Review: A must-see for runners and hikers! New wear that is comfortable to wear at any moment Mountain Hardwear Core Pre-Shelf Hoodie

Windshell? Softshell? Introducing the all-new windproof jacket

It has long been common to wear a light jacket, known as a wind shell, to protect against the cold wind

Although lightweight, compact, and easy to wear, they are generally stiff and make a rustling noise. And when you start to sweat a lot, the stuffiness inside the garment becomes a real issue. I accepted that as it was, but in the end, those kinds of jackets were only useful in cold winters, and with rainwear and other items becoming super lightweight, I found myself using them less and less

However, Kor Preshell Hoody released by Mountain Hardwear has completely overturned that image. It's a lightweight, windproof jacket like a windshell, yet surprisingly easy to move in, comfortable, and less stuffy like a softshell. It can be worn throughout every aspect of trail running, from the start of your run, to when you're sweating on a climb, or even in strong winds. It's a new type of shell that completely eliminates the need for categorization as a windshell or a softshell. Here's a review of this indispensable piece after trying it out.

Core Preshell Hoodie's main features

The Core Preshell Hoodie , released this spring Mountain Hardwear , is a new type of mountain shell that blends the features of a windshell and a softshell. The fabric is made of PERTEX Quantum Air, a supple and stretchy material made from a densely knit 20-denier ultra-fine yarn, ensuring a natural fit even during active activities. It offers a perfect balance of wind resistance and breathability, ensuring comfort during high-intensity activities like running. It's also durable enough for rock climbing, making it ideal for a wide range of activities.

Recommended points

• Soft to the touch and light and comfortable to wear
• It keeps you comfortable inside the garment while also blocking the wind and allowing for breathability
• Moderate stretch for stress-free movement

Main Specifications and ratings

Item appearance

front

back

Detailed review

A fabric that is lightweight, windproof, breathable, water-resistant, stretchy, and durable

The Pertex Quantum Air used in this jacket is characterized by its high level of balance of elements necessary for short-term, high-intensity activities. The fabric is so thin that light passes through it, making it lightweight yet highly breathable. The high-density knitting of yarns of 20 denier or less provides wind resistance and durability

It has a DWR (durable water repellent) finish, so it can be used without any problems in light rain or snow

The excellent stretch ensures freedom of movement despite the tight silhouette that prevents flapping

Lightweight so you won't even notice you're wearing it

The official weight is 140g (medium size), but when I weighed it, it was 123g (small size)

Enough pockets

There are three pockets in total, including one zippered hand pocket on each side. The zippers are YKK concealed zippers, which contribute to a smart look

There is a packable inner pocket on the inside right, and when you store the main body in there, it will fit in the palm of your hand

When stored in the inner pocket, it's about the size of your palm. It may not be the smallest windshell these days, but it's small enough to fit in your pack. It also has a loop, so you can fasten it with a carabiner or something

Sleeves and hood designed for a snug fit and wind resistance

The hood fits snugly around your face, preventing wind from getting in. There is no drawcord or other tightening, but elastic is used in some areas to give it some stretch. There is a chin guard at the chin area, so the zipper will not touch your face

The cuffs are a little tight, but thanks to the elastic and the stretch of the fabric itself, it doesn't bother me and keeps the wind out

Impressions from actually using it

The moment you put your arms through the sleeves, you're amazed at how light and flexible it is. I've worn windshells many times before, but the fabric itself has been treated to increase its wind resistance, making them difficult to put on, or they get sticky with sweat, making it difficult to move your arms, which can be stressful. However, the CorePreshell Hoodie 's sleeves slide easily through, and your arms slide right through. It feels similar to a lightweight softshell. You won't understand until you try it, but it's by far the most comfortable thing I've ever worn.

Although it's a tight fit overall, the fabric stretches well, so it doesn't feel too tight when you swing your arms or twist your body, making it comfortable to wear. I'm 173cm tall, and the S size fit me perfectly. However, because it's a tight fit, if you want something a little looser, a M size would probably be just right. There's also no rustling noise that often occurs when you swing your arms while running, so you can concentrate on running

Despite its high windproof properties, it also has excellent sweat-wicking properties. In this season, if a windshell is too windproof, it will quickly become stuffy and you'll want to take it off when you start moving around when it gets chilly. However, the Quantum Air fabric is made of 20D yarn woven at a high density, so it allows moisture to escape just enough for comfort. When running uphill, all you need to do is lower the front zipper to let the moisture escape. The lining is also textured, so it doesn't get sticky

Although the yarn is densely knitted, it feels less windproof than a full-fledged wind shell in strong wind situations. The water repellency is moderate, and although it will naturally soak in if you are exposed to rain for a long time, it repels light rain without any problems

The actual weight of the small size is 123g, which is not exactly light when compared to a lightweight windshell. However, when you consider the durable and flexible fabric, outstanding sweat-wicking properties, and stretchability, it is a very worthwhile few tens of grams compared to a lightweight nylon windshell

Summary: Recommended for people like this

Lightweight, flexible, stretchy, and easy to move in, it also blocks wind and allows sweat to escape easily. This completely new jacket seems to combine the best of both windshell and softshell, making it an essential piece for trail runners like me. Of course, it's not just for running; it'll also perform best in high-intensity, stop-and-go activities like speed hiking, cycling, and climbing, which produce a lot of sweat. It's also perfectly usable in the summer at high altitudes and in windy mountains, so how you use it is up to you. It's a highly versatile jacket. The wide range of colors available makes it even better

Once you try on this innovative wind shell, you'll be hooked

   

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