Superb skier's shell

By BHmtndog Ranked #2943 - Men's Softshell Jackets February 26, 2009

As an earlier reviewer noted, this hybrid is more of a softshell than not. It makes no more noise than my Marmot softshell and far, far less than my old Arcteryx Theta.

I'm 5'11", 170lbs, average build. Bought a size large and the fit is between fitted and relaxed. There's enough room for a medium weight fleece or vest but won't flap in the wind when wearing just a t-neck. MH has put thin monkey fur in the right places because I haven't noticed it in cold or mild weather.

I've been comfortable in a wider range of temperatures and conditions than I've been in any other shell. Whether it's the chilly first lift of the day or hiking up a ridge for fresh tracks, I've not had to shed or put layers back on. This fabric really breathes, but I can't attest to its water repellency or durability yet. It doesn't turn away 25-40mph gusts like a hardshell, but for skiing I'll take the breathability over completely stopping wind.

Some real thought went into making this a skier's jacket: handwarmer pockets in a lower, more natural position, pockets in places where you'll really use them, powder skirt, big 2-way pitzips, and a collar that stays where you put it. Most of the zippers and drawcords are a one-handed operation and glove-friendly. The wrist pocket works great for a two-way radio: just leave the zipper a little open and bring your wrist to your face; no fiddling or having to dig the radio out.

A few quibbles: the left side mp3 pocket is too small for a cased 5g ipod classic. I've been putting my 'pod in the right side cellphone pocket, but it doesn't have any cord management. I'm right handed so having to put my 'pod on the right side is awkward. Even with the collar is zipped up, it's too far away to keep spindrift and wind off your face. The zipper catches when zipping the collar all the way up, sometimes making it a two-handed job. The pass holder is pretty useless: it's on the side opposite of where lifties look and the clear plastic cover makes barcode scanners unhappy.

Despite these nitpicks this jacket really rocks. It's a real skier's jacket. And for this price, it's an absolute steal.

View Details: Mountain Hardwear Kramer Softshell Jacket - Men's

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