Moonstone Nitro Jacket REVIEW

The Moonstone Nitro Jacket is a minimalist jacket designed for the alpinist, backcountry skier, and adventure runner. Specialized features of the Nitro include a sculpted hood that fits over a helmet and a shortened body to accommodate a climbing harness. The Moonstone Nitro offers a water-resistant front zipper and side pocket zippers, a long sleeve length, an inside zippered mesh pocket, and an extended tail. At 14.2 oz, the Moonstone Nitro weighs about 2 oz (57 g) more than the “sweet spot” for lightweight nylon shell jackets that appeal most to backpackers. Overall, for someone who participates in “helmet sports”, the Nitro Jacket is a good value for a helmet-compatible shell, and would serve well for backpacking. However, for people who have no particular need for a helmet- and harness-compatible shell, there are other, lighter, and more backpacker-friendly (longer) shell jackets available.