An ultra-thin, wind-cutting layer that packs down to nothing comes in handy more often than a person might think. Yes, they’re basically worthless against rain, and yes, they offer no insulation. Somehow though, for cold-weather running, they’re a boon. For deep-summer alpine climbing, they’re also a boon. For those low-output days where you’re just cruising through a hike and the temperatures are on the edge of comfortable… boon. Up until recently, I’d thought that there was no better option in the space than the Patagonia Houdini, but now I think there is. The new Mountain Hardwear KOR Airshell Hybrid jacket fits that same niche, but offers only more.
Mountain Hardwear KOR Airshell Hybrid Jacket Features:
- Uses lightweight and breathable Pertex® Quantum Air fabric
- Body-mapped fabrics and cut for optimized weather and wind protection
- Three-piece hood stays secure and out of the way
- Hero Snap™ on center front draft flap keeps it open or closed, as needed
- Four secure zippered pockets
- Mesh vents below chest pockets for breathability
- Packable into its own stash pocket
- Elastic cuffs and hem
- Weight: 175g (as stated in size Medium)
- MSRP: $190
Ultralight Running Tech for Everyone
Mountain Hardwear targets the KOR Airshell Hybrid jacket towards runners primarily. I think the layer is really well suited for running, but, as I mentioned before, pieces like this can be quite multi-purpose. So, my testing was a mix of running, hiking, and alpine climbing over this past summer and edging into the fall. I took it out for some chilly morning runs around town, some North Cascades trail running, a number of approaches, and a handful of bigger climbs in the PNW. Ultimately, it was an easy choice to bring it along for these outings.
Why? Really, it comes down to packability. I can scrunch this jacket down to the size of a navel orange. Sometimes, it’s hard to justify bringing a heavier layer, but who doesn’t have space for an orange? Packed loosely, it takes up very little space in a running vest. Most of the time though, I found myself packing the jacket into its own built-in stuff pocket, and jamming that into a crevice of whatever pack I chose for the day.
The stuff pocket is the best design I’ve seen of any jacket I’ve owned. Not only does it pack down to a small size (liter nalgene adjacent), but it remains lofty and further packable at that size, so it easily conforms to the nooks and crannies where you might be inclined to stow it. Moreover, it has a couple elasticated loops with a minimalist clip which allow you to strap the packed-down jacket to your hand as a handheld. It’s actually quite comfortable, and I found myself using that feature much more frequently than I would have imagined. For shorter runs, where I don’t choose to bring a running vest, I used to not bring another layer, because I hate having to hold things or have a tied-up layer bouncing on my hip… I’m picky. This jacket, with its handheld option, changes the game for me.
Actually using the jacket for a high-output activity – let’s choose running here – is made so much better by the jacket’s breathable nature. There are a couple things going into that. For one, two large mesh panels are hiding under the chest pockets and helping to keep things cool. For two, The Pertex Quantum Air fabric is just naturally adept at ventilation. More than just being breathable, the Pertex material is thin, smooth, and comfortable on the skin. It makes for a very comfortable jacket.
I was wearing the KOR Airshell on a run in the early summer in the morning, before the season realized it was supposed to be warm. At first, it was keeping me nice and comfortable in the high 50s dawn, but as I warmed up and the trails steepened, I had to shed the layer. So, I stuffed the KOR Airshell into its own pocket, connected the elasticated bits to strap it around my hand as a handheld, and ventured off. As the day got muggy, I got hot, even just wearing a shirt and running shorts, and I ended up using the jacket as a sweatwipe. It was surprisingly effective towards that end, but my biggest take-away was how quickly it dried. It really didn’t take long at all.
Let’s move on to pockets. There are five of them on the jacket, and for a piece of its weight, that’s a ton. One is the stuff pocket on the inside, and the other four are external zipped pockets. Two are hand pockets, and two are chest pockets. Each is equipped with a quality YKK zipper and easy-to-use pull. Storage is not a problem for this jacket. In fact, I’m not totally sure why there are so many pockets. Two zippered pockets and a stuff pocket certainly would suffice… but let me take a step back. Am I complaining about too many pockets? Who am I? The choice to add chest pockets to this piece is perhaps an odd one, but at 175 grams… I don’t think it really needs any additional weight savings. So hey, I’ll take five pockets. Sure.
There are some other notable features of the jacket worth touching on. One is the chest snap, which allows you to run with the zipper fully undone, but avoid going into cape-mode. It keeps things tight across the chest while still giving you good ventilation. I found myself using this feature fairly sparingly, preferring to shed a layer entirely more often. Another notable feature is the hood. It’s a great hood, with a nice fit, a good stiff bill, and effective adjustment. I’m a fan all around.
As I’ve mentioned, the KOR Airshell Hybrid jacket has a claimed weight of 175 grams in size Medium. That’s pretty feathery. The Patagonia Houdini, a directly comparable jacket, has an even lighter claimed weight of 105 grams in size Medium. Both are runner-focused windbreakers that stuff into their own pockets for tidy storage… but the Houdini is much more feature-stripped than the KOR Airshell. It only has one zippered pocket, a more basic hood construction, no built in ventilation, and no fancy handheld or chest snap features. It is as simple as they come, and its weight reflects that, but there are times when gram-shaving shaves some of the good stuff too. I, for one, would prefer the modest additional weight that comes with the KOR Airshell’s features. And I say that as a person who loves the timeless classic that is the Houdini.
Fit: I’m 5’11” and a lean 170 pounds, and I tested a size Medium. My hope was that it would fit close to the body (no intention to layer heavily), and it’s met that expectation. I wouldn’t change my sizing choice.
Buy Now: Available from Mountain Hardwear
The Bottom Line
Excellent
This jacket is stepping onto turf that the Patagonia Houdini has owned for a long time, and it’s a real contender. It’s lightweight, breathable, decently stretchy, very comfortable, and generally well-built. Features like its handheld mode and ample zippered storage are worth their weight, and make this jacket an ultra-light go-to for me.
The Good:
- Versatile
- Super packable
- In-pocket storage can be used as a handheld
- Both breathable and quick-drying
- Ample storage
- Well-designed hood
- Very lightweight
The Bad:
- Maybe too many zippered pockets?
- A bit pricey
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Breathability
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Mobility
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Fit
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Features
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Aesthetics