Even in mid-summer it gets cold and windy at the summit of Colorado's famed 14ers. Karen chose the Beta AR Jacket for her summit of Mount Columbia.Arc'teryx Beta: OverviewArc'teryx groups similar products into what it calls ...
Whether you’re tackling backcountry trails, carving powder, or enduring alpine storms, the right jacket can make or break your adventure. Our reviews dive deep into the best jackets and technical outerwear from trusted brands like Arc'teryx and Patagonia, helping you find the perfect balance of performance, durability, and comfort for your adventures.
Most Popular Coverage
Best Patagonia Jackets: Temp ratings & more (Full guide)
Y'all know this is just my opinion... right? I'll cover Best Patagonia Jackets in 3 parts: Shortest answer, Short answer, Long answer.Best Patagonia Jackets: Shortest answerTable data only applies to the most recent Winter 2024 models. As you see from this ...
Best Arc’teryx Jacket | Temperature ratings + much more
OverviewI own dozens of Arc'teryx items, primarily jackets. This includes all jackets under the Proton, Atom, Nuclei, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma lines. I also own a Cerium, a Thorium, and a Therme, and other Arc'teryx items ...
Temperature Ratings of Jackets (Quick cheatsheet)
SummaryMost outdoor apparel companies say that providing temperature ratings for their jackets isn't possible.And to be fair, they're not incorrect. There are tons of fluid parameters that are difficult, if not impossible, to measure. And let's ...
Best Arc’teryx Ski Jacket | 2024 Freeride, Backcountry, Touring & Resort options
Just some of the Arc'teryx shells we've tested for skiing and snowboarding. Let’s be honest: choosing the best jacket for skiing or snowboarding is a highly subjective matter. Your jacket choice will be influenced by a number ...
Arc’teryx Proton vs Atom | How to decide + our temperature ratings
The current lineup of men's Arc'teryx Proton and Atom jackets includes (clockwise from top left): the Proton Hybrid Hoody, Proton Hoody, Proton Heavyweight Hoody, Atom Heavyweight Hoody, Atom Hoody, and Atom SL. Arc'teryx Atom vs Proton: OverviewBefore ...
Patagonia Nano Puff vs Micro Puff: How to decide
The more matte 20d fabric of the blue Patagonia Nano Puff vs the Micro Puff and its 10-denier face fabric in greenThe Patagonia Nano Puff and Micro Puff jackets, hooded jackets and vests have been staples in Patagonia's ...
Insulated Jackets
Patagonia Micro Puff vs Nano Puff vs Down Sweater
Patagonia's Micro Puff, Nano Puff and Down Sweater are among the company's best-selling product lines. But make no mistake: each is unique, and the right choice for you will depend on how, when and where you ...
Arc’teryx Atom Hoody vs Atom SL: 2025 Review & Comparison
The Atom Hoody is a year-round performer as both a midlayer or standalone outer layer, but its versatility really starts to shine in spring and fall's variable weather conditions.OverviewThe Arc’teryx Atom Hoody and Atom Jacket may ...
Arc’teryx Allium Insulated Jacket | First look at the new freeride softshell
The Arc'teryx Allium Insulated Insulated Jacket was designed to be worn as a midlayer or standalone outer when skiing and snowboarding. It's straightforward styling works well for apres activities as well. Of all the Winter 2024 products ...
Arc’teryx Fissile SV Down Jacket review | A down-insulated oven for skiers
The all-new Arc'teryx Fissile SV Down Jacket adds to the brand's growing lineup of men's all-weather insulated ski and snowboard jackets. The goose down-insulated, Gore-Tex-protected Fissile SV Down Jacket is marketed as Arc'teryx's warmest jacket for ...
Arc’teryx Beta Insulated vs Beta Down Insulated | How to decide
The Arc'teryx Beta Down Insulated size medium, in Solaris.The Beta Insulated and Beta Down Insulated are the warmest of the Arc'teryx Beta Jackets. So how do you decide which you need? We've been using both across ...
Arc’teryx Thorium vs Cerium: Do you want warmer or lighter?
Thorium vs Cerium: Overview Y'all know this is just my opinion... right?I'm 5'11", 165 lbs athletic build. Size M Cerium (aka LT) fits me perfect. Names of Thorium and Cerium were previously Thorium AR and Cerium LT. When it ...
Arc’teryx Therme Parka and Therme SV Parka | 2024 Review and Comparison
The Arc'teryx Therme Parka and Therme SV Parka are the outdoor brand's warmest casual-use jackets, incorporating 750 fill power goose down for warmth and a two-layer Gore-Tex membrane for weatherproofing. Nothing says cozy, comfortable warmth on a ...
