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Mountain Hardwear Minalist Kit

March 13, 2015

by Drew Zieff

When elevated adventure calls, Mountain Hardwear proves indispensable. For skiers undeterred by gnarly weather and steeps, the weight-saving, water-shedding Minalist kit is generations past the bare minimum.

Minalist Jacket: Backcountry and Beyond

Mountain Hardwear Minalist Jacket This no-nonsense jacket handles every day (save tank-top summer ones). Active Junky testers relied on Minalist from frigid dawn patrol backcountry missions to spring-like resort afternoons. Warm without overheating, testers appreciated the oversized, layer-friendly fit on mid-winter touring days. Minalist’s wicking DryQ Elite fabric excelled while lapping Copper Mountain’s sun-softened, south-facing bowls; rising mercury and sweat-sparking runs caused zero discomfort. Each pocket rates as thoughtful. The large side pocket is big enough for skins, the front integrates a handy key clip, internal mesh stow pockets house foggy goggles and the zippered chest locks up a cell phone and energy bar. A favorite feature; the diagonal front zipper. “At first I was skeptical,” the tester related. “But it didn’t irritate my neck and it actually looks pretty cool.”

Best For: Conquering any conditions, with a nod toward the backcountry

Minalist Pants: The Best a Leg Can Get

Mountain Hardwear Minalist Pants This model mimics the jacket’s tech and styling. When paired together, this kit is unbeatable. No bells or whistles, the pants focus on the essentials. Some might complain that a single, vertical entry pocket at mid-thigh is sub-par storage space. However, when paired with a jacket and pack, this worry vanishes in the wind like a rooster tail of champagne powder. Storm proof and breathable 3-layer fabric is tailored for a comfortable fit as outer leg vents draw air on strenuous ascents. Testers relished the articulated knees while bootpacking out-of-bounds lines and skinning steep faces. Ditto for wide ankles with reinforced edge guards; testers anticipated uncommon abrasion resistance. “They’re everything I look for in a shell pant,” said one tester. “Strong and light with minimal construction and outer vents.” Our verdict; buy Minalist and never look back.