Mountain Hardwear Monkey Woman Review

This is a great option for a general use, cozy fleece. For a warm, non-technical jacket, this is my favorite fleece. If you really like this jacket but the price is putting you off, check out the Marmot Flair Hoody, which has a similar cozy, furry feel and is $50 cheaper. If you want something more durable and likely to last you a while, check out the North Face Denali. If price is not option and you want a more breathable fleece, check out the Patagonia R2.

Likes
When I am chilly and feel like curling up in a comfortable fleece, this is the first fleece I go to. It is incredibly comfortable, cozy and warm. I love the Power Stretch material on the waist, which brings the hemline in for a flattering fit, as well as keeps in extra warmth. It is stylish enough to want to wear around town, and comfy enough to wear to bed.

Dislikes
The Mountain Hardwear Monkey Woman is not a very breathable jacket, so I would not use it for running or hiking long distances. I have worn it climbing but didn't think it was the best fleece for the job. I have a friend who had this fleece and wore it constantly because she loved it so much, however after multiple washings she said the plush fleece did not hold up well, so it was no longer cozy, and looked dingy and much older than it actually was. After a couple of washings, mine is holding up all right, but it does seem to attract dirt!

Best Application
This fleece is wonderful for all around use when it comes to keeping warm. I find I wear it all the time when the weather is cool, even to bed.

Value
At $150, this fleece isn't cheap. However, its soft Monkey Phur is so cozy and enticing, that might be all you need to decide to buy it. Be warned, the Phur might not last as long as you hope for at this cost.