Great Jacket and a Great Price!

By CAD2953463 Ranked #549 - Men's Softshell Jackets January 25, 2010

This is a great jacket---almost the perfect lightweight softshell that I was looking for. My son, the snowboarding college student, has "acquired" my Mountain Hardwear Alchemy jacket that I bought here last year. So, I had been looking for a replacement jacket, but this time in a more versatile lightweight version. The Offwidth jacket fills the bill.

The material is tough enough to stand up to abrasions, yet still stretch when you move. It turns back the drizzle and light rain, and stops most of the wind. It is not totally windproof, light a Gore Windstopper equipped model, but does enough of the job that you shouldn't need another layer for winds 25 MPH or less.

My only complaint would be on the fit. True, it did say "athletic fit" in the advertisement. But this jacket fits much more closely to the body than my Alchemy jacket ever did. I got both jackets in XXL. I was able to wear a PowerStretch jacket under my Alchemy. I will have to drop several pounds before I could try that with this jacket. But, now I am more motivated to keep working out and stick to my diet! My son will not be getting this jacket so easily.

Keep in mind that this is a light weight jacket, While the Alchemy alone kept me warm to 20 degrees F or so with just a mid-weight long underwear top, this Offwidth jacket is best suited to 35 degrees F or better with the same top. If I was snowshoeing or crosscountry skiing at a fast pace, then I can stay warm with the Offwidth jacket to about 25 degrees F. When I stop or slow down, I need to pull out my Primaloft vest or pullover.

Still a great jacket, and I hope to get 3 season use out of this model. The Alchemy was just too warm for anything but winter use here in New Hampshire.

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

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