“Don’t forget a jacket. It can get really windy when you reach the top.”
My friend, Marcia, had given us some sage advice during a hiking trip up Santa Fe Baldy, a 12,600+ foot mountain. Despite the near 90-degree temps, she was absolutely right. When we reached the peak, sweaty and exhausted, the wind was strong and we were a bit chilled.
Luckily, I had tucked the Mountain Khakis Granite Creek Windshirt (really a jacket more than a shirt), into my backpack and was sufficiently prepared to keep the wind at bay.
So what is the Mountain Khakis Granite Creek Windshirt?
The Granite Creek Windshirt is a windproof, water-resistant light jacket that gives a nice layer of protection on both sunny and rainy days. The material has a UVA-UVB 50+ rating so on sunny days (especially important at altitude), your arms will be protected. With a water repellant finish, it repels light rain and mist. The collar can be raised up around your neck to keep the elements away.
The jacket will dry quickly, particular important if you find yourself in a rainstorm or need to wash it out during your travels and need it to dry overnight. Perhaps more importantly, it will wick away sweat if you are out galavanting in warm weather.
The jacket has a bit of stretch mesh around the cuffs and a mesh lining for breathability.
While I’ve mostly been wearing this throughout the spring on walks around my neighborhood, I found it provided some great protection during our seven-hour hike up Santa Fe Baldy.
My only tiny issue with the Granite Creek Windshirt is that the zippered front pockets angle down. It’s not too difficult to unzip them, but when I try to zip them back up, I find that I have to 
hold down the bottom of the jacket in order to get enough tension to fully close it.
It comes in two colors: Pink Salmon and Blue Jay. At first I thought the Pink Salmon was going to be too bright for me but I quickly got used to it (and I know my neighbors never miss seeing my on my near-daily walks).
Would I recommend this jacket? Sure thing. But note that these brighter colors aren’t for everyone. It’s definitely a great jacket for cool summer nights and for cool days in the spring and fall.
Travel Well,
Beth
Related links:
Mountain Khaki Old Faithful Sweater
Ice Breaker Viento Jacket
Disclosure: Mountain Khakis sent this jacket to me for review. Regardless, everything I have said in the post reflects my honest opinions.
Leave a Reply