Cordillera Blanca Gear Tests:Mountain Hardwear Torch Jacket

After a season of ice climbing in the Mountain Hardwear Torch Jacket, I was so confident in its performance that I brought no other shells to Peru. It breathes well when I’m breaking trail, and the long pitzips give me a little extra ventilation when needed. The pockets are high enough that they’re accessible with a harness on, and they’re plenty big.

My only complaint is with the hood, which barely fits over a climbing helmet and doesn’t provide enough face protection in really nasty weather. Make sure you have a balaclava with you if you're expecting any strong winds.

Why buy the Mountain Hardware Torch Jacket?

• Breathes very well
• Highly water resistant
  
• Harness compatable
• Weighs only 17oz (much lighter than most softshells)
  

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