( 7 reviews )
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Posted: Apr 26 2009
There are lots of reviews on the Internet for the Mountain Hardwear Windstopper jacket. Hundreds of reviews. After reading many, I thought this must be the greatest jacket ever! After all, owners say it is very light, completely windproof and very warm. Who wants a heavy jacket if an extremely light jacket does it all? Well... I'd say this is an amazing piece of clothing when compared against a flannel shirt or sweatshirt. It is vastly superior to these tops if you are hiking and need to worry about pack weight. It is quite lightweight and if any wind can penetrate it, I haven't been able to notice. But... It really isn't a "warm jacket". It will take the edge off of temperatures that are a little too cool. It does not compare well to warm jackets when warmth matters. It is not more windproof than other jackets. And given its cost, I probably would question a recommendation for layering. A Lands End Marinac will do the same as a layer for less than half of the price. The jacket is stylish, holds up well and I don't feel a need to take special care to protect it. The fit is a little different. Have you ever pushed up sweatshirt sleeves to your elbows and then pulled them back to your wrists? The Windstopper sleeves are similar to this. I had to get used to this. Also, the size that fits from a sleeve length perspective is a little big around the waist--a good place for wind to enter; although there are adjustments for this, you end up with elastic drawstrings hanging down from your waist. Overall, I would say this is a fantastic fleece windbreaker for those who need something light and compact, say for hiking or other athletic activities. No more peeling off a sweaty top when the temperature is too chilly to go without, as it breathes amazingly well. I love mine for this purpose. With new fee structures from the airlines, travelers who have restricted room in their luggage have an excellent choice with this compact jacket. But it is not a light replacement for a cold weather jacket. The thought just makes me shiver.
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Posted: Apr 3 2009
This is a great all around jacket. It is lightweight, functional, and stylish for a night on the town. It's great for outdoor activities, the pit zips enable you vent the heat and the generous pockets are handy. This has quickly become my favorite jacket you won't be disappointed!
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Posted: Jan 19 2009
I own this jacket, a long wool topcoat, and a heavy Carhartt parka. I got this Mountain Hardwear jacket at REI on closeout and have been extremely happy with it. (For full price, I'd still like it, but would have felt that I had been overly indulgent.) This is my first Minnesota winter with the jacket and have found it to be useable to sub-zero temperatures if I was reasonably active outside. That is, walking quickly or shoveling. For work in which you have to stand around more, the Carhartt is a better (MUCH thicker) option, and for the orchestra the overcoat is more appropriate. I'm especially impressed with how light this jacket is for its warmth and wind-cutting ability. On sizing, I am 6'6" but long-legged, and the jacket is just long enough with my shirt tucked into jeans.
