Four Fantastic New Backcountry Jackets
by Jeff on January 10, 2011
I’m often asked who my favorite jacket manufacturer is. It’s a tough question to answer, because there are just so many good outdoor apparel manufacturers out there (that being said, I’m a real fan of Arcteryx, Patagonia, and Mountain Hardwear.) While it’s hard to limit my preference to one manufacturer or another, every now and then there are individual models that really stand out from the pack. Here are a few mens’ jackets that have gotten some well-deserved attention in 2010/2011.
Arcteryx Strato ($175 at Moosejaw.com)
The Strato is a fantastic choice as a layering piece for snowsports enthusiasts. For a midweight fleece it’s surprisingly light in ounces, but feels dense and
warm. Its athletic cut means it’s easy to fit under tighter fitting shells and other layers; the cut also works to keep warm air trapped against your skin and not flowing out of the bottom of your jacket like many loose fitting snowsports jackets do.
Patagonia R4 ($249 at REI.com)
The R4 is easy to spot on the street – it fits in somewhere between those super heavy, wooly looking jackets (like the Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man) and a traditional heavyweight fleece. The shell fabric has a unique but clean look to it, is incredibly soft, and doesn’t pill. It’s one of the warmest heavyweight fleeces we’ve seen, but isn’t bulky.
TNF Kishtwar ($279 at Moosejaw.com)
For any piece of gear to receive a coveted “Gear of the Year” award is a pretty big achievement. The Kishtwar received one early on in its first season on the market, and has received nothing but praise from all of the big outdoor magazines and gear testers.
Make no mistake – this is a soft shell at heart, but it has all the best characteristics of a hard shell. The new Polartec PowerShield Pro fabric is lightweight, packable, incredibly breathable, but repels a stunning 95% of water. The TNF Kishtwar isn’t without its drawbacks, though – you probably won’t be able to find one anywhere.
Patagonia Down Sweater ($250 at REI.com)
This eco-friendly, ultralight and ultra-warm down piece is a staple from Patagonia that just won’t die. And why should it? It adapts well to just about every pursuit, trapping in heat when you are standing around in the cold, but breahing well and allowing moisture to escape. If you are in the market for a down jacket or an insulation piece, give the Patagonia Down Sweater serious consideration.
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