Chugach Jacket

A great indulated layer for ice climbing or trips up to moderately high altitude in crap weather. Will also layer well under a full-on down jacket for extreme conditions.



The jacket doesn't absorb water (unlike down) and keeps you warm. I gave mine a painting with NikWax and rendered it practically waterproof. It also doesn't trap water from the inside so it stays warm even when you are pumped. Compresses down to the size of an small lettuce.



The lack of a hood actually makes it more versatile for it's intended application IMHO.



Another thing. The folks at Mountain Hardwear are great. I pranged my jacket and tore a chunk of the fabric on the side. I gave them a call and they asked me to send it in. I did and they had a seamstress on the premises replace the torn panel by hand. That's great product support. Very friendly people too.

My Chugach jacket was ordered from Mountain Gear, on sale ($49). I prefer NOT to use down insulation as I often expect to get wet from either, or both, the elements or from perspiration. This set (trousers too) is my favorite insulation layer of clothing due to its great compressibility, light weight, and excellent heat retention proprerties. If you are going into cold conditions and have any possibility of getting wet, I recommend the Chugach set. When worn under a Goretex shell, you are pretty well darned prepared for anything, for days and weeks at a time. I would give it 5 stars, except that it lacks armpit zippers and could really use a second interior pocket.

Absolutly the best outerwear piece I have. I used on Everest twice, including up to Camp 2 at 21,500. It keeps out the wind and the warmth inside. It is lightweight and easily fits over other tops. A great piece!!!

Excellent coat. I bought my first one and noticed my oldest son started using it. I bought another and my youngest son took that one. Now I'm on my third one and fortunately I have no more kids. I've used this coat on all of my climbs as well as for local winter hikes. It is very comfortable and has been very durable. I too like the fact that it does not have a hood attached. I'm a Mountain Hardwear fan anyhow and have found their products to be top notch.

I avoided packing this along on trips until a New Zealand trip in Jan. of 04. Always took a lightweight Sierra Designs down jacket...but I anticipated wetter conditions with wind and that indeed happened and this jacket was perfect. A little bulky but it cramps down well enough in a stuff sack (but not as small as the sierra design down one)

I originally bought this jacket for a climbing trip this summer, i ended up using every day during winter... it sheds snow very well, and is great at blocking wind, i was amazed at how small it compresses in its stuff sack. It really has the edge when compaired to fleece, it sheds snow, blocks the wind, and compacts much better. I anticipate this jacket lasting me a long time...

I have a 3/4 version of this namely the Chugach Vest. It was on sale this winter and for $40 it has been a good choice. On any winter day in Oxford, this combined with a microflece or microfleece and sweater is more than enough to combat the cold. It cuts the wind well and has roomy pockets. Its on my back more than its on the rack.

This has been a great jacket for skiing and snowcamping, and hopefully winter mountaineering in the near future. I normally wear it without an outer a shell and it repels water pretty well by itself. It is very warm for its size. I also have tha pants which are just as good.

Absolutely the most awesome jacket I've owned. MH's minimalist approach to bells and whistles is just right. I've used it in the Ruth Gorge, the Sierras and the local mountains around Los Angeles. I've never missed having pit zips or extra pockets. The fleece-lined handwarmers are great. I wear it to work on cold, rainy days, and it seems to dry out almost instantly. It stuffs down really small, and is lightweight and bulletproof. What more could you ask for?

As with the Chugach pant this is top quality gear for hard core mountaineer's or just cruzing town in comfort and style. This is a multi use jacket.Made to be worn. It is very light weight ,so much so that I was a little concerned when I recieved it in the mail.But have no fear it is warm. Just rember that if your using it for a belay jacket ,to get a larger size. You can't go wrong with this Jacket.The stuff sack packs down well and would make a semi comfortable pillow in an emergence!

This jacket is lightweight, comfy, and very warm. I've used this camping high in the rockies or in the forests of North Carolina in November. I would comfortably wear this jacket down to temps of 20-30 degrees. It packs down tight. For the price it just cannot be beat.

The basic design and functionality of this jacket make it a must for outings in cold, wet weather. A bit bulky when packed down but not bad. Very warm for its weight. Simple design adds to its durability. I've had this jacket for a few years now and have never had a problem.