Jackets

Recent Jacket Reviews

Fjallraven Keb Eco-Shell Jacket

Jacket is waterproof but the chest pockets are not. There is a seam and no waterproof seam tape! Poor QC! Living on the we(s)t coast and living with a working dog means I am out rain or shine. I finally got tired of getting soaked and bought a pair of waterproof pants. Saw a jacket that I liked and bought it as I liked the pants so much. The jacket and pants are both from fjallraven. The jacket is a Keb Eco-Shell and the pants were the Hydratic (I think).  After several walks, I noticed the pockets… Full review

Columbia Labyrinth Loop Omni-Heat Infinity Insulated Hooded Jacket

A mostly excellent lightweight jacket. It works in a wide range of temperatures, is comfortable, warm, and highly water-resistant.   Columbia Labyrinth Loop Omni-Heat Infinity Insulated Jacket (men's) For whatever reason, I decided that I needed a new insulated jacket with a hood. I was trying to find a down jacket but ultimately decided on the Columbia Labyrinth Loop when it went on sale. Fit and Comfort: Fit is nice. I'm short (5'4") with broad shoulders. The sleeve length is correct while the… Full review

Arc'teryx Alpha SL Jacket

Very tough jacket and very well made. Very clean design, light and bombproof jacket. I like the most the combination of lightness with very good wind and weather protection. I was recently impressed with the amount of abuse it is able to take. While ski touring, we got lost in a dense forest. I inevitably dragged/stabbed/fell/teared it against abrasive trees/branches expecting to find it ripped off upon exiting that place. But no, it was intact, just a little dirty. Full review

MKM Tasman Dual Layer Jersey

Totally disgusting quality for a very expensive price. Full review

Lucky Sheep Beeswaxed Canvas Rain Parka

The most comfortable breathable hiking shell I have every tried. This is a revolution in natural fiber rain shells. Works better than Goretex and only slightly heavier. Technically designed for serious hiking and backpacking or anything outdoors where you would normally use a synthetic breathable Goretex-like rain shell. The reviewer is also the manufacturer of this product.         This parka is made from organic canvas and treated with our special beeswax/pine resin formula. This parka excels… Full review

Patagonia Retro Pile Jacket

Sheep-like pile with relatively simple/straightforward features. The main advantage of this jacket is how it wicks moisture and provides a range of layering options. It’s quite warm under a shell yet fine on a spring day or even a cool summer evening. This jacket has next to no wind-stopping ability. Also, the open, fuzzy weave means it sheds longer than some other fleece jackets and can be prone to pilling over time.   Zipped up (accurate view of the color) Full jacket view. Patagonia’s zipper… Full review

Patagonia Macro Puff Hoody

This belay-style insulation piece kept me comfortable when used as intended; over a shell and midlayer, and while standing relatively still in 38°F temps. I found the feature set fantastic. However, it's not as warm as the 'high loft' designation suggests—a Down Sweater Hoody is warmer. Even still, I found myself using the Macro Puff more frequently than any other puffy, due to its great versatility. Macro Puff Hoody (left) as compared to Down Sweater Hoody. While the hoods are almost identical,… Full review

Cumulus Incredilite Endurance

Shipping back to Poland is not a problem if you buy the right size. This is a fantastic jacket for those that bought it and got the right size as well as used it for the intended purpose for which it was designed. If you didn't get the right size then you can usually resell it for a tiny loss. Plus this is a very niche jacket company so if you're buying it just to walk the dog or go to the shops that is not the purpose of this jacket. It is for climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, etc. As far… Full review

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