ProView – Ortovox Merino Windbreaker

An Illusion is defined as “a thing that is likely to be wrongly perceived or interpreted by the senses,” or “a deceptive appearance or impression.” Well, when I received this jacket my senses were immediately persuaded to believe in my original thought — “where’s the wool?!”. 

I am a tactile man, much like a bull in a china shop. My fingers caressed every fold and crevice of the jacket searching for the seeming illusion of the presence of wool. Apparently, Ortovox’s Merino Windbreaker comprises over 50 percent fine merino fibers and 50 percent synthetic polyamide, woven together, making for an extraordinary light & windproof jacket. The merino wool also is supposed to regulate moisture and temperature and claims to be odor neutralizing. Best to put it to the test! 

Fit and Comfort

Upon initial handling of this jacket, I was admittedly perplexed. It’s so thin – the sound of nylon crackling like rice off my fingertips, yet the striking logo of Merino wool on the sleeve left my senses intrigued. I put it on, barely noticing it due to its performance fit and ridiculous lack of weight. Still wondering where the wool was hiding, I climbed several different locations amongst cool and consistent breezes splashed with a mixture of chilly mornings and sunny afternoons.

The apparition like fit hugged me well as I completed numerous hikes and climbs. The construction of this jacket combines 50% wool, making it soft to the touch and french seams make it fit well without bunching or bulging. From hiking with a heavy pack, ski touring, and wearing it for wind protection next to skin in the spring desert, this jacket performed exceedingly well and is much softer than my other windproof shells. 

Look and style

The two-tone yellow is a nice touch. Much like the subtleties of a magician performing a trick, the eyes are guided throughout the jacket in part due to strategically placed tones of yellow. Ortovox has no shortage of stylistic touches in their products— one thing that sets them apart from the competition.  A multitude of color offerings means a functional jacket that can fit any occasion.

Function/Performance

This is where this jacket excels. Whether hiking to a distant crag in the humidity of the Red River Gorge, dancing my way up the delicate panels of Shelf Road, or prolonging the inevitable pump at my local crag, this jacket performed. It kept me protected from the wind, yet breathed well when working up a sweat. I was weary of its capabilities initially, but have since been persuaded by its illustrious illusion and add it into my quiver of jackets willingly.

I also found it to be amazingly packable and so light you’ll forget it’s with you. A breast pocket allows it to be stowed away and clipped to a harness, hardly noticing it’s there. Howling wind is stopped in its tracks as this jacket is totally windproof. The high concentration of Merino wool coupled with high breathability made it very comfortable and soft next to skin.

Merino wool has an incredible ability to fight odors and at no point in testing this jacket was I concerned with foul odors. Initially, I was concerned with the potential durability of this jacket given its weight of 158g and extremely thin feel. Through numerous climbs, ski tours, stuffing in packs, cars, and just everyday life, my thoughts and concerns with durability were eased. This jacket even handled a rock fall onto it causing a fractured hand, but absolutely no sign of tears or abrasions to the jacket. My hand was another story. 

Room for Improvement

The first thing I noticed when I put it on, and ultimately my biggest room for improvement was the zipper pull is opposite from a standard men’s jacket. Not a game changer, but something I certainly had to get “used to”. Beyond this, this jacket stood out as an extraordinary piece of technical clothing at which I think the benchmark will be set.

The Final Word

If you want to see the progression of technical clothing with an elegant touch, or if you are curious what the sheep in Tasmania are up to, then I cannot recommend this jacket enough. The feel of the jacket is truly remarkable. Coupled with exceptional breathability, the Merino Windbreaker deserves a place in your line up.

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