It’s a scenario virtually every outdoor enthusiast has encountered. Your serene day on the trail is interrupted by a deep rolling thunder in the distance that sends a shiver down your spine. The sky grows dark and turbulent as the bright light of day vanishes into the the gloomy grey ahead.
As the wind howls, and the cold rain drives into the earth, a lightweight shell is your first line of defense against harsh weather. The Plasmic Jacket from Mountain Hardwear offers complete storm protection for fast-moving outdoor athletes. It’s a hi-tec weather shelter ready to keep you dry and free of clammy discomfort.
The Evolution of Protection...
Prior generations of light technical shells suffered from the same daunting difficulty. While they protected users from the wind and rain, they lacked the ability to breathe and effectively wick moisture from the body. The result was a shell that created a damp and humid microclimate leaving you to wonder why you even bothered to slip on the shell in the first place. Mountain Hardwear’s Plasmic Jacket arrived on our doorstep with the promise of lighter, drier and more comfortable protection.
Arriving with the promise of lighter, drier and more comfortable protection, we put the Plasmic Jacket through the paces. From heavy thunderstorms to ridge ripping winds, this advanced all-weather shell kept us dry and comfortable without sacrificing breathability, performance or durability.
On Performance and Design…
Mountain Hardwear’s design team combined the the waterproof-breathability of Dry.Q™ with EVAP, an interior-surface wicking technology that disperses through a network of channels on the fabric allowing moisture to evaporate more quickly. The result is enhanced breathability and accelerated evaporation so you get a shell that shrugs off heavy rains while ensuring that you never overheat on steep sections of trail. In the words of our gear squad, it’s a shell that fights the elements, not your efforts on the trail.
Beyond the top-tier technology of Dry.Q™ with EVAP, the Plasmic jacket is equipped with all the features we needed to keep grinning even in the eye of the storm. An adjustable storm hood provides additional protection while the vislon aquaguard zipper and an adjustable hem drawcord keep the elements from blowing inside to dry layers.
And because no one stands still in bad weather, a Micro-Chamois™-lined chin guard helps eliminate nasty zipper chaffing when you’re moving light and fast. Add in the fact that the entire package weighs in at a meager 10 ounces and you’ve got a stellar performer that will never weigh you down on the trail.
Notes from the Field….
The Plasmic Jacket features a standard fit that gently drapes off the body. For those seeking an exterior shell that makes for easy layering over base and mid layers, this is a perfect fit. However, the Plasmic Jacket may prove to feel larger through the arms and torso for those who prefer a more athletic cut that fits closer to the body while still allowing for natural movement.
Bottom Line…
Embrace the elements. Featuring the waterproof-breathability of Dry.Q™ with EVAP, Mountain Hardwear’s Plasmic Jacket is ready to serve as your lightweight shelter from the storm.
*Gumption Gear Review received the item featured in this review from Mountain Hardwear at no cost and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The item featured was provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.