Apparel
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Multi-Season Performance MEC Pamir Soft Shell Jacket
Wednesday, November 12th, 2008
The Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) Pamir functions exceedingly well as either a mid-layer or an outer layer, making it one of the most versatile jackets we tested. The secret is Polartec Power Shield Light, a stretchy two-layer fabric with a smooth weather-resistant exterior and a plush fleece interior.
Athlete’s Best Friend The Salomon Fast and Lite Soft Shell Jacket
Tuesday, November 11th, 2008
The Fast and Lite excels at high-sweat activities in inclement weather. The tightly woven, smooth front fabric cuts wind and light rain, while the stretchy, breathable panels on the back and elbows eliminate restriction and act as steam vents. What you end up with is an ultra-light softshell that packs away easily, but that can also be worn in a variety of conditions.
The Royal Robbins High Ridgetrail Zip-On Pants
Sunday, August 31st, 2008
The Royal Robbins High Ridgetrail Zip-On Pants are versatile enough for hiking, travelling or just kicking around camp. The lightweight nylon Cordura fabric is abrasion-resistant and fast-drying, yet silky smooth.
Patagonia Spectre Pullover – Hardshell Jacket
Sunday, August 31st, 2008
You can take this jacket everywhere for protection, just tuck the halfpound Patagonia Spectre Pullover in your pack and you won’t even know it’s there-until the skies open, that is.
Arc’teryx Alpha Comp Hoody – Hard /Soft Hybrid Shell Jacket
Wednesday, August 20th, 2008
Technically, the Alpha Comp Hoody jacket isn’t a hardshell, nor is it a softshell. In fact, it combines softshell and hardshell fabrics into one to make a comfortable all-season jacket. The shoulders and top of the arms are waterproof and breathable, while the rest of the body is Schoeller Dynamic, a durable stretch-woven material used in the best softshells.
Helly Hansen Storm Jacket – Hard Shell Jacket
Monday, August 18th, 2008
Marmot PreCip Rim Jacket – Hard Shell Jacket
Monday, August 18th, 2008
The Marmot PreCip Jacket was one of our favourites for its light weight, breathability and decent price, but the hard shell Marmot Precip Rim jacket ups the ante for athletic adventures with a new slim cut and stretchy microporous fabric that’s even more breathable. Also added are taped and overcoated seams for extra waterproofing, and a stowable hood with a reflective strip. Worthy improvements all.
Mountain Hardware Conduit Soft-Shell Synchro Jacket
Monday, March 24th, 2008
The revolution in soft shell jackets continues with the waterproof laminate construction of the Mountain Hardware Conduit jacket. The Conduit jacket features stretch seam tape and polyester microfleece lining which help keep both the wet outside and the warmth inside. Also the Mountain Hardware Conduit is completely waterproof thanks to it outer shell material and it is perfect for a range of activities from hiking on cool mornings to snow sports like snowboarding, skiing or something more rugged like ice / alpine climbing.
GoLite Virga Ultralight Shell Jacket
Thursday, March 20th, 2008
The GoLite Virga jacket is light to say the least. It weighs as much as 2 chocolate bars which is around 8 ounces, now that is light. This jacket has a good fit, and will keep you dry during drizzly weather on the trails. The GoLite Virga has a minimalistic design featuring two big hand pockets, a elaticized hood and a thin waterproof, breathable fabric called Alchemy that has a silkier texture than most hard shells.
The GoLite Virga’s Alchemy fabric however is not as breathable as Gore-Tex or Entrant but then that would raise the cost of this shell jacket significantly. Another negative for this jacket is that the non-adjustable hood tend to blow off your head during a strong gust of wind. However, if you are really counting every ounce of your gear to achieve a light load and you are on a budget then the short-comings of the GoLite Virga ultralight shell jacket are small sacrifices.
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