Jackets

Recent Jacket Reviews

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Jacket

Outstanding lightweight insulation from Mountain Hardwear. I love this jacket’s light weight and ability to pack small, and the versatility it offers. It’s also sold in a hoody that I also wear. Its primary downsides are the full retail price (hunt for sales, I did) and the shell material, which is more prone to damage than thicker nylon shell materials.   Chilly morning walk Front view BASIC INFORMATION Mountain Hardwear’s Ghost Whisperer/2 jacket (the non-hood version - the company offers… Full review

Patagonia R2 TechFace Hoody

This is Patagonia's heaviest of the two "R" hoodies and meant for much cooler weather. I got the R2 hoodie as a Christmas present. It has more than lived up to my expectations for warmth, especially when worn under my eVent parka when skiing.  ->The hood zips up to easily cover my mouth and stay there. This is very welcome on cold, windy days when worn under my ski helmet. Chair lift rides are much more endurable on nasty days with this face protection. No need for a separate neck gaiter. ->4… Full review

Columbia Titanium Component Jacket

Best coat I ever owned. Kept me warm and dry for 16 years every ski season. I will miss you my warm friend. Loved this coat.  Winter skiing with minimal layers kept me warm.  Spring skiing take out the liner or ski with the liner and stayed dry and warm.   Full review

Marmot Alt HB Hoody

Stretchy, comfortable and functional, with some flaws, in a bare bones design. I'm a big fan of insulated jackets while hiking. Mainly due to the wider variety of conditions they can be worn in. I go with down over insulated when backpacking and in the cold cold when hiking but I find insulated jackets have more function when I'm moving. I was looking for something that wasn't going to be a furnace on the trail but could also transition to town. Came across the Marmot Alt HB Hoody and, on the surface,… Full review

U.S. Military ECWCS Gen I Parka

Go to shell when the forecast calls for steady rain I bought this at a church rummage sale, paid $29.99 (which is more than I normally spend for Boy Scout camping gear.  I see from previous reviews, I got a GREAT deal.  This is my go-to shell when it is calling for heavy rain or wet snow.  Plenty of space underneath for insulating layers.  The only defect on the coat was a melted spot on the sleeve.  Fixed it with a little dab of RTV.  We are Scout camping this weekend, and it will be in my… Full review

U.S. Military ECWCS Gen I Parka

Literally lasted me 20+ years till I lost it to an ex. Trusted my life to it many times over. I purchased my first in 2003 used off in near new condition. I camp, did mineral prospecting in the field and was in the army. I spend a lot of time outdoors.  I've taken this jacket to the north pole and to Dubai. Although I didn't actually need it in Dubai...  I've been in snow storms, ice storms, thunder storms and hurricanes in the gen 1 parka. It never failed. Ex just won't give it back.  Circa… Full review

Patagonia Reversible Tribbles Hoody

A versatile jacket that is well constructed and useful for many adventures. Provides a high degree of comfort and warmth for my 3-year-old. Conditions:My 3-year-old daughter has worn the Patagonia Baby Reversible Tribbles Hoody during the cooler days of autumn and throughout the winter (3-4 months total) in the ridges and valleys of central Pennsylvania. She’s worn it while camping, bike riding, going for mini hikes, sled riding, and general everyday use.        Construction and Durability:… Full review

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie

A very useful "on the move" piece that layers well, cuts some wind while still being breathable, doesn't restrict movement and has a very durable, stretchy face. I've had the OR Ferrosi Hoody for about four years and it's typically in my pack from Spring to late Fall. It's sort of a hard one to put in to a specific box as far as performance. I think it's jacket that you need to play with a bit, with different layering and conditions, until you find the lane where it works best. There's no additional… Full review

Patagonia Baby Micro D Snap-T Jacket

A well-made, moderately soft, full-length zip-up fleece hoody that my 3-year-old daughter has enjoyed wearing on many family adventures. She lovingly calls it her "mountain hoody." As good as a fleece probably gets for a toddler. Admittedly, reviewing a piece of gear that my 3-year-old child wears is a bit difficult, since it’s hard for me to gauge some factors such as warmth, breathability, and comfort. This review is based on what I’ve seen while my daughter has worn the Patagonia Baby Micro… Full review