Mountain Hardwear Torrent Parka Shell Jackets

Mountain Hardwear Torrent Parka Shell Jackets 

DESCRIPTION

The Torrent Parka will keep you dry through the heaviest coastal or mountain downpour. It's an absolutely waterproof Parka that's hot-taped on all exposed seams and loaded with features. A mesh back vent allows ventilation where you need it, Velcro-tabbed cuffs are adjustable and seal out the weather, and an adjustable hood keeps your head snug and dry. Two generously-sized chest pockets provide dry refuge for maps, hats, and energy bars. Drawcords at waist and hem adjust with one hand. And the entire Parka stuffs into its own inner security pocket when the storm has passed. Lightweight, compact rain protection - don't leave the trailhead without it.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 1-3 of 3  
[May 04, 2000]
J.R. Johnson
Backpacker

This is a really water proof jacket of high quallity but not at all breathable. They nee many more vents. It gets really soaked with sweat on the inside. I woulnt get this jacket if you did any activity that is sweat proned. Other than ventilation though, this jacket is great.

Customer Service

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Similar Products Used:

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OVERALL
RATING
2
VALUE
RATING
3
[Mar 09, 2000]
David Preston
Backpacker

Any piece of Mountain Hardwear appearel for $75 seems like a great deal. It is 100% waterproof, but hardly breatheable. On a steamy day in the south, it is almost better to be soaked in rain than in your own sweat. The lack of ventilation is incredible. For cooler weather, however, it is excellent. It weighs almost nothing and takes minimal space. I get a lot of use out of it in the cooler parts of the year, but there is always room for it in my pack. It is extremely durable as well.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Jan 28, 2000]
Ben Barnes
Backpacker

Judging from the price and weight listed above, you'd be led to believe that this jacket is a by - product of Russian space program experiments.
It's not. It' s just a polyurethane coated jacket that retails for $75.00, not $750.00.
Since the coating is non breathable, I feel like Mountain HW should have put a few more ventilation features on this jacket.
Of course, the Grade 5 fits that description - but the extra vents seem to catapult that garment into a price range that would be dangerously near that of closeout (or substandard, or water resistant/ highly breathable) bargains on goretex.
I like this jacket quite a bit, actually. The construction is predictably elegant and invincible, and the cut fits me.
The hood is also designed well; it conforms to my facial curves without killing my peripheral vision and the bill is stiff enough to stand on its own without any help from a baseball cap.
Also, I don't think i could live without the adjustment strap on the back of the hood. I found it to be indispensable for proper fit. Keep in mind that without a hood that conforms well, you'll never have a truly watertight barrier.
Anyway, about the partial lack of ventilation features- why couldn't they just ditch the back vent (which is rendered null and void when wearing a pack) and replace it with large fabric - covered mesh that reaches from the underarm region all the way down to mid waist? Seems like that would make more sense.
If you plan on hiking in this jacket, plan to hike slowly.
If you plan to engage in activities that you would have a hard time slowing down for (like skiing or trail running) avoid this jacket altogether.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
Showing 1-3 of 3  

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