Mountain Hardwear KOR Airshell Vest – Light and Packable

Kate Agathon

Spring has arrived and the  Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell Vest is the super light accessory you’ll want for hiking, travel, and everyday casual wear when you need just a little extra warmth.

 

The Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell Vest has a standard fit (not too tight, not too loose) that makes it ideal for wearing over a baselayer or midlayer.

 

I am inbetween sizes S and M, and the size M fit me perfectly. Incidentally, I wanted to try the Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell Vest primarily for cycling.

 

Historically, I’ve had a difficult time finding a cycling vest that can accommodate my not-so-athletic middle aged body. Usually, they are either too slim fitting, or too big along the arm openings or along the bottom.

 

Therefore, I was very pleased with how well the Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell Vest fit. It fit snugly, but was not restrictive. The elastic binding along the hem and arm openings kept the wind out and helped keep my core warm.

 

Because I wanted to use it specifically for cycling, the vest doesn’t have the handy rear pockets that traditional cycling gear has. However, the two zippered hand pockets keep chapstick, keys, and snacks close. They can even accommodate my phone (although I kept mine in the rear cycling jersey pocket underneath the vest; I just don’t like to have my front pockets weighing down while I ride).

 

One cycling attire feature that does appear on the Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell Vest is that it has a longer back to keep your backside protected. Fully zipped, the neck also added some additional protection.

 

I like the overall look of the vest and love the contrasting black stitching, zippers, and logo on the vest- they really pop!

 

On long rides when conditions can change, having a vest on hand can make a difference. Also, lightweight vests such as this one are perfect for long descents down a mountain pass.

 

Constructed from Pertex® Quantum Air, the Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell vest is packable and breathable. It packs into its own internal drop pocket for easy storage.

 

The Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell vest is available in three colors (Bright Island Blue, Fogbank, and Black) in sizes XS-XL.

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Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbaby, Sansa.

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing. Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers.

 

Kate earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.