Let’s Talk About Mountain Equipment Earthrise Hooded Jacket – Men’s
The Mountain Equipment Earthrise Hooded Jacket – Men’s is a testament to sustainable design without compromising performance. Mountain Equipment has created a piece of kit that appeals to the environmentally conscious adventurer. It balances warmth, weight, and packability with a focus on recycled materials. This jacket isn’t just about keeping you warm; it’s about making a statement about responsible outdoor gear.
I was searching for a lightweight, packable down jacket to use as a mid-layer for ski touring and a standalone piece for shoulder-season backpacking trips. I needed something that would provide adequate warmth without adding significant weight or bulk to my pack. The Earthrise’s use of recycled down and recycled fabrics immediately caught my eye.
Upon unboxing, the jacket felt remarkably light and compressible. The outer fabric had a smooth, almost silky feel, hinting at its windproof capabilities. The build quality seemed excellent, with neat stitching and a well-fitted hood. It was immediately clear that this was a thoughtfully designed and well-constructed piece of gear.
Compared to the Patagonia Down Sweater and the Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody, the Mountain Equipment Earthrise Hooded Jacket – Men’s stood out for its ethical sourcing and competitive price point. While the Patagonia is a classic, and the Arc’teryx is known for its technical prowess, the Earthrise offered a compelling blend of sustainability, performance, and value. I chose it for its commitment to recycled materials and its reputation for dependable warmth in mountain environments.
My first impression was excitement; the jacket seemed to deliver on its promise of being a lightweight, eco-conscious, and versatile piece. I was eager to put it to the test in the mountains. I was hoping it could live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mountain Equipment Earthrise Hooded Jacket – Men’s to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Mountain Equipment Earthrise Hooded Jacket – Men’s on a late-season ski tour in the Colorado Rockies. The temperatures hovered around 20°F (-7°C) at the trailhead and dipped lower as we gained elevation. I wore it as a mid-layer under my shell jacket during the uphill and as an outer layer during breaks. The jacket provided excellent insulation, keeping me comfortably warm without overheating during exertion.
The jacket performed admirably in the dry, cold conditions. The windproof fabric effectively blocked the biting wind at the summit. The breathability was adequate for moderate activity, but I found myself needing to vent occasionally during high-output sections. I appreciated how easily it stuffed into its hand pocket for storage in my pack.
The Earthrise Hooded Jacket – Men’s was easy to use right out of the box. The fit was true to size, and the features were intuitive. The hood cinched down snugly and provided good coverage without obstructing my vision. I didn’t experience any issues with the zippers or drawcords.
No major surprises occurred during the first use, just an appreciation for its lightweight warmth and packability. I was impressed by its ability to cut the wind and maintain a comfortable temperature. I knew I would be using it extensively in the future.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Mountain Equipment Earthrise Hooded Jacket – Men’s has held up remarkably well. I’ve worn it on numerous backpacking trips, climbing expeditions, and casual outings in town.
The jacket has proven to be quite durable, with no noticeable signs of wear and tear despite being crammed into backpacks and subjected to abrasive rock. The seams are still intact, and the down hasn’t shifted significantly. The outer fabric has resisted snags and tears, proving its robustness.
Maintaining the jacket has been straightforward. I’ve spot-cleaned it a few times with a mild detergent and occasionally tossed it in the washing machine on a delicate cycle with down-specific soap. The jacket has retained its loft and warmth after each wash. This is definitely a huge plus.
Compared to my previous down jackets, the Earthrise Hooded Jacket – Men’s has exceeded my expectations in terms of warmth-to-weight ratio and durability. It outperforms my older jackets while also offering the added benefit of being made from recycled materials. It is a clear winner.
Breaking Down the Features of Mountain Equipment Earthrise Hooded Jacket – Men’s
Specifications
- Material: The jacket utilizes a 100% recycled Earthrise 50D outer fabric, demonstrating commitment to sustainability. This recycled polyamide provides wind resistance and a degree of water repellency.
