Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Hooded Softshell Jacket

Mountain Hardwear's Chockstone Hooded Softshell Jacket: A Hard-Knock Gem

Note: This is the hooded version of the jacket reviewed here. There are a few minor changes (obviously this jacket has a hood, but the changes are mainly to the pockets - this version also has mesh internal pockets and the chest pocket has been moved to its more traditional left side). 

The MH Chockstone is an outstandingly versatile climbing, scrambling and hiking softshell from Mountain Hardwear. A thoughtfully designed and elegantly simple, breathable, weather resistant, tough, active outer layer that's going to take all the hard knocks, so you don't have to.

The Hooded Chockstone features two zipped, harness / pack compatible side pockets as well as internal mesh pocket for hats, gloves and much more.

The hem features elasticated binding and secures the jacket to ones lower hip / backside, preventing it from riding up when reaching above ones head.

The lightweight and stretchy, air-permeable Chockstone Double Weave fabric provides a great degree of movement when climbing, and also allows the jacket to accommodate other layers, including insulated jackets when necessary.

As Scramble says in the conclusion to their review of the previous hood-less version (see the full review here):

"In terms of wear and tear, we've thrown cacti, volcanoes, granite, thistles, thorns, barbed wire, slate, scree ... well pretty much everything at it, and after a wash it still looks almost new. So, yes, it's tough as nails, and just what you'd want from a mountain softshell. Comfortable, light, tough, breathable, highly functional and not bad looking to boot."

Mountain Hardwear's Description

The Chockstone Hoody from Mountain Hardwear is an excellent option for anybody looking for a softshell jacket that offers freedom of movement and protection from wet weather in alpine terrain. The durable nylon and elastane outer is DWR treated and allows for the freedom of movement you need. The hood provides additional protection against wind and bad weather. There are two zipped pockets on the front for securely storing small items. The Chockstone Hoody is also compatible with climbing harnesses. If you want to be fast and flexible in the mountains, the Chockstone Hoody is the perfect choice.

Materials & Measurements

• Fabric Body: Chockstone™ Doubleweave Softshell (91% Nylon, 9% Elastane)
• Apparel Fit: Active
• Weight (stated / measured): 398g, 14.0 oz / 410g, 14.5 oz (Medium)

Features

• A versatile softshell jacket with windproof protection
• Abrasion-resistant, air-permeable, lightweight 4 way stretch fabric
• DWR finish keeps water away
• Elasticated hood for under/over helmet (moves with your head)
• UPF 50 fabric blocks out harmful UV rays at altitude
• Single zippered chest pocket securely holds keys, ID, and other valuables
• Two large handwarmer pockets are harness- and pack-compatible
• Elastic on cuffs seals in warmth, blocks out wind
• Center-front VISLON® zipper adjusts easily
• Alpine Fit

Sizing / Measuring

Mountain Hardwear tend to size a little large. Scramble's editor is a size 42" chest and is wearing a Medium (see photos for a visual sizing guide). We'd suggest a Medium is ideal for size 40" to 42" (equivalent to a Mountain Equipment size large) and Large is ideal for 43" to 45".

Mountain Hardwear's Sizing:

Medium: 39" - 41"
Large: 42" - 45"

We'd say:

Medium: 39" (looser) - 42" (fitted)
Large:  42" (looser) - 45" (fitted)