MKM Wilderness Jacket

The one that rules them all!

Not long ago I reviewed the MKM Tasman 36.6 pull over and because of my experience with that decided to go for the Wilderness Jacket from MKM. MKM is the Manawatu Knitting Mills in New Zealand. They are the kind of company it makes one feel good when buying their products. You can read more about the company here: https://www.mkm.co.nz/about-us

The Wilderness Jacket is another dual layer garment having a wool outer shell and a possum/merino liner. This combination has proven to be very effective at keeping one warm when it's cold and also breathing so you don't get too warm.

The description says it blocks light winds and I will tell you from experience it blocks a pretty stiff breeze. I wore it to shovel snow last winter and it kept me warm, even when the wind was blowing. I'd wear it walking almost every day doing rehab from knee surgery and it proved a great choice on milder days and also those days when the temps dipped and the wind blew. Even snow or light rain didn't faze it. 

This is a lighter sweater than the Tasman and isn't as bulky. The full zipper makes it easy to get on and off and really helps regulate body temp. As I said, perspiration is no issue because this baby can breathe! The materials are much more friendly to the environment than fleece and, in fact, the use of possum helps remove a nasty pest from New Zealand since imported possum are wreaking havoc with the native bird population.

It might be a bit bulky for backpacking but it's a sure bet that in fall and most winter days, this jacket and a good hard shell will be all you need. The 36.6 tag means the garment is made to help regulate your body temp and keep it at the ideal 36.6 degrees Celsius. 

MKM does not sell via the internet, but I found a wonderful, family-run company that does, New Zealand Natural Clothing https://nznaturalclothingshop.co.nz They carry MKM and other brands of knitwear as well. I've occasion to ask questions now and then and my emails are always answered in a timely manner. Sometimes, because of the time difference, answers come almost immediately. Shipping free after $175 USD and the four orders I've had have all taken less than 10 business days to arrive at my home in Idaho. There are other outlets but I highly recommend NZNC.

I know the price may be a bit too much for some but when you consider you get a garment that you'll likely pass on and it doesn't do the damage that fleece does, not to mention it helps remove possum from the environment, it seems like a pretty good value. Those of you who have wool know how great it is and those who don't really need to find out!

Background

Many hours of outdoor activity hunting, hiking, shoveling snow, neighborhood walks with the dog, etc.