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?
Apparel
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.
Sweet Protection Delirious Jacket
A good shell is essential for cold and / or wet bike rides, and the Sweet Protection Delirious Jacket is one of the best cycling shells we’ve ever used.
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.
Norrona Lyngen Hybrid Jacket and Pants
Norrona’s soft shell / hard shell Lyngen Hybrid Jacket and Pants are excellent options for those looking for a touring kit that effectively blends weather protection and breathability.
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).
Patagonia Pluma Jacket
If you’re looking for a single jacket to use for everything you do outside, Patagonia’s new Pluma is a great option.
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.
Men’s Everyday Casual / Tech Pants
Pants are pants, right? But now there are a bunch of options that blend functional performance with better styling, and we’ve rounded up some of our favorites for handling everything from bike commuting to afternoon climbing sessions (and they won’t make you look like a dork).
Pearl Izumi Launch Shorts and Summit Gloves
From the trail to the bike park, we’ve been impressed by the versatility of Pearl Izumi’s recently updated Launch Shorts and Summit Gloves.
Dakine Sawtooth Jacket and Stoker Bibs
Style or functionality? When it comes to ski outerwear, you often have to choose one, but Dakine’s Sawtooth Jacket and Stoker Bibs aim to change that.
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.
Mons Royale Redwood 3/4 Raglan T
If you like merino wool but always thought it was too warm for really hot bike rides, the Mons Royale Redwood ¾ Raglan T may change your mind.
Patagonia Descensionist Jacket and Pants
The Patagonia Descensionist Jacket and Pants are one of our new favorite kits for all-around backcountry touring — check out our review to find out why.
Smith Rover Helmet
The Smith Rover is a very breathable Trail helmet, but that breathability seems to come at the cost of durability.
Patagonia Alpine Houdini Jacket
Patagonia’s Alpine Houdini is the waterproof version of their extremely popular Houdini jacket. We weigh in on its fit differences with the original Houdini, its versatility, and which version of the Houdini you should consider.
Strafe Pyramid Jacket
Strafe’s new Pyramid Jacket features an updated Neoshell membrane, and Strafe says it is equally at home in the backcountry as it is in the resort. So is this really a true “50/50” piece?
Salomon Bonatti Pro WP Jacket
We were impressed by Salomon’s Bonatti jacket last year, and there are some key improvements to the new Bonatti Pro WP that make it even better.