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| | | | | | | The Four Jackets I'm Obsessed With After Testing This Year | I'm a huge jacket nerd.
Growing up in the Midwest, then living in Colorado and New Mexico, and now California, I've had to adapt to plenty of different climates over the years. And whether traveling, hiking in the rain, skiing, tailgating, or walking around a city, I've learned that having an arsenal of jackets can make nearly any activity more enjoyable.
As an outdoor gear editor, I've had the privilege and pleasure of seeing and testing a ton of jackets this year. Here are some of my favorites I've tried.
- Outdoor Research Helium Insulated Hoodie: My favorite evolution of the insulated jacket has been the advancement of the warmth to weight ratio. Outdoor Research absolutely nails that feature with its new Helium Insulated Hoodie. It weighs about half a pound, packs inside its own pocket to the size of a standard Nalgene water bottle, and is incredibly warm. I've used it in California's High Sierra backcountry, outside a brewery in San Francisco, and walking my dog around my neighborhood. It's appropriate in all conditions and settings. The women's version is available here.
- Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Light Pullover: For the other pullover fans like me, Mountain Hardwear's new Stretchdown Light Pullover is a banger. Part of Mountain Hardwear's new Stretchdown Series, this pullover boasts 700-fill sustainably sourced down and highly-engineered stretch-woven fabric. It's heavier and doesn't pack as small as the Helium Insulated Hoodie, but was incredibly warm and activity-friendly over multiple nights camping and backpacking in and around Mammoth Lakes. You can find the women's version here.
- Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell Jacket: After being caught one (a few) too many times in surprise summer mountain storms, I started looking for the best emergency shell I could find. I've tried many and am currently in love with the Distance Wind Shell from Black Diamond. The reason? Breathability. It does what many other similar shells do—packs down to the size of a La Croix can, weighs 3.5 ounces, and resists wind and rain—but it's also incredibly breathable, which is helpful for people like me who heat up and sweat often with not much movement. I stash this in cycling jerseys and the bottom of my hiking day pack and carry it on runs. They also have a women's version.
- Ortovox Fleece Grid Jacket: A solid fleece jacket is essential in the jacket quiver of any traveler or outdoor adventurer. My favorite this year is Ortovox's Fleece Grid Jacket. This jacket works as a stand-alone mid-layer or underneath a shell. It's incredibly soft, stretchy, and has decent breathability. I've worn it hiking, backpacking, and running, and have been super pleased. A touch of Merino wool helps this mainly polyester jacket mask stink, making it good for multiple high-activity wears before washing. Women's version here.
Our writers have also recently tested and reviewed dozens of jackets. Check out some of their favorites below. Happy jacket season, everyone!
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Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products and services; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
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