If you browse for a new hard shell jacket either online or at a retail store you might be overwhelmed by the vast number of products and featured technologies. What is the difference between a shell ...

When it comes to winter sports, I often opt for a hard shell instead of a ski jacket because I want to strategically layer so I can easily control my temperature. It might seem counterintuitive that a ...

The best layer you can pack, for really any adventure, is a hardshell jacket. There are expectations, of course, but really only for those who live on the equator. A hardshell is a durable, waterproof ...

MINIMALIST PERFORMER Good for Backcountry Like the Marmot (near left), the waterproof-breathable Shuksan was a tester favorite among all-season jackets. True, this pared-down shell has no ...

If you’re after a really good buy, take a look at Patagonia‘s Rain Shadow jacket ($179). It employs the now-popular 2.5-layer construction, in which the inner “layer” is really just a raised pattern.

WINTER DOESN'T STOP me from getting outside. In fact, my favorite time to bike, hike, or run is when the air is cold, the crowds thin out, and everything feels a little quieter. Over the years I’ve ...