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Does mountain hardwear have alpine gear dialed down?

Original Post
jTaylor · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2012 · Points: 50

From the looks of it, the Dry Q. Elite seems like a dream fabric for alpine situations. I haven't had a chance to wear any of this stuff, and i don't know anyone who has something with it locally but I figured i'd ask around here.

what do you guys think, is MHW leading the pack w/ this fabric or have I just listened to a little too much marketing rhetoric? Tempted to get a MHW alpine jacket (Torsun) at the end of the season when prices drop a bit more but figured it would be a good time to ask for some feedback.

Tyler Newcomb · · New York, New York | Boston · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 81

I have the mountain Hardwear exposure shell with dry q elite. So far, I have been extremely impressed. Now, I have had it for less than a month, but no rain, snow, sleet, or a spilled glass of iced tea got through this thing. When it comes to wind, it's is wonderful, blocking it completely. However, any jacket can do this. Where it really shines is breathability. Indoors or out, whether I am just sitting or running, I never over heat due to this jacket. It is also super durable. Through the woods, rubbing against bushes or even a few thorns, carrying pointed sticks and logs for a fire, nothing has ripped or even shown signs of wear yet. Again, I have ah this less than a month, but so far I think it is the best jacket you could own.

Wade J. · · Boulder, CO · Joined Aug 2011 · Points: 25

I've had a pair of MHW dry q elite pants for a little over a year now and have put them through a lot. They've been great for skiing and ice climbing. They are definitely wind and water proof with a very high degree of breathability. I rarely ever need to make use of the side vents. In terms of durability I would say they're pretty much on par with the rest of the pants out there. A few crampon holes but nothing out of the norm. I assume they're jackets would be just as nice.

chocodove · · New Jersey · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 70

I have a Torsun and love it. Bomber. I stopped wearing softshells because of it, perfect protection for the winters here in the NE. For my purposes, the Dry Q Elite has performed better than any of the other fabrics (and I have owned them all). The fit is great for a tall lanky guy like myself as well. IMO, it's a steal if you can find one on sale.

H BL · · Colorado · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 95

I just bought a MH B'Layman synthetic jacket (was on sale @ mountain gear) and bought a Quasar Hybrid pullover and some base layers at the mountain gear outlet in Castle Rock (yes a mountain hardwear outlet! They have an Arctyrex one as well. Haven't had to really put them to the full test yet as I'm still recovering from knee surgery, but....

I've worn the B'Layman jacket with just a t shirt underneath while sitting on my deck while the temp was in the low 20's and it kept me comfy warm. Not as compressable as my 850 fill down jackets, but I dig it, it's well made.

I've worn the quasar while shoveling with a light layer underneath. I didn't steam up. the Quasar Hybrid is an anorak design, has an athletic fit, and is uber light. My only concern is durability. But otherwise I think it rocks.

Tighe Blackadar · · Bridgton ME · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 141

I cant speak to the elite series, but I have a MH shell pant and a rain racket, and I love both products. In the pants I've done several long winter hikes in deep snow, many days of snowboarding and snowshoeing, and NEVER felt any moisture make its way through.

jTaylor · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2012 · Points: 50

thanks for the feedback guys, ended up finding a torsun for $250 yesterday ended up making an impulsive buy. REI still has a few at that price also if anyone else is interested.

christoph benells · · tahoma · Joined Nov 2014 · Points: 306

I think their clothing is cheaply made, and poor quality. The only reason I can think of that they dont use Gore-Tex is that is was too expensive for their bottom line. Dry Q is plenty breathable, but that where the list of good things stops.

I do still stand behind their expedition tents, like the Trango and the Direkt 2, and their diretissima/south col/BMG packs are pretty sweet. The wayback 30 is my favorite ski touring pack. Their phantom sleeping bags are nice too, not comparable to high end brands like feathered friends, or western mountaineering, but still good.

tom donnelly · · san diego · Joined Aug 2002 · Points: 364
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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