The Icefall Down Jacket from Helly Hansen has been around for quite a while. And while it’s undergone some small changes and improvements over this time the core jacket remains the same. Quite a testament to it’s versatility and popularity. But what’s contributed to this ongoing success? Only one way to find out: take it into mountains for some use and abuse. So that’s what … Continue reading Review: Helly Hansen Icefall Down Jacket
The Arc’teryx Sphene is the lightest jacket in the Whileline collection and designed specifically for the demands of backcountry ski touring. By stripping away features and pockets not needed in a ski touring jacket Arc’teryx was able to keep the Gore-Tex Pro fabric and still have a lightweight and packable hard shell. But how does it perform? Well after about 50 days of touring and ski mountaineering in … Continue reading Long Term Review: Arc’teryx Sphene Jacket
If you’re looking for a super lightweight, breathable softshell for rock, alpine, skiing, running, etc. Black Diamond’s Alpine Start Hoodie is worth checking out. This simple and lightweight layer cuts the wind, sheds light precipitation and keeps the sun and bugs off all while breathing very well. It’s not waterproof though so any continuous rain or snow will quickly soak through. Features: Weight: 210g (mens … Continue reading Long-Term Review: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoodie
RAB’s new Electron jacket is an incredibly versatile technical layer that has found a place in my pack on a wide variety of trips from skiing to alpine climbing and mountaineering in every season from winter to summer. Designed for year-round use the mid-weight jacket utilizes water resistant Pertex® Endurance fabric and hydrophobic down to allow it to perform in all weather conditions while the bright blue … Continue reading Review: RAB Electron Jacket
Designed as a technical mid-layer, Black Diamond’s new Deployment Hybrid Hoody utilizes a mixture of different materials and fabrics in different locations in an effort to provide warmth where it’s needed and breath-ability where it’s not. The result is a nice fitting mid-layer with some great features though it still has it’s flaws. The light green panels are insulated Shoeller and the dark green a thinner … Continue reading Review: Black Diamond Deployment Hybrid Hoodie
Patagonia’s Houdini Jacket is a simple, lightweight, weather resistant shell that almost disappears into its own pocket when it’s not being used. While advertised as a shell for runners on Patagonia’s website we tested it on some multi-pitch rock climbs where weight and bulk are the enemy. The Houdini worked very well as a wind resistant layer and kept me dry during a few short … Continue reading Review: Patagonia Houdini
If you’re like me you take a waterproof jacket on most summer alpine missions, just in case. In case there’s a rain shower or a snow flurry, strong winds or (hopefully not!) an unplanned bivi. So, if the jacket is going to spend the majority of the time in my pack I don’t want to take something bulky or heavy. So instead of the eVent … Continue reading Review: RAB Flashpoint Jacket
When Arc’teryx released the Lithic Comp pant (well actually they’re technically bibs) last fall I was a bit skeptical as I’m not a big fan of bibs; I find that they tend to be hot on the up-track. However the promise offered by the combination of hardshell and shoftshell fabrics drew me in. The idea behind the pants is simple, waterproof breathable fabric where you need … Continue reading Review: Arc’teryx Lithic Comp pant
Since arriving on the market a few years ago Adidas’ new Outdoor line has been making a big impact with impeccably cut, well-fitting jackets made from cutting edge materials. The Terrex Climaheat Agravic Down Hoodie is no exception, a very light-weight and warm down jacket that feels great to wear and has a flattering cut. I received the jacket last fall and have spent the … Continue reading Adidas Terrex Climaheat Agravic Down Hoodie
Like many outdoor companies Patagonia has come out with a new hybrid pant and jacket that combines 3-layer waterproof-breathable fabric with stretchy soft-shell material into one piece of clothing. The idea of course is to create a garment that benefits from the advantages of both fabric types through their strategic placement. Due to this amalgamation of fabrics the resultant garments are not technically a soft-shell or … Continue reading Review: Patagonia Reconnaissance pants
