The Mountain Khakis line has certainly expanded in recent years. Most recently, they have been experimenting with my beloved fabric, Merino wool. The love child of record this time is the Rendezvous Hoodie and it has proven itself to be a great go-to jacket for just about everything.
Mountain Khakis Rendezvous Hoodie Features:
- 8.8oz, 300g, 21.5 Micron 100% Washable Merino Wool Jersey Knit
- YKK® Reverse Coil Locking Zipper
- Interior Storm Flap with Rollover Chin Guard
- Flatlock Stitching at Critical Seams for Freedom of Movement
- Zippered Napoleon Pocket on Left Chest
- Zippered Handpockets with Single Welt
- Fully-Functioning Hood Sewn to Collar Stand
- 3” Stand Up Collar
- Lycra®-Bound Thumb Loops on 2 ¾” Cuffs
- Signature MK Back Yoke
- Embroidered Logo Treatment on Back Right Shoulder
- Athletic Fit
- MSRP: $159.95
Rendezvous Hoodie is a Quality Recipe
Honestly, I could go all day in nothing but Merino wool tee shirts and never have any interest in wearing anything else. With the Rendezvous Hoodie, I’ve pretty much extended those sentiments to sweaters and hoodies as well. The Rendezvous is new for winter 2013/14 and shows some good reason why Mountain Khakis is pushing some serious momentum these days.
The construction is 300-weight washable Merino wool. It’s as soft to the touch as you’ll find in the land of wool fabrics. I’ve come to prefer the touch of Merino and after several months of use, the fabric looks as good as it did new. No pulls, balling or anything… it looks great. With MK goods, I’m typically in-between Medium and Large, but this Medium fits my 5’11”, 170 lb frame to perfection. I can even wear a long-sleeve button-up shirt underneath without too much trouble. A long-sleeve base layer slips underneath with ease. So, “athletic fit” is not really as athletic as you’ll find in other manufacturers.
A unique feature of the Rendezvous is the combined collar/hoodie. While I applaud MK for making the effort to have the best of both worlds, I’d be fine with either one or the other. For my tastes, I’d go straight-up collar only as the hood can get in the way when layering. However, I will say that I’ve employed the hoodie in a pinch when I’ve been caught without a beanie. So… perhaps the Rendezvous is rightly-built with both collar and hood. As a side note, this is available as the Rendezvous Quarter Zip, if you prefer.
I’ll add that the collar height and diameter is spot-on for perfect comfort and coverage. Again to the fit, the length is just right at both the hem and sleeves. Thumb ports are useful when necessary.
The density of the fabric aids in wind protection as it does a great job of blocking the wind, all things considered. Certainly, it’s not made to be wind proof, but it takes the edge off. Additionally, the thickness of the material maintains structure well without getting frumpy — sometimes a failing of poorly-built Merino apparel. After a few washes, the fit and fabric looks and feels like it did on day one. The weave does tighten up slightly after drying, but it stretches back out a tad after use.
The Good
- 300-weight Merino wears very well
- Fit is what I’d call “just right”
- Collar height and diameter offers excellent coverage
- Wind protection is better than expected
- Stays stink-free
The Bad
- Not so sure about the collar/hoodie hybrid in practice
The Bottom Line
Primarily, the Rendezvous knocks it out of the park with all-day comfort and as a stylish and versatile mid layer. As with all Merino products, it comes at a price, but the quality and thickness of this piece makes this one a keeper.
Buy Now: Available at MooseJaw.com
