Jackets

Recent Jacket Reviews

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

Norrona Trollveggen Primaloft100 Zip Hood

The Norrøna Trollveggen Primaloft 100 Zip Hood is a synthetically insulated jacket which utilizes Primaloft's Gold Aerogel (more info on Aerogel below), mapped out to provide an incredible amount of warmth, especially compared to the weight. This jacket is an ideal belay/last line of defense for when the proverbial "stuff" hits the fan. As you can see below the amount of designs Norrøna has nailed in this product are, well, all of them. This is a jacket that has clearly been devised, used, tested,… Full review

Montane Alpine Raid Hoodie

The Montane Alpine Raid Hoodie is a fleece mid-layer designed to be tough, stretchy, and unrestrictive. Its best uses are as part of layering system where its high breathability can be maximized during exertion, such as climbing, and the slim fit and smooth face can slide under a shell layer to block wind/water. Thumb loops, a large chest pocket, and smooth, quality zipper show attention to the details of an alpine-targeted hoodie. I find the citrus green colour too bright for my personal preference… Full review

Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket

The Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket is an excellent all-around, waterproof, reasonably lightweight jacket for the majority of one's outdoor activities. I've owned mine for five years and have hiked, skied, and traveled with it, and it's still in great shape with minimal wear. The Gore-tex Pro has kept me dry and comfortable even in heavy rain and snow. The jacket is pricey at $549 retail (2020 MSRP), but there are sales and close-out colors. It's a versatile jacket and even after years of use mine remains… Full review

Mountain Hardwear Kor Strata Alpine Hoody

My opinion, one of the best synthetic insulated jackets for your buck. For ease of use and packability this can't be beat. Mountain Hardwear has, in my opinion, always made a nice quality product for the money. Yes, the Primaloft Gold is worth the extra money. Previously the TNF Denali Jacket was my go-to. This is more windproof and lighter and most importantly slips on and off with ease. Not to mention it stays warm when wet...so they advertise? I've always layered it under my shell as the fabric… Full review