Description of Mountain Hardwear Dragon Softshell Jacket - Men's:
The Mountain Hardwear Men’s Dragon Softshell Jacket uses zWeld technology, a trim fit, and a WindStopper laminate to give your torso and head waterproof breathable protection on mountaineering and alpine climbing trips. zWeld replaces sewing and taping with increased breathability, stretch, durability, and waterproofness, all at a light weight. Pull up the hood and let the beefy, laminated brim deflect wetness. Elastic cuffs with thumbholes help keep your wrists warm and dry, water-resistant Underarm zips dump heat on your way up, and articulated sleeves help your reach.
Bottom Line: This dragon eats frozen waterfalls and storm-hidden mountain peaks for breakfast.
SO I just got this jacket earlier today, and I must say its quite an impressive piece. I have tried on the MHW Synchro, Marmot Super Hero and TNF Cipher and must say this jacket has its ups an downs.
Pros:
The length of the arms are great, I got this in an XL but the Cipher in Large.
The availability of pockets is also killer, as are the thumbloops. I have yet to try it in rain, but the windstopping ability of this jacket is incredible. It truly is 100% windproof. The Watertight pit zips on this jacket are also a plus
Cons:
The fabric feels odd against my skin. Its easily the least comfortable Next to skin as compared to the Syncrho or Cipher. The pit zips are what really get me. They are watertight on the outside, but the zipper can rub against your skin. WTF, why isn't there some sort of covering around it? The Super hero felt way better against your skin.
I'll be honest, I'm a snowboarder. But I love buying quality products - and the Dragon Softshell is probably the sickest jacket I've ever bought. I see a lot of people complaining about seems and whatnot, but I've taken this jacket all over - urban rail sessions, rock climbing, and just as a standard - get to class without freezing - jacket and it works perfectly.
I have been skeptical of MH for the past couple years and had turned to other brands, but decided to try this jacket out because I had heard so many good things about it and it's predecessor, the Torch. I am very impressed with the fit of this piece. I have a climber build and am 6'O" and am borderline between medium and large in most brands. Since I have a thin build, large is usually huge in the chest and mediums are too short in the torso. I actually held off from buying MH's Torch jacket because it was cut too short. At 29" in length the medium is a great fit and is snug throughout the body with enough room for a base layer. As this will be a skiing and climbing jacket, I don't expect needing any more room for layering. The sleeve length is generously cut. The elastic thumb holes will come in handy when active and tuck neatly up the sleave when wearing around town. I have ran in the jacket and really appreciated the pit zips to cool down. Overall, I am very impressed with the jacket so far and am looking forward to using it for its purpose on a climb very soon.
