Isis Misty Mountain Jacket : Just for Women

I've had my old rain jacket for years; it's been on dozens of backpacking trips, day hikes, and beach walks. Unfortunately, like most outdoor gear made a decade ago, 1.) it's a men's jacket (which means it's bulky) and 2.) its dark hue blends right in with the forest canopy.

My new jacket is designed for women by Isis. They make it easy for women to head into the great outdoors shielded in rugged apparel that not only fits well but also looks great. The Misty Mountain II rain jacket is made of rip-stop rainproof fabric, with taped seems, to keep the rain out. At just over $100, this jacket is a great value and ideal for three-season outings (I wouldn't take it skiing, but it would do well on a winter hike in my town, Portland, Oregon).

This summer, I traveled through three time zones, in varying degrees of humidity and heat, with the Misty Mountain jacket. Stashed away in my pack, it came in handy during a severe thunderstorm in hot and sweltering Ohio. In Utah's Uinta Mountains, it acted as a wind shield at a high alpine camp. I like the brimmed hood, which rolls away when I don't need it.

The Misty Mountain comes in five colors, including my favorite, honeydew. I think this jacket runs big. I returned my first jacket and exchanged it for one that was two sizes smaller. But, even with layers beneath, the jacket was still a little too big through the waist (arm length was perfect).   Other than that, I my new jacket is as refreshing as the melon it's named after.

Bottom Line: If it's time to trade in your old rain jacket, the Misty Mountain is great value that also earns extra points for style. --B. B. (Sept '06)

Price: $109

Manufacturer's Site: www.isisforwomen.com

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