Mountain Hardwear Compulsion 3L Jacket

Mountain Hardwear is calling it their "ultimate big mountain shell" and guarantees wind and waterproof performance from the Men’s Compulsion 3L Jacket. Breathability is the name of the game for this jacket as it protects from gusting winds but allows airflow when desired. The Compulsion Jacket is a shell with Dry-Q Elite technology, Mountain Hardwear's premier outer layer fabric that combines air permeability & high moisture-vapor transfer rates. It may not suffice on it's own, but with proper wicking and mid-layers, you'll be dry and well vented.

Long zipper tabs for the core vents make access to breathability a breeze.

The Compulsion 3L Jacket comes with a long list of features, as it should with its price tag. Standard Recco, helmet compatible hood, powder skirt, pack compatible pockets, water resistant zippers, etc. Mountain Hardwear has done a good job on the expected features and has made some improvements. For example the micro chamois chin guard is very sizeable for maximum comfort. The pockets are well designed also; side pockets are mesh lined so they double as vents. Core vents below the arms are duel zip with lengthy and low profile zipper tabs. A stash pocket on your right is highly protected for keeping your wallet, keys or cards close to your chest. The zipper on your left forearm opens "resort pass pocket", sizeable for maps such as resort trail or topographic.

The “resort pocket pass” on your forearm is a great stash spot for those handy items. Cuffs are cut with style and a good size Velcro strap will keep snow out.

Wrist gaskets are optional and can be specified upon order, and the removable powder skirt is great with my bib pants. The skirt works especially well with the hem adjuster; two pull cords inside your side pockets. Incognito release buttons for the hem cords are hidden lateral to the zippers, medial from the pockets. An identical system is also located up top, with pull cords below the inner collar that tighten around the brim of your hood. The release tabs in the hood do not perform as well as the hem, but is a nice feature for keeping your hood secured in blowing winds. This is part of the "3-way adjustable hood" with another pull cord on the back.

The synch cords in your side pockets tighten your hem to keep that blower pow where it belongs.

The key clip located in your left side pocket and hangs from the top, keeping you from digging to the bottom of your pocket for your keys. A secure inner pocket would have been nice, but two mesh pouches on either side are well constructed with elastic tops and are large enough for even the biggest goggle on the market.

The synch cords under the main zipper tighten around your helmet compatible hood to lock it in place.

The Men’s Compulsion 3L Jacket is cut with a great style and comes in 3 different colour schemes; green & yellow (featured), blue & red, and the always stealthy black on black. A step down alternative would be the Mountain Hardwear’s 2L Compulsion which is almost half the price.

The two large inside pockets are mesh. Lots of room for large goggles.

Features:

- Recco avalanche rescue reflector
- Removable powder skirt, adjustable with two sets of snaps.
- Helmet compatible hood
- Venting side pockets
- Open under arm core vents
- Outer chest stache pocket
- Resort pass pocket
- Water resistant zippers
- Hem adjuster
- Micro Chamois chin guard
- Wind & waterproof
- Thumb loops optional

The great thing about the large chamois on your collar is comfort for your face, no matter what size.

A removable powder skirt is great for when it’s not needed with bib pants.

Many pockets are mesh lined for the best airflow and keep snow from sneaking in.

Verdict:

Mountain Hardwear’s Men’s Compulsion 3L Jacket is definitely worth checking out. Breathability is the name of the game for the "ultimate shell for skiing outside the ropes". Special attention was given to the details, but it also comes with a high price tag. It may not compress well into your pack but staying comfortable is easy enough with open core vents and side pockets that allow ambient air to cycle through. With the style of this cut you might not want to take it off!

SPECS:

Price: 650.00 US
Fabric: 70 Denier - 100% Nylon (Dry Q Elite)
Weight: 1 lb 10 oz / 740 g.
Colours: Azul (blue) & Hot Rod (red), Sherwood (green) & safety yellow, black & black.
Size: S - XXL

PROS:

All standard features with unique systems. Functionality meets style. A few different colour schemes. Optional thumb loops (wrist gaskets). Removable powder skirt. Great for venting!

CONS:

Very expensive. No hand warmer pockets. Hood adjustments difficult to return to normal.  Not very compressible for pack storage.

Rating: 8.5/10

Fit / Mobility                   2/2
Packability                       1/2
Waterproof / Breathable  2/2
Features                          2/2
Quality / Price                 1.5/2

This is only our opinion. Do you disagree? Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Join the discussion in the forums here, and let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation.

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