Outerwear Archives

Jack Wolfskin Tapeless Jacket, 2.0 — All the Protection, None of the Seams

Jack Wolfskin makes this shell with no seams, and no seam tape. Here’s how the welded-fabric invention performed when subjected to rain and snow.

Written by David Young April 19, 2023

Stay Dry in Any Alpine Storm: Mountain Hardwear Dawnlight Outerwear Review

Over 2.5 days on the Grand Teton, the Dawnlight jacket and pants combo from Mountain Hardwear effectively shielded me from every kind of precipitation in…

Written by Austin Beck-Doss April 19, 2023

The New Arc’teryx Insulated Rush Costs $800 and Is Worth Every Penny — Here’s Why

If you can see past the sticker shock, this midweight puffy is built to last, water-resistant, and can handle about everything you throw at it.

Written by Andy Cochrane April 07, 2023

Expensive Taste: My Favorite Belay Parka Has a Price Tag to Match

The Arc’teryx Alpha Lightweight Parka is a great belay parka. It was warm, windproof, durable, and packable. But the price is high.

Written by Seiji Ishii April 06, 2023

Scan Your Body, Choose Features for Perfect Hardshell Kit: Made Custom Apparel Review

Made Custom Apparel builds a custom-fitted shell with custom features. Remarkably, the price is comparable to other high-end shell systems.

Written by Seiji Ishii March 28, 2023

Patagonia Nano-Air Jacket Review: A Time-Tested, Breathable Masterpiece

Optimized for start-stop aerobic missions where maximum breathability while active and reliable warmth while static is required, the Patagonia Nano-Air Jacket is a premium do-it-all…

Written by Chris Carter March 17, 2023

The ‘Other’ Insulation: Oros Gambit Jacket Takes on Down and Synthetic

Oros used a proprietary form of insulation called Solarcore in its Gambit Jacket — which the brand calls a slimmer alternative to bulky insulations.

Written by Will Brendza March 14, 2023

The Best Rain Jackets of 2023

Whether you’re splashing about town or trekking through a monsoon, these are the best rain jackets of 2023.

Written by Austin Beck-Doss and Nick Belcaster March 14, 2023

The Best Winter Gloves of 2023

From lightweight liners to extra-warm winter gloves, we tested and found the best gloves to meet every budget, temperature, and winter sport. Check out top…

Written by Austin Beck-Doss March 07, 2023

The Best Down Jackets for Women in 2023

We found the best women’s down jackets for every budget and activity. From a do-all hoodie to a budget-friendly puffy, we’ve got you covered.

Written by Morgan Tilton February 20, 2023

Patagonia Storm Shift Jacket Review: Performance, Durability Meet Sustainability ‘Firsts’

After testing the Patagonia Storm Shift Jacket for 2 months, I’m convinced this shell is as good as it gets.

Written by Sean McCoy February 17, 2023

The Best Parkas for Men in 2023

If you regularly venture outside into the single digits, there’s really nothing better than a big, fat, over-insulated, oversized parka. Check out our picks for…

Written by Steve Graepel February 17, 2023

The Best Men’s Ski Bibs of 2023

‏Snow bibs and backcountry go together like swallowtails and pow slashes. Whether you ski, snowboard, or splitboard, we’ve found the best men’s snow bibs.

Written by Drew Zieff & Austin Beck-Doss February 14, 2023

The Best Women’s Ski Pants of 2023

We tested the best women’s ski pants for both resort and backcountry. Top picks are from The North Face, Arc’teryx, Helly Hansen, and more.

Written by Mary Murphy and Morgan Tilton February 14, 2023

The Best Women’s Ski Jackets of 2023

We tested the best women’s ski jackets of 2023 with options for every budget. Top picks include Outdoor Research, Patagonia, and more.

Written by Morgan Tilton and Mary Murphy February 13, 2023

KÜHL Aktivator Review: The Jacket I Can’t Stop Wearing

Simple, reliable, and unremarkable — the KÜHL Aktivator jacket quietly became my most-used piece of apparel.

Written by Adam Ruggiero February 10, 2023

Ibex Wool Aire Vest Review: Sleek Insulated Layer Without the Puff

The Ibex Wool Aire Vest is a must-have if you want exceptional core warmth without the unnecessary bulk.

Written by Rebecca Ross February 02, 2023

I Soaked This Puffy, Then Went Running at -3 Degrees

I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for wool, especially when it’s for gear that takes a bit of a beating. But when you want pure warmth-to-weight…

Written by Sean McCoy February 01, 2023

YKK Debuts DIY Repairable Zippers in ARTILECT Shells

YKK introduces the Revived Zipper, a pull tab that you can repair or replace on your own — and two new products from ARTILECT already…

Written by Will Brendza January 30, 2023

Sitka Gear Mountain Pants Review: The Workhorse Pant for Any Season

Don’t let the name deter you. Sitka Gear’s Mountain pants are not terrain-exclusive. From fields and foothills, to trees and tundra, these pants are a…

Written by Aaron Hebeisen January 27, 2023