Merrell Moab Softshell Jacket Review
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I’m one of those typical Colorado folks who like to turn up our nose at sub-zero temps and howling winds by wearing one jacket for all weather from October to May and just grit my teeth when perhaps its not quite sufficient. The Moab Softshell from Merrell is just that type of piece.
Waist cinch on Merrell Moab Jacket
The Moab is made of a very substantial-feeling and durable Aeroblock™ material that provides great wind and water resistance and has a bit of stretch and a fleece lining for comfort. We tested this jacket as a shell over insulating layers for winter sports and felt that it did a great job fending off the elements, and the durable finish showed virtually no wear from tree branch blasts. For aerobic activities such as nordic skiing, the Moab Softshell breathed well enough to keep moisture buildup down. After the lifts close, you can wear the Moab alone and be sure its stylish, understated design won’t get you noticed for the wrong reasons.
The Moab has all the features you’d expect in a well-appointed multi-use jacket, like zippered side slash pockets and single goggle pocket on the left chest, as well as a bungee waist cinch cord. All zippers have nice, grippy rubber pulls that make it easy to operate them with or without gloves. The sleeve openings have a velcro closure which makes the opening width adjustable, but the material of these is quite stiff and the hard velcro ‘teeth’ irritated some tester’s hands. However, the collar is thoughtfully lined, in front and partway down the inner zipper flap with soft fleece that made it comfortable to wear the Moab fully-zipped.
Overall, we appreciate the thoughtful details (there are many) and solid construction of the Merrell Moab Softshell Jacket. It looks like an unassuming leisure-wear jacket at first glance but performs like some of the great technical outer-layers we’ve tested and we recommend it for those looking for a great, well-made, 3-season jacket.
The Merrell Moab Softshell Jacket retails for $129.
For more info on the Moab Softshell Jacket and other products from Merrell, visit www.merrell.com or www.amazon.com/merrell.
Additional Photos:
Adjustable velcro sleeve-opening tabs
nice, soft fleece collar lining
FROM MERRELL:
Equipped to transition from a grinding ascent in the sun into a north-facing chute, the Moab Softshell integrates the backcountry essentials of wind/water resistance, breathability and mobility for peak performance. This stretchy Merrell Aeroblock™ softshell has a soft Merrell Conductor heathered fleece lining to keep you optimally warm and dry as your heart rate climbs and you descend.TECHNOLOGY:
• Merrell Aeroblock™ provides high wind-resistance and breathability
FABRIC
• 87 % polyester / 13 % elastane / 100% polyester backing
• 20 CFM
• DWR finish
• Merrell Conductor thermal fleece inside provides versatile heat retention in varying conditions
