Casual Jacket Roundup — Fall 2018
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.
Midlayers
Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
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.
The North Face Morph Vest
Down vests have been around forever, but The North Face Morph Vest brings some interesting new tech to this classic insulation piece.
The North Face Summit L2 FuseForm Fleece ½ Zip Hoodie
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?
Women’s Patagonia R1 TechFace 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.
Patagonia R1 TechFace 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.
Mont Bell Plasma 1000 Down Jacket
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.
Norrona Lofoten Alpha Raw Zip Hoodie
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.
Eddie Bauer EverTherm Down Hooded Jacket
With its unique construction, Eddie Bauer’s new EverTherm Down Hooded Jacket represents an interesting step away from traditional down jackets.
Black Diamond First Light Hoody
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 Alpha Flash Jacket
Rab’s Alpha Flash Jacket is one of the lightest, most breathable mid layers we’ve ever tested. Check out our review.
Flannel Roundup, 2018
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
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.
Winter Outerwear & Apparel: Reviewers’ Choices (17/18)
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.
Hoody Roundup, 2017
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).
Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody
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.
Brooks Range Mountaineering Alpha Softshell
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.
Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody
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.
The North Face FuseForm Dolomiti 1/4 Zip Hoodie
The North Face Dolomiti is one of our favorite mid layers due to its combination of warmth + breathability and its excellent hood.