Clothing Reviews

REI Flash Stretch Rain Jacket Review

REI Flash Stretch Rain Jacket Review

The REI Flash Stretch Rain Jacket is a reasonably priced ($169) 2.5 layer waterproof/breathable raincoat loaded with features that hikers will appreciate, particularly for winter hiking an shoulder-season use. It has a two-way adjustable hood with a front bill, pit zips, zippered …

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Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Review

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Review

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is a moderately priced, 3-layer waterproof/breathable rain jacket that’s surprisingly affordable with premium features important to hikers and backpackers. It has a two-way adjustable hood with a front brim, pit-zips, zippered handwarmer pockets, rip-and-stick velcro-style cuffs, and is …

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Montbell Tachyon Hooded Wind Jacket Review

The Montbell Tachyon Hooded Parka is a wind shirt

The Montbell Tachyon Hooded Wind Jacket is a gossamer thin 7-denier nylon wind jacket with a 1-way adjustable hood, a full-length front zipper, two handwarmer pockets, underarm vents, and a stow pocket. This is the second Montbell Tachyon wind shirt I’ve owned: …

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Montbell Mirage Down Parka Review

Montbell Mirage Down Parka Review

The Montbell Mirage Parka is an ultralight 900 fill power hooded down jacket, perfect for winter hiking or backpacking trips when you want to get warm fast and stay warm. Weighing just 14.4 oz in a size men’s XL, this jacket is …

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Zpacks Goose Down Jacket Review

Zpacks Goose Down Jacket Review

The Zpacks Goose Down Jacket is an insanely warm 950-fill power goose-down jacket that is perfect to wear in camp on cold nights and as an adjunct to a sleeping bag or quilt. It’s sort of a cross between a parka and …

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Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell Review

Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell Review

Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell is a moderately priced, 2.5-layer waterproof/breathable rain jacket that’s lightweight enough for year-round use and for multiple sports from skiing and climbing to hiking and backpacking. It has most of the functionality that hikers and backpackers …

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Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody Review

Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody Review

The Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody may just be the perfect baselayer for cold weather hiking and winter sports. It’s made with an airy blend of 51% merino wool and 49% recycled polyester that wicks moisture, resists odor and dries in a flash. …

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Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review

Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review

The Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket is an ultralight 3-layer waterproof/breathable rain jacket with a two-way adjustable hood, adjustable wrist cuffs, pit zips, waterproof zippers, and a large chest pocket. It’s cut longer in the torso and arms than most lightweight rain jackets, …

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LightHeart Gear Rain Jacket ’23 Review

Lightheart Rain Jacket Review ‘23

The LightHeart Gear Rain Jacket (MSRP $150) is a lightweight siliconized polyester (silpoly) waterproof rain jacket made the old-fashioned way, without any so-called waterproof/breathable fabric. Coated on the outside with silicone and on the inside with polyurethane (PU), this maintenance-free rain jacket …

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