Gear Review

MH Windstopper Tech Vest

1. Versatile
2. Windproof
3. Water-Resistant
4. Balances your Temp

Mountain Hardwear's versatile Windstopper Tech Vest is one of the few items in my closet that always comes along for the ride.

The Windstopper Tech's outstanding feature is its versatility. Whatever the conditions you encounter, chances are you'll find this vest an essential part of your backcountry clothing system.

Trying to maintain a stable body temperature in the mountains is always challenging.

If it's windy (and it's always windy in the mountains), it's hard to stay warm, even in mild temperatures.

And if it's cold, even a little wind can put you at risk for hypothermia.

On the other hand, when you're climbing up a steep slope with all your gear on your back, you tend to overheat no matter what the temperature is.

Overheating leads to sweating—which makes you and your clothes wet, which makes you all the more vulnerable to hypothermia. The Mountain Tech vest is an intelligent solution to both problems.

You're much less likely to overheat with your arms and especially armpits exposed. Yet the Tech Vest's windstopper fleece keeps the wind from cooling your torso. The result? Warmth where you need it, and ventilation to keep you comfortable and dry while active. Compared to a shell, you get far better climate control and, with equally good or better wind protection.

As the name suggests, the Windstopper Tech is made from GoreTex's proprietary Windstopper™ fleece laminate, not a lesser imitation. At a very modest 11 ounces in weight, the Tech Vest covers a huge range of conditions without slowing you down (or taking up excessive room in your pack).

Bottom line: the addition of a windblocking vest to your clothing system adds tremendous versatility in the wilderness while cutting down bulk and weight. I automatically pack my Windstopper Tech Vest for all seasons and all occasions, and I don't hesitate to recommend you do the same.

weight: 11oz (men's medium)

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