The Verdict: “The perfect backcountry ski shell,” said one tester. Vents over the triceps dump heat in a hurry, and even though the removable powder skirt and stretchy wrist cuffs add a few ounces, we appreciated those extra features on the coldest, deepest days. Hence backcountry-specific features like huge chest pockets that accommodate climbing skins while still playing nice with pack straps. The Test: The Yotei-made from the same high-end fabric as the Patagonia-is built specifically for people who log lots of miles on all-day ski tours. 15 oz Price $499 Breathability 3 Waterproofness 5 (Dynafit) Dynafit Yotei GTX The Verdict: A sleek hard shell perfect for three-season use.
We pack it in our bag even on bluebird days as a barely-there insurance policy. Cut from Gore’s svelte new C-Knit-backed fabric, this minimalist jacket weighs less than a pound but still shields you in a storm and comes with niceties such as 14-inch-long pit zips and four roomy pockets. Read: you want it to be as light as possible. The Test: You’re moving constantly in the backcountry, which means your shell spends most of its time in a pack. 1.2 lbs Price $300 Breathability 5 Waterproofness 3 (Patagonia) Patagonia Refugative
Bonus: inside pockets swallow gloves and a hat. The best puffy here for high-output activity, it worked for all our winter pursuits, from skiing to hiking. Special Forces dry during combat), and wrapped in a cozy face fabric, the Uberlayer sheds snow and moves moisture away from the body. Filled with Polartec Alpha (made to keep U.S. Patagonia pulled it off with the Nano-Air, a breathable insulator that won our Gear of the Year last season. (Outdoor Research) Outdoor Research UberlayerĬompanies have tried for years to make a puffy you put on and keep on, whether you’re at camp or on the hill. The upshot? There are more high-quality jacket options than we ever thought possible. Now, in another leap forward, mad-scientist engineers are using surprising new materials like corn (that’s right, corn) and rain-shedding wool. Waterproof down has gone from pipe dream to commonplace, while new lightweight synthetic insulations keep you warm on the coldest days. The lines that once divided soft and hard shells have blurred so much, they’re all but gone. The race to create the lightest, most breathable-but still bomber-jacket has destroyed longstanding paradigms. It lets warm air out when you're active and locks it in when you're not.There’s been a lot of upheaval in this category recently. I am 5'5" 108 lbs and the small is perfect with plenty of room to layer, but you won't need many layers if you're doing active outdoor activities. I also have the Patagonia Nano Air (like a fellow traveler on my Patagonia trip), but my Uberlayer was clearly the better choice in terms of warmth, wind protection, and comfort (moves with you). Much warmer and better wind protection than most other synthetic jackets out there. This jacket delivers and seems to be very durable. Super comfortable and stylish (form fitting).
Outdoor research uberlayer womens zip#
Because the collar is lined with soft fleece it's super soft and warm around the neck and chin area when you zip it up with & without the hood which is adjustable and will fit over a helmet if needed. You will definitely need a rain shell when it rains. Kept me warm and protected in chilly temps ( 40s & 50s) and intense winds when I wore it as an outer layer with a light fleece mid layer. I wore this jacket everyday on a hiking trip to Patagonia ( December '15).