A lot has happened at Mountain Hardwear since I last visited them at their Outdoor Retailer booth. First, their new booth is massive – three stories high! Second, the company has a new president, John C. Walbrecht, who is tasked with taking MH into bold new directions. And third, it seems the company is distilling their apparel (read: equipment) into specific categories – Alpinism, Chalk, and Outsiders. These translate to basically snow, rock, and lifestyle. Below are some selections we can expect to see in Spring ’17:
Dragon Hooded Jacket
With a classic Mountain Hardwear look, the Dragon Hooded Jacket is a softshell with serious alpine DNA. While it is a softshell, you have to think more modern than that as this piece has a ton of stretch, more like a light-weight athletic polyester fleece. It also has the AirShield® membrane face fabric, which makes the jacket wind and weatherproof. Paired with a base layer and waterproof shell, I think the Dragon would be an ideal mid-layer for high-output activity like backcountry skiing or alpine climbing. MSRP: $225
Breeze AC Tank
For women in the “Chalk” category, check out the Breeze AC Tank. It combines Wick.Q® moisture wicking and AC perforation for maximum breathability. Looking close to the perforations and it’s pretty impressive. Rather than a grid system you usually find, Mountain Hardwear has created designs out of these thousands of tiny holes for a cool look. When it’s available this spring, take this tank top to the crag on a hot day. MSRP: $50
Thundershadow Jacket
In the “Outsiders” category, Mountain Hardwear has the new Thundershadow Jacket. It utilizes the company’s new VaporDry™ technology. This rain shell is designed to stay dry in all conditions. MSRP: $175
Scrambler RT 20 OutDry Backpack
In the pack category, this new pack caught my eye. With a roll-top closure and OutDry waterproof layer welded to the inner surface of the pack, this guy looks great for recreating no matter how bad the weather gets. Mountain Hardwear tested it for 24 hours in a rain room and it passed the test. Don’t want your stuff to get wet? This pack will be the one to buy this spring. MSRP: $110
OutDry Duffel
This travel duffel also features OutDry technology. It is built to be the waterproof end-all/be-all for keeping your stuff dry when traveling. Tech, electronics, and clothes are all equally protected inside. Plus, get this! The bag can double as an impromptu cooler. Just fill it with ice and keep your beer cold. Genius! MSRP: $180