Jackets

Recent Jacket Reviews

Mountain Equipment Citadel Jacket

First time used in extreme weather at least three zips snagged on their inner linings. Zip pulls "pulled off’"in frustration—winter gloves being worn. Snagged zips, broken zip pulls—steer clear of this jacket, the construction is irrelevant as the zip construction completely compromises credibility. Full review

Black Diamond Men's First Light Stretch Hoody

The Black Diamond First Light Hoody is a multifunctional, breathable jacket that can easily be used in a wide range of seasons and temperatures, particularly on highly active days. It's warm (PrimaLoft Silver Insulation Active), easy to layer with, and doesn't restrict body movements, making for a highly versatile jacket. Conditions: I’ve worn the Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody throughout the winter and early spring in Pennsylvania. I’ve worn the jacket during high-energy activities… Full review

Helly Hansen Rivaridge Puffy Jacket

Warm and waterproof, but also bulky and heavy, the Rivaridge Puffy Jacket is an uncompromising jacket for cold-weather downhill skiing (and maybe long, windy, winter walks on the beach). It has all the right bells and whistles to keep a lift riding skier comfortable and connected in both up- and downhill modes, but it's not really practical for backcountry skiing. In Norwegian, “uvær” (unweather) is a general-purpose word for bad weather, and here that usually means blowing rain or snow, sometimes… Full review

Ortovox Piz Boe Jacket

Maybe the perfect cold-weather midlayer. This Piz Boe regulates my body temp better than any other Pertex shelled (windproof shell) I own. Obviously the stretchy, soft shelled midlayers are not in this category. This is windproof, and it has a stretchy merino wool soft shell material on the shoulder blades which really gives you ample freedom for movement and it helps dump heat. This is surprisingly good for high-output ascents in cold weather. It doesn't stink either, I've worked the hell outta… Full review

Patagonia Men's Crosstrek Hoody

Patagonia R1 that's warmer, stretchier, and more durable. What's not to like? This midlayer covers the exact temp range I was looking for, about 35-50 degrees with a baselayer on. I really like it, because it's Polartec Power Stretch Pro. It's actually very similar to the Houdini Power Houdini, only difference being the Houdini has the drawcord hem and hood, but the Patagonia hood fits PERFECT like always, so that's not an issue. It actually saves weight. A drawcord hem would be nice, but it would… Full review

Outdoor Research Men's Microgravity Jacket

Exceptional active shell for those in alpine climates and those that use a helmet. I purchased the Microgravity direct from OR in the Lime color, which is a cool color. Overall I liked the fit and feel of the jacket and the Ascentshell material. For reference I am 5'7" 165 and ordered a Large for layering underneath, which fit slightly baggy as expected. A medium would have been more fitted but lacked the layering ability. I asked OR ahead of time about DWR treatments and was told the Ascentshell… Full review

Norrona Men's Trollveggen Powerstretch Pro Zip Hoodie

The Trollveggen Powerstretch Pro Zip Hoodie is a warm, functional, and stylish Polartec Power Stretch Pro fleece hoodie for the mountain life, that also works as high fashion in Norwegian circles. Stretch fit goes on well over a base layer and under both close and loose fitting shell layers. A great mid layer for cold weather ascents, with a hood to help keep moving without having to layer up when the wind comes up. The word norrøn (norr-RUHN, roll those Rs a little) is best translated as “Norse,”… Full review

Outdoor Research Men's Microgravity Jacket

The Outdoor Research Microgravity Jacket attempts to bridge the gap between hard and soft shell, and I think it succeeds for the most part. Decently weatherproof and almost unbelievably breathable, it feels soft on the skin, doesn’t leave me clammy, stretches without constraining, and is silent compared to most other outer shells. It is definitely my favorite shell to date, but be warned if you stand around in the rain and don’t work it off, you will get damp. A few minor negatives...fiddly… Full review

Kilpi Hastar

Breathability at a good price. Kilpi = Shield in Finish as it reflects the company's philosophy to protect the user from the elements and it's a pretty popular brand here due to its cheap price and good looking products. Hastar is the company's flagship hardshell due to its impressive numbers. It features detachable powder skirt, pit zips, Recco reflector, five waterproof external pockets with glove-friendly pulls, one internal, adjustable hood with semi stiff brim, and adjustable velcro cuffs. Full review