Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket – Men’s Review

Let’s Dive into Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket – Men’s

The Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket – Men’s is a lightweight, packable, and highly versatile waterproof shell designed for the fast-moving outdoor enthusiast. Coming from Mountain Equipment, a brand known for its quality mountaineering and trekking gear, this jacket promises to deliver reliable protection without sacrificing comfort and freedom of movement. I was immediately drawn to its promise of being a “go-to” jacket for various mountain adventures.

My search for a reliable shell jacket stemmed from consistently getting caught in unpredictable mountain weather during my hiking and climbing trips. I needed something that wouldn’t weigh me down, offered excellent weather protection, and allowed unrestricted movement while scrambling over rocks or navigating technical terrain.

Upon unboxing the Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket – Men’s, I was immediately impressed by its incredibly light weight. The fabric felt surprisingly supple for a waterproof shell, and the overall construction exuded quality. The attention to detail was evident in the clean seams, precisely placed zippers, and thoughtfully designed hood.

I was also considering the Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket and the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L. The Beta AR is a top-tier performer, but its price point is significantly higher, making it less accessible. The Torrentshell is more budget-friendly but lacks the stretch and refined fit I was looking for. The Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket – Men’s seemed to strike a sweet spot between performance, price, and features, which made it the obvious choice.

My initial impression was one of excitement and anticipation. The jacket felt like it could truly be the versatile, high-performance shell I’d been searching for. The promise of unrestricted movement coupled with reliable weather protection had me eager to put it to the test.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket – Men’s to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real-world test of the Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket – Men’s came during a three-day backpacking trip in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I specifically chose this location because of its reputation for unpredictable weather and challenging terrain. The jacket saw everything from light drizzle to driving rain and gusty winds.

The jacket truly shined in the varied conditions. The DRILITE STRETCH 20D fabric kept me completely dry during heavy downpours, and the pit zips provided excellent ventilation during strenuous climbs, preventing me from overheating. I found the “Active fit” to be spot-on, allowing for a full range of motion while scrambling up rocky sections of the trail.

I initially found the Mountain HC Hood a little tricky to adjust with gloves on, but after a few practice runs, I was able to dial in the fit perfectly. The hood stayed securely in place, even in strong winds, offering excellent protection without obstructing my vision. I also appreciate the internal pocket.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use on various hiking and climbing trips, the Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket – Men’s has proven to be remarkably durable. Despite being subjected to abrasion from rocks and tree branches, the fabric shows minimal signs of wear. The zippers continue to operate smoothly, and the DWR finish is still effective at repelling water.

The only noticeable wear is some slight fading of the color around the high-wear areas, such as the shoulders and cuffs. However, this is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect the jacket’s performance. Cleaning is straightforward; I simply toss it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with a technical wash and then hang it to dry.

Having used other waterproof shells in the past, I can confidently say that the Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket – Men’s outperforms them in terms of breathability and freedom of movement. The stretch fabric makes a significant difference when navigating challenging terrain, and the pit zips provide ample ventilation to prevent overheating. It’s a step up from the stiff, restrictive shells I’ve used before.

Breaking Down the Features of Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket – Men’s

Specifications

• The Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket – Men’s utilizes a 3 layer DRILITE STRETCH 20D fabric with a PFC-free DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish. This combination delivers excellent waterproof protection while maintaining breathability and allowing for unrestricted movement.

• It features a Mountain HC Hood that is fully adjustable for a customized fit and optimal protection in exposed conditions. The hood is designed to stay securely in place, even in high winds, without obstructing your vision.

• The jacket has an “Active fit” with articulated and pre-shaped sleeves, enhancing freedom of movement during activities like hiking and climbing. The articulated sleeves ensure the jacket moves with your body, preventing restriction or binding.

• A YKK moulded AquaGuard centre front zip with an internal flap provides a water-resistant barrier against the elements. The internal flap further enhances weather protection by preventing water from seeping through the zipper.

• It includes 2 pockets with YKK water resistant zips and YKK underarm venting zips. The pockets offer secure storage for essential items, while the pit zips allow for on-the-go ventilation to regulate body temperature.

