Mountain Hardwear Effusion Power ½ Zip Review
April 27, 2013
81 The Good
- Deep ½ zip offers great ventilation
- Subtle reflective bits on back and sleeves
- Lightweight
The Bad
- Airshield membrane is not terribly breathable
- Electronics get steamy and wet beneath windproof panels
This high performance running shirt serves up stoic wind protection where it’s most needed, but breathability suffers accordingly. Best for working hard to move fast in cold, dry weather.
Weather Protection
Mountain Hardwear’s Airshield Active textile is truly windproof and is nicely mapped on the Effusion Power for maximum wind-protection. And although the jacket does not resist rain particularly well, it cannot hold on to very much water and dries quickly.
Breathability
Windproof panels build up heat and humidity more quickly than wicking panels can whisk it away—the zonal construction works, but I would have been generally more comfortable with less Airshield and more stretchability.
Mobility/Comfort
With sufficient stretchiness, flatlocked seams, and a well-designed zip-flap, the Effusion Power got high marks for comfort.
Weight
9.5 oz. is a good, but not quite a great, weight for a semi-weather-resistant running top.
Attention to Detail
Overall, this jacket felt smart and functional—I only wished for an Airshield media pocket liner to help save my music from the wet sauna on my chest.
Value
The Effusion Power is an intelligently designed and high-performance running shirt, but there are lighter-weight semi-windproof running jackets for $85 out there.
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