Reader Reviews

Rating: 4 / 5

Spec’d at an average weight of 15 oz. (presumably size Med.) the MH Compressor PL is a full zip jacket offering a great fit and PrimaLoft One insulation.

I have found this jacket to be warm enough to be worn with only a light base layer into the upper 20s at a slow walking pace. The 15d ripstop shell is not entirely windproof but it is very close to it. Breathability of this jacket is very good. The DWR is exceptionally good. It ranks right up there with Patagonia’s excellent DWR treatment in turning away sleet and rain.

Ventilation was a key consideration for me in searching for a lightweight high loft synthetic jacket with a full length zipper. I like the Velcro wrist cuffs on this piece because they can be opened up to vent or slide the sleeve up near the elbow.

I find the fit to be nearly ideal. It has enough room for me to add a 100 weight fleece pullover or a trim vest underneath while easily fitting under a belay jacket or hardshell. The slick fabric slides nicely when layered.

Hardcore gram counters will not like the Velcro cuffs or the elastic draw cords at the hem and neck. I may remove the neck cord and permanently set the waist cord (losing the cord locks). The cuffs are the lightest I’ve seen and I’ve already explained why I like them.

I also considered the Montbell Thermawrap jacket (too clammy) and the Wild Things PrimaLoft sweater (never tried one on). Similar products owned are Patagonia Micropuff Pullover and Vest as well as a Montbell Thermawrap Vest and Pants.

Edited by GSV45 on 10/28/2006 18:02:56 MDT.

Rating: 4 / 5

I use this jacket as something to put on when I stop hiking, and it works very well for that. The only complaint that I have is that the sleeves are so narrow at the wrist that I find it difficult to get the jacket off. The jacket is warm, but I didn't find it to be extremely breathable, so I wasn't keeping it on while working hard in order to keep my base layers from getting wet.

Rating: 5 / 5

As a down-adverse Ray-Way advocate, I find this jacket to be compressible, warm, and light - all it claims to be. I wore this jacket in _very_ brisk winds in Big Bend over Thanksgiving in temps of about 38 degrees. It kept me toasty warm and with no thoughts of adding my vest underneath which I never used on this trip.

I found the ability to close off all the openings - neck, sleeves, and waist - to work well and effectively to keep the wind out. I did note that the jacket is not completely windproof in the high gusts that I experienced, but consider this a tradeoff towards being of lighter weight.

Below about freezing, I would recommend a vest underneath, taking the comfort level to perhaps the low twenties - but this is speculation as I refuse to intentionally expose myself to such low temps. :-)

The zipper pockets are warm and large enough to carry gloves, balaclavas, etc with no problem.

I had no opportunity to test the DWR treatment on this trip, thank goodness.

All said, this is a good choice for the lightweight synthetic backpacker in moderately cold weather. It appears to make the best tradeoffs between performance, cost, and weight. It is not designed for use in heavy winter storm conditions where a heavy bombproof parka would be the gear of choice.

Edited by gbruce on 12/02/2008 18:43:51 MST.