Mountain Hardwear Transition Super Power Jacket : The Ideal Cold-Weather Endurance Shell for Men and Women

A few years ago I fell in love with Mountain Hardware's Transition Jacket, and now, I'm falling all over again for its redesign, the Transition Super Power Jacket.

The funny thing is, I'm actually in lousy shape right now so I'm not feeling so powerful. However, when I put on my MH Transition Super Power Jacket I look and feel a bit like a super hero. It's got a nice, trim fit, with stretch panels in all the right places, and the grey and black color combo looks really sharp. So, it's nice to start my workout with a little boost.

I love that the new version doesn't have a hood because I'm not a hood person; I always prefer hats if it's cold. For those of you who like hoody jackets, the Transition Super Power also comes in a hooded version, the Super Power Hoody. I also like the changes to the sleeves. The end of the sleeve is comprised of a stretchy panel of material that tapers to a hem, with thumb spouts coming out of the sides of each sleeve. I like this design better because it's like the end of the sleeve is a little glove, and I have the option of pulling up the sleeve and not using the thumb and hand coverage. The original Transition jacket had a thicker, stiffer cuff with slits for the thumbs.

I also appreciate the snug-fitting collar. I zip up, and my neck is protected from the weather. Nice. I always end up taking off my neck gaiter and gloves anyway and carrying them in my hand for half the workout, so this jacket allows me to travel lighter.

Another new design feature: the Super Power Jacket has wicking, breathable stretch material on the back and along the bottom sides of the sleeves. The front of the jacket and tops of the sleeves are made of GoreTex Windstopper, one of my favorite fabrics. Seriously, the wind does NOT get through. It's really incredible to be working up a sweat and exercising into the cold wind, and no chills. This jacket is one of the most effective, efficient garments I own.

The Super Power Jacket is so effective at weather protection and temperature regulation, that I usually wear it over just a lightweight or microweight merino tee. In temps from freezing into the high twenties I'll either wear a midweight merino tee or long-sleeved lightweight merino top.

It weighs less than a pound, it fits like a glove, and it's totally water repellant. I was out for more than an hour the other day, exercising in a moderate drizzle, and came home dry. Incredible.

Wearing the original jacket I always felt lopsided with just that one back pocket, so I like that the Super Power Jacket has two side pockets. They're both zippered and hidden under material -- a sleek style that looks good and makes it less fussy if I want to put a layer over it or wear a reflective vest at night. There's also a hidden pocket on the inside of the jacket if I want to smuggle diamonds. I LOVE hidden pockets, especially when I don't discover them until I've worn the garment for a few weeks.

Available in men's sizes S-XXL in three color combinations, women's sizes XS-XL in four color combinations. I tested a men's size M, and it fit great. I'm usually a size L in women's jackets (but tested the men's jacket for it's long back center length, 28", compared to the women's, 26", because I'm almost 6' tall.)

See review of matching Super Power Tight, available in men's and women's sizes.

Bottom LIne: The ideal jacket for cross country skiing, running, power walking and other outdoor endurance activities in cold weather. My favorite workout piece; I love this jacket!!--E.D. (Dec 09)

BUY ONLINE: $140, some sizes/colors on sale at amazon.com., click to shop at altrec , click to shop at backcountry , click to shop at rei

Manufacturer's Site: www.mountainhardwear.com

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