Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Anorak Jacket - Men's

Average, but not good enough
October 18, 2012

This is a pretty average windshell in terms of performance, but is lighter weight than most, and has a tight athletic cut to reduce flapping in the wind (a good thing, if you have an athletic body). In terms of performance, if you're looking for a shell to totally block the wind, this works. However, there are a couple options out there for windshells that breath much better and won't make you overheat when moving. This garment feels like it has a CFM of around 1-2. I've found that if you're engaging in aerobic activity (skinning, hiking, backpacking, climbing, biking), that a CFM of around 5 (or more) breathes a lot better and blocks almost as much wind. This garment will most likely not breath enough for the average person when continuously active. It's better than a waterproof jacket, but not by a lot. In winter weather this would work better, but I'd still prefer a more breathable windshell and a fleece vest/jacket in colder environments. However, for belaying (climbing), or for canyoneering (solving problems) this style of jacket will work great, as you won't be generating any heat, and you won't need the extra breathability. Unfortunately, for these activities, a hood is really nice to have. This jacket does not have a hood. More breathable windshells are more versatile for more aerobic activities, while still blocking enough wind to work just as well during these less aerobic activities. I much prefer the Patagonia Houdini, or the Stoic Wraith. You will slightly feel strong gusts with the Houdini and the Wraith, but this is hardly a problem, and much preferable to overheating, which can induce a persistently chilling sweat. The other windshells (too many to name) I've tested have similar breathability to the this garment (Mountain Hardwear Anorak), and will not be as versatile as the Wraith or Houdini.

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