• The jacket features adjustable laminated cuffs and dual tether hem drawcords for a customized and secure fit. These adjustments help to seal out drafts and prevent the jacket from riding up during activity.

• An internal pocket provides additional secure storage for valuables. The internal pocket offers a safe place to keep items like your phone or wallet dry and protected.

• The Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket – Men’s is produced in a Fair Wear environment. Mountain Equipment is committed to fair working conditions worldwide, ensuring ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices.

• The jacket weighs approximately 15.2 oz. This incredibly light weight makes it an ideal choice for activities where weight is a concern.

Performance & Functionality

The Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket – Men’s performs exceptionally well in its intended role as a lightweight, waterproof shell. The DRILITE STRETCH fabric provides excellent weather protection, keeping you dry in heavy rain and blocking wind effectively. The stretch fabric allows for a full range of motion, making it comfortable to wear during activities like hiking, climbing, and trekking.

The jacket’s main strengths are its lightweight design, excellent weather protection, and unrestricted movement. The hood is well-designed and provides excellent coverage, while the pit zips allow for effective ventilation. The main area for improvement could be the adjustability of the hood toggles with gloves on.

The Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket – Men’s largely exceeds expectations. It’s proven to be a reliable and versatile piece of gear that I reach for on every outdoor adventure. It has quickly become my “go-to” shell for any activity where I need reliable weather protection without sacrificing comfort or freedom of movement.

Design & Ergonomics

The Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket – Men’s features a clean and functional design with a focus on minimizing weight and maximizing performance. The “Active fit” is well-tailored, allowing for comfortable layering without being overly baggy. The placement of the pockets and zippers is intuitive, and the hood is easily adjustable (with practice).

The jacket’s build quality is excellent, with durable materials and precise construction. The 15.2 oz weight makes it incredibly packable, and the supple fabric feels comfortable against the skin. The learning curve is minimal; it’s easy to throw on and adjust on the fly.

Durability & Maintenance

The Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket – Men’s is built to last, with high-quality materials and durable construction. While the 20D fabric is lightweight, it’s surprisingly resistant to abrasion and wear. With proper care, this jacket should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is straightforward. Machine wash on a gentle cycle with a technical wash, and hang to dry. Reapplying a DWR treatment periodically will help to maintain its water repellency.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket – Men’s doesn’t come with a ton of accessories, which is in line with its minimalist design. The key feature is its adjustable hood and the pit zips.

While not specifically designed for customization, the jacket’s classic design and neutral color options make it compatible with a wide range of outdoor accessories, such as backpacks, hats, and gloves.

Pros and Cons of Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket – Men’s

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Who Should Buy Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket – Men’s?

The Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket – Men’s is perfect for:

• Hikers and trekkers seeking a lightweight, packable, and reliable waterproof shell.
• Mountaineers and climbers who need a jacket that allows for unrestricted movement.
• Backpackers looking to minimize weight without sacrificing weather protection.
• Anyone who values a balance of performance, comfort, and durability in their outdoor gear.

This product may not be ideal for:

• Those who require the absolute toughest, most durable shell for extreme conditions.
• Users who prioritize a wide range of specialized features over minimalist design.

Must-have accessories include a good base layer to maximize breathability and layering options for varying conditions.

Conclusion on Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket – Men’s

The Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket – Men’s is an outstanding waterproof shell that strikes an impressive balance of weight, performance, and durability. Its lightweight design, excellent weather protection, and unrestricted movement make it an ideal choice for a wide range of outdoor activities. While the 20D fabric may not be as bombproof as heavier options, it offers more than enough protection for most users.

The price of $179.99 is justified by the jacket’s high-quality materials, excellent construction, and versatile performance. It offers a competitive value proposition compared to other premium waterproof shells on the market.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket – Men’s to anyone seeking a lightweight, packable, and reliable waterproof shell for their outdoor adventures. It’s a versatile piece of gear that will keep you dry and comfortable in a variety of conditions. Invest in this jacket, and you’ll be prepared to tackle whatever the mountains throw your way.