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When the most recent package arrived from Mountain Hardwear we opened it with excitement. Not only is it fun to test out gear, but it is really fun to have the first crack at a brand new product not even released yet for sale. This package contained a new jacket scheduled for fall release 2005 (Dan got that one) and I picked the Transition Feather Weight Three Pocket Vest.
This vest is designed to be spring and fall appropriate. The weather here on Long Island was ridiculously cold this spring season so the idea of trying out new warm stuff really appealed. Although as I am finishing the edit on this review we are in the 90's (great weather here on Long Island this year).
We took the gear on a hammer down run to Long Beach and back, and it was a dreary cold damp morning indeed. I found the vest extremely comfortable, form fitting without restriction of movement. The wind blocking characteristics were excellent on the front bib. Obviously the mesh rear panel is supposed to provide ventilation which it does. The three rear pockets are roomy and secure. The center mesh pocket even has a zipper closure for greater security say for wallets credit cards etc., the side pockets are plenty roomy enough for water bottles. High Collared, the Transition Feather Weight Vest is definitely made to cut the wind on your chest and seal the elements out of your neck, but it is also designed to breathe and wick away heat and moisture.
Mountain Hardwear was not originally a cycling clothier. The first Mountain Hardwear products we tested way back when were really "Out Door Gear" that seemed to have a decent application to cycling activities. As time passed and the designers at Mountain Hardwear looked more closely at cycling needs, their product rapidly acquired and continues to acquire even greater cycling suitability. Personally I think it is better than some cycling cpecific brands.
Best of all I just liked the way the vest looked when I wore it. It felt great, it fit great, and it did exactly what it was designed to do, cut down wind cooling on marginally chilly days, yet to also provide ventilation to avoid over heating. I like this vest a lot!
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