- Insulation: Filled with 155 grams of 700 fill power recycled down, the Earthrise offers excellent warmth for its weight. The down is sourced from post-consumer recycled materials, reducing environmental impact.
- Weight: Weighing in at 15.5 oz (440g), this jacket is remarkably lightweight. This makes it ideal for activities where weight is a critical factor.
- Hood: Features a Mountain HC Insulated Hood, which is fully adjustable. This provides excellent protection against the elements.
- Pockets: Two zipped hand warmer pockets, one outer chest pocket, and one internal zipped security pocket. These offer ample storage options.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the jacket’s performance and versatility. The recycled materials contribute to environmental responsibility. The 700 fill power down provides excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. The thoughtful pocket design enhances practicality.
Performance & Functionality
The Mountain Equipment Earthrise Hooded Jacket – Men’s performs its job admirably, providing reliable warmth, wind protection, and packability. It excels as a mid-layer for colder activities and as a standalone jacket in milder conditions.
The strengths include its lightweight warmth, wind resistance, and eco-friendly construction. The weaknesses are its limited water resistance (it will wet out in heavy rain) and its breathability, which could be improved for high-output activities. Overall it does meet and exceeds expectations in normal circumstances.
Design & Ergonomics
The jacket boasts a well-thought-out design with a comfortable, athletic fit that allows for freedom of movement. The build quality is excellent, with durable materials and precise stitching.
The jacket is user-friendly, with intuitive features and easy-to-adjust drawcords. There’s virtually no learning curve. The thoughtful design is a real selling point.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mountain Equipment Earthrise Hooded Jacket – Men’s is built to last. The recycled fabrics and high-quality construction ensure long-term durability.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional washing with down-specific soap. Any minor repairs can be easily addressed with a needle and thread.
Accessories and Customization Options
The jacket comes with a stuff sack, allowing for convenient packing and storage. There are no specific customization options available.
However, the jacket is compatible with a wide range of layering systems and can be easily paired with other Mountain Equipment products or accessories from other brands. The jacket can also be stowed on a harness with the provided clip loop inside the pocket.
Pros and Cons of Mountain Equipment Earthrise Hooded Jacket – Men’s
Pros
- Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio: Provides significant warmth without adding unnecessary bulk.
- Sustainable design: Made with 100% recycled down and fabrics.
- Windproof and water-resistant: Offers reliable protection against the elements.
- Highly packable: Stuffs into its hand pocket for easy storage.
- Comfortable and versatile: Suitable for a wide range of activities and conditions.
Cons
- Limited water resistance: Will wet out in heavy rain.
- Breathability could be improved: Not ideal for high-output activities in mild temperatures.
Who Should Buy Mountain Equipment Earthrise Hooded Jacket – Men’s?
The Mountain Equipment Earthrise Hooded Jacket – Men’s is perfect for: environmentally conscious hikers, backpackers, climbers, skiers, and anyone looking for a lightweight, packable, and warm insulated jacket. It’s ideal for those who need a versatile mid-layer or standalone jacket for cool to cold conditions.
Who should skip this product? Individuals who require a fully waterproof jacket or those who primarily engage in high-intensity activities in warmer temperatures.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A waterproof shell jacket for wet conditions and a moisture-wicking base layer for enhanced breathability.
Conclusion on Mountain Equipment Earthrise Hooded Jacket – Men’s
The Mountain Equipment Earthrise Hooded Jacket – Men’s is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a lightweight, warm, and sustainably produced insulated jacket. Mountain Equipment has successfully created a product that balances performance and environmental responsibility.
The price is justified given the quality of materials, construction, and the ethical considerations behind its production. At $145.99 this jacket provides great value.
I would personally recommend this jacket to anyone looking for a versatile and eco-conscious piece of outdoor gear. It’s a reliable and responsible choice for your next adventure. Invest in the Earthrise Hooded Jacket – Men’s and experience the perfect blend of warmth, performance, and sustainability.