Gear Review
Mountain Hardwear Transition Softshell Jacket - Men's
Very snug
By Austin
Ranked #1789 - Men's Softshell Jackets
October 5, 2009
As said in other reviews, this jacket is well made and gets the job done. Just wanted to comment on the fit for taller guys. I'm 6'4, 180, and have 35.5" arms. I bought the large, and it fits perfectly. The arms allow enough movement to reach above my head, just not while the thumb loops are in place, which is a little disappointing. With both thumbloops in, I can't put both arms out in front of me without feeling like the jacket is going to rip across my back, and there is NO stretch in the cuffs. Other than that, it is cut well for a tall, lanky dude. As noted in an earlier review, the arms are tight enough that it is difficult to layer a long sleeve underneath, which I don't mind but others might. Also, the non-adjustable hood, when fully zipped, is super snug, but fits under a climbing helmet. Just a little tight on the chin. The pocket made me laugh... whose idea was that? Pretty useless, especially climbing. A chest pocket would have been nice. I picked this up on S&C for a killer price, so I'll keep it and just alter the thumbloops and maybe the hood. Bottom line- If you have broad shoulders, long arms, or a bigger head, i would look elsewear.
View Details: Mountain Hardwear Transition Softshell Jacket - Men's
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes
Change me.
1 Comments Last Reply: December 9, 2009 By: Dominick Layfield
This jacket is not supposed to be worn like a regular hard-shell: more like a windproof, water-resistant baselayer. So it's definitely intended to be snug. For me (5'11, 160 lbs), the M is great. Enough room to wear long-sleeve baselayer underneath, or a thin fleece, but no more. But that's fine. It's supposed to be snug. If you're wearing more than a thin layer underneath, you're not wearing the garment as it's intended. However, I've got to agree with @dow3238460 about the thumb loops. If I extend the sleeves to hook them over my thumbs, things get very tight. Mountain Hardwear could add an extra cm or so to the sleeves.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes