Category Archive: Jackets

Outdoor Research Helium Hybrid Jacket Review
March 17, 2014
The Outdoor Research Helium Hybrid jacket is one of two new jackets in Outdoor Research’s Helium line. The Helium Hybrid is designed to act as a wind jacket with very light weather protection. The lower portions are made from a wind blocking material that is nice and stretchy to allow easy movement. Its also breathable so […]

Outdoor Research Mentor Jacket Review
December 12, 2013
I recently picked up the Outdoor Research Mentor jacket (last years model) on clearance and I’ve been super pleased with it. The new version, produced for 2013, that is made from the super cool new Gore-Tex Pro but the old Gore-Tex Pro seems to work well to me. Outside of that difference the jacket is essentially […]

What emergency equipment do you bring into the backcountry?
November 28, 2013
Lately I’ve been taking a look at the emergency gear I bring with me during backcountry skiing day tours – something I try to do at the beginning of every season. Its important to continually evaluate what you bring along. As your survival skills, equipment, and mountaineering abilities evolve the gear you require to stay safe in […]

Outdoor Research Cathode Hooded Jacket Review
November 20, 2013
Lately I’ve been trying to find a better light insulation layer to keep me warm during high energy output activities and that will continue to insulate while wet. I looked at several different options and ended up choosing the Outdoor Research Cathode Hooded Jacket – after using the jacket a few times I know I […]

The North Face Verto Micro Hoody Review
October 22, 2013
I picked up The North Face Verto Micro Hoody before a recent climb of Mt. Rainier to act as my “active” insulation layer (The North Face Supernatural down jacket is my base camp insulation layer). I liked that it was made of treated down and constructed of Pertex Quantum GL fabric to make this jacket a […]

Outdoor Research Salvo Jacket Review
October 22, 2013
The Outdoor Research Salvo jacket is a lightweight soft shell made out of Gore Windstopper. I took this jacket up Mt. Rainier during my most recent summit bid along with the Outdoor Research Salvo pants. Just like with the pants I was looking for a thin jacket that would block the wind and keep me […]

The North Face Supernatural Down Jacket Review
October 19, 2013
The North Face Supernatural down jacket is a phenomenal demonstration of modern jacket technology. It is wrapped in super lightweight shell of Pertex Quantum 15D nylon ripstop and filled with a 950 fill power water resistant down. You end up with an incredibly lightweight jacket that is one of the warmest I’ve ever used. Weighing a miniscule 12.95 oz. (I […]

Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket Review
October 18, 2013
The Helium II jacket by Outdoor Research is one of the most vestal jackets I’ve ever used and possibly the most used jacket in my closet. It is a waterproof shell that weighs just 5.8 oz. (what I have weighed my size medium at). This fact is what makes it so vestal. When I go […]