MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Men's Monkey Man Fleece Jacket

Comments about MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Men's Monkey Man Jacket:

This a great warm and light jacket that is also somewhat stylish to wear regularly. I was shopping for a new fleece that was fairly warm for cold winter days, but also windproof/resistant. I found it difficult to find a jacket like that because they are either thinner and windproof or thicker and not. I came across this jacket with the cool fur-like texture and surprisingly found it more wind blocking than I thought. I think the furry outside helps to dissipate the wind. It is still not perfect, especially for the colder days, but is perfect with a thin waterproof or windblocker-type layer. I also like the trim fit so there is not that extra material flapping and hanging down like some other fleece jackets. The sleeves are little too long, but I don't really mind it. Also, because of the furry inside, it can be a little difficult to get your arms through while wearing a long-sleeve layer like a sweater. Regardless, I highly recommend taking a look at this jacket if you are looking for a nice fleece.

Comments about MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Men's Monkey Man Jacket:

I ordered three Large jackets - a Northface, Mountain Hardware, and this one. This was the only one that was too small, the others were fine. I loved the plush feel of the jacket and it was super comfortable, but it was just too snug. I ordered the green one and my wife told me I looked like Oscar the Grouch. After she mentioned it, I'd have to agree with her. I'm sending it back for a refund. Had I got an XL (when I normally take a Large) I might have kept it.

Comments about MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Men's Monkey Man Jacket:

Been looking for a new fleece jacket to replace a Denali (small) I purchased about 10 years ago. The old Denali fits awesome - sleeves the right length, snug without feeling tight, layers nicely under a shell without bagging up in the arm pits.
I have a Mountain Hardware shell that I love, so I thought fleece might also fit well. Unfortunately, Monkey Man Jacket runs long in the back and sleeves (sleeves reach past my fully-extended fingers).

I have not been able to find any suitable fleece by any manufacturers - North Face, EMS, Mountain Hardware, etc. All new designers must assume that if you're under 5'8" (I'm 5'3") you must be overweight but still have freakishly long arms.

However, if you're within the designers "size continuum" this seems like a nice jacket.

Comments about MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Men's Monkey Man Jacket:

I bought this thinking this would be a great and fashionable substitute for one or two of my fleeces that are starting to lose their warmth after years of use.

The jacket fits rather slim, so don't think of going down a size. At most, you can fit a shirt and sweater underneath, which is fine for how warm the jacket is.

Positives:
The jacket is ultra soft and great for when you need to dress warmly and don't want to drown in layers of sweaters and overcoats. Despite the jacket's slim profile, it packs a warm punch and is easily the warmest fleece I've owned.

The green is a bit muted compared with the photo, but it is still quite stylish and fun without appearing overly in-the-moment and hipster-ish. A great outer layer option for a cold night/day out or simply running errands.

Pockets: Good and Bad
The lower side pockets are a bit small and quickly bulge whenever I put my hat and gloves in, though the pockets will hold them. Forget about stuffing a scarf in.

Nevertheless, the large breast pocket makes up for the smaller side pockets and can easily hold a wallet, keys, plus a granola bar or two. The one problem with the breast pocket is the vertical zipper. A horizontal zipper would enable the pocket to accommodate a map, directions, airline, or sports tickets.

Negatives:
As warm as the fleece is, however, it becomes too warm once you're inside and overheats if you're doing a lot of walking (eg. around NYC throughout the day, standing in an overcrowded subway with a backpack etc.) If you're planning to be inside, be ready to take off the jacket or else you'll overheat. Mountain Hardwear would be wise to add ventilation zippers. Though the jacket is fleece, I wear it as a jacket because it can get so warm.

If I were to ski with this fleece, I would wear it over a layer of long underwear, a tshirt, and then under a light weight outershell.

Despite the small pockets, the jacket is a fantastic, warm and cozy option for people who want to be warm without looking like the Michelin Man.

Comments about MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Men's Monkey Man Jacket:

Did I say soft? Patagonia has a similiar product but of a much coarser material. Currently coupling this with my Mountain Hardware Synchro jacket and North Face Steep Tech Ski coat. It dosen't get much better.

Comments about MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Men's Monkey Man Jacket:

I bought the XL for my son in law who is 6'5" tall & thin and the sleeve length is great.
Nice and trim in the body so no extra fabric around the middle to catch or be bulky on the trail or climbing.