Jackets

Recent Jacket Reviews

Columbia Horizons Pine Interchange Jacket

Nice coat for street and trail. In all I give the Horizons Pine a 4 out of 5; at under 200$ CAD It was a great buy IMO. Just note, I am not the most active person; I hike and walk regularly and I hope to increase my activities, and intensity, as I get into shape. As of now my activity is medium duration at low intensity. With that said higher activity people, or lower, may have different results. Pros: I say very water repellent and not waterproof because I can see where the fabric is absorbing… Full review

Marmot Men's Ether DriClime Jacket

Moisture Management. I agree with the points in the other review. I wear the Ether full time next to my skin alone when on the trail hiking/backpacking in CO and WY in the 20°F to 65°F range. So many conditions like wind, rain, sleet, grapple, snow flurries can happen at my typical altitude range of 8k to 11k anytime. In the warmer temps I sweat a bit, but this manages it nicely by drying quickly. So I just lower the front zip and keep it on.  Full review

Eddie Bauer Men's First Ascent Peak XV Down Jacket

An exceptional buy WHEN PURCHASED ON A SALE. Several good design features, but lacking a robust inside zipper baffle. I wanted a fully baffled expedition level parka that was helmet compatible so I could use my ski helmet at alpine resorts on very cold days. The fit was very good for me, a 5'10" 185 lb. male. Construction quality is top notch as are the materials. The outer shell is a Cordura brand with a small diamond pattern woven in and it is quite tough from my experience catching it on a broken… Full review

Arc'teryx Men's Thorium AR Hoody

A very durable, exceptionally warm hoody that excels in the right conditions. One of the perks of your friends knowing you like to walk in the dirt is gift cards. I'm not prone to dropping 300 bucks on a jacket but having moved to the mountains and wanting a piece I could wear both on the trail (in the right conditions) and day to day I pulled the trigger on the Arc'teryx Thorium AR. (On sale) Score. I own a couple of other Arc'teryx pieces and so I assumed the quality, durability, and fit would… Full review

Montane Alpha Balance Jacket

A mix of a lightweight, hardwearing, stretch fleece and breathable wind resistant Polartec Alpha Direct. The placement of the Alpha fabric makes it perfect for use with a backpack. Fabric Performance This jacket is the perfect companion for a backpack trek/hike. The Polartec Alpha Direct fabric provides some weather and abrasion protection for the most exposed areas. The surface fabric covering the Alpha insulation has some PU mixed into it, which seems to add some durable water repellency. The… Full review

The North Face Men's Diameter Down Hybrid Jacket

Jacket ripped first time skiing with no significant falls. Warranty process non-existent. Buyer beware. Bought the North Face Diameter Down jacket while traveling through Paris. First problem arose when I wanted to swap sizes, only to be told you can't swap items between different North Face stores. Thereafter, took the jacket out skiing/snowboarding for the first time two weeks later and it ripped without any significant falls. Jacket is now completely useless. North Face customer care and warranty… Full review

Helly Hansen Women's Daybreaker Fleece Jacket

High quality fleece that fits like a glove and does exactly what you want it to. It also clings to fuzz, dog fur, and scent. This is a high-quality fleece from HH, and although it's a basic piece it does exactly what you want it to. It's thin yet warm, layers great over a base layer and under another insulating layer, and dries quickly. I've used it for a full skiing season as a mid-weight base layer and around town on wet, 40-60 degree days under a shell. It fits like a glove and has a quality… Full review

Outdoor Research Women's Ascendant Hoody

Shockingly warm for the weight and highly breathable with just the right amount of wind protection. This jacket is a great insulation layer for winter activities such as backcountry skiing and ice climbing. It's become my go-to insulation layer for winter. I am very impressed by this jacket and it has become a staple part of my winter adventure suit replacing the Patagonia Nano Air Hoody. I'm 5'4" 125 lbs with a very athletic build and the small fits great over long sleeve baselayers and lightweight… Full review

Montane Featherlite Down Pro Pull-On

An awesome piece that splits the difference between the 8-13oz three-season down jackets and the 20oz light down parkas. Despite the pullover design, it is a bit heavier than one would expect given the fill weight, mostly because it retains all the adjustments that lighter garment sacrifice to save weight and complexity. In contrast to the other reviewer, I purchased this with the intention of using it primarily as an additional layer to throw on at camp or when resting or belaying.   Sizing/fit:… Full review