Gear Army: Mountain Hardwear Lightweight Chockstone Jacket

July 03, 2009

Gear Army: Mountain Hardwear Lightweight Chockstone Jacket

By The Gear Army
Jul 03, 2009

Mountain Hardwear's softshell-like Chockstone Jacket ($100) shoulders the changing weather from spring to summer like a champ. Especially in the Northeast, where the weather can go from sleet to sunshine in one afternoon. Its water-repellent finish sheds drizzle, and when the sun comes out it scrunches down to a 10-ounce ball that can fit into a small hydration pack.

Because it's lightweight, I wouldn't call it "warm." Over a t-shirt on a brisk hike, I was comfortable. But when I put additional layers under it for leisurely, early-morning walks or outdoor movies at night, the Chockstone didn't cut the chill. But that's okay. It wasn't made to surround you in warmth. It's lack of a liner or insulation is what keeps it so light and packable for cooler summer days.

If you are tall with long limbs, like me, this jacket is for you.

I normally have trouble finding sleeves that are long enough on jackets, but not so with the Chockstone. The articulated elbows hit just the right place. I like the mobility this feature adds.

Elbow movement isn't the only bonus, though. A longer back panel kept my skin from being exposed when I was kneeling or bending over. On the inside, Mountain Hardwear covered the upper zipper so you don't feel it on your trachea. The snug hood really helps keep our rain when it's drizzling.

Two pockets--one on either side with space big enough for Chapstick and car keys--did the trick. Still I craved a pocket on the inside for stashing cash and an ID.

Speaking of IDs, the Chockstone also holds up surprisingly well at the bar. Besides looking good off the trail, it shed beer as efficiently as it did moderate rain.

--Kisså Roach may live in Philadelphia, but she recently planned a road trip based solely around day-hiking. Her stops included Wyoming's Yellowstone, Devil's Tower, and Medicine Wheel Passage, Oregon's Crater Lake, Washington's Columbia River Gorge and Deception Pass State Park, and Badlands in South Dakota.

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