We agonized about which of Mountain Hardwear’s new line of products was most deserving—their new spring line of gear and apparel is that impressive. Wisely, the company recently teamed up with mountaineering phenom Ueli Steck, aka the Swiss Machine, to create an what they’ve dubbed the “ultimate alpine speed climbing kit.” While the flagship jacket, pack, and tent in that line all look remarkably efficient and fast (just like Ueli), the one product we couldn’t wait to get our hands on was the Ghost Whisperer Anorak. At just under two ounces, it will certainly be one of the lightest wind- and water-resistant shells on the market. It packs down to the size of a small apple, has reflective trim, a chest pocket, and—this is a great touch—even a loop to keep your headphones in line. In northern New Mexico in the late summer, when the monsoon thunderstorms threaten to spice up every afternoon run or bike ride, this is precisely the type of just-in-case layer we rarely head into the mountains without. Available February 1.
The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer was one of our editor's 10 picks for Gear of the Show at Outdoor Retailer’s summer show, 2011. Click here to see the rest.
