Mountain Hardwear Synchro Softshell Jacket

First of all, I love the smooth, almost slick feel of the conduit softshell material that is different from other softshells I've tried. I haven't experienced rain yet but I expect the Synchro to be as close to waterproof as a softshell can get...especially with the taped seams. This jacket has features out the wazoo...plenty of pockets, cinch cords for the waist AND collar...awesome stretchy, fleece covered cuffs inside the outer cuffs. People who complain about softshells not being warm enough are missing the point...they are designed to keep you reasonably protected from wind and water while you decide the level of warmness by layering underneath. Since I live in Texas and only make it skiing 2-3 times a year this will be a great everyday winter jacket for me. The only cons with this jacket are minor...the zippers and pulls on the chest/arm seem to be smaller and less durable that what you normally find on such jackets, and I had to return a large for a medium because of the too long arms. (I'm 6'1 170) Bottom line is that there are cheaper softshells and more expensive...but this is one of the few that are actually worth the asking price and will give you years of service with style.

It is still young (2 months), but here's a short term review. I mainly use the synchro backpacking, mountain biking, and occasionally around town. The shell is exceptionally water resistant while remaining very soft. So far I do not see any damage from pack wear or rock rubs, but it is too early to tell. I have very long arms, and the large does fit them pretty well. There is a lot of extra room for layering. I can easily fit a fleece and down vest under it. It is not a wind proof layer, but is good enough to stop anything but the most violent winds. Cinch cords around the waist and neck are very effective at keeping out the wind and rain/snow. The main pockets open with waterproof zips to reveal enormous vent pockets that reach from the bottom to the front seam. The pockets are very high to allow for clearance of your pack's waistbelt, which is a little awkward if you wear it casually. If you are looking for a casual jacket, check out the g50. It is built from the same materials, but cut a little longer, a little trimmer, and with the pockets in a more comfortable position.

I and my GF chose MH Synchro as our primary jacket during our 6-mo RTW trip. Upon return, we continued to wear this jacket daily for another 6 months (October to March) because it's so versatile, comfy, light and sharp-looking. With the exception of 1 month in humid Southeast Asia, it's seen almost continuous daily use for 11 months. While it had no problem with snow, I was more impressed by the waterproofing capability for such a soft fabric. We were caught in a down pour and hail while visiting Potsdam, Germany. The fabric appeared wet but the inside surface was completely dry. It wasn't as good at wind-proofing but made up for its breathe-ability in temps above 65*F. When necessary, I'd wear it over my MH Windstopper or Marmot Burly vest for 20-30*F temps and still look slim. Cinch cords at the waist and neck are effective and I love the zippers and the 5 pockets, especially the outside Napolean chest pocket. The color array and seam taping makes the jacket look sharp. Good job MH... and don't stop making this one!

Fit: 6'4" 235 lbs. 36/37 sleeve. I ordered a size XL and am happy with the fit. The sleeves are plenty long. I'd prefer if the torso was a bit longer. It comes to the top of my hips. Some may like a shorter jacket, but I'd prefer a bit longer. The jacket is not excessively loose or baggy by any means, but I can comfortably wear a light fleece or sweat shirt beneath it. Performance: I haven't owned this jacket very long so I can't speak on durability. I've worn this softshell for a week and a half backpacking in Europe and it handled rain, wind, and cold temps with ease. As an added bonus it seemed to shrug off the odors of SMOKEY German bars. Lately I wear it all around to work, to run, and camping and find it to be a very versatile fall jacket during temps into the lower 30's. I also wish it had pit zips - I find that my armpits feel especially clammy when I wear this jacket with a warm layer beneath.

I'm a runner. I run ultras and the only thing I will not run in is lightning. I have been on the quest for the perfect jacket. Jackets sold in running stores just don't cut it for me. They don't hold off the wind, water or cold long enough for me with the miles I put in. That said, I have found the perfect jacket. I have run in low 20s (I'm in Arkansas, yet to hit the teens) with bone chilling winds and I have stayed very comfortable. I sweat heavy and don't notice it. THe jacket breathes very well and does a great job of blocking the wind. I HATE the cold and this jacket has kept me very warm. I wear a baselayer underneath it and I'm fine. I do wish it had pit zips but this jacket wasn't made for runners so I can't complain there. However, I have found by leaving the pockets open my body breathes a little better.

There's little to say that hasn't already been said. Of my (too many) jackets, this is the one I wear the most. I tend to run warm, but I am comfortable wearing this with a t-shirt in 30-50F weather (the lining is soft and comfortable). If it's colder, then there is certainly room to layer up. Although there are no pit zips, it breathes well and the hand pockets function as core vents. It repels water without difficulty, and the inner sleeve fleece cuffs are a nice touch. For skiing or boarding I prefer a coat that is a little longer (with a snow skirt) but if you can ride without falling I'm sure it would work well for this too. It has stood up to 1 year of hard use, and is the jacket I wear most when I'm just kicking around town.

Not only does this jacket look great, but it does the job in rain and wind. I live in a fairly temperate climate, so I don't need to excessively layer to stay warm. If you are in the same situation, I recommend you get your normal size. I originally ordered an XL, but it was a little big for my needs (I'm 5'11" and 190 lbs). The large size is perfect for wearing as is or with a light sweater underneath. If you plan on doing lots of layering, then get the next size up. Backcountry's customer service is awesome! I used their online chat feature to get a return auth and to order the new one. Shipping was very fast, and the credit for the original purchase showed up in three days. Lastly, their price and selection is the best around.

I bought this jacket because I wanted something light and not as bulky as a regular skiing jacket to go skiing in. However, when I got it I didn't know if it was going to be warm enough. Still, I took it with me on my first trip of the year when the high temp was 14 degrees. As it turns out, the jacket was perfect. Not only did it keep me warm enough but it also breathes excellently so that I never felt overheated. Then, I went down to Mexico to visit some family and brought the jacket with me. Again, the jacket kept me warm enough in cool nights but was never too hot to carry around. I don't know how they did it, but this could possibly be the best jacket ever made.

The Synchro does a great job as an all around softshell, plus it is warmer and more water resistant than most other technical softshells. It is a bit heavy, but used to replace your fleece layer, it makes sense to bring it along. stretchy and very comfortable, it stands alone in cool moist conditions. Great for coffee in the spring and fall, or for climbing in the winter. Used with a wool baselayer it could work well for high output activities in snow. Just plan on wearing baselayers under it and a shell over it when sizing. The fit is normal, which is a plus at the mall, but not so good in the backcountry. This is that piece you will use to climb the mountain and eat sushi in town in afterwards.

I've owned my synchro for about 8 months now an have had no real problems. now this makes me wonder about all the negatives these comments spotlight on. ie. if it doesn't fit you rite cause your to short. don't bag on the jacket,just grow [or find a jacket for your body shape] secondly to those that think its not warm enough, c'mon really how much warmth do you expect your active wear to have, remember it is only a soft shell not a down jacket. the only complaint that i really understood was someone sayin the waterproofs great but if its raining hard enough to care you need a jacket with a hood'. well um i'm pretty sure they do make one with a hood! so c'mon' get real' this jackets faultless