The Mountain Hardwear Compressor jacket is a GearFlogger favorite from way back. It's sturdy, versatile and well-designed. It also used to be just for men, but now there's a SheFlogger specific version that makes a few sacrifices to form over function that limit its suitability for alpine epics, yet are sure to make it a big hit with the double X crowd.
The women's Compressor has a feminine cut with a nice bit of extra length in the hem and more attractive stitching pattern, including a subtle logo design and floral pattern on the inside. Instead of an external chest pocket that might ride up on the bustline when stuffed, there's a zippered pocket on the inside of the left bicep. Sounds strange, but for wallet-sized stuff and lift passes it works well.
Another difference is in the cuffs, which replace the rip-and-stick adjustment on the men's with a hidden elastic cuff. Finally, the hood is listed as helmet-compatible, but it's really not in any comfortable way, at least not over the helmet. The hood is designed more like a drop hood where the collar can stand up in front while the hood lies flat in back. On the men's version the collar stands way up, which is great for chin protection, but the women will have to tuck down a bit to get some lovin' on their Leno.
Other features match the men's version: two zippered handwarmer pockets with a microfleece lining, an interior zippered chest pocket, adjustable hood and hem and much appreciated zipper garage to save your neck. The fill has been upgraded to Primaloft ECO, which is 50% recycled. The Compressor delivers great warmth for the weight, and the wearability is excellent: it just fits and works great. It layers well thanks to the low-friction DWR ripstop nylon shell so you can easily take it into single digit backcountry excursions, or throw it on over a dress shirt for work. For serious alpine use we'd like to see more coverage of the chin, a true helmet compatible hood and rip-and-stick cuffs, but for anything else the Compressor is first rate.
The Northern Outfitters mens parka shell and parka liner give you serious protection from winter weather. This parka system is hard-core warm if you work or just stay outside (hiking, skiing, etc.) in the winter. The guys in the Iditarod all wear it.
Posted by: Pat Kelly | March 11, 2010 at 06:14 AM