Jackets

Recent Jacket Reviews

Montane Alpha Balance Jacket

Extra protection on the shoulders and chest, makes this jacket perfect for use with backpack. This jacket is the perfect companion for a backpack trek/hike. The polartec alpha direct fabric provides some weather and abrasion protection for the most exposed areas. The surface fabric covering the alpha insulation has some PU mixed into it, which seems to add some durable water repellency. The pontetorto fleece has a special print pattern for added abrasion resistance. This technology is similar to… Full review

The North Face Men's Diameter Down Hybrid Jacket

Jacket ripped first time skiing with no significant falls. Warranty process non-existent. Buyer beware. Bought the North Face Diameter Down jacket while traveling through Paris. First problem arose when I wanted to swap sizes, only to be told you can't swap items between different North Face stores. Thereafter, took the jacket out skiing/snowboarding for the first time two weeks later and it ripped without any significant falls. Jacket is now completely useless. North Face customer care and warranty… Full review

Helly Hansen Women's Daybreaker Fleece Jacket

High quality fleece that fits like a glove and does exactly what you want it to. It also clings to fuzz, dog fur, and scent. This is a high-quality fleece from HH, and although it's a basic piece it does exactly what you want it to. It's thin yet warm, layers great over a base layer and under another insulating layer, and dries quickly. I've used it for a full skiing season as a mid-weight base layer and around town on wet, 40-60 degree days under a shell. It fits like a glove and has a quality… Full review

Outdoor Research Women's Ascendant Hoody

Shockingly warm for the weight and highly breathable with just the right amount of wind protection. This jacket is a great insulation layer for winter activities such as backcountry skiing and ice climbing. It's become my go-to insulation layer for winter. I am very impressed by this jacket and it has become a staple part of my winter adventure suit replacing the Patagonia Nano Air Hoody. I'm 5'4" 125 lbs with a very athletic build and the small fits great over long sleeve baselayers and lightweight… Full review

Montane Featherlite Down Pro Pull-On

An awesome piece that splits the difference between the 8-13oz three-season down jackets and the 20oz light down parkas. Despite the pullover design, it is a bit heavier than one would expect given the fill weight, mostly because it retains all the adjustments that lighter garment sacrifice to save weight and complexity. In contrast to the other reviewer, I purchased this with the intention of using it primarily as an additional layer to throw on at camp or when resting or belaying.   Sizing/fit:… Full review

Craghoppers Venta Lite II jacket

Not sized for athletic build. This jacket is sized longer than usual, much larger than usual in the stomach, and MUCH smaller than usual in the shoulders/arms. I ordered a medium, and the stomach is probably big enough to fit someone with a 40+" waist, and it's long enough to fit someone 6'6". However, the shoulders and arms are EXTREMELY tight. I assumed that a brand named "Craghoppers" would have a fairly athletic fit, but it's the exact opposite. This is sized for someone tall, wide in the stomach,… Full review

Red Ledge Storm Backpacker Poncho

Functional and durable for hiking in the rain with a large pack. I think it beats a rain jacket and pants overall, in that it keeps the wearer dry down to the knee, AND keeps the pack dry, INCLUDING the shoulder straps, and isn't too "sweaty." Construction, Function, Fit, Comfort, and Adjustablity: This is a one-size garment. I am 5'8" and about 160 lbs. It fits me very nicely. A taller or stouter person would be less well-covered, and a shorter person might find it excessively long, especially… Full review

Mountain Equipment Vega Jacket

Decent alpine ascending jacket, but not very warm when sitting in camp. This is my first serious down jacket and I have no experience prior to that. I'm expecting a very warm jacket and I feel it's kind of thin when I receive it in mail. The fit is snug on me. I'm 5'6" and 140 lbs; size small is about the right size for me. Sleeve length is a bit long but the velcro cuffs work well. The hood is huge and it's helmet compatible, I just wish it's smaller. Total windproof and you feel full protection… Full review

Sorel Caribou Parka

It’s a beautiful warm coat that stands out from other parkas. People always comment on how nice the coat is. I have worn it when the temperature was 30 degrees beneath freezing and windy and felt very comfortable in this coat. It does run large, but I believe the quality and warmth outweigh the bulky size. It’s not my everyday coat, but is my wear when it’s REALLY cold coat! If you are lucky enough to find one you better snatch it up!! Owning this coat makes me want to travel to a colder climate… Full review