The only way that you can perform at your optimal level while on the mountain is if your gear works with you and not against you. No one likes to be sweaty and clammy while their skiing or boarding because those problems lead to being cold. Eliminating performance problems is why outerwear technology is so important.
Mountain Hardwear has decided to break through the status quo of waterproof-breathable fabrics and created their proprietary 3-layer DryQ fabric. They claim that it’s the most durable waterproof-breathable and air-permeable fabric on the market. I can’t verify this definitively through my personal testing of one of their jackets, but I can tell you that the DryQ fabric performs and worked as promised, for me.
The Mountain Hardwear Snowpocalypse Jacket is a smart choice for skiers and boarders looking for a highly technical piece of outerwear with great moisture management performance. The jacket is relatively bombproof and utilizes Mountain Hardwear’s DryQ Elite fabric so that you don’t have to worry about a buildup of moisture inside the jacket once you start perspiring. You’ll really enjoy this piece for long days on the mountain and Mountain Hardwear’s attention to detail is refreshing. The waterproof pit zips, removable powder skirt and the locations of essential pockets are spot on. The “Butter Jersey” wrist gaiters are the best I’ve ever used, by far.
There are a couple of things that I would like to note about this piece that should be pointed out. The jacket sizing seems quite a bit shorter for both the arms and body of the jacket. You might want to size up if you order this online. I am a large in every other jacket I tested, but an XL in this jacket. The wrist gaiters are amazing, however the cuffs are too small for under cuff gloves which means that you’ll need to either use full, or partially gaitered gloves with this jacket. I just thought that you should know.
The Mountain Hardwear Snowpocalypse Jacket is definitely a solid choice and one that you should be happy with. Definitely check out the DryQ technology and see if it’s right for you.
