Mountain Hardware Ascent MCZ Jacket: Full Featured Bargain Shell

Dec 19, 2008  ·  04:31 PM  ·  permalink

Of the shells I’ve tried out so far, the Mountain Hardware Ascent MCZ is easily in my top three. I love its simple, thoughtful design, its comfort, and its extensive array of skier-specific features.

The Ascent MCZ is made of lightweight Descent DT Hybrib fabric and uses the Conduit DT Hybrid breathable/waterproof membrane system. The jacket itself is very lightweight (735 gm) and supple making it very comfortable by itself or with multiple layers underneath. The Ascent MCZ has a standard array of ski shell features:

• Two-way pit zips
• Doubled-up chest pocket (flap enclosed pocket on top of a zipper-enclosed pocket)
• Inside zipped breast pocket with headphone exit
• Large inside pouch for skins, goggles, etc.
• Powder skirt
• One handed hem cinch
• Helmet compatible hood with one-handed adjustments
• Velcro wrist tabs

But in addition, Mountain Hardware has incorporate a number of clever features to make the jackets especially attractive for snow sports:

• Removable powder skirt
• Flip down pass-holder
• Lift ticket ring
• Furry collar lining
• Furry body mapping on shoulders and back

Click on these photos to see my notes in Flickr:

When I tested it out, the Ascent MCZ provided great protection from the elements, blocking cold and shrugging off moisture readily. The features are easy to use even with gloves, and the low weight and suppleness means it feels like nothing. The fabric is tough and durable, and, since it moves easily, it’s very comfortable for high activity—e.g., skiing.

On the downside, the Ascent MCZ is lacking in a few departments:

• One-way front zipper: I need to be able to open my jacket from the top AND the bottom
• Wimpy interior pockets: one needs a place for skins, water bottles, etc. and the Ascent MCZ only has a single large, interior pocket.
• Inadequate fit: the Ascent MCZ is roomier than I need (read: baggy), too broad in the shoulders, and the sleeves are too long and baggy for me.
• The interior is unlined, which means that you get direct contact with the waterproof membrane, so for someone who perspires readily (like me), it gets clammy fast, despite is breathability claims.

These shortcomings are pretty specific to my preferences and needs and had I not found an jacket I preferred, the Ascent MCZ would have been hard to reject. I can recommend the Ascent MCZ whole-heartedly for hardcore skiers who want a roomy, hardwearing jacket that will serve in lots of conditions. And at $279, it’s the least expensive of the shells I tested.

Mountain Hardware Ascent MCZ Jacket
Price as tested	$279.00
Shell	Descent DT Hybrid with Conduit DT Hybrid laminate
Weight	25 oz 735 gm
Sizes	S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colors	Grill (grey), Blue spruce (green), Yellow
Features	One handed hood and hem draw cords Helmet compatible hood with laminated brim Interior mesh water bottle, glove, or goggle pocket Interior zip pocket Zip sleeve pocket Molded Velcro cuff tabs Welded and water-resistant pit zips Stow away hood with zip closure Lined collar and chin guard Two chest pockets with water-resistant zips Laminated, front zip flap Interior MP3 pocket with earpiece cord exit Hand pockets with water tight zips Fleece inset for warmth Drop-down season pass holder on hem Removable, adjustable, stretch powder skirt Lift Ticket ring on hem