Reviews > Clothing > Jackets and Vests > Mishmi Takin Misti Softshell > Test Report by Michael Pearl

MISHMI TAKIN MISTI JACKET
TEST SERIES BY MIKE PEARL
LONG-TERM REPORT

INITIAL REPORT - April 25, 2018
FIELD REPORT - July 05, 2018
LONG TERM REPORT - September 11, 2018

TESTER INFORMATION

I have a great appreciation for the outdoors and get out at every opportunity. I am a three-season, learning to be a four-season backpacker and year-round hiker. Currently, my trips are two to three days long as well as an annual week-long trip. I utilize the abundant trail shelters in my locale and pack a backup tarp-tent. I like to cover big distances while still taking in the views. I have lightweight leanings but function and reliability are the priority. I mostly travel woodland mountain terrain but enjoy hiking beautiful trails anywhere.

INITIAL REPORT

PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Mishmi Takin
Year of Manufacture: 2018
Manufacturer's Website: www.mishmitakin.com
MSRP: US$100.00
Made in: Vietnam

Listed Weight: 26.2 oz (744 g) Men's Large
Measured Weight: 24.8 oz (702 g) Men's Medium

Sizes Available: Small through X-Large
Size Tested: Medium

Colors Available: Canopy Green/Chocolate Brown, Chocolate Brown/Dirty Yellow and Teal/Lime
Color Tested: Chocolate Brown/Dirty Yellow

Outer Material: 86% Polyester, 14% Spandex
Inner Lining: 100% Fleece Polyester

Features:
- 2 layer 4-way stretch fabric
- water resistant DWR finish
- 165 gsm fleece lining
- AATCC 35 rain tested*
- Wind resistant
- Breathable, air permeability; less than 10 CFM (cubic feet per minute)**
- Twin zippered hand pockets
- Pit zips
- Adjustable hood
- YKK dual color zippers
- Velcro cuffs
- Hem cinch cord

*A standardized, simulated rain test where a small square of fabric is backed by a weighed blotter. The fabric is placed at a set distance from a spray nozzle under controlled conditions and sprayed for five minutes. The test is repeated for a total of three times with different squares of the same fabric. Water penetration is then calculated and averaged for the three samples.

**A standardized, simulated wind test where a circle of fabric is clamped into a chamber and using a vacuum the air pressure is made different on one side of the fabric. Airflow will move from higher pressure to lower through the fabric. The rate of air flow is measured and the air permeability of the fabric is determined.

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

The Misti jacket arrived folded inside a plastic bag. Before even removing it from the bag I notice the fabric colors. The exterior bold but subdued. I can't decide if it's a brown or a red, it seems to change depending on the light. The interior is bold and bright, definitely yellow.

The one tag on the jacket provides background on the name of the jacket as well as intended use. Misti is a 19,000 ft (5,800 m) active strato-volcano in southern Peru. The Misti jacket is best for fall or spring. It's water resistant with a durable water resistant fabric keeps light rain out and a mid-weight fleece lining keeps warmth in. Additionally the Misti is wind resistant and breathable.

This leads me to the company motto found on the tag, "we breathe when others don't" as they focus on gear optimized for rainy and humid environments. And the company name Mishmi Takin, is taken from the remote Eastern Himalayas where a rare goat-antelope the Mishmi Takin is found.

The Misti is stylish with contrasting color scheme and a sharp athletic cut. The Mishmi Takin name and logo is on the upper left chest and lower right sleeve of the jacket. The quality of materials and assembly is excellent. I cannot find a stray stitch, loose thread or flaw anywhere inside or out on the Misti. This looks and feels like a solid, topnotch shell.

READING THE INSTRUCTIONS

A tag with fabric material and care instruction is sewn into the body of the jacket. Materials are listed in the previous section. Care instructions include a caution against exposing the jacket to high heat, sparks or flames. The fabrics are not fire resistant and may melt. I guess this means no dancing around the campfire in the Misti. As for cleaning the following are recommended machine wash cold gentle, wash with like colors, do not dry clean, powdered detergent, do not bleach, do not use fabric softener, tumble dry low, iron low.

TRYING IT OUT

The outer fabric of the Misti feels soft, smooth and stretchy. The inner fleece has a soft slightly fuzzy, very cozy feel. The Misti fits close particularly under the arms but still very comfortably. The fabric seems to move when I move and has a noticeable stretch. The combination of the close fit, inner fleece and exterior shell provide a warm, flexible and durable outer layer.

