly designed. As a rock climber and cyclist, I would expect a hood that would nicely accommodate a helmet. The problem does not lie in the size of the hood, but the overall design. The single drawcord at the back allows the helmet to be tightened around the face. However, the hood falls so far over you eyes that it is almost impossible to use as you are cycling or belaying without risking serious injuries. Why is there not another drawcord to pull the hood back from your face? Overall, I was looking at for a solid Gore-Tex Paclite jacket and I bought Mountain Hardwear because of MH’s supposedly high attention to details and quality craftsmanship. However, I should have bought Arc'teryx's Paclite jacket and gotten the quality features I would otherwise expect on Mountain Hardwear products.

I have had this jacket for about a month and have worn it in the rain and while hiking at 14,000ft. It is very comfortable and very waterproof. It works great for backcountry pursuits and is stylish enough to be worn around town. The only reason I give it a 4 is the torso length, a little short. I am 6'2", 170lbs and a medium fits great.