Good for Backcountry
It stretches and feels like a soft shell, but thanks to a waterproof-breathable membrane, taped seams, and waterproof YKK zippers, the Higgins repels snow and rain like a top-of-the-line hard shell. And, as with most stuff FlyLow makes, the Higgins can take a beating. “I thought more than once that it had ripped when I snagged it in the trees,” said one tester. “But it never did.” For touring, 15-inch pit zips open like air scoops, while the brushed lining feels cozy in the cold and wicks away moisture. The waterproof zippers can get sticky—but that’s what makes them work. 1.5 lbs; flylowgear.com