Jackets

Recent Jacket Reviews

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

L.L.Bean Men's Mountain Classic Anorak

Perfect description. I cross country ski and snowshoe and am old school. I have a North Face from 1978 I "outgrew." There for quite a few years, the only anorak I could find were tactical gear...but now they are back in colors other than coyote and camo and better made. I wear Patagonia AND the LL Bean Primaloft bivys with a hood under these and it is a perfect combination over a base layer and different weights mid layers. I live in MT and temps run from single digits below (my personal limits)… Full review

Peak Performance Frost Down Long Hooded Jacket

This long winter jacket combines duck down insulation to keep you feeling snug inside. Even with its coziness, however it's made big for a medium size. I bought this jacket for alpine skiing a few years back, because we had a cold winter and I wanted to acquire a warmer jacket. So I pick up this one because it was long enough to cover my lower back. It was also on sale at 70% off, probably because of the flash lime colors! I usually wear a base layer and a polar under, and when it get really cold… Full review

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