Mountain Hardwear Typhoon Jacket Review
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This spring I had the opportunity to test 2 jackets that utilized the latest and greatest fabric technology, GORE-TEX® Paclite®. So what is GORE-TEX® Paclite®? Well, simply put it is a fully waterproof and breathable 3-layer fabric that weighs 15% less than other 3 layer constructions. Products featuring Paclite® are designed to endure extreme wet weather while in use and save space and weight when packed away. In this review I will discuss Mountain Hardwear’s incorporation of this material in their Typhoon Jacket, new for Spring 2010. The Typhoon is available in men and women’s sizes, for this review I was testing out the women’s version.
The first time I put on the Typhoon Jacket I was amazed at how light it felt on my body. I quietly thought to myself, how could something that feels like this provide complete protection from the elements? Immediately, I looked up the specs to the jacket and was pleased that I was right; it does not weigh much, only a mere 12 ounces! The second time I wore this jacket, snowshoeing in a spring storm, the Typhoon proved that it was aptly named. The jacket’s DWR finish, GORE-SEAM® tape, and Paclite® technology kept me dry on the inside. There is also a large extension of fabric, zipper side that completely covers the front zipper and prevents any water from entering. The left side of the jacket also has a small extension of fabric that also covers the zipper. The front also has 3 small pieces of velcro to ensure that the front of the jacket stays closed; you are protected in 3 different ways from water entering the front part of the jacket, awesome. The Typhoon also has two hip pockets that have the same flap design to keep your goods protected.
The hood also offers some gnarly protection. The brim, as MH calls it, is “extra-beefy” and we couldn’t describe it any better. The brim extends farther than most other brims we have tried and we liked that rain drops were that much farther away from our faces. The hood has the typical rear adjustment and two easy pull loops in the front. When the hood is up, MH has added a super soft piece of fabric to keep your chin or nose from rubbing with the zip, a nice little detail. The collar comes up plenty high to cover your face, while the hood can accommodate even a ski helmet. When the skies are blue and the sun is shining, the hood can rolled down and held in place with a loop of fabric that comes from the inside of the jacket and secures with a small piece of velro. This is a nice feature, however, I am not so sure I will use it much because the “beefy” brim remains pretty rigid at the neckline.
When you think lightweight, you may also consider the phrase, not as durable. This has not been the case with the Typhoon jacket. I have worn the jacket with medium pack loads, carried skis on my shoulder while boot packing to a ridgeline, and run into a rose bush in the neighborhood. So far, the fabric is still intact despite some wear and tear.
If you start to heat up while on the slopes or hiking, don’t worry, the jacket has not stuck to our skin yet. The Typhoon is extremely breathable and if that doesn’t do the trick there are pit zips to help vent you a bit more. The pit zippers are water resistant and shouldn’t serve as a portal of entry for water.
I feel that the Typhoon has a slightly generous cut that can accommodate a puffy down and any other layers you can think of. The arms are plenty long and have Velcro adjustments at the wrists to seal out the elements. If you are an “underer”, or put your gloves under the jacket cuff, you may have to convert to an “overer” with this jacket due to limited cuff width. I’m an “overer”, so I didn’t really mind. The back-drop length is 27” which I felt was perfect for wearing a pack and overlapping with a pair of pants.
The Typhoon Jacket has all the great details that you expect from Mountain Hardwear while using a great new fabric from GoreTex.
For more info on the Typhoon Jacket and other Mountain Hardwear gear, visit www.mountainhardwear.com or www.amazon.com/mountainhardwear.
MSRP $200.
Features of the Mountain Hardwear Typhoon Jacket
- Micro-Chamois™-lined chin guard prevents zipper chafe
- Attached, rollaway hood with extra-beefy brim for added protection against the elements
- Pit zips and mesh front pockets for ventilation
- Adjustable Velcro® cuffs for quick fit adjustments
- Dual hem drawcords seal in warmth
- Micro-Chamois™-lined chin guard prevents zipper chafe
- Usage: Superlight Backcountry / Rainwear
