Mountain Hardwear Pinnacle Jacket

I got my MH Pinnacle jacket on sale and I'm so glad I did. It is incredibly lightweight and very well-constructed, with high quality materials. The color (red) is fantastic and very modern-looking, unlike (unfortunately) a lot of Mountain Hardwear's color selections. The image from Sierra Trading Post ( http://img.sierratradingpost.com/erez4/erez?src=ProductImages/1708R%5F13.tif&tmp=FullSize&redirect=0 ) is a little more accurate for the red color. But the best thing about this jacket (for me) is the fit. I am 5'9" and 160 lbs with a fairly slim frame and a long torso, and this jacket is a perfect fit. It hugs closer to the body than some of the jackets I've tried, but it still has plenty of room for movement and layering (I tried it on with both my MH Monkey Phur and Windstopper fleeces and it was fine). It is also actually LONG enough - I'm very much a medium-sized person, but for some reason a lot of the jackets on the market today are simply too short, especially for outdoor activities. If you prefer a boxier, roomier cut, you may want to look elsewhere. But this is replacing my OR Mithril jacket, which was a great product but simply too wide and too boxy on me. I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Minnesota winter so that I can really get a chance to try this thing out.... But already on my 2-mile walking commute to work, it has already held up against pretty torrential fall downpours as well as wind. At least twice I've gotten to home or to work with my pants completely soaked through and dripping, but my entire upper body bone-dry. This thing is about as waterproof as you'll need for anything other than swimming.

I think this is the right shell, the design has changed since we bought it, but the specs are about right... This has been my team's ski racing uniform jacket for 3 years now. We live in this thing every day for a whole month and a half as we train. Its relatively waterproof and pretty durable considering how much labor it does on the hill. Great fit too. (6 foot 1, 175 lbs with room to layer = Large) It also has roomy pockets that store everything. (I even think we even managed to fit a total of 10 beers in this jacket's pockets once too...) You stop putting gear in this becase it becomes uncomfortably heavy, not because you run out of room. Its a shell, so layering is expected. At anything above 10F, a GS suit (with your normal shirt or underarmor underneath that) is plenty, even on the most windy days in NH. Under 10F though, you might consider another layer. I highly recommend the MH Windstopper Tech for that. Nothing penetrates through that 1-2 combo.

The product description describes this as a superlight shell, and it is indeed very thin and light. The hood is not detachable, and although there is a velcro tab to tuck it under, this really just keeps the hood from flopping around (and doesn't allow you to actually stow the entire hood). It is a true shell, in that it really just provides protection from the elements (which it seems to do very well) with layering being required for any warmth. But it is also somewhat of a tapered fit, so if you are really going to be layering you may wish to consider sizing up. The pit zips are nice, and velcro wrists tabs are easy to use. There is no shortage of pockets. Given the lack of a snow skirt, I use this jacket as more of an all-purpose snow/rain shell than as a skiing/boarding jacket (which is in line with the description of it being a mountaineering jacket).

Got a killer price on this jacket so i had to try it out. Size Large fit is perfect (5'10" 190), great for layering with good mobility (I usually layer it with a Pata R1 hoody). Totally waterproof and windproof in 70mph winds(from experience). 4 out of 5 because the interior welded seams began to separate slightly on my jacket. Sent it to M.H. and they repaired it fo freezie! I'm a big fan of M.H. and this jacket is right up there as far as performing as described. Good quality and design for big movements and storm coverage. Great mountaineeing shell.

This jacket is the best fitting jacket I have ever tried on. I am 6'1" and about 175lbs and like a close fitting jacket and this is perfect (I ordered a medium). It has a drop hem in the back and measures about 29.5". If you like your jackets slim fitting, this is your jacket. No review on the waterproofness or windproofness yet since I have not been in the elements but looks to be very good quality and I look forward to taking it out soon!

Wow, I did all the research and comparisons between all the contenders and placed the order. The thing I never did though was READ THE OPINIONS! I wear a large in every jacket bought for the last 20 years, but not this one, not even close. Sleeves were way too long and torso barely fit WITHOUT any of my snowshoe trek thermal layers. Like other reviews indicated, this really is made for the thinner-taller crowd. (I'm 5'11", 195)

This shell is fantastic. It is lightweight and quiet. It fits well over the hips (snug) and a very good fit for slimmer folks. Velcro on the wrists is easy to adjust even with gloves on, as are the pocket zips (very accesible even with a pack on). Hood is a bit big for my head, but for those wearing helmets in would be great. Defintley waterproof and very breathable. Highly recommended jacket. Spendy, yes. Worth it, yes.