Arc’Teryx Alpha SV Jacket

www.arcteryx.com, one pound, 1.4 ounces
Even when conditions outside turn into a monsoon, it remains a desert-like environment inside the Arc’Teryx Alpha SV hard shell. Not a single drop of soaking rain seeped through the three-layer Gore-Tex Pro fabric when I got caught in the clouds at Green Lake in Oregon’s Three Sisters Wilderness. What started as a windy mist became blowing rain in the open basin where I decided to recharge for the afternoon.

Puddles formed on the worn trail as the water beaded off my Alpha SV. I pulled the helmet-friendly hood up and cinched it down. Even with it secure around my face, I could turn my head without being restricted. I pulled the bottom hem tight to keep in some warmth as the temps sagged down to about 45 degrees. While others hunkered down, I stayed dry and comfortable. I could have enjoyed an afternoon tea, were there willing company.

On the trail with rain spitting, I appreciated that the Alpha SV is pack-compatible. I could access two decent-sized chest pockets where I stashed a snack and later put my smart phone to keep it dry. There are two inner zip pockets for small items and a mysterious shoulder pocket, all of which can be accessed while wearing a pack or harness. My sleeves stayed in place with Velcro cuff closures. When I walked enough to generate some heat, I easily vented it through the pit zips. Arc’teryx keeps it light and sleek.  It doesn’t have much glitter or glam because it just gives you what you need.: a solid, durable shell that will keep you dry.
-Cristina Rose Mastrangelo

Product Type
Hard Shells
Good For
, , ,
Tested In
Oregon’s Three Sisters Wilderness.

Obermeyer Ketchikan Cocona Jacket

www.obermeyer.com
Most of us outdoor types spend ski season in our backpacking/climbing shells, putting serious wear and tear on gear that’s better reserved for uses that require light weight and compactness.  And if you’re a full-bore lift skier who’s not that interested in backcountry, you’re better served by this durable, fully featured, ski-specific shell.

The level of detailing in this unapologetically lift-oriented shell would make Batman’s tailor jealous. There’s an elastic powder cuff that snaps back out of the way when not needed. Knit sleeve wristlets are augmented by Velcro cuffs. Urethane water-resistant, mesh-backed zip vents run down the chest. A luxuriously high fleece-lined collar combines with a removable helmet-compatible hood. There’s an internal chest pocket with a conveniently angled microfiber iPhone/sunglass sleeve, and the urethane zip outer Napoleon pocket even features an integrated, removeable, elastic-leashed microfiber goggle polishing cloth. Recco avalanche system reflectors are embedded in the lining. Of course. Duh. It’s more like a wearable ski valet than a shell jacket.

The Ketchikan uses Cocona in the waterproof-breathable shell and brushed lining. This coconut husk-derived fabric provided excellent breathability and good sweat dispersal on warm, sunny days, and stayed dry during humid, single-digit storms. The free-hanging liner added serious insulation value, and the outer shell was so tough we could blast through dense fir and scratchy spruce groves without worrying about shredding the duds. The Ketchikan still looks new after weeks of beater skiing.

Our only caveat? At 38.7 ounces in a men’s large, it’s too bulky and heavy for backcountry uses. But if lifts, cats, and helos are your game, this is one tough, comfy, stylish ski suit for the harshest conditions and high-mileage uses. It’ll probably outlive you.
-Steve Howe

Product Type
Hard Shells, Snow Sports Gear
Good For
Tested In
Brighton and Solitude, UT

Nau Dose Jacket

www.nau.com
We’ve seen steady advancements in the collage-like trend of mixing and matching different fabrics to give you a product that’s the best of all possible worlds. But often these products feel like they’re awkwardly straddling disparate civilizations, a feeling that ultimately makes you yearn for what you don’t have. Thankfully, the Dose Jacket doesn’t fall into that jack-of-all, master-of-none trap.  This highly versatile 2.5-layer waterproof/breathable DWR-treated shell has micro-fiber polyester four-way stretch panels strategically placed to provide soft-to-the-touch flex at the shoulders, forearms, waist, and chest. The rest of the jacket is bombproof, including the helmet-compatible hood and a wind- and waterproof flap over the front waterproof zip. The two hand-pockets and the small back pocket also rock waterproof zippers; the latter also has a tuck-away piece of reflective fabric that can be unveiled to keep you visible when biking in the dark. You also get two chest pockets—one on the outside, and another on the inside with a cord-routing path for your phone or MP3 player. Two zippered vents sit high on the chest, rather than under the arms. They increase breathability, but aren’t as efficient as the pit-zip style found on most shells. Accordingly, the Dose works best when temps aren’t too hot ’n steamy.

Product Type
Hard Shells
Good For
, , , ,
Tested In
Variable weather conditions in San Francisco, Portland, Bend, Shenandoah National Park, and Washington, DC, and along US 1

Pearl Izumi Elite Barrier Convertible Bike Jacket

shop.pearlizumi.com, six ounces
Most of us suffer from having too much stuff. But this two-in-one jacket has zip-off sleeves, allowing it to double as a light weight vest. The result? Greater versatility and fewer items to crowd your gear closet. We like the jacket for commuting, after-work rides, and anytime you need lightweight protection. The sleeves zip off easily, and can be stored in the back pocket when not needed. The lightweight polyester fabric is wind and water resistant—in common parlance that means you can ride in light rain and breezy, cool conditions while staying warm and dry. Our testers report that the fabric has decent breathability—on the long ride from Ft. Davis to Marfa, TX, our tester said that despite high humidity and warm temperatures, she didn’t feel like she was trapped in a sauna. The design includes two hand warmer pockets, a rear pocket, and a zip chest pocket—plenty of room for energy gels, a money clip, and even a soft-sided water pouch. A full-length front zipper lets you vent when you need wind and water protection and extra breathability. Our testers loved the silky feel of the jacket—and the fact that the zippers are covered by wind-blocking flaps, decreasing the dork factor that often accompanies zip-off apparel.

Product Type
Bikes, Hard Shells
Good For
, ,
Tested In
Riding the Texas Trail System; Paulina Plunge, OR; Woops Trail, Bend, OR

Outdoor Retailer: eVent Launches New DVL Waterproof-Breathable Fabric

We’ve liked eVent ever since they entered the market, but they really won us over when they went the anti-Gore Tex route and stopped requiring companies to print their brand on every piece of apparel that used their waterproof/breathable technology. Instead, they decided to work with manufacturers, who could use the eVent tech in any way they desired, becoming an ingredient in a company’s proprietary technology. The end result? More, high-quality waterproof/breathable apparel across the market with a wider price range.

This fall eVent will continue to innovate with gear-makers with the introduction of the eVent DVL textile, engineered for lightweight, high-performance rainwear.  The acronym stands for Direct Venting Light, and the first products that will feature this fabric will be unlined garments tailored for high-exertion activities in conditions that don’t demand durable, bomb-proof fabrics.  Westcomb’s Focus LT Hoody (pictured, left) comes out this fall. It’ll feature a full-cut design with a Napoleon pocket, an adjustable hood, Velcro cuff closure, and a one-hand-adjustable waist. It’ll weigh 6.8 ounces and retail for $279.  And in spring 2013 Rab gets into the game with the Maverick Jacket ($225; for men and women), the men’s Maverick Pants ($180) and the men’s Viper Jacket ($260; pictured, right).

Product Type
Hard Shells
Good For
Tested In
Coming soon.
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