Jackets

Recent Jacket Reviews

Mountain Hardwear Men's Super/DS StretchDown Hooded Down Jacket

Comfortable lightweight and seems to keep me warm (California). Styling is unique. Stretch fabric is a must have! Fits smaller—I wear small, medium fits me nicely. Lots of favorable reviews out there. I have not used the jacket yet for outdoor activities. Just work and errands because I don’t want to take it off.  :) I have read numerous reviews stating it has great durability and warmth. And it seems to. Read very few negative comments other than the hood size and adjustment (lack of). I am… Full review

Regatta Andreson Lightweight Insulated Hybrid Jacket

Regatta's Andreson Hybrid Jacket is a ridiculously inexpensive garment. The price-warmth ration can’t be beat. While The Trek is blogging about $250 synthetic jackets, I have found this $35 jacket to be an exceptional value (and as warm as the high-end brands). The saying goes you can have two of three things in hiking equipment: Price, Weight, and Quality. Regatta’s Andreson Hybrid Jacket nails the first two, and I’m hoping it might prove the third over time.  When my jacket arrived from… Full review

Craghoppers Roag Softshell Jacket

Similar to a Buffalo Windcheater Jacket, the fibre pile inner lining provides warmth in colder temperatures even when wearing just a base layer or directly against the skin. The outer shell offers good protection against the wind and will keep all but the worst rain out. Works well even when wet. This is similar in principle to a Buffalo Designs Windcheater Jacket, but significantly cheaper, which suits my Forest School budget. I have worn this since the beginning of the new year during chillier… Full review

Black Diamond Men's Aspect Wool Hoody

The Black Diamond Aspect Wool Hoody uses natural wool wadding as an insulative layer as opposed to goose down, or a synthetic fiber quilted into an insulated garment. This jacket has a surprising warmth-to-weight ratio (approximately the same as 800 fill down), while still providing wind and moisture resistance. This jacket excels in venting heat, while still providing warmth. Ideal for everyday use in both low and high-output outdoor activities, the Aspect Wool Hoody is an innovative alternative… Full review

Gore Women's H5 Gore-Tex Active Hooded Jacket

The Gore H5 Gore-Tex Active Hooded Jacket is a lightweight, functional and very comfortable waterproof shell designed for "fast hiking." It served perfectly as my one and only windbreaker/rain jacket for five months on the trail, through a variety of harsh conditions. I wore it primarily for warmth but also to keep dry during many prolonged rainstorms. It fits well under a backpack and still repels water after extended wear-and-tear. It's the most durable and reliable lightweight rain jacket that… Full review

Mountain Hardwear Men's StretchDown DS Hooded Jacket

I don't recommend this jacket for hiking or backpacking. Warm jacket, heavy, and bulky without hood cinch. I prefer my winter hiking gear/clothing to have some color, jackets and mid layers to be on the bright side. This jacket stands out and looks good but it is not practical for hiking/camping in the mountains. It is just way too bulky. It is very warm with very deep pockets for your hands and cell phone. I thought about trying it above treeline but with no cinch cord for the hood, it would blow… Full review

Eddie Bauer First Ascent Peak XV Parka

A full featured alpine/expedition parka advertised good to -30° F. At its $249 sale price this parka was a great value from its $499 MSRP.  I bought this parka both for bitter cold alpine skiing and as a "camp parka" when winter camping. The size large fits me well at 190 lbs, 5' 10" tall. MATERIALS: It compares most closely with Patagonia's Fitz Roy alpine parka both in design and down fill quality. the PEAK XV Parka will not pack quite as small as the Fitzroy  and other similar alpine parkas… Full review

Patagonia Men's Nano Puff Bivy Pullover

Most importantly it is a pullover, I simply prefer the pullover style for comfort and ease of wearing. I paid full price in New York while on holiday as my big down parka was simply too warm for a New York winter. Also I thought it might make a suitable LW midlayer for an Alaskan winter trip that has now been cancelled. I keep it in my day pack for ski touring in Australia's High Plains as a "just in case layer." Upside is the light weight and compactness, the downside is that 60GSM is not warm… Full review

Eddie Bauer Men's First Ascent Downlight Hooded Jacket

A light and well made 800 fill down jacket for 3-4 season use. Very packable and good for layering or extending sleeping bag warmth. I bought this 800 fill down "puffy" on a 50% off sale because I needed it for higher altitude three-season camping. Mine is a nice "electric blue" color., the one you see here in my avatar where I'm holding my grandson. I've had mine for six years and it shows no signs of wear from skiing, backpacking, and around-town use. Its down maintains excellent loft, despite… Full review