Jacket
The Best Jackets
The First Light Hoody by Black Diamond is an insulating multi-tool, ideal for a range of conditions on its own, or as a sturdy layer under tougher exterior protection. The jacket is heavy when compared to category competitors but makes up for that weight with moisture resistance and usefulness when active. It feels great to wear, breathes better than its true down competitors, and looks the part in
the frontcountry. The hood could use adjustment mechanisms but stays in place when over a helmet. Overall, the First Light Hoody is streamlined and technical, and a top performer in the test.The Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody lives up to the hype with which the company has been surrounding it. Crazy warm for its weight, and surprisingly moisture beating, this coat packs a ton of functionality in
less than 10 ounces. It’s not as windproof as others in this category, and testers found multiple stitches coming loose, perhaps a result of Patagonia’s unique approach to keeping its PlumaFill synthetic in place. Its overall comfort and fit may be what surprise customers the most, striking an ideal balance between mid- and stand-alone layer. It’s also minimally designed and reasonably
priced considering its 4-season functionality.The Marmot Feather
less Jacket is the most affordable jacket in this category, coming in at well under $200. It did well against the wind and layered well, and at just over 12 ounces, fits squarely in the middle of the test in regard to portability. The 3M insulation doesn’t feel like down or pack as well, but warms true to the 700-fill power down it’s
less Jacket is the most affordable jacket in this category, coming in at well under $200. It did well against the wind and layered well, and at just over 12 ounces, fits squarely in the middle of the test in regard to portability. The 3M insulation doesn’t feel like down or pack as well, but warms true to the 700-fill power down it’s looking to emulate. Breathability and fit issues may be worth tolerating for those cost-conscious buyers looking for a fairly technical insulator that can be used as an everyday option in town or the backcountry.The Marmot Eclipse EvoDry is one of the most sustainable jackets and not just because it’s easy on the environment, using less water, dyes and chemicals. It’s also built with an innovative water repellant treatment that’s baked in at the molecular level so it never needs to be reapplied and performs as well or better than just about every other jacket in its category. Yes, you can be green and get performance and durability, too.
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