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GEAR OF THE YEAR: Thanks to fancy new synthetic insulation, the Modon was just as warm as heavier, puffier jackets we tested. It’s also tougher than it looks. The Modon’s new face fabric, N80p-X, was developed with Gore, and it’s the company’s most abrasion resistant yet. Which means that even after a season or two of slashing through the trees, there’ll be fewer broken fibers to disturb the fabric’s surface tension. Translation: the Modon will stay completely waterproof longer. Arc’teryx preserves that weather protection by keeping the design simple—just three waterproof zippered pockets and two pit-zips perforate the shell. Then there’s the meticulous tailoring, which somehow managed to accommodate testers of every size and shape equally well. It may cost twice as much as other jackets, but it’ll last twice as long, too.
Versatility: 4
Value: 3.5
Performance: 5