Following up with more on the inner fleece and actually putting my arm in the sleeve. The same close fit, cozy fleece and stretchiness have a tendency to snag my shirt sleeves. This could very well be my oversensitivity to bunched up sleeves inside of a jacket. I have always had issue with this and notice it on some jackets more than others. I really notice it with the Misti more so with long sleeves than short, more fabric more bunch. I can easily overcome this by reaching in the jacket sleeve and pulling down the short sleeve before zipping the jacket. Or with long sleeves I manage this by holding the cuff of the shirt while putting my arm through the jacket sleeve. This is by no means a big deal, just a mentionable regarding the athletic fit and/or a fleece lining.

As to the function of other features, the Velcro cinch straps on the wrist provide easy and secure closure. The main, two side pocket and underarm vent zippers all slide extremely smooth and easy. The underarm zippers have two zipper pulls so they can be opened or closed from an up or down pull direction. I can easily pull them in either direction using one hand without any impediment. I've had other jackets that the underarm zippers are difficult at mid-zip to pull. Some have even required the bottom of the jacket or sleeve be held taut for the zipper to fully move. The Misti has no issue here. The main zipper has a beefy zipper garage. Inside the pockets there is a mesh lining making up the interior portion of the pocket. There is a barrel lock on both the left and right side for drawcord closure around the bottom hem. The hood has three way adjustment. One on the left and right of the hood to draw close around the face. There is one on the back to draw the hood tight around the head as well.

SUMMARY

The Misti is a well designed and made jacket. The colors are eye catching with a streamline fit. The Misti is fairly light but when worn provides a surrounding almost armor like sensation and a cozy warmth. At first blush this has the makings a great shoulder season shell. There's a good level of weather protection, warmth and potential for use in a range of temperatures with the generous smooth zip pit vents. I am excited to get out on the trails in the elements with the Misti.

FIELD REPORT

FIELD LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS

Day Hikes

Appalachian Trail - Woodstock
Distance and Elevation - 4 mi (6 km) from 850 to 1600 ft (260 to 488 m)
Pack Weight - none
Temperature and Conditions - 50 F (10 C) light to moderate rain

Bridal Veil Falls - Franconia, New Hampshire
Distance and Elevation - 5 mi (8 km) from 994 to 2100 ft (303 to 640 m)
Pack Weight - 15 lb (7 kg)
Temperature and Conditions - 55 F (13 C) clear and cool

Smarts Mountain - Lyme, New Hampshire
Distance and Elevation - 8.2 mi (13 km) from 1110 to 3240 ft (338 to 988 m)
Pack Weight - 15 lb (7 kg)
Temperature and Conditions - 60 F (15.5 C) dry and clear, windy and chilly on summit

Balch Hill - Hanover, New Hampshire
Distance and Elevation - 6 mi (9 km) from 525 to 950 ft (160 to 290 m)
Pack Weight - 15 lb (7 kg)
Temperature and Conditions - 64 F (18 C) with light rain

Mts. Blueberry and Black - Glencliff, New Hampshire
Distance and Elevation - 8 mi (13 km) from 1278 to 2800 ft (390 to 853 m)
Pack Weight - 15 lbs (7 kg)
Temperature and Conditions - 80 F (27 C) hot

Mt Cube - Lyme, New Hampshire
Distance and Elevation - 5 mi (8 km) from 1400 to 2909 ft (437 to 887 m)
Pack Weight - 15 lbs (7 kg)
Temperature and Conditions - 58 F (14 C) cloudy, cool and windy on summit

Overnight Backpacks

Galehead Hut - Twin Mountain, New Hampshire
Distance and Elevation - 16 mi (26 km) from 1500 to 4902 ft (457 to 1494 m)
Pack Weight - 25 lbs (11 kg)
Temperature and Conditions - 35 to 58 F (2 to 14 C) clear and sunny with strong winds on summits

Guyot Shelter - Mt Zealand and West Bond, New Hampshire
Distance and Elevation - 14.5 mi (23 km) from 2000 to 4540 ft (609 to 1384 m)
Pack Weight - 25 lbs (11 kg)
Temperature and Conditions - 77 to 55 F (25 to 13 C) sunny and humid light breeze on summits

PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD

Thus far the Misti has seen fairly mild temperatures and two rain events (while hiking). In addition to wearing the Misti hiking I have also worn it to work and around town. In a non-hiking setting the Misti has seen about six rainstorms. Twice it has mildly soaked through once in a very heavy downpour and again during a one mile walk in a steady rain.

Under true field conditions the Misti has served me well. During my first use it rained enough to lightly soak through my pants. But the Misti kept my upper body dry. The next rain use was much warmer and I was concerned about overheating. However with the pit zips and pockets open along with keeping my uphill pace slow I did not break a sweat. Other day hike use the Misti was deployed from my pack when atop windy summits. Here my perspiration quickly cooled me and the Misti prevented me from becoming chilled. Only on the hottest day did the Misti remain in my pack. However it packs small enough that it's "cheap" insurance.

