Review: Mountain Hardwear Estero Long Sleeve Zip T
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
table of contents
No discomfort even when you sweat! Ultra-lightweight zip-up jacket perfect for midsummer
The Estero Long Sleeve Zip T-shirt, a long-sleeved t-shirt for summer mountain climbing from Mountain Hardwear, a familiar expedition brand under Columbia. It's one of the lightest long-sleeved zip-ups in the world, stays dry even when you sweat, dries super fast, and features UV protection for strong sunlight. It's a highly recommended item for this summer, offering all the essential features you need for effortless movement on the trails in midsummer. Let's review it now
We also recommend this article about base layers.
- I want to get it wisely! How to choose the best base layer throughout the year
- Comparison test: We compared the base layer (underwear) of merino wool that we are interested in
Detailed review
Item name (price)
Mountain Hardwear Estero Long Sleeve Zip T-Shirt (Reference price: 8,532 yen)
front
Main Specifications and ratings
| evaluation | |
|---|---|
| Thermal insulation | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Breathable | ★★★★☆ |
| Quick drying | ★★★★☆ |
| Comfortable | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★☆☆ |
| design | ★★★☆☆ |
| price | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Overall score | ★★★★☆ |
| Specs | |
| material | Wick Q Estero Delta (100% polyester) |
| Color variations | Graphite Python Green Collegiate Navy |
| weight | 117g (medium size) |
| UPF | 30 |
| Long, short, zip neck options | ◯ |
| Thumb loop | × |
This is amazing!
It's just light
Despite being a zip-up long-sleeve jacket, it feels as light and comfortable as a short-sleeve T-shirt . For reference, the same model of the popular Patagonia Capilene 2 base layer weighs 155g, but you'll be surprised at how much lighter it is when you try it on.
Comfortable to the touch, breathable and quick-drying
The moment I put it on, I knew it would keep me cool. Its smooth texture, which doesn't seem to offer any insulation, and its lack of a snug fit like a base layer (though it does have some stretch), allow for good ventilation and a refreshing feeling . Other features that emphasize comfort are evident throughout flatlock seams that reduce stress by sewing seams flat , and raglan sleeves that allow for easy movement without worrying about shoulder width (and don't interfere with backpack shoulder harnesses) . The unique "Wick Q" fabric's finely textured, grid-like mesh structure quickly absorbs and wicks away sweat, keeping you dry and comfortable even when you sweat . Of course, you can adjust the temperature by lowering the zipper when it gets too hot, so it's the perfect way to beat the heat.
Surprisingly useful features
I only noticed this when I looked at the manufacturer's website: if you flip the right hem inside out, a brushed area appears. It turns out it's glass cleaner! As someone who gave up on hiking with glasses because I grew tired of sweat dripping down the inside of my lenses, I couldn't help but grin when I saw this.
This is not good
Slightly relaxed sleeve fit
No, it's not that bad at all. It's true that this amount of room is good when it comes to comfort. However, if I had to say something, the room around the upper arms is a bit of a concern. Also, be aware that it won't provide the warmth you expect from a base layer in cold weather
Summary: What kind of people do they recommend?
This item is suitable for all outdoor activities, from the rainy season through summer, and for those at altitudes above 2,000m, especially around the Obon festival. This is where it really shines. However, if you're doing activities that involve constant sweating, such as trail running, the range of use should be wider
Of course, with some ingenuity, it can be used in a wide variety of seasons other than those mentioned above. Fortunately, the standard fit of this garment means that you can also wear a tight-fitting base layer underneath, making it an extremely versatile item if you use layering techniques
The zip-up, long-sleeved design is more versatile than a short-sleeved T-shirt and is recommended as a way to protect against sunburn and injuries in the summer, but it does have the downside of being hotter than a short-sleeved T-shirt. However, with a long-sleeved T-shirt that's so cool to wear, you won't even notice that, so in that sense, I highly recommend this one
![MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Estero Long Sleeve Zip T-Shirt V.3 [ASIAN FIT] OE0842](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41JHycs6hcL._SS300_.jpg)
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