Mountain Hardwear Review: Outdoor gear worth the price?

Whether you're hoping to climb a mountain or enjoy a quiet walk in the great outdoors, you want to have the right gear for the job.

If you're hoping to add some outdoor apparel to your wardrobe, you'll soon discover there are a hefty number of travel gear brands out there. But how do you know which one to choose that's the best for you?

I've heard about popular brands like Columbia Sportswear or Patagonia—I mean haven't most of us? But what about Mountain Hardwear?

Mountain Hardwear is actually well-known amongst outdoor enthusiasts. And whether you're newer to adventuring or you're an "old-timer" looking for a change, will Mountain Hardwear meet your expectations?

I've got the inside scoop on company details, what products it makes, and whether you should consider purchasing its gear for your next adventure.

What Is Mountain Hardwear?

Founded in 1993, Mountain Hardwear arose out of a desire to create high-quality outdoor performance apparel.

You may be surprised to find out that Mountain Hardwear is actually a subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear. It has been owned by Columbia Sportswear since 2003 and is currently headquartered in Richmond, California.

Its aim is to use high-quality materials and technologies to kit out all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts, from hikers to kayakers to mountain climbers.

Based on the opinion of the Mountain Hardwear team, anyone who enjoys the outdoors is an outdoor athlete and deserves the gear of an athlete. That's why Mountain Hardwear wants to offer every outdoor lover access to high-quality "athletic" gear.

What Kind of Gear Does Mountain Hardwear Make?

Similarly to Columbia Sportswear, Mountain Hardwear makes outdoor gear for women and men, including jackets, pants, hoodies, and clothing to layer.

But, unlike Columbia Sportswear, Mountain Hardwear also makes non-clothing gear. This includes sleeping bags, tents, backpacks, and heavy snow gear.

The company's sleeping bags and tents have continued to keep Mountain Hardwear an innovative company. But, since the tech in its gear is top notch and always improving, it means that these products come with a steep price tag.

The cheapest sleeping bag costs at least $100, while the cheapest proper tent will run you up a bill of at least $200.

Where Is Mountain Hardwear Made?

As Mountain Hardwear is owned by Columbia Sportswear, their gear is made via similar supply chains. You can visit their Supply Transparency Map to see where Mountain Hardwear products are made.

Who Sells Mountain Hardwear?

While Mountain Hardwear did have a few retail stores, these were closed during the pandemic. But, you're still able to purchase Mountain Hardwear products at other outdoor gear shops such as Columbia Sportswear retail stores or REI.

To find your nearest store that sells Mountain Hardwear, head to their store locator page. Some outlet stores also stock Mountain Hardwear gear.

But all of its products can be found online. If you're looking for a shopping experience right on its website, you'll be able to order depending on your location.

If you order in the US, then you can buy standard ground shipping for as low as $6 in shipping charges. You can also get free ground shipping if you are part of Mountain Hardwear's rewards program

The prices for shipping vary depending on your location.

Mountain Hardwear Sizing

Even if you're not trying to scale a mountain, you want your outdoor gear to fit well, right?

All Mountain Hardwear gear has personalized size charts. The sizing details can be found in each item's online description.

You can also consult the size chart found on the company website for general sizing information.

In terms of item fit, Mountain Hardwear creates gear that falls into 4 fit categories:

• Body
• Active
• Standard
• Relaxed

You can reference their fit guide to determine what fit is best for the activity you want to do. I've included it below so that you don't need to waste time trying to navigate its website.

Mountain Hardwear Clothing Bestsellers

Compared to Columbia Sportswear, Mountain Hardwear products are much more expensive. So, I totally understand that you'll need to feel confident about what items to choose.

My worst nightmare is buying something I regret! I won't let that happen to you.

Yes, Mountain Hardwear gear is going to be an expensive investment, but I'll make sure you make choices that you'll feel pay off in the long run.

Even though Mountain Hardwear makes so many different kinds of gear for various outdoor activities, there are some that stand out as bestsellers... I'll give you the down low on why!

Women's Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody

Despite its name, this Mountain Hardwear item is actually an ultra-light down jacket. You'll be happy to hear that the Ghost Whisperer is a sustainable product.

And even though it's made out of recycled materials, this jacket will keep you warm and toasty.

