Perfect

By Benjamin Vincent Ranked #393 - Men's Technical Shells September 2, 2010

For me, this shell is perfect, if I designed a shell this would be it. First off is material - Gore-tex Pro Shell, which is unbeatable in blocking wind and water while still being breathable and light. It really is surprizing how light pro shell is while still being so absolutely stormproof. The fabric is less stiff than some other pro shell jackets (TNF Free Thinker II, for example), not sure what that means other than it moves better. The jacket is fully seam sealed and built true to Mountain Hardwears legendary quality standards - no goofy or weak stitching and the like.
The design of this jacket is superb. It's not minimalist where you end up making do with what you have, but it doesn't look over the top even though it's fully loaded and functional. It has all the pockets (wrist, chest, multiple internal), but it's not bulky or flashy. The pockets are well placed. The hand pockets aren't too high like on some shells - they don't need to be that high to be harness/pack compatible. The inside pockets are in good places and easy to access and operate. The core vents aren't in the armpits, but a little lower so they get good air exchange even if your arms aren't out. The powder skirt is removeable, so this shell can be used for multiple activities (like snow shoeing, for example where you don't need a pow skirt and it just makes your layers ride up with that kind of arm and torso movement). The hood is 3 way adjustable + removeable - if you know you aren't going to use it that day, you can take it off and not worry about it flapping in the breeze or snaging on stuff. The cuffs adjust well, the fabric doesn't bunch up when you tighten them down. The external zippers are all water tight with garages, except the main front zipper which is two-way and has a storm flap. There is a drawstring cinch cord at the collar, waist and hem for ultimate adjustibility. The entire collar has a microfleece lining to keep your cheeks and chin from getting raw.
The fit of this jacket is great. Not restrictive in the arms, shoulders or chest. The torso is accomodating but not baggy. There is room to layer and go over your gloves at the wrist (if you choose) without being restrictive, but not enough to create excess that flaps around in wind. You will likely need to size up though, but who cares what size it says on the tag when the proper size fits so well? I have a Mountain Hardwear Cohesion and Downhill Down both in L and the XL in the Vertical is a perfect fit.
Missing a recco but aside from possibly that, this jacket leaves you wanting absolutely nothing more from your shell.

View Details: Mountain Hardwear Vertical Jacket - Men's

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