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 ...

For me, Arc’teryx has always been the symbol of a true outdoor pro — someone who values performance over anything else. Sure, it’s expensive. But ever since I started spending serious time outdoors, ...

Expensive. Can't use the hand pockets with a climbing harness. Like most durable water repellents, it uses carcinogenic perfluorocarbons in the waterproofing process. When it comes to outdoor ...

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 ...

These days, sustainability and the outdoor industry seem to go hand in hand, with more and more companies seeking to limit their environmental impact. Although many brands now prioritize this ...

Stellar Equipment might not be the biggest name brand in ski outerwear, but their Free 2.5 Shell kit goes toe-to-toe with all the heavy hitters. Stellar Equipment has flown relatively under the radar ...

Soft shell jackets such as the Patagonia Mixmaster ($299; www.patagonia.com) have a lot going for them. They re nearly impervious to wind, shed light rain and snow, breathe well, and offer a much ...