Bottom Line
The Mountain Hardwear Kor AirShell Hoody (men’s / women’s) stands out as a breathable and lightweight layer built for high-output activities. It balances airflow and light wind resistance, making it ideal for trail running, fast hiking, and alpine missions where overheating is a concern. The stretchy fabric, trim fit, and excellent packability add to all-around versatility. Combined with its great comfort and mobility, it was an easy choice for our list of the best windbreakers.
Though great for windy days without precipitation, the Kor AirShell does not provide adequate protection against sustained rain or harsh weather. This is true of most windbreakers, but the Kor AirShell falls short of others on our list. Durability is decent for the weight, but it’s still a minimalist piece that requires some care when bushwhacking or scraping over rocks.
Though slightly more expensive than others in our lineup, the Kor AirShell packs excellent features and performance into a lightweight package. It’s sure to please weekend recreators and diehard adventurers alike.
How We Tested
The Mountain Hardwear Kor AirShell Hoody was tested throughout two months of late-winter and early-spring conditions in southcentral Alaska. From late-season skiing to spring runs and hikes, we tested the Kor AirShell in a range of conditions to find out where it excels and where it falls short.
Quick Specs
Mountain Hardwear Kor AirShell Hoody
Windbreaker with Zippered Hand Pockets
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $165
Weight: 4.7 oz.
Materials: 100% stretch ripstop nylon
Pockets: 2 zippered hand, 1 internal stuff
Pros
- Zippered hand pockets
- Good mobility
- Breathable
- Packs into an internal stash pocket
Cons
- No hood or hem cinches
- Expensive
Wind & Weather Resistance
Hiking in fickle spring weather, we were glad to have the Kor AirShell to throw on when the weather turned cold and windy. Though the stretchy nylon material boasts excellent wind resistance, strong gusts still penetrated due to the lack of cinches on the jacket. Without hood, cuff, or hem drawcords, the jacket has some vulnerabilities. It’s strong enough for most fair-weather conditions, however, which is true of most windbreaker jackets.
Breathability
Tested on winter cross-country skis and springtime runs and hikes, we quickly found the Kor AirShell to be a great choice for high-output activities. The Pertex Quantum Air fabric allows for excellent venting and moisture release through the body of the jacket. Even when running with excess layers underneath, we found the jacket wicked perspiration quickly. The only conditions in which we found breathability lacking were temperatures below freezing, where sweat collected and froze inside the jacket. For most conditions and activities, the Kor AirShell is a highly breathable choice.
Weight & Packability
With a stated weight of 4.7 ounces and a measured weight of 4.8 ounces, the Kor AirShell is not the lightest jacket in our lineup, but it still cracks the 5-ounce threshold – great for moving fast and light in the mountains. For packability, the jacket stuffs into a dedicated stash pocket on the interior. Stuffing it into this pouch was a little slower and more cumbersome than folding into a zippered pocket, but it got the job done. The package ends up being about the size of a baseball, with a fabric loop for clipping to a carabiner.
Comfort & Fit
The Kor AirShell is built with a stretchy material that allows for effortless and unencumbered movement. With a trim yet relaxed fit, we were able to layer underneath it with a light fleece and not feel like we were bursting out of it.
Though the zippered hand pockets add great functionality, we found they affected comfort when loaded. Carrying anything more than a light pair of gloves or a buff, the jacket sagged and pulled at the front. With a cellphone, it felt like the jacket was being pulled forward off our body. Due to the lightweight design of the jacket, it’s recommended to carry equally lightweight items in the pockets.
Should You Buy the Mountain Hardwear Kor AirShell?
Those willing to spend up will be rewarded with a high-performing jacket with excellent performance and versatility. The Pertex Quantum Air fabric is extremely breathable and mobile, making the Kor AirShell an excellent choice for high-output activities. The zippered hand pockets are great for carrying lightweight items like thin gloves or a buff, although they quickly become weighed down by heavier items like a cellphone.
Though good enough for blocking moderate wind, this jacket is not designed to repel heavy rain. And without cinches, wind can penetrate through the cuffs, hem, and hood. For most conditions and activities, however, the Kor AirShell is an excellent companion.
What Other Windbreakers Should You Consider?
The Kor AirShell is a great all-around piece, but there are around a dozen other options to choose from in our gear guide to the best windbreakers. The three below are particularly strong alternatives.
Stio Second Light Review: With similarly stretchy material, the Second Light is another excellent choice for those who prioritize mobility. It’s a little lighter and cheaper than the Kor AirShell, too, although storage is limited to a single chest pocket.
Black Diamond Alpine Start Review: If you’re looking for something with more weather resistance, the Alpine Start has some of the strongest in our lineup. It toes the line between windbreaker and softshell with a more substantial build, with breathability and weight being two of the biggest trade-offs.
Patagonia Airshed Pro Review: One of the most breathable windbreakers we tested, the Patagonia Airshed Pro is purpose-built for high-output activities. The pullover style isn’t for everyone, but trail runners and fast-moving hikers will appreciate the airy, streamlined design.
