REI.com
  • Online: www.REI.com
  • URL for this product:
  • From the U.S. and CanadaCall 1-800-426-4840
  • Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT.
  • InternationalCall 1-253-891-2500
  • Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT. English language only.

Mountain Hardwear Principia Soft-Shell Jacket - Men's

This item is currently sold out or unavailable online.

Or, may we suggest shopping for similar items:

Shop more Men's Soft Shell JacketsShop more Mountain Hardwear

This page is provided for reference to historical product information.

The Mountain Hardware Principia soft-shell jacket offers wind- and water-resistant protection. It sheds water and snow to keep you comfortable in a wide variety of conditions.

  • Soft-shell fabric repels snow, rain and wind, and breathes well to dissipate body heat; 4-way stretch provides unsurpassed fit and comfort
  • Close-fitting hood adjusts for a good fit and protection
  • Full-length front zipper with internal windflap
  • 1-hand-adjustable hem drawcord and adjustable cuffs seal in warmth
  • Mountain Hardwear Principia soft-shell jacket has zippered hand and chest pockets

Imported.

Item 836391

REI Membership

Mountain Hardwear Principia Soft-Shell Jacket - Men's Specs
Specification
Description
Best use
Multisport
Polyester / polyester blend
Polyester
Polyester
No
No
No
Yes
Hip-length
28 inches
Men's
Fabric type
Shell fabric
Shell lining fabric
Windproof
Waterproof
Insulated
Hood
Back length
Back length (in.)
Gender

Mountain Hardwear Principia Soft-Shell Jacket - Men's Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Mountain Hardwear Principia Soft-Shell Jacket - Men's
 
3.4

(based on 5 reviews)

75%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Comfortable (5)
  • Lightweight (4)
  • Durable (3)
  • Stylish (3)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Hiking and camping (3)
      • Fit:
      • Feels too small

         

        Feels true to size

         

        100% 

        (5 reviews)

        Feels too big

         
      • Sleeve Length:
      • Feels too short

         

        Feels true to length

         

        100% 

        (5 reviews)

        Feels too long

         
      • Chest Size:
      • Feels too small

         

        Feels true to size

         

        100% 

        (5 reviews)

        Feels too big

         
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Casual/ recreational (4)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (5)

    Reviewed by 5 customers

    Sort by

    Displaying reviews 1-5

    Back to top

     
    3.0

    Decent spring or fall jacket only.

    By Xrayskiguy

    from New Jersey

    About Me Casual/ Recreational

    See all my reviews

    Verified Buyer
    Site Member

    Pros

    • Comfortable
    • Durable
    • Lightweight
    • Stylish
    • Waterproof

    Cons

    • Not Very Insulating
    • Semi-warm

    Best Uses

    • Outer layer

    Comments about Mountain Hardwear Principia Soft-Shell Jacket - Men's:

    The quality can't be denied, it is a well made product, but it has its flaws in its functionality. It is mostly windproof, waterproof(stayed dry in a light rain storm)and it has very usable zippered pockets. The problem I have is the material choice, its limited as to when it can be worn. I do like the jacket, but in cool spring and fall temps (especially after the sun goes down)it is just not warm enough. I personally can't imagine wearing this in the deep winter even as a layer. By itself, this jacket is good for 55-70 degree temps thats about it.

    • Fit:
    • Feels true to size
    • Sleeve Length:
    • Feels true to length
    • Chest Size:
    • Feels true to size
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Comment on this review

     
    4.0

    Kept out the Boston COLD

    By sdpresty

    from San Diego , CA

    About Me Avid Adventurer

    See all my reviews

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Breathable
    • Comfortable
    • Durable
    • Lightweight
    • Stylish
    • Waterproof
    • Windproof

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Casual Wear
      • Hiking and Camping
      • Wet Weather

      Comments about Mountain Hardwear Principia Soft-Shell Jacket - Men's:

      Works great in the rain and snow. I would recommend wearing a long sleeve shirt or thin sweater under it. It keeps you warm from 40-60 but under that or in cold area's like the north east, nothing can stop that cold.

      • Fit:
      • Feels true to size
      • Sleeve Length:
      • Feels true to length
      • Chest Size:
      • Feels true to size
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Comment on this review

       
      4.0

      Wil buy again

      By M the Kayaker

      from San Jose, CA

      About Me Casual/ Recreational

      See all my reviews

      Verified Buyer
      Site Member

      Pros

      • Comfortable
      • Durable
      • Lightweight
      • Warm
      • Windproof

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Cold Weather
        • Hiking and Camping
        • Wet Weather

        Comments about Mountain Hardwear Principia Soft-Shell Jacket - Men's:

        I was looking for a jacket which satisfied the following:
        - Hood
        - Warmth
        - Water resistance
        - Wind resistance/proof
        - Allows layering

        I really like the Pricipia. It is not as stiff or bulky as the typical water/wind proof jackets. At the same time, I'm able to layer comfortably.

