So when is that storm blowing in, anyway? Do I have time to squeeze in a 10-miler first? Is it going to be wet and cold, or just plain cold? For winter outings when you face such questions, it’s nice to have one simple wardrobe answer: the GoLite Black Mountain Thermal Wind Jacket.
Features
- Windproof 100% polyester with polyurethane membrane on front and back panels
- Trinity™ material (see below) construction for waterproof protection
- Cocona Minerale™ fabric for rapid moisture transfer
- Brushed fleece lining
- Auto-locking zipper with draft flap
- 2 secure-zip side pockets
- Reflective logo on front and rear
- Semi-fitted styling
- 379 g (13 oz)
- MSRP: $150
GoLite Black Mountain Thermal Wind Jacket Review
The GoLite Black Mountain jacket offers a single, highly versatile option for uncertain winter conditions. You don’t have to choose between a windproof garment or rain gear – with this jacket, you’ll be ready for either. Or both.
To provide such versatile performance, GoLite utilizes two specialized materials in this garment: Trinity™ for water resistance, and Cocona Minerale™ for moisture transfer.
GoLite’s Trinity material (73% polyester, 27% polyurethane) features a laminated microporous polyurethane membrane positioned between two layers of four-way stretch polyester as an inner barrier. The outer surface is then treated with Durable Water Repellant (DWR) for further water resistance. The stretchiness of the material allows improved freedom of movement and greater breathability than typical storm shells. It’s not 100% waterproof like Gore-Tex material, but you’ll get damp from sweating long before any rain water intrudes through this jacket.
To minimize overheating, the underarm area, side panels, and a portion of the back panel are constructed with a 65/35% combination of brushed fleece and GoLite’s Cocona Minerale™, an eco-friendly fabric that incorporates coconut shell carbon (yes, really) for enhanced moisture transfer. GoLite claims the fabric is 50% more effective than standard moisture-wicking materials, and the Cocona particles are permanently embedded in the fibers, so they won’t wash or wear off over time. Minerale fabric is primarily used in the back panel, with the soft brushed fleece in the underarms and side panels, as well as the interior lining of the jacket’s front panels.
The entire jacket is fairly lightweight, especially for something with such great water resistance. GoLite classifies the style as “semi-fitted”, which is meant to contour around the body but fit comfortably over a form fitting baselayer. I found the cut perfect through the trunk, but slightly snug on the forearms.
Good Black Mountain
- A true “all weather” jacket for winter conditions
- Outstanding wind and water resistance
- Comfortable brushed fleece interior
- Lightweight warmth
Bad Black Mountain
- No core venting outlets
- No hood option
- Snug forearm fit
Bottom Line: GoLite Black Mountain Jacket
It’s awfully difficult to create the perfect combination of warmth, water resistance, and breathability, but the GoLite Black Mountain jacket offers a fairly solid option across all of these categories. If you’re looking for a single go-to jacket for cold-weather endurance activity, this is an excellent choice.
Buy Now: Find Fleece Jackets at REI (GoLite is out of business)
