The search for the perfect backcountry ski shell has been years long. But I think that journey can finally end. And the destination is the Outdoor Research Hemispheres Jacket. Outdoor Research Hemispheres Jacket The Hemispheres Jacket is very unique for a hardshell. First, the GORE-TEX fabric stretches. Second, it breathes astonishingly well. It does all…
Tag: Jacket
Help the homeless at Black Diamond’s grand re-opening
The Black Diamond Store in Salt Lake City has been closed for some time due to a major remodel and upgrade. But for those of you with Black Diamond gear on your naughty and nice list, the good news is that they re-open this weekend. The best part is that you can get your holiday…
My Trail 800 Fill Ultralight Down Jacket review
Remember GoLite? Remember how they made awesome, lightweight jackets that were functional and well built? Remember how they suddenly went away? Well the founder of GoLite is back with a new company called My Trail Company. And this new iteration is making jackets that are just as good. Jackets like their 800-fill, Ultralight Down Jacket….
Smartwool PhD Ultra Light Sport Jacket review
Summer recreation in Utah causes a dilemma. The weather is hot and sunny, but afternoon thunderstorms can change that warm day into a raging cold, wet nightmare within minutes. Packing for fickle weather is a must, but carrying gear while trail running or mountain biking is a pain. What to do? Find yourself a jacket…
Tekkima Navigator Field Coat review
I should not be able to wear this jacket right now. That’s the thought that kept going through my mind on a Thanksgiving Day hike in Mill Creek Canyon. Temperatures were perfect for the Navigator Field Coat, a lightweight jacket from Tekkima. Bad sign for winter, but good for gear reviews! Here’s a breakdown of…
Triple Aught Design Equilibrium Series review
Temperature regulation during high-output activities in cold weather is the golden egg of the outdoor industry. About every outdoor apparel-company has an insulated jacket that supposedly works in this regard. It’s a mid-layer piece that breathes and releases excess heat during activity, yet keeps you warm when you’re standing still. The idea is that you…
Craghoppers Nat Geo CompressLite II Jacket review
There are copious amounts of puffy jackets available to consumers. I am willing to bet you have at least one of these (maybe even two) in your closet right now. When the possibilities seem endless, how do you choose one brand over another? I often go by one of my favorite gear rankings: bang for…
Mountain Hardwear 32 Degree Insulated 1/2 Zip review
Finding the right mid-layer for backcountry skiing, or an outer layer to wear while running or fat biking in cold weather can be tough. Too much insulation and warmth and you’ll overheat. Not enough and you’ll get too cold. I’ve tested and reviewed many of these sorts of technical layers, and the new Mountain Hardwear…
Stio Second Light Alpha Jacket review
The Holy Grail of backcountry ski jackets is the perfect balance between warmth and breathability. Stio may have concocted the secret sauce with their Second Light Alpha Jacket. When ascending in the skin track, body heat red-lines and sweat is inevitable, so the jacket must breathe as heavy as an elephant running a marathon. But…
Basin and Range Guardsman Full-Zip Jacket review
A jacket you can wear every day, all day is pretty much the ultimate jacket, right? From backcountry skiing, to hiking, fishing and going out for drinks, I know I want something that is versatile enough for all of that. After testing the new Basin and Range Guardsman Full-Zip Jacket, I think I found what…