Mountain Hardwear Compressor Jacket
July 31, 2008
I wish I had a cute story or funny post to write about this jacket, but the magic just isn’t there today. Where’s the magic? Well, it’s been sucked up by the Compressor jacket! There is absolutely nothing for it but to rave about how great the Compressor is. It’s a super lightweight, non-bulky, ultra-warm synthetic-fill, perfectly cut little piece of heaven. It’s very simple – just a normal jacket with two pockets and no special frills or oddly placed logos or extra pockets – but there’s nothing wanting. It’s perfect. It’s light and compact – not bulky or puffy. A gal can still look slim and trim while staying warm at the same time! No marshmallow look here. The Compressor is my go-to for staying warm on chilly evenings, and since it stuffs into its own pocket for storage, I always have room to bring it along. Besides, I get lots of compliments on it, so naturally I bring it everywhere in case I feel the need for attention. And let’s face it, I’m a blogger – I like attention.
Like other super lightweight items, the Compressor is not made for abuse, so keeping it puncture-free is practically a full time job if you care as much about your gear as I do. I learned the hard way with other superlight gear, so I’m just a bit more careful than normal when wearing the Compressor. I’d love to wear it ice climbing, but I’m a klutz with the tools so I know my darling Compressor would get shredded. I don’t go bushwhacking or tree climbing or sliding down rock faces on my stomach (like ya do). I’m extra careful when zipping the pocket when the Compressor is stuffed inside; catching the fabric on the zipper would be tragic. But babying my stuff is worth it when it’s as good as this jacket. It’s not winter yet (though you wouldn’t guess from the weather), but I’m estimating that the Compressor will be warm enough in temperatures down to the low twenties. For below-freezing fall (and Alaskan summer) days, the Compressor is all you need. And don’t be a total fool like I was, and try to stuff the Compressor into the wrong pocket while complaining that there’s no way to close the zipper. If you can’t close the zipper, use the other pocket. You know, the one with the double-pull zipper. Fool.
Update: The double-pull zipper on my beautiful Compressor failed after 8 months of use. And as one of our ever-supportive Gearguys said, “wow, and you really take care of your stuff.” I took care of the Compressor and it caved under the pressure. Still, MHW has a warranty and will fix the zipper, but that means I’m without my favorite lightweight jacket for 4-6 weeks. Anyone else had this issue? Let me (and MHW) know by posting a comment.
