Mountain Hardwear Men's Ampato Jacket

Great for sailing
April 12, 2012

Bought this for sailing. I prefer it to sailing specific jackets because: - I must have pit zips to avoid overheating - Love to have lots of pockets. This has 2 decent size and 1 smaller outer pockets, 1 zipped inner pocket, and a large open inner pouch (good for water bottle). - I like the velcro seals at the wrists (other jackets were difficult to get tight enough). I normally wear large, but got an XL so I can wear it over my pfd. Even so, it's not too bulky to wear everyday.

A KEEPER!
March 05, 2012

I purchased this jacket about a month ago and have used it for about a half dozen snowshoe hikes in northern Idaho. Temperature conditions have varied from mid 20's to mid 30's with climate varying from clear skies to rain/snow - nothing extreme, but typical of a lot of winter days in the Inland Northwest. I've owned earlier generations of jackets with Gore Tex, plus HyVent and Pertex and now Dry Q. Elite. The jacket is honestly the most breathable I've owned, which is a major plus because of the way I perspire. None of the other products have come close to the breathability of this jacket. I am more concerned with a jacket's breathing/venting capability than I am of external water protection, hence it was my first priority when purchasing. I pretty much figure I can stay externally dry with most any reputable manufacturer's waterproof garment. I purchased a medium (5'9", 157 lb.) which fits well, but isn't exceptionally roomy; it does allow for a fleece layer or light puffy and a wool next-to-skin layer. Sleeve length is ideal for me but might be short if you have long arms. I appreciate the pit zips and wouldn't buy any garment without them, regardless of mnfr's claims - because of my need for highly breathable protection. Garment quality is impeccable and the sapphire blue is a nice color.

Excellent Jacket
February 21, 2012

I've been out in 20-30 degree weather with it and it blocks the wind and keeps me dry. My only issue with it is the velcro, which seems to stick the sleeves to the front of the jacket if I have it unzipped all the time. The sizing is a bit small, I usually wear a Medium, but sized up to a Large so my arms could fit. Probably could have gone with a medium, but the sleeves would have been a bit too short for me.