The 7 Best Backcountry Jackets of 2012

Hard shell. Soft shell. Down. Fleece. For years the categories were simple, each jacket type on its own hook. No longer. With this season’s introduction of several new materials, jackets in each of those categories can now do more than one thing really well: Hard shells equipped with Gore’s lighter and thinner Active Shell can breathe better than ever during aerobic outdoor sports. Soft shells made from supple and stretchy Polartec NeoShell can hold off a downpour. And puffies? Our Gear of the Year winner is a goose-down-filled pillow that never overheated or clammed up during high-intensity winter workouts. Yes, these are strange times in outerwear, but the result is more choice for you as a consumer and user-friendly designs that go everywhere and do everything. So forget about categories. Just pick the right shell for your activity, zip up, and head outside to play.


Tuesday, November 01, 2011 5

Canada Goose HyBridge Lite

By: Category: Winter Buyer's Guide, Gear of the Year, Men's, Insulated
Canada Goose HyBridge Lite jacket

   Photographer: Courtesy of Canada Goose

Down insulation and aerobic workouts rarely mix. But this past winter, sweat freezing to my face while I skied and ran trails in the snow, the HyBridge Lite kept my core regulated. At ten ounces, this airy and slim down-stuffed crossbreed takes the bloat out of the puffer. Breathability keeps it cool during high output in cold weather: excess body heat and moisture escape via uninsulated panels of fleece (Polartec Power Stretch) that run under the arms and down the sides. Thumb loops and a large inside pocket sealed the deal. And the HyBridge Lite is as flattering as it is effective—a shiny coat that kept me looking trim when everyone else resembled the Michelin Man. 10 oz

Breathability: 4.5
Weatherproofness: 3

Brand: Canada Goose

$450

Brand Name Description Price Date Keywords
Snow Mantra Canada Goose Snow Mantra Outside picks the best jackets for cold weather, including the Canada Goose Snow Mantra. $1050 Outside Online Insulated
Virtuoso Outdoor Research Virtuoso Outside picks the best jackets for cold weather, including the Outdoor Research Virtuoso. $225 Outside Online Insulated
Enigma Helly Hansen Enigma Outside picks the best jackets for cold weather, including the Helly Hansen Enigma. $700 Outside Online Hard Shell, Insulated
Ultralight Down Hoody Patagonia Ultralight Down Hoody Outside picks the best jackets for cold weather, including the Patagonia Ultralight Down Hoody. $299 Outside Online Insulated

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Comments

5
Anonymous

I am a Down Industry Expert, who has been evaluating Down Parkas for ove 25 years. With all due respect to OUTSIDER MAGAZINE the following are My Recommendations as to the Best Down Parkas for 2012: 1) First Ascent Peak XV Down Parka: The top of the LIst. Warmest Down Parka available. Has 13 ounces of 850 fill power down, a great head and face protective hood, and is lightweight and comfortable. Great for the worse winter conditions. 2) The Mountain Hardwear Chillwave Parka: A Great Down Parka. It also has 13 ounces of Down Fill (650 fill power), Air Shield Protection, Baffled Construction and is water resistant. Either parka will be effective in protecting you from the worst weather you will encounter anywhere on Planet Earth.

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Jeffrey Levin

With all due respect to OUTSIDE MAGAZINE, I am an Industry Professional. I recommend the following two Down Parkas as the best for 2012: 1) The First Ascent Peak XV Down Parka - with 13 ounces of 850 Fill Power Down, a Great Hood (i.e. Face and Head Protective, very comfortable, and Water and Snow Resistant. 2) The Mountain Hardwear Chillwave Parka: Also has 13 ounces of Down i.e. 650 Fill Power, and Air Wave Technology to reduce the impact of icy winds. It will for certain keep you toasty warm.

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Mac McMillen

I couldn't agree more with Jeffrey's comment. The Peak XV is a GREAT jacket! Used it on Rainier last year, and was more than pleased with it's warmth, comfort, weight, and packability. Fantastic parka!

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rehmatullah

jaket

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John H

I believe that Outside's choice has to do with a down jacket that breathes well enough for higher exertion activities, versus the warmest, most pack-friendly, etc. I have a Marmot Zeus down jacket and it's fantastically warm, but I wouldn't dream of wearing it in any condition where I would be working up a sweat from exertion --- 100% down is really best for sub-zero strenuous activity or static conditions. The Canada Goose jacket offers venting so is possibly more useful in many more situations than standard down allows.

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