Hard Shell Jackets
Patagonia Stormstride Jacket review: Testing the backcountry-focused ski shell
The Patagonia Stormstride is a backcountry ski jacket made for high-output ski touring. The Patagonia Stormstride series is the brand's most breathable jacket and pants for ski touring. The Stormstride jacket offers a three-layer waterproof fabric that ...
Arc’teryx Beta vs Beta AR vs Beta SL
Even in mid-summer it gets cold and windy at the summit of Colorado's famed 14ers. Karen chose the Beta AR Jacket for her summit of Mount Columbia.Arc'teryx Beta: OverviewArc'teryx groups similar products into what it calls ...
Mammut Stoney HS | Mammut’s softest ski jacket
With a premium feel and construction that shows attention to detail, the Mammut Stoney HS jacket is one of the best hard shell ski jackets we've tested this winter.The Mammut Stoney HS jacket is the brand’s ...
Stio Environ Jacket review: A full-featured ski shell to slay resort days
Rocking the full Stio Environ kit during a cold January day at Copper Mountain, Colorado. I expect three things from a full-featured ski shell: weatherproof performance for whatever Mother Nature throws my way, dependable durability for harsh ...
Arc’teryx Alpha vs Beta: I own ALL six models of Winter ’24
Y'all know this is just my opinion... right? NameActivityTemp (F/C)BreathabilityWeather Res.DurabilityPackabilityReviewPit zips?Two way zipper?Stuffs into itself?Face FabricFitWeightLengthalphabetaStatusDiscontinued? Alpha (aka AR) (Men's - Women's)ClimbingN/A8/109/108/104/10ReviewYesNoNoN40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex ProRegular430 g / 15.2 oz79.5 cm / ...
Arc’teryx Rush vs Sabre | How to decide between Arc’teryx’s top-end ski jackets
For all-around performance no matter the conditions, it's hard to beat Arc'teryx's Sabre SV jacket. But some of its high-end specifications may be overkill for some skiers and snowboarders. Arc'teryx's Rush and Sabre lines represent the ...
Ski & Snowboard
Patagonia Stormstride Jacket review: Testing the backcountry-focused ski shell
The Patagonia Stormstride is a backcountry ski jacket made for high-output ski touring. The Patagonia Stormstride series is the brand's most breathable jacket and pants for ski touring. The Stormstride jacket offers a three-layer waterproof fabric that ...
Mammut Stoney HS | Mammut’s softest ski jacket
With a premium feel and construction that shows attention to detail, the Mammut Stoney HS jacket is one of the best hard shell ski jackets we've tested this winter.The Mammut Stoney HS jacket is the brand’s ...
Stio Environ Jacket review: A full-featured ski shell to slay resort days
Rocking the full Stio Environ kit during a cold January day at Copper Mountain, Colorado. I expect three things from a full-featured ski shell: weatherproof performance for whatever Mother Nature throws my way, dependable durability for harsh ...
Temperature Ratings of Jackets (Quick cheatsheet)
SummaryMost outdoor apparel companies say that providing temperature ratings for their jackets isn't possible.And to be fair, they're not incorrect. There are tons of fluid parameters that are difficult, if not impossible, to measure. And let's ...
Best Arc’teryx Ski Jacket | 2024 Freeride, Backcountry, Touring & Resort options
Just some of the Arc'teryx shells we've tested for skiing and snowboarding. Let’s be honest: choosing the best jacket for skiing or snowboarding is a highly subjective matter. Your jacket choice will be influenced by a number ...
Arc’teryx Fissile SV Down Jacket review | A down-insulated oven for skiers
The all-new Arc'teryx Fissile SV Down Jacket adds to the brand's growing lineup of men's all-weather insulated ski and snowboard jackets. The goose down-insulated, Gore-Tex-protected Fissile SV Down Jacket is marketed as Arc'teryx's warmest jacket for ...
StormHood vs DropHood
The difference between StormHood and DropHood is that with the DropHood the hood is separated from the collar, whereas with the StormHood the hood and collar are sewn and move together. About less than 5-10% of Arc'teryx ...
Powder skirt: What is it and do you need one on your ski jacket?
A powder skirt (also known as a snow skirt) is a common feature on ski jackets. What is it? Do you need one? Here is some information to help you decide.The Arc'teryx Sabre Jacket, one of ...
Arc’teryx Rush vs Sabre | How to decide between Arc’teryx’s top-end ski jackets
For all-around performance no matter the conditions, it's hard to beat Arc'teryx's Sabre SV jacket. But some of its high-end specifications may be overkill for some skiers and snowboarders. Arc'teryx's Rush and Sabre lines represent the ...