In the fall of 2012, I purchased the Women's Mountain Hardwear Drystein Jacket with the new Dry Q Elite fabric. Now that it's 2015, I have been using this shell for over 2 years now. The new highly waterproof-breathable Dry Q Elite fabric was so breathable, the jacket didn't even come with pit zips! Since 2012, the jacket has been on countless trips with me in activities such as AT skiing, mountaineering, winter hiking/snowshoeing, and ice climbing.
Three out of five of us in this photo are wearing Drysteins!
Overall, I'm simply amazed at how far waterproof-breathable fabrics have progressed. They wick moisture away so effectively that in winter conditions, I can become cold quite quickly if I'm not moving and haven't put another layer on. I'm able to find the perfect layering systems to effectively move heat out while still having the moisture and wind protection to protect me with. The stretchy under arms are a fantastic feature, as well as the large hood capable of fitting over helmets.
After over 2 years of use, the jacket still looks new. I do wash it and care for it appropriately but it has also endured some hardships and has been used countless times. The medium fit for me is perfect: room to put layers underneath but not bulky and unshapely in anyway. The arms are more of a slimfit but I enjoy that design personally. My rubbber and cord accessory zipper pull tab broke about a year ago but I just tied in a piece of cord into the metal zipper to replace it.
After over 2 years of use, the jacket still looks new. I do wash it and care for it appropriately but it has also endured some hardships and has been used countless times. The medium fit for me is perfect: room to put layers underneath but not bulky and unshapely in anyway. The arms are more of a slimfit but I enjoy that design personally. My rubbber and cord accessory zipper pull tab broke about a year ago but I just tied in a piece of cord into the metal zipper to replace it.
I have used this jacket in gale force -30C winds, heavy rainstorms, and whiteout snowstorms and so far it's been able to handle any demand Mother Nature imposes on it. It's definitely an all-round alpine jacket that can be used in a variety of different conditions and activities.
My only con with this jacket is that the zipper can sometimes stick and be difficult to pull up or down. Tensioning the fabric helps but I'm not sure what I can do about the stickiness. The zipper creates a waterproof seal for the jacket which is important but it could be much easier to pull.
I would buy another one of these jackets in a heartbeat. In fact, I would buy one today but they don't seem to be making them anymore nor can you find them on the internet. Mountain Hardwear: Bring back the Drystein!!
My only con with this jacket is that the zipper can sometimes stick and be difficult to pull up or down. Tensioning the fabric helps but I'm not sure what I can do about the stickiness. The zipper creates a waterproof seal for the jacket which is important but it could be much easier to pull.
I would buy another one of these jackets in a heartbeat. In fact, I would buy one today but they don't seem to be making them anymore nor can you find them on the internet. Mountain Hardwear: Bring back the Drystein!!
Pros: Very breathable, waterproof, flexible, lightweight, and well fitted
Cons: Zipper pull tab, zipper stickiness
Cons: Zipper pull tab, zipper stickiness
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