Mountain Hardwear Power Stretch Zip T
September 24, 2008
Yeesh. Looking at the product pic above, I realize that I have to begin this review by saying that this shirt is really much better looking than that. I know, I know, I sound like a desperate mother shopping around pics of her 45-year-old single son so that he might actually move out of her basement one day. But really, it’s true. This shirt does not have to fit like a second skin, and if it does, well, let me remind you that desperation is not attractive – neither on your date’s mother nor on you. So buy a size up. Now, I like my body-conscious clothing as well as the next person, but there is just no need to pack yourself into technical outerwear like you’re Lara Croft in that silver wet suit. Which gives me a great idea for a Halloween costume…
At first I was kind of lukewarm about this shirt. The cut seemed too long in the torso and the material is slightly rougher than I typically prefer against my flawless, alabaster skin (well, alabaster, anyway – not much sun up here this year). I wasn’t sure what I was going to say about this piece, so I procrastinated for a while – and after a few weeks, noticed that although I was having trouble articulating what I thought about the shirt, I sure was wearing it a lot. No sooner would it hit the hanger from the wash and it was back off the hanger and onto, well, me. I got used to the long-ish length, and it soon became my shirt of choice for trips and workouts of all stripes because of its warmth, top-notch breathability, and tendency to shed light rain. I also really appreciate the loooong 1/4 – almost 1/3 -length zipper. Too often 1/4-length zippers just aren’t long enough to be practical when it comes to helmet sports like biking and climbing, but the Power Stretch is easy-on/easy-off, even with a big ol’ bike helmet on. It doesn’t have to go on and off that much, though, because it seems to have an amazing temperature comfort range. When you’re working hard, it wicks sweat and the long zipper acts as a vent. When you’re resting, just zip up and you’ll stay warm and dry. It also seems to have some windstopping properties; always a plus when the wind is kicking up.
Additional genius points for the integrated nature of Mountain Hardwear’s clothing line this year. Most of the pieces really seem to work well together and seem cut to fit just right. With a t-shirt or tank base layer, the Power Stretch T, and the Stimulus jacket on top, you’ve got a lightweight, slim-fitting, waterproof ensemble fit to tackle just about any cool weather endeavor. The Power Stretch also has an upper-arm pocket for stuff like an mp3 player or keys or whatever, but I’ve never used it so I can’t say it’s something I find particularly useful. That’s one more reason to wear it a little looser than the pic , though – if it really were that tight, you’d never be able to get anything into the pocket anyway.