On overnight hikes the Misti played a bigger role. Again on the first hike the summits where quite windy. The Misti allowed me to remain on exposed summits enjoying the views longer. I also wore the Misti around camp or hut in the evenings and mornings. Here it was the perfect balance of cozy and comfortable. The first overnight I awoke ridiculously early and could not go back to sleep. The South Twin Mountain summit being just 0.8 mi (1.3 km) I quietly packed and hiked up for the sunrise. It was really amazing as the sun sparkled and peaked over New Hampshires highest peak, Mt Washington. However it was still windy on the summit and just above freezing. The Misti did a good job blocking the wind. The hood fits great as it has a great shape and cradles my head. However with only a T-shirt, light gloves and hat I became too cold and had to hide behind rocks to get out of the wind and warm up. If I were not standing around but instead continuing to hike in these conditions I am sure I would have remained warm in the Misti.

SUMMARY

I really like the Misti Jacket. It is comfortable, versatile and packs away well. I especially like the pit zips and fit of the hood. The Misti provides a nice combination of warmth and light rain protection for spring and early summer. It is like having two jackets in one. The summer is now turning up the heat and I look toward the next phase of testing to determine the Misti Jackets upper range limits.

LONG-TERM REPORT

LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS

Day Hikes

Mt Ascutney - Weathersfield, Vermont
Distance and Elevation - 6 mi (9.6 km) from 1080 to 3128 ft (329 to 953 m)
Pack Weight - 15 lbs (7 kg)
Temperature and Conditions - 87 F (30.5 C) hazy and humid

Mts. Flume and Liberty - Lincoln, NH
Distance and Elevation - 11 mi (18 km) from 1500 to 4450 ft (457 to 1356 m)
Pack Weight - 15 lb (7 kg)
Temperature and Conditions - 78 F (25.5 C) breezy and clear

Mt Cardigan - Alexandria, New Hampshire
Distance and Elevation - 5 mi (8 km) from 1600 to 3155 ft (490 to 960 m)
Pack Weight - 15 lb (7 kg)
Temperature and Conditions - 68 F (20 C) cloudy with light breeze

Overnight Hikes

Monadnock - Sunapee Greenway, New Hampshire - Five days / Four nights
Distance and Elevation - 52 mi (84 km) from 1200 to 3165 ft (370 to 965 m)
Pack Weight - 38 lbs start / 28 lbs end (17 / 13 kg)
Temperature and Conditions - 78 to 50 f (25.5 to 10 C) sunny and pleasant except for one night into
morning of heavy rain

PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD

The Misti jacket continued be a useful and reliable item in my pack in this final stage of testing. While I find it too warm to hike in above 65 F (18 C) it is comfortable to wear in the upper 70's F (20's C) at rest. The Misti stayed in pack on my first two day hikes of Long-Term testing. It was just too warm to put it on and we saw no rain. On the last day hike I did put it on toward end of our summit visit as we hung out for an extended time.

On the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway trail (MSG) I used the Misti every evening and every morning. It helped me stay warm in the cool evenings and chilly mornings. Additionally two of the nights the mosquitoes were out in full force. The Misti acted as an impenetrable armour. The mosquitoes could not bite through the fabric of the Misti.

On the third night and into the fourth morning on the MSG it rained heavily. We stalled and delayed our departure that morning until the rain lightened. We had a 0.4 mi (0.6 km) walk into town for a country store breakfast. It took about 15 minutes to reach a dry, warm breakfast. The Misti was damp but not soaked through and I remained dry. We spent about an hour eating and lounging. By the time we left the Misti was dry and it had stopped raining! All were happy with full bellies and dry day ahead of us.

SUMMARY

The Misti has been a great soft shell over the course of my field experience. It remains in very good condition with no damage or defects. I still find it very comfortable and useful for a range of conditions. It worked for me in temperatures from about 40 to 75 F (4 to 23 C). The soft micro-fleece lining is great at lower temperatures. At warmer temperatures the high breathability and pit zips helps the Misti live up the Mishmi Takin motto, "we breathe when others don't" . In light to moderate rain I stayed dry. On exposed windy summits I remained warm. In bug prone areas the Misti protected from their bites. Trying to think of something I do not like about the Misti is hard. The only minor negative I can muster is weight, being on the heavier side. This will not keep me from using the Misti anytime soon though. All of its positives far out weigh its weight issue. I will continue using the Misti jacket until it is too cold to do so.

This concludes my Long-Term Report. Many thanks to Mishmi Takin and BackpackGearTest.org for the opportunity to test the Misti Jacket.

Reviews > Clothing > Jackets and Vests > Mishmi Takin Misti Softshell > Test Report by Michael Pearl