I tested out the Mountain Hardwear Thermostatic Jacket this past month and have been pleased with its performance, both in travel and in outdoor recreational uses. I wore it in three distinct situations; As an insulating layer while snowboarding, as an outer layer on an international trip to a warm climate, and as an outer jacket it in Salt Lake City.
A down insulation jacket is one of the most important pieces of gear to invest in. It’s multi-functional, acting a an outer layer on warmer fall days, or under a shell as extra insulation on colder winter days. It’s often very compressible and lightweight considering the warmth it provides. And finally, they double as a comfy pillow on backpacking trips and long flights.
I found the Thermostatic Jacket was best suited for cooler evenings in Cuba, and as an insulating layer during winter activities. With temperatures in the 20s in Salt Lake City, the jacket didn’t provide enough warmth and I was wishing I had something with more fill. Though it compacts nicely for travel, it is not necessarily designed for such use, and the lack of pockets makes this apparent.
The jacket boasts a quilted pattern that I really liked, minimizing the loft and creating a style all of its’ own. I did notice that there were some loose threads from the sewing as there was extensive detail in the quilted design. I’d be concerned with this in the long run, though it held up very well to my testing during the last two months. The relaxed fit was comfortable to wear, allowing plenty of room to stretch with my movements.
The two lined zippered front pockets kept my hands warm, though there are no other pockets to speak of. I think an inner zip pocket would be a welcome addition to the jacket for next years’ model.
Much as I liked sporting the brightly colored jacket as an outer layer, I do think the benefit with this particular jacket for me is the thin, near weightlessness it provides as an insulating layer underneath a shell. Weighing just over 10 ounces, the Thermostatic Jacket provides impressive warmth to weight ratio. This jacket is very bright-I’d suggest seeing it before buying it online to make sure you like the colors.
What I love:
Bright colors, drawcords on bottom, front zippered pockets, quilted pattern, comfortable fit, extremely lightweight.
Not so much:
No inner pockets.
You can buy Mountain Hardwear’s Thermostatic Jacket for $200 here on the Mountain Hardwear website.