Review: Mountain Hardwear Choxton Hoodie A versatile softshell that can be used in any situation
written by Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department
"Soft Shell" If you're a regular climber, you can use other clothing as a substitute and don't use it because it's half-hearted! I'm sure there are many people who say this. It's certainly not waterproof, and it doesn't have high heat retention, so you may not be able to tell when it's going to be used. However, it is stretchy, easy to move around, and highly penetrate. It is also water-repellent and windproof, and although the individual performance is not outstanding, it is a versatile wear with a good overall balance.
In low mountains in spring, autumn, and winter, or in alpine mountains in summer, you may not need clothing that is as efficient as possible. If you wear a softshell at times like this, you can wear it from the house to the trailhead, and even if you start climbing, it is highly breathable, so you can wear it forever, as long as it doesn't rain heavily.
Among these soft shells, the Mountain Hardwear Choxton Hoodie is particularly lightweight, breathable and durable, making it a perfect way to fully experience the benefits of the soft shell. What about softshells? If you're thinking that, read this review! You'll notice the appeal of softshells.
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Choxton Hoodie's rough features
Mountain Hardwear 's Choxton Hoodie is a versatile softshell jacket that is lightweight and windproof and breathable. The fabric is made of Montain Hardwear's unique water-repellent softshell fabric, providing both weather resistance, durability and stretchability. It can be used in a variety of ways, such as climbing to use the upper body dynamically, as an outerwear when it's chilly, or as a mid-layer in bad weather, making it a reliable ally that can be used all year round when climbing.
Recommended points
- Double-woven fabric for high durability
- Stretchy that does not interfere with movement
- Lightweight and packable
Points that interest me
- Thermal insulation is no longer enough as winter deepens
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | Specifications and ratings |
|---|---|
| Official weight | 392g (M size) |
| Actual measured weight | 374g (Actual measurement of S size) |
| material | Chockstone™ 76D x 70D Double Weave Softshell |
| - Left chest zip pocket (inner mesh) - Both waist hand pockets (right pocket for packable) | |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| Mobility | ★★★★★ |
| Functionality | ★★★☆☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★★★ |
| comprehensive evaluation | ★★★★☆ |
Item appearance
front
back
Detailed review
Perfect for the snow-free season, perfect for an exquisite volume and comfort
The jacket is made of Mountain Hardwear's unique double-woven fabric, Chockstone™ 76D x 70D Double Weave. The lining is brushed and has a smooth feel. There are subtle unevenness, so even if you sweat, it will reduce stickiness to some extent.
The lining is not excessively brushed, so it can be used in a wide range of situations outside of harsh winters.
The fitting is not too loose or too tight. It can also be worn over a base layer or mid layer, and the fit is very good.
The exquisite fit makes it perfect for both outerwear and middle layer.
The fabric itself is very supple and stretchable in any direction, so you don't feel a sense of stiffness and stress-free and light.
It has excellent weather resistance and heat retention, and also has excellent elasticity.
The surface is treated with DWR (durable water repellent), so there is no problem with a little rain or snow. It is also processed with UPF50+, so it is safe to use in alpine or snowy mountains.
The outer material has DWR coating, so there's no need to worry if there's a slight light rain.
Lightweight and convenient for carrying
The official weight is 392g (M size) and the actual measured value is 378g (S size), making it lightweight and very comfortable to wear as a soft shell.
There are three pockets, one zippered hand pocket on both waists and one on the left chest. All pockets are mesh, so if you leave the zipper open, it can also serve as ventilation. The two pockets on the waist are located slightly higher so that the harness and other parts do not interfere with the interference.
There are three pockets in total. The zipper is slippery and isn't too easy to use.
The pocket on the right waist is packable, making it so compact that you wouldn't expect from a softshell, making it more portable.
It's pocketable, so it's easy to sneak it on the outside of the pack.
Hood, sleeves and hem that combines lightness and fit
The hood does not have the function of adjusting the fit, such as a drawcord, but the elasticity is increased, making it a good fit. Micro fleece is placed on the inside of the chin, so it is good on the skin. The cuffs are also elastic only on the back of the hand, but the palm side also has a nice fit thanks to the stretch of the fabric itself. It doesn't feel stressful when you put on and take off.
There are no adjusters such as drawstrings at the hem, and the fit is elastic, just like the hood and sleeves.
The hood, sleeves and hem are adjustable with elastic, making it minimal.
The back of the palm of the sleeves is made of double fabric. This is probably because it is being used for climbing purposes, making it more durable.
Their design is designed with a climbing in mind, which can be said throughout the brand.
Impressions from actually using it
It is as supple and light as cotton. This is probably thanks to the relatively thin fabric and the design that emphasizes ease of movement. The fit is relatively loose. I was 173cm tall and worn size S, but it was a comfortable fit even when I wore a thin fleece or sweater underneath. However, it's not so loose that the fabric is left over and the wind is flapping, so it fits just right. At the same time, thanks to its stretchability that expands and contracts in any direction, it does not feel cramped no matter what movement you make. This area is really well done.
Thanks to this fit, wearing a rainshell or hard shell on top doesn't get in the way at all, and it can not only serve as an outer layer, but also as a mid-layer. The heat retention is not that high, so climbing in winter is tough, but it seems to be quite versatile.
The back of the fabric is uneven and feels very comfortable on the skin, so it won't become sticky even if you sweat. It is also breathable, so you don't have to take off your clothes when hiking or trekking, so you can always wear it comfortably. It is breathable, but it is also highly windproof, so it is not a problem unless there is a strong wind.
The hood is also well fitted. There are no drawstrings so it cannot be adjusted, but the fit is excellent. It feels more like balaclava than food. This fits well, but thanks to its solid stretch, you can easily take it off without having to lower the zipper when taking off the hood. This is a high point.
It weighs 378g, and is classified as a lightweight softshell. As a result, the fabric is made of fabric, but the nylon thread is knitted at a high density, making it highly durable and it does not tear even if it gets caught on branches or thorns.
Summary: Recommended for people like this
It can be used in spring and summer climbing, summer alpine, and in winter when combined with hard shells. This is a highly versatile jacket that can be used in all seasons. Activities that have relatively reduced activity such as mountain climbing and hiking make use of the balance of windproof and breathability, making it suitable for use all year round. It's lightweight and packable, so you can easily carry it in your backpack, but it's definitely worth it.
It's so high performance, but the price is reasonable, so it's very cost-effective. I want a jacket that can be worn in a variety of situations! This is the perfect piece for those who are saying this. Please try adding it to your usual equipment. You shouldn't regret it.
