The Mountain Hardwear Firefall 2 Jacket was designed for skiing or snowboarding, featuring waterproof breathable protection from the elements. Priced at the lower end of the spectrum for quality ski jackets, it has a wide range of performance-oriented features.
Features
- 2-layer waterproof shell fabric
- Helmet-compatible hood with three-way drawcord adjustment
- Zippered chest pocket
- Underarm zip vents
- Pass pocket on sleeve
- Internal powder skirt with hooks for path integration
- Adjustable cuffs
- Drawcord hem adjustment
- List price: $289.00
- Size Medium Jacket tested. Color: Sandstorm, Pines Camo
All the features
I discovered the Mountain Firefall lineup last season when I was searching for a bib for my resort gear setup. I haven’t had a set of bibs since I was a kid, and after a day of skiing with my family in southern Oregon, it was clear I was going to be spending a lot more time on the mountain this season.
I also wanted something a tad more fitted than my old school snow pants, which have probably been running for over 10 years. While baggy gear is still in vogue with snowboarders, I’m not 20 anymore, and they were a bit baggier than I’d prefer these days. After searching for some deals on ski bibs in end-of-the-season sales with a few purchasing missteps, (I initially bought a size small Firefall bib that was too tight in the crotch, followed by a medium Oakley bib that was super massive and baggy) I ended up with the Sandstorm, Pines Camo Firefall 2 bib from Mountain Hardware.
After a few days on the mountain, I enjoyed the bib enough that I started searching for an updated jacket, as I’ve had my current jacket for quite some time as well. The jacket I’ve been running has performed more than adequately for some years, and stopping in at the local outdoor outfitters to eyeball performance jackets, I experienced a bit of sticker shock.
When I found it, it was shockingly affordable and I had to acquire it. (more on the bibs in a separate post) The Firefall 2 jacket clicked all my buttons for the features I want in a coat: a helmet-compatible hood for when you’re stuck on a cold, windy chairlift, integration with pants to keep snow out on those tumbles, and a pass pocket. Not only was it on sale, which fit my budget for an impulse buy (I could have used insider credentials to go to the employee store or finagled a review sample, but I did like the idea of a matching kit, haha) with a list price of $250, it didn’t have a high retail cost to begin with.
Available in an insulation and non-insulated version, I went with the insulated jacket as the one I was planning to retire was also insulated. (plus I already own a few good waterproof multi-sport shells that perform suitably for alpine skiing.) Both my brother and I have spent some time skiing in the jacket and were pleased with the lightweight feel, which was comfortable and provided easy movement and a full range of motion. Even better, though it is built with synthetic insulation and didn’t feel like it had a ton of loft, it was surprisingly warm without feeling bulky.
Fit & Sizing
The Firefall has a roomy fit in a size medium. (at 5’10”, 165lbs, size 38 jacket I wear a small or medium depending on the fit) I typically like a more fitted aesthetic and could have sized it down to a small, but for this application, I prefer the roomy fit as it makes it easy to squeeze additional layers on those cold windy days. My go-to setup has been the matching Firefall Bib over a base layer, a long-sleeved wool crew, and a fleece jacket with the Firefall sealing out the elements. Though the insulated jacket has been a bit warm on the sunny spring days, I’m comfortable with the vents open and after removing a few other layers.
We also both really liked how high the collar covered our faces when fully zipped up, and how it felt roomy around your face. Even when skiing without a mask, there was so much coverage, it kept my face warm while allowing me to freely rotate my head.
Overall, it’s been a solid acquisition and we’re impressed with the performance. With current end of season sales, it’s a killer value for a solid jacket. We did find one sticking point, but it isn’t a deal breaker — the zipper pulls hard to grasp with gloves on. And they came off a few times.
That said, replacement zipper pulls are easy to find on Amazon. (These ones are my favorite.)
The Mountain Hardwear Firefall 2 jacket lists for $289, and is available at REI, Backcountry.com, Amazon.com, and your other favorite outdoor retailers.