Jackets

Recent Jacket Reviews

REI Swiftland Insulated Running Jacket

An average piece of gear. Nothing ultra special except good for between cold and warm seasons. Aimed at runners, but also good for hiking on cool days and X-country skiing on sunny days.   REI Swiftland Insulated Jacket This is a very lightly insulated jacket and if you look at it you can see the difference in fabric. It has insulation down the front and along the shoulder on the back. The DWR finish is good enough that I've extended the usage as a light jacket for hiking on in between weather. Full review

Rab Phantom Waterproof Pull-On

An über lightweight (3.5 oz) hardshell jacket—that works! Rab's Phantom Waterproof Pull-On is a purposefully designed jacket aimed at trail and mountain runners, but I believe it has applications beyond that. It's lightweight (3.5 ounces!), packs small, and is waterproof, fending off moisture very well. Because of this, I think it also is worth considering if you're a day hiker or even an urban commuter. Use I've used the Phantom Waterproof Pull-On for roughly three months (June through August)… Full review

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… Full review

Beyond Clothing ARX 2.0 L6 Rain Jacket

This robust expedition-fit rain jacket is not only built to last, but is also designed for hard working functionality in inclement weather. A three-layer rainshell, it easily allows for layering underneath, yet is trim enough to not obstruct movement. From outside work to commuting, this highly durable jacket is ideal for someone who is looking for durability over weight savings. It is ideal in cool and cold weather, but can be sufficient in warmer weather during downpours. ARX 2.0 L6 during a long… Full review

Fjallraven Bergtagen Eco-Shell Jacket

Comfortable, isolating, breathable, fairly water repellant. Super zips. Silent to wear. Okay, so I bought this blue Fjällräven Bergtagen Eco-shell men's jacket quite some time ago, a couple of years. Have been wearing it on trips and during the winter season. I have yet to try it during summer season. In the beginning it was really repelling water; after two washes, it is not so water repelling and I'd say an Arc'teryx Alpha SV is much more water repellant, though I prefer the Bergtagen overall. Full review

Sitka Arrowhead Midlayer Hoody - MDWi

The best active mid-layer I've used to date. From a company you've probably not heard of. The Sitka Arrowhead MDWi (midweight insulated) hoody is an active insulating layer utilizing Polartec Direct fabric. Most folks outside of hunting have probably never heard of Sitka, let alone Sitka Arrowhead. Sitka Arrowhead is Sitka's military/law enforcement division. They don't sell direct, but they have several retailers where their products are available (you don't have to be military to purchase). on… Full review

Patagonia Better Sweater Jacket

A great jacket or sweater alternative. Has become a go-to item in my closet. I bought this about 3 to 4 years ago. I've worn it more this winter than any other time. The fabric is comfortable and a nice weight. My favorite days to wear it were when I layered it with a mock-neck poly base layer and a shell for XC skiing on a sunny day. It breathed well and was warm enough when covered to not get me chilled when I stopped to eat. Without the shell wind cuts through it, but it's called a sweater for… Full review

Kathmandu Amphi Rain Jacket

Should be called wet jacket, NOT rain jacket. Deceiving and disgusting. Thanks, Kathmandu. "Waterproof, windproof and breathable – the Amphi is all that" Should be called wet jacket, NOT rain jacket. For $400 that is inexplicably ridiculous, and a scam, and deceiving, and illegal. Besides under my arms I was completely wet after a 20-minute walk in mild rain, and that was with the hoodie up, so no water was getting in around my neck. Really peed off. I recall reading negative things about Kathmandu… Full review

Craghoppers Compresslite Packaway Hooded Jacket

An attractive, all-season layer, which can fulfill a variety of functions—if looked after. This is a 465-gram warm layer. A simple, waist length, polyester jacket made from 28 recycled bottles with a hood, a main zip, two zipped pockets, and two additional hand warmer pockets. The jacket is reversible—mine is blue and orange—blue, when I want to put my hands in unzipped pockets, orange when I want to be visible in low light conditions. The large size fits my 42-inch chest snugly, without restricting… Full review