Jackets

Recent Jacket Reviews

Black Diamond Men's Cold Forge 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 blacked 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

The North Face Men's Bombay Jacket

Very lightweight packable jacket that is good as a middle layer or light jacket. Light machine wash and able to dry on low temperature. For a North Face product it’s lacking quality in the assembly of the jacket with single stitching. Has hardly any insulation and is more of a sweater or middle layer. Missing an interior pocket and needs a bottom drawstring or elastic to keep it tight to your body. Its MSRP is $99 and I bought it through North Face for $59. Full review

Arc'teryx Men's Alpha FL Jacket

Bomber, very lightweight jacket that you can depend on. I have both the Alpha SV and Alpha FL shells and have used them in various activities for several years. Both are amazingly well made, keep you warm and dry, and give you the confidence that you'll be able to depend on them in the backcountry for many seasons. Pardon my review in terms of talking about both of these models, but to me they are like a set that I choose for different needs. I am of average height (5'10") and have a muscular build… Full review

Arc'teryx Men's Alpha SV Jacket

The best heavy shell money can buy!!! I have both the Alpha SV and Alpha FL shells and have used them in various activities for several years. Both are amazingly well made, keep you warm and dry, and give you the confidence that you'll be able to depend on them in the backcountry for many seasons. Pardon my review in terms of talking about both of these models, but to me... they are like a set that I choose for different needs. I am of average height (5'10") and have a muscular build (200#). Both… Full review