Gear Review
Mountain Hardwear Transition Softshell Jacket - Men's
Don't trust the hype
By cbchisholm2195196
Ranked #619 - Men's Softshell Jackets
June 19, 2008
I ordered this based on the glowing reviews, but was sorely disappointed when this softshell arrived. It's true that it's light; but that's about it. First of all, the thing is pretty ugly--looks kind of like a jacket my dad would have worn in the seventies. You know, that kind of sleek sweatsuit look. Secondly, the fit is bizarre. I'm 6'3", 190 lbs. I ordered a large and XL in order to have a choice. The XL was baggy, and the jacket has no drawstring at the waist to tighten it up. The large fit well in the body but the forearms and wrists were so tight that I felt I was in a straightjacket. It's just an awkward piece all around, and I'm perplexed by the other reviewers and by Outside magazine's silver label. Order with caution.
View Details: Mountain Hardwear Transition Softshell Jacket - Men's
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Change me.
3 Comments Last Reply: March 29, 2011 By: Nick Co
im trying to figure out if this jacket is good for climbingup a mountain. any suggestions if not this?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
I think you misunderstood what this jacket is all about. It's not like a regular hard- or soft-shell jacket. It's not for casual use. It's very specifically for highly-active activities (running, cross-country skiing etc.) in cold/wet weather. You're not supposed to wear anything much underneath it. There are no drawstrings or pockets etc. because that would just make the jacket heavier. Yes, it looks ridiculous. I call it my "Star Trek" jacket, because I think it looks like something out of a 70's science fiction show. My friends call it "the orange condom". So definitely don't buy this if you want to look normal. Complaining about the jacket looking and fitting weird is a bit like buying a pair of long-johns and complaining that they don't look like regular pants.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
I think you misunderstood what this jacket is all about. It's not like a regular hard- or soft-shell jacket. It's not for casual use. It's very specifically for highly-active activities (running, cross-country skiing etc.) in cold/wet weather. You're not supposed to wear anything much underneath it. There are no drawstrings or pockets etc. because that would just make the jacket heavier. Yes, it looks ridiculous. I call it my "Star Trek" jacket, because I think it looks like something out of a 70's science fiction show. My friends call it "the orange condom". So definitely don't buy this if you want to look normal. Complaining about the jacket looking and fitting weird is a bit like buying a pair of long-johns and complaining that they don't look like regular pants.
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes