Description of Mountain Hardwear Nemesis Softshell Jacket - Men's:
The Mountain Hardwear Men's Nemesis Jacket repels water with its Schoeller NanoSphere softshell fabric, while a fleece lining seals in warmth. Wear this lightweight jacket during any aerobic activity in inclement weather. Super breathable and significantly stretchy, the Nemesis softshell sheds the fruit of light spring storms and adds insulation and freedom of movement on cross country ski trips. Wear this fleece-lined jacket as a mid-layer or an outer shell.
Bottom Line: Zip up the Mountain Hardwear Nemesis Jacket and call a truce with intemperate weather.
The Nemesis jacket is well made product by MHW. The jacket fits to the form of your body but also stretches to give plenty of room for layering (A heavy sweater and t-shirt was easily managed. I am convinced another layer could work but the arms would be tight). The jacket kept me more then warm in 40 to 50 degree weather while strong Alaska winds and misty rain assaulted most everyone but me. I have confidence it could manage the low teens with proper layering. The shoulders and arms have the NanoSphere to protect you against the rain (the Sphere does not cover the entire arm, fleece makes up the under part of the arm). The body of the jacket is fleece. The Nemesis would not protect you in heavy rain. In the sleeves are cuffs for around the wrist (no way to tighten them but this is not needed). I chose the brown color, and the picture on the site did it justice. The Nemesis is very comfortable and the stitch work does nothing to ruin that comfort. 3 pockets on the outside and 2 on the inside. There is a drawstring cord located at the bottom/inside part of the jacket for a snugger fit. Lightweight and very sharp looking.Pricey but an excellent product!
First the good. This jacket looks great. One can wear it out on the town and look good. The jacket is very comfortable and fits wonderfully. Since it fits so well, it easily layers under a hard shell. This jacket will shed light rain etc without any problems.
The bads are also significant. . . . .
I don't feel this jacket is warm enough. It is essentially just a lightweight fleece. The wind cuts through it quite easily even at 10 - 15 mph. The sleeves and shoulders are true softshell material, but the fleece lining doesn't make up for the loss of heat the material leads to.
So, if you need warmth while you are doing something aerobic, this jacket will work. But it doesn't work as a day to day jacket for much else without a hardshell near by.
I'd give it 3 stars, but the good looks really do give it one extra.
Great piece of equipment if you don't mind it being too small even through MHW sizing chart. Fits small, smaller than usual MHW gear, you want to order next size up. Light, sleeves are "normal" length, even a bit too short,comparing to those new nowadays technical shells and climbing jackets that feel like they were built for monkeys. Thick woven front, decent wind resistance. Athletic cut, so if you got pot belly, go with diff brand or jacket.
