First Impressions of Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s
The Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s immediately caught my eye with its promise of frontcountry versatility and commitment to sustainability. Mountain Hardwear is a brand I’ve trusted for years, and the combination of a Gore-Tex membrane and recycled face fabric seemed like a win-win.
I needed a reliable ski jacket that could handle a variety of conditions, from sunny groomers to unexpected powder days. My old jacket, while functional, lacked the breathability and modern features I wanted for longer days on the slopes.
The jacket arrived neatly packaged, and my first impression was that the materials felt substantial yet surprisingly lightweight. The recycled polyester face fabric had a soft, almost matte finish, a welcome departure from the typical shiny ski jacket. Compared to a similar Patagonia Powder Bowl Jacket and an Arcteryx Sentinel AR Jacket, the Cloud Bank seemed to strike a better balance between performance and environmental responsibility, plus it was easier on the wallet. I was definitely excited to put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s to Breckenridge for a week of skiing in early January. The conditions were a mix of sunshine, snow, and icy winds – perfect for a thorough test. The jacket performed admirably in all situations. I stayed dry and comfortable even during extended periods of snowfall, and the underarm vents kept me from overheating on warmer days.
The jacket felt natural and unrestrictive right away, with no break-in period needed. The hood, adjustable with a three-way drawcord, fit perfectly over my helmet. No initial issues arose; it was ready to go from the get-go!
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of skiing, snowboarding, and even some winter hiking, the Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, even in high-abrasion areas like the shoulders and elbows. Washing the jacket is simple: a gentle cycle with tech wash, followed by a tumble dry on low to reactivate the DWR finish.
Compared to my previous ski jackets, which often showed wear after a single season, the Cloud Bank has proven to be significantly more durable. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of longevity and performance.
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 is a key feature, offering waterproof/breathable protection with a focus on sustainability.
- Insulation: Body-mapped with 80 g at the body and 60 g at the sleeves and hood. This provides warmth where it’s needed most without unnecessary bulk.
- Weight: 32 oz. This is a respectable weight for a fully featured ski jacket.
- Center Back Length: 30 in. Provides ample coverage without being overly long or cumbersome.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the jacket’s performance in real-world conditions. The Gore-Tex ePE membrane ensures waterproofness and breathability, while the body-mapped insulation provides targeted warmth. The recycled polyester face fabric reduces the jacket’s environmental footprint.
Performance & Functionality
The Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s excels at keeping you dry and comfortable in a wide range of conditions. The Gore-Tex membrane provides excellent waterproof protection, while the breathable fabric prevents overheating. The 80g insulation in the body and 60g in the sleeves and hood strikes a good balance between warmth and mobility.
The jacket’s strengths lie in its balanced design and reliable performance. One area for potential improvement could be the zipper pulls, which are slightly small and difficult to manipulate with gloved hands. Overall, the Cloud Bank has met my expectations and proven to be a highly functional ski jacket.
Design & Ergonomics
The Cloud Bank features a well-thought-out design with a focus on comfort and practicality. The materials feel high-quality and the construction is solid. The jacket has a trim, athletic fit that allows for a full range of motion without feeling baggy. The helmet-compatible hood is easily adjustable, and the internal stretch cuffs with thumb loops keep snow out and provide extra warmth.
The jacket is user-friendly with no significant learning curve. The pocket configuration is intuitive and provides ample storage space for essentials.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s appears to be built to last. The recycled polyester face fabric is abrasion-resistant, and the Gore-Tex membrane is known for its durability. With proper care, this jacket should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is straightforward: machine wash with tech wash and tumble dry on low to reactivate the DWR finish. This simple process helps maintain the jacket’s waterproof and breathable performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s comes with several useful accessories, including a RECCO reflector, an internal powder skirt, and multiple zippered pockets. There are no specific customization options offered by Mountain Hardwear. However, the jacket is compatible with most standard ski accessories, such as helmet liners, gloves, and base layers.
Pros and Cons of Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s
Pros
- Waterproof and Breathable Gore-Tex ePE Fabric: Keeps you dry and comfortable in all conditions.
- Sustainable Design: Features a recycled polyester face fabric and a PFC-free Gore-Tex membrane.
- Body-Mapped Insulation: Provides warmth where it’s needed most without unnecessary bulk.
- Helmet-Compatible Hood: Offers excellent protection from the elements.
- Durable Construction: Built to last with high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
Cons
- Zipper pulls are slightly small and difficult to manipulate with gloved hands.
- Limited color options compared to some competitors.
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 female skiers and snowboarders who want a versatile and sustainable jacket for resort riding and occasional backcountry adventures. It’s also a great choice for anyone who values performance, durability, and environmental responsibility.
This jacket might not be the best option for those who primarily ski in extremely cold conditions or who require a highly specialized backcountry jacket with advanced features.
Must-have accessories include a good pair of ski gloves, a warm base layer, and a helmet.
Conclusion on Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s
The Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex Jacket – Women’s is an excellent ski jacket that offers a compelling combination of performance, sustainability, and value. At the sale price of $229.99, it’s a steal, providing features and quality that rival jackets costing significantly more.
I would definitely recommend this jacket to anyone looking for a reliable and environmentally conscious option for their winter adventures. Don’t hesitate—grab this jacket while it’s on sale and hit the slopes with confidence!