Jackets

Recent Jacket Reviews

Mountain Hardwear Acadia Jacket

Decent rain coat, vents well, windproof and lightweight. Got this a couple years ago to replace an old Woolrich rain jacket. It has been so much better in water repelling , but that's to be expected as the old coat was 25 years old. Advances in technology are a good reason to retire the ancient stuff. This jacket has an excellent hood, big waterproof pockets, velcro cuffs, and side vents as main features. It's stood up to some hard rains and even snow without me getting wet. I haven't used it hiking… Full review

Swazi Kagoule Anorak

Swazi is known worldwide for top quality hunting gear. The Kagoule is very versatile, hard wearing, breathable, and waterproof—a top jacket from New Zealand. I am amazed that there is no Swazi manufacturer listed in the options. In my world they are known worldwide as a premium brand of hunting, hiking, and outdoor apparel that will take on all conditions. Swazi make a number of models, including the Tahr, Wapiti, and Kagoule. I have worn them all over the years. They are made of three layers… Full review

Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser

A rugged jacket for trail work, forest work, and all workwear-appropriate field work where durability and functionality are key.   After a morning of chopping wood in a snowstorm, I got to enjoy the flames. It’s a rare thing, encountering the unimprovable. I had the opportunity about a year ago when I received my Tin Cloth Cruiser jacket from Filson.  My week can go about any which way. On Monday I may be teaching courses at the local community college. I wear my Tin Cloth Cruiser comfortably… Full review

Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 2.0 Jacket

The Odin 9 Worlds 2.0 is a superbly water-resistant, windproof, and breathable men's jacket that allows one to forget about the weather and focus on one's activities in the outdoors. Excellent features, a practical design, and a trim fit come at a high-end price that is ultimately reasonable given the jacket's superior performance. Excellent for a wide range of year-round outdoor activities such as hiking, mountaineering, trekking, or skiing. Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 2.0   The Odin 9 Worlds 2.0… Full review

FORLOH AllClima 3L Rain Jacket with RECCO

A sturdy rain jacket that isn’t going to wear out anytime soon. The AllClima 3L Rain Jacket from FORLOH is not your run-of-the-mill jacket, instead, its durable fabrics breathe well and keep the rain away. Although geared toward hunters, solid color options (green, gray, and black) welcome non-hunters alike to enjoy the benefits of a solid rain jacket. Conditions:  The FORLOH Men's AllClima 3L Rain Jacket was tested during the late autumn, winter, and early spring in the hardwood mountains and… Full review

ZeroXposur 3-in-1 Jacket

I washed it with no detergent or bleach. The outside completely fell apart. It's like the coating was just silk-screened on, like a T-shirt. Not only did it self-destruct, all the shredded bits contaminated all my other clothes and the washer and dryer. Full review

Rab Gore-Tex Infinity Down Jacket

This coat’s very warm, windproof, and highly water resistant. Also quite comfortable and good fitting. I wanted a very warm jacket for horribly cold, windy New England weather while walking the dog or just daily wear. RAB calls the Infinity a belay jacket; something you wear after you’ve reached the summit or are on belay for a long period. If these folks get cold, they die. So I figured the Infinity would be good enough for me.  I’ve only had it a short time, but I’ve been out in frigid… Full review

Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket

The Alpha SV is a worthwhile shell jacket for bad weather and more than an average amount of wear and tear. The heavy duty Gore Tex Pro fabric and astute design keep out wet and wind as well as anything. Cut a little more roomy than some Arc'teryx shells for layering. High price, weight, and noisy fabric are its primary downsides. I wore this all winter and loved it. The Alpha SV Jacket is a heavyweight. Robust fabric will not only keep you dry and protected from the wind but will also absorb years… Full review

Buffalo Mountain Shirt

Incredibly functional, warm, and featherlight protection for high effort activity in wet, windy, or cold climates.   Buffalo Mountain Shirt After suffering the last 30 years hiking the PNW in a 3l hard shell, being too hot walking uphill, and shivering all the way down because I was soaking wet inside from sweat, I decided I'd had enough. Did some internetting and found out about Buffalo. The Mountain Shirt fits comfortably loose. The Special 6 is the same, just longer and therfore better for the… Full review