"Soft shell": If you regularly go hiking, there are probably many who think that other clothing can be substituted and that it's just not good enough, so they won't use it! It's true that it's not waterproof, it doesn't have great heat retention, and you might not know when you'd use it. However, it's stretchy, easy to move in, and highly breathable. It's also water-repellent and windproof, so while its individual performance isn't outstanding, it's a well-balanced, all-purpose garment.
You may not need such high-performance clothing in spring, autumn, or winter at low mountains, or in summer at high mountains. In those cases, a soft shell will provide good breathability from your home to the trailhead and even when you start climbing, so you can wear it for a long time unless it rains heavily
Among soft shells, the Mountain Hardwear Choxton Hoody is particularly lightweight, breathable, and durable, allowing you to fully experience the benefits of a soft shell. If you're wondering what a soft shell is like, read this review! You'll definitely discover the appeal of a soft shell.
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General features of the Choxton Hoodie
Mountain Hardwear Choxton Hoody is a lightweight, windproof, and breathable softshell jacket with high versatility. It's made with Mountain Hardwear's proprietary water-repellent softshell fabric, offering weather resistance, durability, and stretch. It's versatile enough for dynamic climbing, as an outer layer when it's chilly, or as a mid-layer in bad weather, making it a reliable ally for year-round mountaineering.
Recommended points
- Double-woven fabric for high durability
- Stretchy for unrestricted movement
- Lightweight and packable
Points of interest
- Insufficient warmth as winter deepens
Main specifications and evaluation
| item | Specifications and reviews |
|---|---|
| official weight | 392g (medium size) |
| Actual weight | 374g (S size actual measurement) |
| material | Chockstone™ 76D x 70D Double Weave Softshell |
| Left chest zip pocket (mesh interior) Two hand pockets (right pocket is packable) |
|
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| mobility | ★★★★★ |
| Functionality | ★★★☆☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★★★ |
| comprehensive evaluation | ★★★★☆ |
Item Appearance
front
back
Detailed Review
Perfect volume and comfort for all seasons without snow
The jacket is made with Mountain Hardwear's proprietary double-weave fabric, Chockstone™ 76D x 70D Double Weave. The lining is brushed for a smooth feel against the skin. The subtle texture helps prevent stickiness even when you sweat
The lining is not overly brushed, so it should be suitable for a wide range of occasions except during the harsh winter months
The fit is neither too loose nor too tight, and it fits perfectly over a base layer or mid-layer
The perfect fit makes it perfect as both an outer layer and a mid-layer
The fabric itself is very flexible and stretches well in all directions, so you can move freely and comfortably without feeling any tightness
It is weather resistant and warm, yet also has excellent elasticity
The surface is treated with DWR (durable water repellent), so light rain and snow are no problem. It also has UPF50+ treatment, so it is safe to use in high mountains and snowy mountains
The outer fabric is DWR treated, so you don't have to worry about light rain
Lightweight and easy to carry
The official weight is 392g (size M), and the actual weight is 378g (size S), making it lightweight for a soft shell and very comfortable to wear
There are three pockets in total: one zippered hand pocket on each hip and one on the left chest. All pockets are mesh, so they also serve as ventilation when left unzipped. The two hip pockets are positioned a little higher to avoid interference with harnesses and other items
There are three pockets in total. The zippers slide smoothly, making it easy to use
The pocket on the right hip is packable, making it surprisingly compact for a soft shell jacket and increasing portability
It's pocketable, so you can easily slip it onto the outside of your pack
Lightweight and snug fit on the hood, sleeves, and hem
The hood does not have a drawcord or other adjustable features, but it is made with elastic for added stretch, so it fits snugly. Microfleece is placed inside the chin area, so it feels good against the skin. The cuffs also only have elastic on the back of the hand, but the palm side also fits snugly thanks to the stretch of the fabric itself. It is easy to put on and take off
There are no drawcords or other adjusters at the hem, and just like the hood and sleeves, it fits with elastic
The hood, sleeves and hem are adjustable with elastic, making it minimally sized
The back of the sleeves have doubled fabric, which is likely intended to increase durability for climbing
The brand's distinctive design is focused on climbing
Actual impressions after using it
The garment feels supple and light, like cotton. This is likely due to the relatively thin fabric and the design, which prioritizes ease of movement. The fit is relatively loose. I'm 173cm tall and wore a size S, which still felt roomy enough to wear a thin fleece or sweater underneath. However, it's not so loose that it flaps in the wind, and it fits just right. At the same time, the stretchy material allows it to stretch in all directions, so you won't feel constricted no matter how you move. This aspect is truly well-designed
Thanks to this fit, it doesn't get in the way even when wearing a rain shell or hard shell over it, and it works well not only as an outer layer but also as a mid-layer. It doesn't have the highest level of heat retention, so it's tough for winter mountain climbing, but it seems to be quite versatile
The back of the fabric is textured and feels very nice against the skin, and it doesn't get sticky even when you sweat. It's also reasonably breathable, so you don't need to take it off when hiking or trekking, and you can wear it comfortably all the time. It's breathable, but it's also highly windproof, so it's not a problem unless it's windy
The hood also fits well. There's no drawcord so it can't be adjusted, but it fits snugly. It feels more like a balaclava than a hood. It fits snugly, but thanks to the good stretch, you can take the hood off without having to unzip it. This is a big plus
It weighs just 378g, which is quite light for a softshell jacket. The fabric is made of high-density woven nylon thread, so it's very durable and won't tear even when caught on branches or thorns
Summary: Recommended for these people
This versatile jacket can be used for spring and summer mountaineering, high mountaineering in summer, and even in winter when paired with a hard shell. Its balance of wind resistance and breathability makes it suitable for year-round use, even in relatively low-intensity activities like mountain climbing and hiking. It's lightweight and packable, so you can easily throw it in your backpack, but it's worth more than that
Despite its high performance, the price is reasonable, making it extremely cost-effective. This is the perfect jacket for anyone who wants a jacket that can be worn in a variety of situations. Be sure to add it to your everyday wardrobe. You won't regret it
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