Mountain Hardware Transition Jacket

The Mountain Hardware Transition Jacket is a pretty unusual item of kit. It is made from fully taped, GoreWindstopper N2S Softshell. First of all, I need to explain that the N2S fabric isn’t like the standard, heavy, cardboard fabric found in cheaper Windstopper products. It’s a soft, thin and breathable fabric, which as the name suggests (Next 2 Skin or N2S) is comfortable against the skin.

Being fully taped Windstopper, the jacket is extremely windproof. For example, I’ve worn mine while road biking on those cold, crisp winter days and even on the steepest, fasted down hills, not a breath of air has sneaked into the jacket.

The jacket is close fitting and sealed with lycra hems and cuffs (including thumb loops) that help maintain a microclimate next to the skin. This microclimate helps drive next to the skin moisture out through the fabric. I only use my Transition Jacket on the coldest, dampest of winter days for high energy activities, such as running or biking, but in use it has performed spectacularly well.

In addition to the N2S fabric the Transition Jacket is treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish. I’ve been using my jacket since February 2007 and still the DWR sheds light rain showers without a hint of a problem.

Stretch side panels help to maintain freedom of movement in a jacket with a very athletic cut.

Clearly the Transition jacket is designed for discerning customers to use ‘hard and fast’ in blustery, wintry and cold environments. It does the job brilliantly.