Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket Review

Using the Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s in the Real World

The Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s is designed for women who demand performance and sustainability in their winter gear. It’s a versatile ski jacket aimed at those who enjoy everything from resort skiing to venturing into the sidecountry. Mountain Hardwear has clearly focused on comfort, protection, and environmental responsibility with this jacket. The jacket boasts a revamped 2-layer Gore-Tex membrane made without unwanted fluorinated chemicals and a 100% recycled face fabric, features that immediately piqued my interest.

I was searching for a durable and dependable ski jacket that could handle varied conditions and also align with my values regarding sustainability. My old jacket, while functional, lacked breathability and wasn’t made with environmentally conscious materials. I considered jackets from Arc’teryx and Patagonia, but the Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s offered a compelling combination of features, performance, and sustainability at a more accessible price point.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the jacket’s feel. The recycled face fabric felt substantial yet supple, and the overall construction seemed robust. The weight felt appropriate for a ski jacket, not too heavy to feel cumbersome but substantial enough to inspire confidence in its ability to withstand harsh conditions. I was excited to put it to the test and see if it lived up to its promises.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s on a weekend ski trip to the Colorado Rockies. Conditions were variable, with periods of sunshine followed by heavy snowfall and gusty winds. I primarily wore it while resort skiing, but also ventured into some ungroomed areas off-piste.

The jacket performed admirably. The Gore-Tex fabric kept me completely dry during the snowfall, and the breathability was noticeable when I was working up a sweat on steeper runs. The underarm vents were essential for dumping heat during more strenuous activity. Initially, the slightly stiffer feel of the recycled face fabric took a bit of getting used to compared to my older, softer jacket.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of skiing and snowboarding, the Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s has proven to be remarkably durable. I’ve worn it approximately 30 days on the slopes, and it still looks almost new. There are no signs of wear and tear on the fabric, and the zippers all function smoothly.

Maintenance has been straightforward. I’ve spot-cleaned it as needed with a damp cloth and mild detergent and machine washed it once according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The jacket repels water effectively, and the DWR finish seems to be holding up well. It definitely outperforms my previous jacket in terms of overall durability and weather protection.

Breaking Down the Features of Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s

Specifications

• Fabric/Material: GORE-TEX ePE 150D 2-Layer: 100% Recycled Polyester – This durable and waterproof fabric is the core of the jacket’s weather protection. The use of recycled polyester shows Mountain Hardwear’s commitment to sustainability.
• Insulation: Yes – The jacket has body-mapped insulation for warmth. This is a great feature to keep the body warm where it needs it most.
• Insulation Weight: 80 g at the body and 60 g at the sleeves and hood – The strategically placed insulation provides efficient warmth without bulk. It’s perfect for cold days on the slopes.
• Weight: 32 oz – The weight is reasonable for a fully featured ski jacket. It strikes a balance between durability and comfort.
• Center Back Length: 30 in – The length provides good coverage without restricting movement. This is important for skiing and snowboarding.
• Sleeve Length: Long Sleeve – Long sleeves are helpful for reaching the handles when needed on a chairlift.
• Lining Material: 20D Nylon Taffeta – The lining provides a smooth and comfortable feel against the skin. It also helps with moisture wicking.
• Pockets: Zippered – Multiple zippered pockets offer ample storage for essentials. These pockets keep valuables safe and dry.

Performance & Functionality

The Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s excels in its primary function: providing waterproof and breathable protection in winter conditions. It kept me dry and comfortable in heavy snowfall, sleet, and windy conditions. The breathability is also noteworthy, as it prevented me from overheating during more intense activities.

The jacket’s strengths lie in its excellent weather protection, comfortable fit, and sustainable design. The body-mapped insulation provides warmth without feeling bulky, and the multiple pockets offer ample storage. The main weakness is that the recycled face fabric can feel slightly stiffer compared to some other jackets. Overall, it far exceeds my expectations for a ski jacket in this price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The jacket boasts a well-thought-out design that balances functionality and aesthetics. The fit is athletic and allows for a good range of motion. The helmet-compatible hood is easily adjustable, and the internal powder skirt effectively seals out snow.

The build quality is excellent, with durable materials and robust construction. It feels like it can withstand the rigors of regular use in demanding conditions. The jacket is very user-friendly, with intuitive features and adjustments.

Durability & Maintenance

The Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s is built to last. The durable Gore-Tex fabric and reinforced construction should withstand many seasons of use. As mentioned earlier, maintenance is relatively easy.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s comes with a well-designed set of features:

• Internal powder skirt with jacket-to-pant integration – Keeps snow out and creates a seamless system.
• Internal stretch cuffs with thumb loops – Adds warmth and keeps sleeves in place.
• Hook-and-loop adjustable cuffs – Allows for a customized fit over gloves.
• Dual lower hem adjusters – Seals in warmth and prevents drafts.
• Integrated RECCO reflector – Enhances searchability in emergency situations.

While the jacket doesn’t offer extensive customization options, its design is compatible with most standard ski helmets and gloves.

Pros and Cons of Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s

Who Should Buy Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s?

The Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s is perfect for women who are passionate about skiing and snowboarding. It is well-suited for resort skiers and those who occasionally venture into the sidecountry. The Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s is also perfect for people who value sustainability and want a jacket that aligns with their environmental values.

This jacket is probably not the best choice for those who primarily ski in very mild conditions or need an ultra-lightweight backcountry jacket. A lighter, more packable shell might be a better option in these cases. A must-have accessory to accompany the Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s would be a good pair of ski gloves.

Conclusion on Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s

The Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s is an outstanding ski jacket that delivers exceptional performance, comfort, and sustainability. The Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s has shown the value is definitely justified.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s to any woman looking for a reliable, environmentally conscious, and stylish ski jacket. If you’re seeking a versatile and dependable ski jacket that aligns with your values, look no further. Go ahead and experience the difference for yourself!