If you browse for a new hard shell jacket either online or at a retail store you might be overwhelmed by the vast number of products and featured technologies. What is the difference between a shell ...

Expensive. Can't use the hand pockets with a climbing harness. Like most durable water repellents, it uses carcinogenic perfluorocarbons in the waterproofing process. When it comes to outdoor ...

For me, Arc’teryx has always been the symbol of a true outdoor pro — someone who values performance over anything else. Sure, it’s expensive. But ever since I started spending serious time outdoors, ...

When it comes to winter sports, I often opt for a hard shell instead of a ski jacket because I want to strategically layer so I can easily control my temperature. It might seem counterintuitive that a ...

View post: 17 Day Season: Oregon Ski Area Calls It Quits After "Record" Low Snow Stellar Equipment has flown relatively under the radar as far as outerwear brands go, but the Scandinavian brand is not ...

Soft shell jackets such as the Patagonia Mixmaster ($299; www.patagonia.com) have a lot going for them. They re nearly impervious to wind, shed light rain and snow, breathe well, and offer a much ...

The best layer you can pack, for really any adventure, is a hardshell jacket. There are expectations, of course, but really only for those who live on the equator. A hardshell is a durable, waterproof ...

Protection, comfort, and room for layering underneath to tackle the worst weather imaginable. A real winner in my book.