There are lots of specialized layers out there, but not many that work well for a wide range of conditions, temperatures, and activities. The Strafe Alpha Direct Insulator is one of the few that falls into that versatile second category, and here you can check out our full review.
The season is turning, so we’ve gathered a few of our favorite casual jackets to keep you in style on chilly fall days and nights.
We’ve now used the Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody for around 125 days, and we’re still huge fans of this jacket (which is why it received a “Best Of” award in our 18/19 Winter Buyer’s Guide). Check out our updated review.
Down vests have been around forever, but The North Face Morph Vest brings some interesting new tech to this classic insulation piece.
The Summit L2 FuseForm Fleece ½ Zip Hoodie is one of The North Face’s most technical, breathable fleeces. So how does it compare to the reference piece in this category, the Patagonia R1 Hoody?
We called the men’s version of the Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody, “just about perfect.” Now we weigh in on the women’s R1 Tech Face Hoody — how well it works across a broad range of activities, and how it compares to the original R1 Hoody.
When we asked our outerwear editor what he thought of the new Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody, he started saying things like “perfect,” “dialed,” and “my new favorite piece of apparel.” Check out his review to find out why.
At less than 140 grams, the Mont Bell Plasma 1000 Down Jacket is incredibly light. But just how useful is this stripped-back, minimalist mid layer? Check out our review.
The Norrona Lofoten Alpha Raw Zip Hoodie is yet another interesting addition to the active insulation category, and we think it’s definitely worth a look if you’re in the market for a cozy, warm, and light mid layer.
With its unique construction, Eddie Bauer’s new EverTherm Down Hooded Jacket represents an interesting step away from traditional down jackets.
Most of the major apparel brands are now making some sort of “active insulation” mid layer, so how does Black Diamond’s offering, the First Light Hoody, compare?
Rab’s Alpha Flash Jacket is one of the lightest, most breathable mid layers we’ve ever tested. Check out our review.
We think everyone should have at least one good flannel, so we’ve laid out a few of our personal favorites.
The North Face Ventrix Hoodie is a very good breathable mid layer that, the more we use it, the more often we’re grabbing it for skiing, climbing, or heading to town.
We’re wrapping up our series on layering for different winter activities and locations. Check out our reviewers’ selections for everything from ice climbing to heli skiing.
We love hoodies, and here are some of our favorite more casual options (though you’ll still find us running, skiing, biking, etc. in some of them too).
As the fast-and-light take on the classic Atom LT, Arc’teryx’s Atom SL Hoody might initially seem like a niche piece for specific objectives. However, we’ve been impressed not only by the Atom SL’s light weight and packability, but also its versatility.
The Brooks Range Alpha Softshell is a unique piece that has become one of our favorite layers for climbing. Check out our review to find out why.
There is a paradigm shift happening in insulation, and the Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody employs one of the most promising new technologies, Polartec Alpha Direct. Check out our review.
