Mountain Hardwear DryQ- Initial Impressions

By Shannon on Feb 16, 2011 in Men's, Performance Apparel, Women's

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The Outdoor Retailer Winter Market gave us a chance to check out what is new and different for Fall 2011. Mountain Hardwear created a lot of buzz with the launch of their newest waterproof-breathable technical fabric, DryQ. MH’s DryQ will be available in 3 sport specific designs: active, elite, and core.

DryQ Elite Mountain Hardwear DryQ Initial Impressions

Shell featuring DryQ Elite

DryQ Elite will be featured in MH’s outer shells in 3 layer, 2 layer, and softshell designs and is 100% waterproof, breathable, and air permeable which means that it allows not only moisture, but also air to pass through the membrane to removed heat and not just sweat from your body. DryQ Core is the middle ground fabric and will be featured in pieces from MH’s lifestyle collection and mountain series, as it is lightweight, breathable, and waterproof. DryQ Active is designed for high intensity activity and it is the lightest-stretchiest from the line and is featured in active pieces with specific body mapping designs. And like the other DryQ fabrics, it is also 100% waterproof.

The MH PR folks have been giving journalist a chance to test out the new DryQ technology since late last year. I received a new jacket for Fall 2011 called the Effusion Power Jacket. There will be some changes made to this jacket before production, but it has given me a chance to see first hand what DryQ Active is all about. The Effusion Power Jacket features MH’s MicroClimage Zoning and has placed DryQ Active panels over the shoulders, forearms, the core (in the front), and along the side paneling. The other areas of this jacket feature a single knit jersey fabric.

IMG 2294 300x225 Mountain Hardwear DryQ Initial Impressions

DryQ Active = light gray

My big passion is running, so I have been taking the DryQ Active jacket out on my morning and mid day jaunts. What I noticed first about the DryQ Active is how lightweight the material is when worn and how the combination of fabrics creates a garment that can really move with you, rather than constrict you. The jacket is very streamlined and represents the goal of versatile pieces for high impact activities. The DryQ Active has performed the best, meaning keeping me warm-dry-comfortable when temps are within the 35-55 degree range; when temps are slightly lower the DryQ Active feels too light, even when worn with a long sleeve base layer. When temps are slightly higher, you typically don’t need a jacket for high intensity exercise; however, I have kept it on to test out its’ properties and have been pleased with how well it allows your body to remain dry.

IMG 2293 300x225 Mountain Hardwear DryQ Initial Impressions

Extra long sleeves w/ thumb hole and flip over mitten closure

The photo below is of the “cousin” to the jacket I tested.

Effusion Hooded Mountain Hardwear DryQ Initial Impressions

Effusion Hooded Jacket featuring DryQ Active

Digg Digg

Brands: Mountain Hardwear

About the Author

Shannon, our fabulous female tester, takes gear testing to a new level for women. When not at work or school, she is most likely training for a marathon, climbing one of Colorado’s tallest peaks, riding her road bike, or skiing down a mountain slope. Like many women, Shannon gets cold easily, therefore, we try to test the best all weather gear to help her stay warm and dry during all day outdoor pursuits. In the warmer months, Shannon enjoys exploring the Colorado backcountry with her friends and dogs and attempts to escape for as many trail runs as her schedule allows. Shannon is a great women’s tester because she gives readers true insight into how a product may perform for an active woman.