Jagged Edge Mountain Gear Cold Mountain Jacket
By Matt Smith

The Cold Mountain Jacket is one of Jagged Edge's signature pieces. The chest and front of the arms are made from Polartec Windbloc fleece. The back of the arms and 3/4ths of the back are made from Polartec Power Stretch fleece. The jacket is lightweight and very packable.

My first experience with the Cold Mountain Jacket was a week long trip through the Sierra Nevada Mountains late in August. Believe it or not, the Cold Mountain Jacket was the only piece cold weather clothing I took on the trip. The fleece is so thin and feels so light I wasn't sure I would be warm enough. I have to admit, I wasn't sure if I had made the right decision, but both space and weight were limited. By the second morning, I knew I had nothing to worry about. I was comfortably warm in 40 degree weather wearing only a t-shirt under the jacket. Day after day I was warm and comfortable. The jacket was thoroughly impressive.

I have since used the jacket in a variety of activities ranging from mountain biking, to canyoneering and kicking around town. The Cold Mountain Jacket continued to impress me. The stretch fabric is surprisingly breathable, which I appreciated since my back tends to sweat a lot. Rain drops stayed on the surface of the jacket in a light rain. In a heavy rain the fleece did start to retain a little water, but I stayed warm. The wet jacket dried quickly.

The jacket is quite form fitting. Lack of bulk under the arms and in the torso area make the jacket quite comfortable to wear under a pack. The pockets on the chest are great for keeping your hands warm, but you wouldn't want anything in them if you use a sternum strap on your pack.

Summary: The Cold Mountain Jacket is a high quality product. It is warm, comfortable and packable. The size and weight of the jacket make it an excellent choice for backpacking. Retailing at $145 the Cold Mountain Jacket is slightly less expensive than similar jackets from other manufacturers.

Matt Smith is the canyoneering editor at GearReview.com and can usually be found swimming with dead mice.

For more information, contact:
Jagged Edge Mountain Gear
52 Pilot Knob Lane
Telluride, CO 81435
800-926-0159