You know what’s tough to find in outdoor jackets? A mid-layer that insulates but also breathes while you are working out in the cold. Most insulated layers are far too warm for activities like backcountry skiing, but often lighter shells or even just wearing a base layer alone does not offer enough protection against the weather. I think I found the answer in the Mountain Hardwear Micro Thermostatic Jacket. I’ve taken it out on backcountry ski trips for a few months now, and have a few thoughts on why this thing flat out works for high-output, cold-weather recreation. First, the details:
The Mountain Hardwear Micro Thermostatic Jacket features:
- Thermal Q™ Elite 40g/m2 insulation
- 20D nylon face fabric Micro Ripstop
- Compresses into its own pocket for compact storage
What first struck me about this jacket is how light weight it is. Once I took it off atop a windy summit and it blew away like a plastic grocery bag caught in a gust. Luckily I was able to retrieve it, but the wind was not so strong that it would have blown away a standard puffy. Being so light weight also gives it the effect of not even noticing that you are wearing it. It is also pretty insubstantial, but in a good way. It compresses down to practically nothing, so it takes no room up in a pack, whether stuffed into its own pocket or stashed willy nilly.
Backcountry skiing has been my main activity for testing and the Micro Thermostatic Hybrid Jacket has been great for that. The insulation and fabric are very thin, so any high-output is handled well through good breathability. The Thermal Q™ Elite insulation is not found throughout the jacket, but is strategically placed in key areas like the torso and shoulders. But the arms and back are just fabric for an even greater ability to dump heat and sweat. The lack of insulation on the back is really great for when I am wearing a pack as that is the one place where sweat collects the most.
I’ve also found this jacket as a great choice for resort skiing on warm, spring days. We’ve had a February warm spell here in Utah with temperatures at Alta soaring into the 40s. This layer has just the right amount of insulation for wearing under a shell while doing laps under the Collins lift or even hiking to the top of Mount Baldy.
However, the lack of insulation in some places means that this piece is not particularly warm and is truly meant for performance while you are moving. Standing still in the cold, I wished for more insulation. Also, if it snows or rains, you’ll need a weather-proof outer shell to wear over it.
As for other features, I love the look and feel of the fabric. It is very soft and smooth which allows it to move unhindered beneath a shell. Bright colors on the zippers and logos give the jacket pop, and elastic cuffs and hem work to keep the warmth in and cold out. The jacket also has two zippered hand pockets to warm up frosty fingers or for storage.
The Good: Light weight, very packable, good breathability, very comfortable alone or under a shell, ideal for high-output activity in cold weather.
The Bad: Only useful if you’re active in cold weather and if you bring an outer shell along in case of rain or snow.
Final Word: The Mountain Hardwear Micro Thermostatic Hybrid Jacket is an awesome mid-layer to have along for backcountry skiing, hiking, backpacking, alpine climbing or cycling in cool to cold temperatures.