        I like the standard features:
        - Velcro on sleeves
        - Zipper pulls
        - Chin guard
        - Decent sized pockets
        - Fleece liners in pockets
        - Chest pocket

        The hood leaves a little wanting. The fit is ok at best. I wear glasses and could not quite figure out the correct tension in the hood cords to keep the hood on yet not interfere w/ my glasses.

        Overall, I will buy again. Ideally I'd prefer brighter colors. I got the olive green.

        • Fit:
        • Feels true to size
        • Sleeve Length:
        • Feels true to length
        • Chest Size:
        • Feels true to size
        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

        (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

         
        2.0

        Quality Control Issues?

        By K to the J

        from DC

        About Me Casual/ Recreational

        See all my reviews

        Site Member

        Pros

        • Comfortable

        Cons

          Best Uses

            Comments about Mountain Hardwear Principia Soft-Shell Jacket - Men's:

            I'm 6'1" at around 190 pounds with an athletic build, and I bought a Large Principia, mostly for layering purposes. The jacket itself fit well, I was looking for a soft shell with a hood, so in that respect, this is perfect. I was happy with the massive hand pockets that run straight up through the jacket; I found them very useful on my previous Mountain Hardwear jacket. There are no inner pockets, which was quite disappointing, but not a deal breaker.

            About two weeks after I bought it, the plastic slide attached to the hood string broke, which would allow the string to get caught up inside the hood. I also noticed fraying in several areas, including an MH logo. After closer inspection I noticed that some of the stitching, especially around the wrist, was also off. Assuming I got a lemon, I brought it back to REI, and at first I was going to exchange it, but then I inspected the other jackets and saw that they too had similar issues with stitching. Each jacket had slightly different imperfections.

            Not sure what's going on with MH quality control, but for the amount of money coupled with MH reputation, I was expecting much higher quality. I'm gonna try and find another soft shell hoody now.

            • Fit:
            • Feels true to size
            • Sleeve Length:
            • Feels true to length
            • Chest Size:
            • Feels true to size
            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            4.0

            great multi- purpose jacket

            By jimonk

            from madison, wisconsin

            About Me Casual/ Recreational

            See all my reviews

            Site Member

            Pros

            • Breathable
            • Comfortable
            • Lightweight
            • Stylish
            • Warm

            Cons

            • Not Waterproof
            • Not Windproof

            Best Uses

            • Casual Wear
            • Cold Weather
            • Hiking and Camping
            • Skiing/Snowboarding

            Comments about Mountain Hardwear Principia Soft-Shell Jacket - Men's:

            I bought this jacket for snowshoeing. I was skeptical because it's lightweight, but have been satisfied with it's performance. The fit was athletic and seemed just right for my build as opposed to another review I read that said it was too tight in the shoulders. I took it out after a 19 inch snow wearing a base layer, mid layer, and heavyweight layer beneath which the jacket stretched to fit over them easily (see photo). It takes two hands to adjust the hood tightly. What I like about this jacket is that it's a great midlayer that works in temps from 50s down to today's temp that was around zero with the windchill. This makes for a great all around hoodie for 3 seasons. I like the styling and the fit is very comfortable and soft feeling compared to other similar jackets I tried on. I wouldn't wear this jacket in any hard rain or snow, but it seemed to shed light stuff pretty well. It's not windproof, but blocked the wind fairly well. My Mountain Hardwear wind vest fit's over or under it easily and that combination really blocks the wind while leaving your arms open for breathing well. I think it breathes well and have not experienced any hot pits with it. Some reviews doubted it's durability, but so far it seems good to me, and if it fails I know I always have REI's guarantee.

            • Fit:
            • Feels true to size
            • Sleeve Length:
            • Feels true to length
            • Chest Size:
            • Feels true to size
            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

            Displaying reviews 1-5

            Back to top

            How are we doing? Give us feedback on this page.

            REI Anniversary Sale May 17–27. Plus, members SAVE 20% on 1 full-price item with coupon code ANNV13. Details

            • Join REI today!
            • REI Membership
            • REI member benefits include an annual refund (typically 10% on eligible purchases).
            • Join REI today!
            • Sign up for REI Gearmail®
            • and get 15% off selected items!
            • Store Locator
            • Locate an REI store near you.
            • Find a Store

            Find REI on: FacebookTwitterYouTubeFlickr