Running Shells

Recent Running Shell Reviews

Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody

The best jacket I never thought I wanted… I am an Outdoor School Instructor, and was issued this as part of our outdoor ”uniform” for work. I wasn’t sure about this jacket at first, but now I am a convert! This jacket is very light, breathable, and packs into the chest pocket. It is perfect for a light layer and takes up almost no room on my climbing harness or pack. It says there is a DWR coating on it, but I wouldn’t count on it keeping you dry. if you're looking for a ultra-light layer… Full review

Patagonia Houdini Jacket

The Patagonia Houdini Jacket is a classic. An excellent, all-around, windproof, water-resistant, lightweight shell, it performs in a wide range of outdoor scenarios. I've had mine for more than six years and use it primarily running, hiking, and skiing, but have also taken it biking, paddling, traveling, and more. It conveniently stuffs into its own pocket as a just-in-case layer, and at less than 4 ounces there's no excuse not to bring it along.   hiking in the Houdini Use I've had my Patagonia… Full review

Drop Veil Wind Shell

Massdrop's Veil is a really light and small to carry simple nylon shell with hood. Easy to carry means you won't be tempted to leave it home and then regret it on a windy summit. Great for any outdoor activity where adding a wind blocker is a valued option including hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and skiing. Massdrop has evolved into Drop these days, but they still sell the Veil Wind Shell under that old name. Simple, yet very functional, the Veil does exactly what the name implies. Weighing 3.3oz/93g… Full review

Paramo Fuera Windproof Smock

Great windshell for variable alpine conditions and snow. Introduction Paramo is a British company that offers an alternative to traditional waterproof textiles. Instead of relying on a membrane to confer waterproofness, the Paramo system relies on the properties of pile fibres to move water using the heat of the body (like animal fur). The shell of their garments is proofed with Nikwax which assists with preventing the pile from becoming saturated.  This  is not pseudoscience but those interested… Full review

Smartwool Merino Sport Ultra Light Hoodie

A basic, lightweight, hooded, nylon windshirt with a partial, light wool lining in the hood. There’s not a lot of wool-warmth here, and no real rain protection, limiting the useful weather window, but it's well made and does its small job well. Best for light and fast summer trail runs or day hikes when there is wind but no rain in the forecast. Sometimes a simple windshirt is the right choice for a day outing. It’s a warm summer day, no rain in the forecast, perfect for a trail run or power… Full review

L.L.Bean 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

Smartwool PhD Ultra Light Sport Jacket

The Smartwool PhD Ultra Light Sport Jacket is an extremely lightweight, portable, and comfortable shell for chill and windy days that might also include a little rain. It is a great jacket to take along on a day hike or trail run for just-in-case scenarios or might just work as the sole jacket of a minimalist thru-hiker. Description: This is an ultralight wind jacket combining merino mesh panels for breathability and comfort and a DWR nylon to provide wind and weather protection. The merino mesh… Full review

REI Vaporush Windstopper Pants

Comfortable soft-shell hiking pants that do what they say—keep wind and even light rain and most snow off your legs and keep warm in cooler temps while also allowing venting in warmer (but not hot) weather. Durable, comfortable, and can even pass for decent pants in town stops. Features REI documents the following features, and I have provided my comments on each alongside, with more explanation in the appropriate section. Fully windproof and highly breathable, GORE WINDSTOPPER fabric is water… Full review

Patagonia Houdini Jacket

Light, packable, and all so versatile, the Patagonia Houdini is an excellent wind jacket and perhaps a little bit more. I use the jacket as it was intended, as a wind jacket. But it is one of those go anywhere pieces of gear because it is so packable and weighs only 3.6 ounces. It folds into its own pocket and ends up being smaller than a can of soda. The fit is a slim athletic fit. The hood is adjustable and the cuffs have elastic to ensure a snug fit. The jacket does a decent job of remaining… Full review