Jackets

Recent Jacket Reviews

Frogg Toggs DriDucks Trail-Pac Rain Suit

For the money this is the most durable rain suit out there. This coupled with being lightweight makes this a great combo for backcountry. So this is a lightweight waterproof, they have kept me dry on more then one hike, and extremely affordable rain suit. I finally retired my first one this fall, after six years of hard use. Paid $25 for the first one and the same for the second, and yes, that's a jacket and pants for the price. Lightweight material breathable and waterproof as advertised. These… Full review

Black Diamond Men's StormLine Stretch Rain Shell

Overall, the BD StormLine is a great addition for casual wear or serious hiking. The fabric is lightweight, comfortable, wind and waterproof. The long pit zips allow for temperature regulation in addition to the semi-breathable fabric. Sleeve gussets allow for freedom of arm movement. A worthwhile piece of clothing to add to one's outdoor collection! The StormLine is carefully crafted in many points: lightweight, comfortable fabric that is seam-sealed; wind and waterproof, packable in its own right… Full review

Arc'teryx Men's Beta SL Jacket

IT IS NOT A RAIN JACKET, despite what the description implies. I like the design, the weight, the fit—all the things people mention. But this is a just a very expensive windbreaker that fails even a modest rain test. It soaks through in the back and sleeves. The worst part is that this was a replacement for the equivalent Alpha model, now discontinued, which had the same failure profile—completely leaky sleeves—not condensation, either. Bona fide cold rain water. So, two strikes for Arc'teryx,… Full review

Black Diamond Men's Cold Forge Down Hoody

My everyday puffy. I bought a medium almost 5 years ago now, and couldn't be more happy for this acquisition. This jacket is a down/synthetic blend (70% down, 30% polyester), and it goes down nearly mid thigh like a short trench coat. I'm 6 ft and 155 pounds. It has 5 pockets—1 chest, 2 hand, and 2 large inside pockets. Comes with a bag to store, which I never used. I got the red, and it still looks great (red color has a tendency to blacken at the wrist, but not this one). I almost went back… Full review

Black Diamond Men's StormLine Stretch Rain Shell

A well-engineered rain jacket that kept me dry throughout a historically wet summer, autumn, and early winter while hiking and camping. While not super technical, this jacket would more than suffice for the average outdoor enthusiast. This jacket was tested in conjunction with the Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Pants, but was reviewed separately. Features:The Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Shell is a pretty straightforward rain jacket with two, ample-sized zippered hand pockets; long… Full review

The North Face McMurdo Parka II

Love this parka for its length and camo pattern. I bought the McMurdo II for two specific reasons: It is a long down parka. Not many down parkas around in this length. Camo was a critical need (wildlife photographer and camo helps significantly getting closer for the image). I paid right at $350 AFTER reading the reviews here, and felt like others that it needed some mods. But I used the jacket daily at Bosque del Apache imaging cranes and geese 4-6 hours each day in temps 16-18°F and never felt… Full review

Live Out There Men's Assiniboine Down Hooded Jacket

Well worth the plunge for a puffy Jacket. I resisted the urge to go puffy, but the introduction price and a one-time life member discount made me cave.  Took the jacket to our Jasper National Park in Canada during mid summer. I did not expect to wear it, but I did every morning in the crisp mountain air. Extremely lightweight and compressible, makes a nice luxury item, but also can be the only warm item for layering without the expense of too much weight or volume. The product is designed with… Full review

Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man Jacket

Most comfy fleece jacket I own! If you are looking for the ultimate fleece jacket look no further. The fabric is so comfy I now wear it all the time! I'm 6 foot tall and the only problem is the arm length, but they have a thumb hole to have them well in place and keep your lower hands warm when needed.  Full review

MontBell EX Light Down Anorak

This ultra-lightweight down jacket is a great mid-layer for backpacking and thru-hiking, filling the niche of a three-season camp “puffy”. It should be thought of more like a sweater or hooded sweatshirt rather than a jacket, as it trades off many typical jacket features for its svelte weight and compressibility. Specs Weight: 5.25 oz in a size XS (my measurement) Gender: Men’s (or unisex, because there is no women’s version) Insulation: 900 fill power down (2.3 oz of fill) Fabric: 7 denier… Full review