With fitted wrists, and 2 pockets, this jacket is perfect for backpacking up a mountainside or through the streets of Europe in winter.

For a slightly more affordable option, check out the Hotlum Jacket.

Women's Mountain Stretch Full Zip Hoody

For a lightweight hoody that's also water resistant, look no further than this Mountain Stretch Hoody.

Made out of comfy stretch fabric, you can wear this hoody for high-intensity activities as well as run-of-the-mill outdoor sightseeing.

The hoody also has zipped front pockets to store your valuables and thumbholes for extra warmth.

This hoody is also currently sold at under $100, so it makes for a good investment without having to break the bank too much.

Exposure/2 Gore-Tex Pro Jacket

Designed for intense alpine conditions such as mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and climbing, the jacket is made from a premium 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro fabric.

Gore-Tex Pro fabric is renowned for its superior windproofing, waterproofing, and breathability. It offers comprehensive weather protection while ensuring moisture from sweat is efficiently wicked away, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable.

Makes sense that this jacket is so popular among outdoor enthusiasts!

Some features I love about this item? A fully adjustable hood that can accommodate a helmet, the large, glove-friendly zippers are large, and adjustable hem for a personalized fit.

Mountain Hardwear Gear Bestsellers

Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 Tent

One of the compnay's standout gear offerings is the Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 Tent.

Designed to be a solid shelter in high-alpine environments, the Trango 2 tent is built to withstand harsh conditions! It comes with a dual-door design, offering easy access and multiple venting options, facilitating smooth airflow even in the most adverse weather conditions.

Fav part of the tent? Definitely its color-coded 'Easy Pitch' clips and poles. With these, the tent can be set up quickly and efficiently, a crucial feature when dealing with rapidly changing weather in alpine environments.

Whether you're a seasoned mountaineer or a winter camper seeking a dependable shelter, the Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 tent offers an impressive blend of durability, practicality, and convenience.

UL 20 Backpack

For backpackers, you'll be pleased to know that Mountain Hardwear sells more than just clothing. Along with tents and sleeping bags, you can purchase backpacks for all your needs.

Mountain Hardwear Backpack UL 20 is lightweight with a sternum strap to help support heavier loads. It also comes with a handy safety whistle.

Because the backpack closes with a drawstring, it makes it easy to access your gear while you're on the move.

Price Change Disclaimer

Keep in mind that the prices and availability mentioned above may fluctuate. For the most up-to-date pricing, features, and availability, make sure to check out Mountain Hardwear's official site!

How to Clean Mountain Hardwear

No matter what product you purchase from Mountain Hardwear, after all your adventuring, you'll have to clean it one day.

The exact cleaning instructions vary depending on what product you have, but in addition to checking the tags, you can find all the care instructions here!

Mountain Hardwear Customer Service

Visit Mountain Hardwear's customer care page for further queries about products and services. In addition to FAQs, they also have details about returns, warranties, shipping, and more.

To contact Mountain Hardwear, you can call them at 1-877-927-5649, Monday-Friday, 5:00 am-8:00 pm Pacific Time.

Is Mountain Hardwear Worth It?

Yes, Mountain Hardwear gear is an excellent choice if you're looking for high-quality gear that will last you a long time.

I think it's totally worth the price tag, considering that you won't need to make another similar purchase for a while.

Plus, I'm a fan of buying all my gear in one place. That's why Mountain Hardwear is great—I love that it has a wide variety of products spanning more than just clothing, including backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags.

If you're hoping to take backpacking more seriously, Mountain Hardwear's products should be on your "purchasing wishlist" because of their longevity.

And at the end of the day, while there are some cheaper alternatives, most high-quality outdoor gear has similar price tags.

My Rating: 4.0/5

Pros

• Gear for a variety of outdoor activities
• High-quality materials
• Variety of fits and sizes
• Has sustainably made clothing

Cons

• Not available in many stores
• Expensive products

Hit The Outdoors With Pilot!

Maybe Mountain Hardwear is your dream apparel, or perhaps you still want to shop around for other options. Either way, you're going to find the perfect gear for your next adventure. Backpackers and sightsee-ers want to be appropriately kitted out and ready to go!

But before you can start buying any gear, you need to know where you're going... so start planning your next outdoor adventure with ease.