Huntworth Matterhorn Review: The Surprising Extreme Cold Performer

I’ll be honest—I thought I had this jacket pegged before I even tested it. The Huntworth Matterhorn made big claims: windproof, waterproof, and built for temps from 20°F down to -10°F. Like most jackets, I figured those claims were a stretch. But after putting it through my own rigorous testing, I was wrong. Dead wrong.

I found out this jacket isn’t just another piece of cold-weather gear—it’s a serious contender in the extreme cold category. Let me break down what I learned, what the Matterhorn can and can’t do for you, and why it caught me off guard.

Years of bowhunting experience and a no-nonsense approach to gear testing mean I don’t take manufacturer claims at face value. Each jacket I review goes through controlled heat retention tests, mimicking hunting scenarios to see how it really performs. The Matterhorn wasn’t going to be an exception.

I put it head-to-head with top competitors like the Sitka Fanatic, Kryptek Vellus, and Pnuma Highpoint. The results? Impressive—but there are things you need to know before considering it for your hunts.

If you’re ready to check out the Huntworth Matterhorn Jacket for yourself and see why it performed so well in my tests, you can find it here.

The Features That Matter

Let’s start with what the Huntworth Matterhorn brings to the table. This jacket is loaded with features designed for extreme cold weather hunting:

• Graphene Sherpa Fleece Lining: Huntworth’s heat boost technology uses graphene Sherpa fleece, and after testing, I can say it works. This material absorbs and retains heat like crazy.
• Windproof and Waterproof: 100% windproof and waterproof with excellent taped seams and an overlapping zipper design that ensures wind and water don’t seep through.
• Detachable Hood: The hood is lined with the same graphene Sherpa fleece for extra warmth and protection.
• Strategic Pockets: Two large Napoleon chest pockets and deep hand pockets lined with the same Sherpa fleece, perfect for warming your hands on cold sits.
• Adjustable Fit: Features cinch adjustments at the waist and wrist cuffs that seal out wind effectively.
• Antimicrobial Scent Control: The graphene Sherpa lining also plays a role in controlling scent, adding another layer of functionality for hunters.

How It Performed in Real-World Testing

Heat Retention Tests

I wanted more than just field impressions—I needed data. So I set up a controlled thermal retention test:

• Mannequins dressed in identical base layers.
• Internal heating pads for one hour to simulate body heat after a hike.
• Temperature probes placed inside each jacket.
• Readings taken every 10 minutes for the first hour, then every 15 minutes for two more hours.

Results That Set It Apart

Here’s where the Huntworth Matterhorn shocked me:

Consistent results across multiple tests showed this wasn’t a fluke.

In the first hour, the temperature inside the Matterhorn rose nearly 10°F higher than any other jacket tested. That included high-end models like the Sitka Fanatic and Pnuma Highpoint.

The graphene Sherpa fleece absorbed and retained heat at a level I previously assumed was marketing fluff. It wasn’t.

Comparisons with Other Jackets

Huntworth Matterhorn vs. Sitka Fanatic

• The Matterhorn is undeniably warmer, but that comes with trade-offs. The Fanatic breathes better and is far quieter, making it a better choice for treestand bowhunters who need to draw quietly.
• Matterhorn’s downside? It lacks pit zips. I overheated quickly after hiking, and without those vents, it’s tough to regulate temperature on the move and its waterproof membrane is noisy.

Huntworth Matterhorn vs. Kryptek Vellus

• The Vellus holds heat decently but couldn’t match the Matterhorn’s rapid heat absorption.
• However, the Vellus offers better breathability, which may suit active hunters better.

Huntworth Matterhorn vs. Pnuma Highpoint

• The Highpoint is a solid late-season jacket, but again, it didn’t match the Matterhorn’s thermal retention. The trade-off? The Highpoint offers better ventilation, which can matter depending on your hunting style. Plus, there’s the noise factor. Pnuma is quiet, the Matterhorn is not.

Who This Jacket Is (and Isn’t) For

The Huntworth Matterhorn excels in:

• Rifle or Muzzleloader Hunts: Where a little noise isn’t a deal-breaker.
• Western Backcountry Hunts: Fully windproof and waterproof design excels in exposed, harsh conditions.
• Static Hunts in Bitter Cold: If you’re sitting for hours in frigid temps, this jacket shines.

However, it’s not ideal for:

Highly Active Hunts: Lack of pit zips makes temperature regulation difficult during physically demanding hikes.

Bowhunting at Close Range: The fabric isn’t silent enough for those critical close-quarters movements.

Where It Shines:

• Extreme Cold Sits: With the bibs and jacket combined, this system is no joke. You will roast, even in subzero temps.
• Western Rifle Hunts: The noise level isn’t a concern at longer ranges. Plus, the windproof and waterproof features make it ideal for harsh backcountry conditions.
• Saddle Hunters: The high chest pockets are a perfect design for those who use saddle setups, giving easy access even with a harness.

Where It Falls Short:

• Lack of Pit Zips: This jacket locks in heat so effectively that it can become a sauna after physical exertion. Without pit zips, regulating temperature during hikes is a challenge.
• Noise Factor: It’s louder than you’d want for close-range bow hunting. Every arm movement produces noticeable noise, making it less ideal for whitetail bowhunters needing stealth.

Fit and Sizing Considerations

One thing to note: size down unless you plan on heavy layering. I typically wear a large but sized down to a medium after Huntworth’s recommendation, and it fits perfectly.

Final Thoughts: Is the Huntworth Matterhorn Worth It?

The Huntworth Matterhorn Jacket genuinely exceeded my expectations. Its graphene Sherpa fleece isn’t just a gimmick—it performs. The rapid heat absorption and retention rival more expensive jackets like the Sitka Incinerator Aerolite, though the Matterhorn trades breathability and stealth for pure warmth and weather protection.

For hunters looking for a jacket that delivers serious warmth and weather protection without breaking the bank, the Huntworth Matterhorn is hard to beat. Click here to explore more details, pricing, and current availability.

If you hunt in extreme cold, windy conditions, or plan to sit long hours hunting deer, this jacket deserves a spot in your gear lineup. But if you need stealth or ventilation for mobile hunting, you may want to look elsewhere.

Either way, I’m confident that for the right hunter, the Huntworth Matterhorn is a serious contender in the extreme cold-weather hunting jacket space.