Jackets

Recent Jacket Reviews

Helly Hansen Odin 3D Air Shell Jacket

I agree with your review and a pity I didn´t read it before buying it. Great jacket but the loose sleeves are a huge flaw that leaves you exposed to water (HH answer is simply unacceptable). Good jacket with a big con. Full review

Marmot Highlander Down Hoody

Terrific climbing and backpacking layer. Bought this jacket recently to replace a down jacket that was 16 years old. Man, have they improved down jackets over the years! As a climber I am always after a jacket with a hood. This one fits easily over my helmet and is not too baggy without it. The fit is close enough to fit well under my hardshell (Marmot Exum Ridge Jacket) and roomy enough to easily go over my active layers. It is terrific as a belay jacket for both ice and rock climbing, and is… Full review

Paramo Fuera Windproof Smock

Great windshell for variable alpine conditions and snow. Introduction Paramo is a British company that offers an alternative to traditional waterproof textiles. Instead of relying on a membrane to confer waterproofness, the Paramo system relies on the properties of pile fibres to move water using the heat of the body (like animal fur). The shell of their garments is proofed with Nikwax which assists with preventing the pile from becoming saturated.  This  is not pseudoscience but those interested… Full review

Helly Hansen Odin 3D Air Shell Jacket

Helly Hansen’s Odin 3D Air Shell raises the bar for competitors claiming their rain shells are both waterproof and breathable. Minimizing the feeling of plastic against your skin, the jacket is amazingly comfortable and decently lightweight. This jacket is truly the most breathable rain shell I have ever worn hiking and camping. A significant con is the inability to cinch up the sleeves at the wrist to keep water out though. When sitting down to write up my own review, I read a number of reviews… Full review

Rab Continuum Hoodie

With great expectations come great disappointments, and I was hugely disappointed. This high-end jacket had all the right specs, features, and review, suited exactly to my needs. But being incredibly fragile together with other quality issues left me with no choice but to return it. Although I have a decent experience in trekking and thru-hiking, I never owned a down jacket. As I always aspire to upgrade my gear, I realized that if I want to travel lighter, I need a down jacket. The main purpose… Full review

Smartwool Merino Sport Ultra Light Hoodie

A basic, lightweight, hooded, nylon windshirt with a partial, light wool lining in the hood. There’s not a lot of wool-warmth here, and no real rain protection, limiting the useful weather window, but it's well made and does its small job well. Best for light and fast summer trail runs or day hikes when there is wind but no rain in the forecast. Sometimes a simple windshirt is the right choice for a day outing. It’s a warm summer day, no rain in the forecast, perfect for a trail run or power… Full review

Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket

The Helium Rain Jacket is Outdoor Research’s latest version of its Helium line of very lightweight compact rain jackets. The Helium Rain Jacket is a very minimalist design that strives to be a durable, lightweight rain jacket that packs down into a very small package. With respect to durability, weight, and packability the Helium design is second to none and is probably one of if not the smallest and lightest jackets available, but with its primary function as a rain jacket, the Helium is best… Full review

Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 Gore-Tex Paclite Plus Jacket

Mountain Hardwear's Exposure/2 is a lightweight Gore-Tex Paclite Plus shell that does a nice job keeping you dry in rainy weather and should be very wind-resistant. It features basic adjustments at the cuff, hem, and hood, and saves weight through an otherwise simple design; think of this as an entry-level Gore-Tex hard shell. Lightweight material and a lack of advanced fit and features limit this three-season rain shell’s appeal for backcountry or more technical use. Affordable pricing and function… Full review

Black Diamond Vision Down Parka

Toughness unheard of in a down jacket coupled with smart features and class-leading weight savings earn a place in my mountaineering kit for Black Diamond's Vision Down Parka. The Vision Down Parka can bring that extra degree of safety when Mother Nature attacks. The Black Vision Down Parka was the winner of the 2020 Backcountry Magazine Editors’ Choice Award. According to Black Diamond: "the Black Diamond Vision Down Parka is our warmest insulated jacket for the coldest conditions and biggest… Full review