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, ...

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 ...

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 ...

Our team recently revamped our lists of the best winter cycling jackets and the best waterproof cycling jackets; two very similar headlines but with very clear differences. As we explored the options, ...

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 ...

The Columbia Ampli-Dry coat is an affordable, unfussy, highly functional waterproof jacket that keeps the elements at bay without sacrificing too much on breathability. For the price, this is an ...

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 ...

Welcome to Ask a Gear Editor, our monthly column where we answer readers’ most puzzling gear questions. Have a burning question of your own? Become an Outside+ member to ask an Outside expert for ...

Luxury fashion and hiking don’t often go hand in hand. Yes, we’ve seen the rise of chunky, all-terrain boots, snoods and even the occasional technical layer, but shell jackets take the outdoorsy trend ...