[Review] Women’s Compressor Hoody by Mountain Hardwear

If there’s one piece of gear I can continually justify investing in, it’s a solid mid layer. Luckily for me, my new Compressor Hoody by Mountain Hardwear doubles as a mid layer / light jacket and is something that I wear often, all times of the year. The Compressor Hoody is not only lightweight and packable; it’s also very warm and made with recycled materials.

Although I’m not typically one to chose synthetic insulation over down, the Compressor Hoody is an easy exception. I’m continually surprised with how warm the Compressor Hoody is and synthetic insulation has benefits unlike down such as if it gets wet it won’t lose it’s loft, in turn, losing its insulating properties.

For as light as it feels, the Recycled 20D Ripstop outer fabric is dang tough! This layer is definitely a layer that you could throw in your vehicle and use for any and every adventure. Having the Ripstop adds a piece of mind that you won’t destroy this jacket on your first mountain bike outing of the season. Bear in mind that the Ripstop will be helpful in minor situations but if you have a major crash in this jacket, I’m not so sure it will take the abuse (have yet to test that). The outer fabric also has a durable water repellant so if you find yourself in a sprinkle, you won’t get wet. A downpour may be a different story but again in minor situations, this hoody will be golden.

As far as fit goes, sometimes I tend to size up in Mountain Hardwear. I’m 5’10, 155 pounds and I usually wear a size medium top and a size large outer layer. I think if you are kind of in between sizes I would go with the smaller choice. I went with the large and I’m wishing I went with the medium to just get a little bit tighter of a fit.

I’m still a little undecided whether this is a mid layer or jacket and that’s why I think I keep resorting back to the fact that it’s both. This is a great summertime jacket, for when the temps drop in the evening and it’s light enough that it won’t feel like you’re wearing a big jacket. I think the word Hoody used in the name is slightly misleading as in my mind, I thought I was getting definitely more of a definitive mid layer. It has still definitely excelled in every situation I’ve had it in, just something I thought I would note for those of you ordering this off the web.

The Compressor Hoody by Mountain Hardwear is a lightweight, easy to pack layer that will keep you warm and cozy on summer nights, dry and comfortable on your winter ice climbing trek, or ready for the chilliest of ski days layered under your outer layer. In the above photos, I have the Compressor Hoody paired with the Tonsai Tights, also made my Mountain Hardwear. Be sure to check out that review as well! Also note that they have this same layer, available for Men!

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