Jackets

Recent Jacket Reviews

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

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